The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Wednesday the commodity payment rates for benefits to be paid out through the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, a one-time aid initiative for farmers impacted by lower export demand caused by ongoing trade disputes and depressed market prices. According to U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, the program will distribute $12 billion to farmers in 2026, including $11 billion in direct payments through the FBA program. Eligible producers will receive pre-filled applications, with payments to be delivered by Feb. 28. Payments are based on 2025 planted acres, USDA cost-of-production data, and global supply-and-demand estimates. Double-cropped acres are eligible, while prevent plant acres are not. Crop insurance participation is not required, though USDA encourages producers to use expanded federal risk-management tools. Of most interest to Iowa producers are the per-acre corn and soybean rates, which were set at $44.36 and $30.88, respectively. Other notable rates were $20.51 for oats, $81.75 for wheat, and $48.11 for sorghum. Higher rates apply to some crops, such as $117.35 for cotton and $132.89 for rice. Of the total funding authorized through the Commodity Credit Corporation, up to $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops and sugar, with payment details still under development. Additional information is available at fsa.usda.gov/fba or through your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
