Row Crop Farmers Set for $11 Billion in Aid by February, USDA Says
- Media Logic Radio
- 2 days ago
- 14 min read
By Mariah Squire | Updated on December 9, 2025
President Donald Trump today announced $12 billion in farmer aid, including $11 billion for row crop farmers, to be released by the end of February 2026.
The long-awaited announcement happened at a White House roundtable that included Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, among other politicians and farmers.
Rollins called the one-time bridge payments “the bridge that is needed to get from the last administration, and what happened under the last president and the last U.S. Department of Agriculture, to this new Golden Age of farmers.”
“This country and our farm economy is facing a crisis that we inherited that most of these farmers have not seen in their lifetime,” Rollins said. “Profitability is down. It’s just one crisis after another.” She said Trump came into office facing a lack of trade deals and rising input costs, among other challenges.
“It was an absolute war on agriculture and on our rural communities,” Rollins said, noting that changed on Jan. 20.
The $11 billion will be released by Feb. 28, 2026, according to Rollins, but eligible farmers will know how much they will receive by the end of this month, she said.
“So, as you are going to your lender, as you are working to [understand] what you can plant for next year, you will have that number in hand,” Rollins said. “We will continue to talk to our farmers, continue to understand exactly what this looks like and what is necessary.”
Bessent praised the reopening of U.S. trade with China and purchase agreements with other countries, along with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He thanked the president for “putting America first by putting your farmers first.”
Farm groups were quick to respond to the announcement. Although most praised the move, the Center for American Progress (CAP) called it “nothing more than a band-aid that would not be necessary if [Trump’s] trade policies had not failed American farmers and ranchers.”
National Industry Groups
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners in the global marketplace.
“America’s farmers and ranchers need public policies that help them stay profitable and resilient so they can continue their mission of providing safe and abundant food, fiber, and fuel for the world," said Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg in a statement. “Equipment manufacturers are grateful for President Trump and Secretary Rollins' leadership to negotiate new trade deals, open new export markets for producers, and boost the farm safety net.
We applaud USDA’s new $12 billion economic assistance package — a strong and decisive step towards shoring up the farm safety net and delivering much-needed relief to America’s producers. The economic assistance program announced today is a shot in the arm for farmers and ranchers until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act come into full effect next year.
Equipment manufacturers remain committed to helping our customers navigate trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions. We will continue to advocate for the swift passage of a new farm bill to make critical improvements to the farm safety net and improve access to precision agriculture technologies, helping farmers maximize efficiency and productivity. When farmers succeed, America succeeds.”
American Farm Bureau Federation
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented on the announcement Monday.
“Farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm.
“America’s farmers have been hit from every direction during this economic storm. They face the same high prices as all of America’s families, as more of their income is going to household bills and higher operating costs, including loans, equipment, and supplies. At the same time, farmers are receiving historically low prices for most major crops — they’re expected to lose $34 billion this year alone.
“We appreciate that Congress addressed many economic challenges in legislation earlier this year, but many farm program improvements will not kick in until next year. The assistance announced today will make an immediate impact by providing a lifeline for farmers who work to ensure a healthy, safe, and abundant food supply.”
American Soybean Association
The American Soybean Association (ASA) represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues. ASA has 26 affiliate state associations representing 30 soybean-producing states and nearly 500,000 soybean farmers.
In a statement Monday, ASA “expressed gratitude” to the Trump administration.
“We appreciate the administration’s attention to the challenges farmers continue to face in today’s market,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland, Kentucky farmer. “While we await additional details, we believe the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is a positive first step to restore certainty as soybean farmers market this year’s crop and plan for the 2026 planting season. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration on broader support for the farm economy, including long-term, market-driven solutions that strengthen demand for U.S. soy and allow farmers to compete and thrive in the global market.”
“ASA was also grateful to see farmer voices represented directly at today’s announcement,” the statement continued. “Lifetime ASA member and Indiana soybean farmer Tyler Everett participated in the roundtable at the White House. Secretary Rollins visited Everett’s farm in late October, and we appreciate the administration’s outreach and willingness to hear directly from soybean farmers who continue to navigate ongoing market pressures.”
