Rural Money: Farm CPA Breaks Down Key Differences Between FBA Program vs. ECAP

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.

PARKER, Colo. (RFD-TV) — Farmers are closely watching the rollout of the new Farm Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program as they compare it to last year’s ECAP payments. With the acreage reporting deadline arriving on Friday and payment details coming into focus, many producers are looking for clarity on what to expect.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down the key differences between the two programs and explain how the new assistance could impact farmers this year.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Neiffer outlined the major distinctions between the earlier ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program, including how the programs are structured and who may benefit. He also addressed whether upcoming payments are expected to exceed ECAP and which factors could influence the final payment amounts.

Neiffer discussed the acreage reporting deadline and explained the documentation the USDA requires from farmers to remain eligible for payments. He emphasized the importance of submitting accurate and timely paperwork as the reporting window closes. Looking ahead, he provided guidance on what farmers should watch for in the coming weeks as the USDA finalizes payment details and timeline.

Related Stories
Regulatory uncertainty could slow the growth of fiber and grain hemp unless implementation is delayed.
Joined by her parents and sisters, we go beyond Kirbe’s job hosting FarmHER + RanchHER to discover the person and story behind the show.
Quick to prep and packed with flavor, this dish is a bold way to kick up any weekend spread.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln President Dr. Jeffrey Gold talks about heart health and preventive care for viewers in rural communities.
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

We caught up with John Deere’s Hay & Forage Got-To Market Manager Kaylene Ballesteros to learn how tech is evolving how producers make hay, from baling efficiency to operator confidence.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.