USDA Announces Commodity Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released further details on December 31st, 2025, on the commodity-by-commodity national payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, allocating $44.36 per corn acre to growers nationwide. By comparison, under the previous Emergency Commodity Assistance Program authorized by Congress, corn had a payment rate of $42.91 per acre. Farmers who qualify for the bridge assistance can expect payments to be made by the end of February 2026.

In response, IL Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer issued the following statement:

“We appreciate USDA’s work to implement the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and recognize this effort as an important step in helping farmers manage ongoing economic challenges.

"Illinois corn growers, like farmers across the country, have been dealing with several years of low commodity prices paired with high input costs, which continues to strain farm finances.

"While this assistance is welcome and needed, it does not replace the long-term solutions farmers depend on. We urge the administration and Congress to focus on policies that grow domestic and international markets and provide greater economic certainty for growers.”