USDA Releases $12B Farm Aid Rates; Rice, Cotton Farmers Gain, Soy Growers Say It’s Not Enough
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday released detailed payment rates for its $12 billion farm aid package, confirming the program will favor some crops, especially rice and cotton, while soybean farmers warn the support won’t stem deep financial strain.
Growers hit by low crop prices and ongoing trade disruptions say the announced payment rates escalate tension in an already stressed farm economy.
USDA outlined that its Farmer Bridge Assistance program will deliver about $11 billion in one-time per-acre payments to eligible row crop farmers next season.
Rice farmers top the scale at roughly $132.89 per acre, followed by cotton at $117.35 per acre, while soybeans are slated at about $30.88 per acre, a level many growers say doesn’t cover trade-related losses.
Specialty crop and sugar producers are set to receive the remaining $1 billion, though USDA has not released a payment schedule.
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“Due to significant trade losses this year, the payment rate for soybeans will likely not be enough for soybean farmers to keep their operations financially solvent …” said Scott Metzger of the American Soybean Association.
This matters because U.S. farmers have endured weak global commodity prices and lost export markets, particularly for soybeans, where competition and trade barriers have eroded revenue.
While the payments aim to support planting and input costs, critics argue they fall short of broader market solutions or long-term trade deals.
USDA expects most payments issued by Feb. 28, 2026; details on specialty crop disbursements are expected early this year.
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