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American row-crop producers have only hours left to submit applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, an $11 billion one-time direct-payment initiative aimed at delivering immediate financial relief amid 2025 trade disruptions and elevated production costs.
Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the program provides fixed payments based solely on 2025 planted acres.
More than $9.4 billion has already been disbursed since payments began rolling out on February 28, 2026.
“Improving the farm economy is our top priority at USDA, and we have simplified and streamlined the application process for the bridge program to ensure producers get the financial assistance they need as quickly as possible as we are kicking off the spring planting season,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Payment Rates (Per Planted Acre)
Payments are issued at fixed rates with no requirement for yield verification or crop insurance linkage.
A single nationwide application covers all eligible commodities.
| Crop | Payment Per Acre |
|---|---|
| Rice | $132.89 |
| Cotton | $117.35 |
| Oats | $81.75 |
| Peanuts | $55.65 |
| Sorghum | $48.11 |
| Corn | $44.36 |
| Wheat | $39.35 |
| Soybeans | $30.88 |
| Barley | $20.51 |
Rates for additional eligible crops (canola, chickpeas, crambe, flax, lentils, mustard, peas, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, and sunflower) range from approximately $8 to $30 per acre.
The FBA payments are intended as a temporary bridge until enhanced safety-net provisions, including higher reference prices, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) take effect after October 1, 2026.
How To Apply (Final Day)
Producers who filed 2025 acreage reports can access pre-filled applications online at fsa.usda.gov/fba using a Login.gov account or submit Form CCC-555 in person at their local FSA county office.
Only one application is required for all eligible commodities nationwide.
A separate $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program remains open, with acreage reporting extended through April 24, 2026.
Farmers are urged to apply immediately before today’s deadline.
For assistance, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov.
This report is based on official USDA and FSA announcements as of April 17, 2026.
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