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
Jael Cruikshank, the newly elected Western Region Vice President, shares her story on this week’s FFA Today.
November 24, 2025 12:52 PM
·
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
November 24, 2025 12:38 PM
·
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
November 24, 2025 11:32 AM
·
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
November 24, 2025 10:09 AM
·
Industry support ensures continued funding for mango marketing and research, helping sustain long-term demand growth.
November 23, 2025 03:00 PM
·
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
November 21, 2025 07:02 PM
·
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
November 21, 2025 02:25 PM
·
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
November 21, 2025 02:13 PM
·
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
November 21, 2025 02:09 PM
·