Center for American Progress
CAP is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just, and free America that ensures opportunity for all.
On Monday, after reports of the $12 billion bailout announcement, Ryan Mulholland, senior fellow at CAP, issued these comments:
“This bailout is a sign that President Trump knows that he is losing his trade war. It is nothing more than a band-aid that would not be necessary if his trade policies had not failed American farmers and ranchers. Trump’s bailout does not address the long-term damage his trade policies have predictably caused for farmers, or the rest of the U.S. economy. It rewards financiers and big agribusiness at the expense of everyday Americans who are paying more for groceries, health care, and basic necessities as a result of Trump’s ever-changing tariffs. America’s farmers need a trade strategy that restores export markets, strengthens rural economies, and helps them thrive for the long term. Trump’s policies are doing the opposite.”
National Association of Wheat Growers
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is the “primary policy representative in Washington, D.C., for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public.”
NAWG issued a statement Monday, “encouraged” by the announcement.
“Wheat growers have endured another year of market adversity and rising input costs. NAWG is encouraged to see the Trump administration delivering much needed assistance to farmers through a simple program for FSA to implement. Right now, timely assistance is critical for farms to make it to 2026. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration to build a policy and regulatory environment where family farms can thrive, not just survive,” said Pat Clements, NAWG President.
National Corn Growers Association
Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents more than 36,000 dues-paying corn growers in 48 states, and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their state.
Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower released the following statement after the president’s roundtable.
“We are appreciative of the Trump administration for developing a farmer bridge assistance program to account for the economic circumstances harming producers of crops across the nation.
“While we await additional details to assess the impact that the farmer bridge assistance program will have on corn growers, we also need immediate market-based solutions. Congress can quickly take a first step in that direction by passing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation would expand access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round, increasing demand for corn for ethanol and saving consumers money at the pump.
“We also encourage the administration to work as expeditiously as possible to secure new trade opportunities that will open foreign markets to corn and corn products.”
National Farmers Union
National Farmers Union (NFU) advocates on behalf of more than 230,000 American farm families and their communities.
NFU President Rob Larew released a statement Monday in response to the administration’s announcement.
“We appreciate the administration’s decision to deliver economic assistance to family farmers and ranchers at a time of serious stress. Across the country, farmers are confronting the combined pressures of disrupted trade, rising input costs, and depressed commodity markets. This relief will provide near-term support for many farmers working hard just to stay afloat.
“Short-term payments, while important, are only a first step. What we truly need are long-term structural fixes that restore viability and stability to family farms and ranches for generations to come. In real-time, we are experiencing the consequences of farm policy that is woefully outdated. The farm safety net can’t keep up with today’s economic realities. Input costs remain high, trade relationships are uncertain, access to affordable healthcare is in danger, and the stress on rural communities continues to grow.
“That is why NFU is committed to working with Congress to design a new farm bill that reflects today’s realities. We’re investing in research, convening with our members, and bringing forward bold, forward-looking ideas from a reimagined farm safety net and stable market mechanisms, to strengthened protections against consolidation driving up costs for both farmers and consumers.”
National Sorghum Producers
National Sorghum Producers (NSP) “represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative and regulatory representation and education.”
According to a statement from the group, NSP board members Garrett Love and Barry Evans met with the president during Monday’s announcement. “It means a great deal that our challenges are being heard directly at the highest level. Today’s announcement reinforced how important this support is for farmers across the country, and I’m grateful for the administration’s commitment to getting assistance out quickly,” said Evans, a sorghum farmer from Kress, Texas.
“We appreciate the administration’s recognition of the tough conditions farmers are navigating right now,” NSP Vice Chair Garrett Love, a sorghum grower from Montezuma, Kansas, said. “This support through the [Farmer Bridge Assistance] Program will be vital for producers in the short term, and we are grateful it is moving quickly. Sorghum farmers are working hard to plan for next year, and this bridge will help keep operations steady as we transition into a new planting season.”
State Industry Groups
Iowa Corn Growers Association
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a 7,500-member strong grassroots-driven organization, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, serving members across the state, and lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its farmer members to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.
