NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Recent analyses of USDA bridge payments have reignited debate over whether farm aid is being distributed unevenly across crops and regions, particularly between southern and Midwest producers. While some studies show certain crops receiving larger government payments, broader cost data suggest those payments still fall short of offsetting actual farm losses.
Policy-focused analyses highlight that crops such as rice, peanuts, and seed cotton receive significantly higher federal payments per program base acre than corn, soybeans, or wheat. Those findings are rooted in ARC and PLC formulas that rely on historic base acres, which tend to be concentrated in southern production regions. On paper, that structure creates a clear imbalance in how aid is allocated.
A separate economic analysis, based on Farm Bureau and USDA cost data, paints a different picture. When production costs and market prices are considered, southern crops continue to post the largest uncovered losses per planted acre, even after accounting for Farmer Bridge Assistance and Emergency Commodity Assistance payments. Rice and cotton face the highest per-acre costs and remain deeply below breakeven, while Midwest crops generally carry lower costs and greater rotational flexibility.
The disconnect reflects a broader policy challenge. Payment formulas explain who receives aid, but cost-of-production data explain who is still struggling. Regional differences in irrigation, labor, pest pressure, and crop alternatives mean higher payments do not automatically translate into better financial outcomes.
The debate underscores a central question for future farm policy: should support be tied to historic base acres, or adjusted to reflect real-time economic losses farmers face in the field?
Farm-Level Takeaway: Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
October 03, 2025 01:12 PM
·
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
October 03, 2025 01:04 PM
·
Evan Keppy, a member of Iowa’s North Scott FFA Chapter, shares how the National FFA Organization helped shape his leadership skills.
October 03, 2025 11:13 AM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
October 03, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
October 02, 2025 01:24 PM
·
“It, all of a sudden, says that tracking and fighting hunger is not a priority, apparently, at the federal level.”
October 02, 2025 01:22 PM
·
Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide.
October 02, 2025 12:32 PM
·
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.
October 02, 2025 12:20 PM
·
Molly Ball joins us to talk about the upcoming FFA Convention & Expo and dish about the latest episode of “Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.”
October 02, 2025 11:34 AM
·
