USDA launches a $10 billion emergency aid program for farmers amid low prices

Money will soon be hitting accounts of farmers hurt by last year’s economy, as Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has released $10 billion, with row crop farmers set to get the most relief.

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay. With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season,” said Secretary Rollins.

They are part of the payments authorized by Congress late last year because there was no Farm Bill. Under the plan, the Farm Service Agency will give pre-filled applications to farmers, and they will use information from 2024 acreage reports.

Top payment rates are $43.91 for corn, $29.76 for soybeans, $30.69 for wheat, and $84.74 for cotton. Off the bat, farmers will get 85 percent of the payment they are owed in order to make sure there is enough money to go around. A second payment could come later in the summer.

Farmers do not have to wait for their pre-filled application to apply. They can contact their local FSA office to request an application, or they can click here!

Related Stories
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Having a good read on fuel prices is a must during harvest, but one analyst says grain farmers should also be watching the crude oil markets.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Bradley Roy was the youngest angler to compete in a Bassmaster Elite Series event. Now, he’s prepping to hit the water with MLF Hall of Famer Greg “The Rooster” Vinson in the Team Series Patriot Cup.
Stories like this remind us what FFA is all about — leadership, service, and growth.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.