ICGA President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller, released the following statement:
“The Iowa Corn Growers Association appreciates the Trump administration’s Farmer Bridge Assistance program that is helping alleviate stress from Iowa’s corn farmers that are currently facing economic challenges due to low commodity prices, high input prices and market access challenges.
“We still need to find long-term solutions that will increase farmer profitability, and the best way Congress can do that is with passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. This legislation would expand access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round, increasing demand for corn for ethanol and saving consumers money at the pump.
Mueller added, “We also encourage the Trump administration to continue working as expeditiously as possible to secure new trade opportunities that will open foreign markets to corn and corn products.”
Iowa Farm Bureau
With 100 offices in 99 Iowa counties, Iowa Farm Bureau is a statewide, grassroots farm organization dedicated to our mission of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families, and their communities.
Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson issued the following statement:
“Iowa Farm Bureau appreciates the $12 billion agricultural assistance package announced today that will help mitigate financial effects on farmers.
We also commend the administration for inviting Cordt Holub, an Iowa Farm Bureau member and Tama County farmer, to speak during the announcement, emphasizing the importance of farmers’ voices in these discussions that impact their family farms.
Farm income is at its lowest point in 15 years, and farmers are facing severe financial stress driven by high input costs and declining crop prices compounded by a lack of global trade opportunities. As the president noted during the announcement, farmers don’t want aid — they want a level playing field — and this package provides critical support while broader trade discussions continue.
Iowa farmers also welcome domestic policies that encourage the growth of our markets, such as year-round E-15, a homegrown Iowa fuel that supports both Iowa farmers and consumers at the gas pump."
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Formed in 2002, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) brings together Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers to foster the development and growth of the state’s biofuels industry through education, promotion, and infrastructure development.
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw took the opportunity to advocate for year-round E15 in his statement of appreciation for the emergency aid.
“Farmers are really hurting in what might be the worst farm economy in 40 years. So, the immediate emergency aid is needed and appreciated,” Shaw explained. “Having said that, farmers don’t want bailouts year after year; they want new markets. IRFA urges President Trump to pick up the phone, call the Congressional leaders, and ensure that nationwide, year-round E15 is enacted in the next four to six weeks. We stand ready to work with President Trump and the Iowa delegation to get E15 done.”
According to IRFA, allowing nationwide, year-round E15 sales create the opportunity for 7 billion gallons in new ethanol demand each year, equating to over 2.25 billion bushels of new annual corn demand.
Iowa Soybean Association
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is driven to deliver market demand, production research, information, and insights and regulatory action benefiting Iowa’s 37,000 soybean farmers and the industry.
ISA President Tom Adam of Harper offered these comments in a statement after the announcement.
“The combination of global trade disruptions for both the sale of soybeans and purchase of ag inputs has taken an economic toll on Iowa soybean farmers. Loan default rates have continued to rise while many farmers have drawn down their cash reserves just to maintain the viability of their operations.
"We appreciate the administration’s response to the concerns farmers have voiced with today’s announcement of targeted, one-time payments of $11 billion to row crop farmers. These resources will help mitigate the difficult situation many producers find themselves in as they deal with bills that are due from the crop just harvested while seeking the financing needed to plant another crop next spring.
"The economic disaster assistance is the first of many steps needed to restore profitability to Iowa farmers. To be clear: Farmers want markets, not emergency government assistance. Ad hoc payments year after year do not provide farmers with the certainty needed to return to a profitable operating environment.
"We will continue to work with Congress and the administration on broader support for the farm economy.
At the top of the list is finalizing policies to support domestic biofuel markets for U.S. soybean farmers, including issuing tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, establishing 2026-2027 biofuel volumes, and limiting incentives for imported biofuel inputs through the Renewable Fuel Standard.
"ISA will also continue to stress the need for restoring trade relationships with key customers of Iowa and U.S. soy and expanding domestic markets. These actions will help restore needed stability and certainty in the marketplace, benefiting both farmers and consumers.”
Politicians
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home.
Secretary Naig issued the following statement after the announcement.
