$12 Billion in Bridge Farm Aid for Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration announced a one-time package of $12 billion in “bridge payments” to support American farmers. Of that total, up to $11 billion will go to the new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), aimed at row crop farmers who suffered from market disruptions, high input costs, inflation, and market loss from foreign competitors. The remaining $1 billion is reserved for specialty crop producers, like sugar farmers.

“As farmers, we’re grateful for this bridge payment, but our focus is on strengthening the markets that sustain us year after year. Building demand through high-octane fuel policy, growing export markets, and improving domestic opportunities will help ensure Illinois farmers remain competitive and independent,” Mark Bunselmeyer, Illinois farmer and Illinois Corn Growers Association President.

In a recent IL Corn survey, both active Illinois farmers and landowners/retired farmers were clear about what would most effectively address today’s low corn prices. In that survey, 43 percent stated expanding export markets as the best solution (the highest-ranked option), while only 2 percent pointed to government payments, highlighting that farmers prefer market-driven growth over financial aid.

When Will You Receive it?

Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026
Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 4 pm CT on December 19, 2025, as USDA will be using Farm Service Agency-reported planted acres for crops
Payment rates are likely to be released during the week of December 22nd, after the acreage reporting deadline is complete
Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of the month
Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the FBA Program; however, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new OBBBA risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future

How will it work?

Payment limit of $155,000 per person / legal entity
Adjusted gross income (AGI) limit of $900,000, no waivers for 75% of income coming from farming
Corn silage is eligible, as well as double crop acres, Prevent Plant (PP) acres are not eligible
FSA is still debating whether or not they will mail out pre-filled applications or just have them available online and/or in the county office
The timing of sign-ups and the deadlines have not yet been announced, just their intention that payments will start by the end of February

The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program offers needed support heading into the 2026 crop season, but long-term stability depends on the strengthening markets over the next year. Advancing high-octane legislation, expanding global markets, and growing domestic demand will provide farmers the opportunity to be truly self-sufficient without the need for government payments.

The USDA will target improvements in farm bill components in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA), including higher reference prices for major commodities, which will reach eligible farmers.

IL Corn will continue to advocate for policies that allow farmers to reach their farming and financial goals.

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From the Archives to the Field: A Student's Take on Illinois Corn History

By Tara Desmond • June 11, 2026

How much do you know about the farmers who came before you and the decisions that still shape Illinois agriculture today? That's what University of Illinois student Lyndon Shi set out to explore during his internship with IL Corn . What began as an archival research project became a deeper look at the history of farmer leadership, innovation and advocacy in Illinois. While digging through university archives, Lyndon uncovered an undigitized manuscript from agricultural economist Harold Guither explaining the case for checkoffs. When he mentioned the discovery to IL Corn Director Rod Weinzierl, he got an unexpected response: "Oh yeah, I know him. We worked with him." It was a reminder that agricultural history isn't as distant as it may seem. Lyndon's research connected two eras of the IL Corn Growers Association: the original organization founded in the 1890s and the modern ICGA established in the 1970s. He learned how University of Illinois agriculture dean Eugene Davenport helped organize corn growers and sent professors across the state on "Corn Gospel Trains" to share the latest farming research. One story stood out in particular: the adoption of hybrid corn. Farmers who once judged corn by the appearance of the ear had to shift their focus to yield. Lyndon sees a similar transition today, as farmers increasingly balance yield with profitability amid rising input costs. "Illinois corn farmers are very good at organizing, and they are genuinely very grassroots," Lyndon said. "They've had a much more active role in shaping policy rather than just being on the receiving end." This Summer and Fall, Lyndon will travel to Taiwan on a federal scholarship to study food security. He'll do so with a new appreciation for Illinois agriculture's global connections, including Taiwan's longstanding role as an important trading partner. Watch the full conversation on IL Corn TV to hear Lyndon's research firsthand and discover how Illinois corn's history continues to influence the future.