The timing and structure of farm aid payments have ag economists worried

Disaster aid is vital for many farms and ranches across the United States, but some are concerned with the timing of those payments, saying many farmers are left carrying a heavy burden.

Last December, Congress approved billions of dollars in disaster aid for farmers, but those checks did not start clearing until recently, with some producers having to wait until next month before that relief arrives. Economists at Texas A&M say crop protection tools are also failing, despite a big financial boost in the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Some producers are left with losses exceeding $100/acre, with ARC and PLC only covering 37 percent of that. They are calling for stronger trade deals and more ethanol markets to help keep farms afloat.

Related Stories
USDA projects the smallest U.S. rice crop since 1987 as acreage continues to decline.
Higher blending targets could boost soybean oil demand while challenging renewable diesel and biodiesel producers.
The voluntary pledge aims to keep electricity and infrastructure expenses from shifting to rural customers.
Weak hog prices and rising production could reshape China’s demand for imported meat and feed grains.
USDA Cattle on Feed report for July shows fewer cattle entering feedlots and inventories remaining below last year as ongoing supply constraints continue to support the cattle market.