“Iowa farmers are being squeezed by low commodity prices and near-record high input costs, and these pressures ripple through our rural communities and entire economy. I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins providing some immediate, short-term relief as we work to strengthen trade relationships and expand markets at home and abroad.
Let’s be clear: Farmers want reliable markets for their products, not government aid. We urgently need to secure new, expanded, and fairer trade deals that grow market access for U.S. ag products around the globe, which the administration has made a top priority. We also need congress to pass a modernized farm bill, aggressively expand year-round nationwide access to E15, and address the root causes of historically high fertilizer costs. These steps would give much needed certainty and stability to the agriculture community in Iowa and across the nation.”
Representative Angie Craig
U.S. Representative Angie Craig, D-Minn., is the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.
Craig released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s announcement.
“Despite the administration’s repeated denials, farmers know that they experienced billions of dollars in losses for this past crop year thanks to the Trump administration’s crushing tariffs and trade war. While I am encouraged to see USDA acknowledge this fact, after two months of promises from the administration, I’m disappointed that the president can find $40 billion to bail out Argentina and its farmers but find far less to help Americans here at home.
“This farm aid package picks winners and losers in the farm economy. It lacks the certainty farmers need. It will not reduce high operation costs. It will not bring U.S. agricultural exports back to pre-trade war levels. It also ignores the fact that the president’s tariffs are responsible for the immense financial strain felt not just by America’s farmers, but also working people, manufacturers, retailers and small businesses. All Americans are tired of the affordability crisis created by this administration and congressional Republicans. We will be right back here a year from now unless the administration changes its policies.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
Klobuchar released the following statement on the administration’s announcement.
“While we need to help farmers who have been hurt by the President’s across-the-board tariffs, ultimately farmers want trade — not aid. The easiest way to give our farmers more certainty would be for the President to end his tariff taxes. This assistance will clearly benefit some farmers now, but a one-time payment is not a long-term fix — only restoring these markets can do that. While more details are needed, as announced this assistance may fall short for many farmers who have been harmed by the President’s reckless tariffs.”
Senator Jeff Merkley
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Oreg., is the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.
Merkley released the below statement after the announcement.
“The financial strain U.S. farmers have faced throughout this year has been devastating and completely avoidable. There is only one person to blame — Donald Trump. Soybean farmers were projected to have a bumper crop this year — and they did — but Trump’s self-inflicted tariff agenda left farmers with no market to sell to. Now, the Trump administration is using U.S. tax dollars to provide a bailout to farmers to fix the president’s mistakes. Unfortunately, for many family farms, it’s too late. Farmers are the latest to suffer at the hands of the Trump families lose and billionaires win agenda,” Merkley said.
Senator John Boozman
U.S. Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., is the chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
Boozman attended the White House roundtable event with President Trump, Secretary Rollins, Secretary Bessent and farmers from across the country. He “applauded [the] White House farm assistance to American producers” and issued the following statement.
“America’s farm families share President Trump’s vision for increased market access. Delivering this farm assistance will bridge the gap until farmers realize the benefits of the recent trade deals and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will provide the certainty they need.
"As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, American agriculture will continue to provide the safest, most affordable food, fuel, and fiber in the world. This announcement provides much needed relief to rural America. My colleagues and I remain focused on the state of farm country and are prepared to pursue additional steps to ensure a strong future for farm families.”
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has been led by Commissioner Sid Miller since 2014.
Miller issued a statement following the announcement saying, “With the massive agricultural trade deficit left behind by the Biden administration, sharply rising input costs, and actions from foreign nations like China leaving key commodities such as soybeans unpurchased or undercut, our farmers have been left to shoulder the burden. Today’s announcement by the Trump administration of a $12 billion bridge payment for America’s farmers delivers real short-term relief. This bridge was built with the revenue brought into America from tariffs.
President Trump has always stood with the men and women who feed and clothe this nation, and this bridge program is yet another example of that unwavering support. Although this assistance was delayed by the Schumer shutdown, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and President Trump are now moving forward to help the people who fuel and feed our nation. This package continues his long record of putting farmers first and provides a vital bridge for producers as President Trump lays the foundation for a golden age of American agriculture.”
Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.
