WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The USDA is preparing to release payment levels for the upcoming bridge assistance program. Those numbers could come as soon as today, but there’s been significant pushback on the cash for specialty crop growers.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News on Friday that the $1 billion set aside for specialty crop growers was all the Department had to work with, and that any additional assistance would need to come from Congress.
“So, this generous opportunity to bring resources to the farmers was the most that USDA could put together given our budgetary constraints,” Linberg said. “Certainly, carving out $1 billion of the $12 billion package for specialty crops indicates we understand and know the importance of that particular segment of the farm economy and are delivering results to them, too. But more broadly than that, additional spending that may or may not happen would be something that would have to be driven by Congress on a go-forward basis.”
Lindberg says it is anyone’s guess what Congress will do down the road, but adds that USDA has a responsibility to ensure resources are spent efficiently and effectively.
WATCH LINDBERG’S INTERVIEW
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
January 28, 2026 02:42 PM
·
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
January 28, 2026 02:34 PM
·
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
·
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
January 28, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
January 27, 2026 02:53 PM
·
The West Carroll Parish Ag Expo represents more than farming — it is about the future of agriculture, where tradition meets innovation, and where the backbone of Northeast Louisiana continues to thrive.
January 27, 2026 12:31 PM
·
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
January 27, 2026 11:51 AM
·
New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
January 27, 2026 11:17 AM
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
January 27, 2026 06:00 AM
·
