USDA Opens Farmer Bridge Payments – Apply by April 17

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the enrollment period for the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program providing $11 billion in one-time payments to row crop producers impacted by trade disruptions and rising production costs.

Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the program is designed to deliver short-term financial relief as farmers head into the 2026 planting season.

Enrollment Window

Enrollment opens February 23, 2026 and closes April 17, 2026.

Farmers who apply online and use direct deposit could begin receiving payments as early as February 28, 2026, according to USDA.

The program is administered through the Farm Service Agency under the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

Acreage Rules

• 2025 planted acres are eligible.
• Initial, double crop, and subsequently planted acres qualify.
• Prevent plant acres do not qualify.
• Acres used for grazing, experimental use, green manure, left standing, or cover crops are excluded.

Importantly, crop insurance enrollment is not required to receive FBA payments.

How Payments Are Calculated

Payment rates were released in December and are based on:

• 2025 planted acres
• USDA Economic Research Service cost-of-production data
• The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report

This structure ties payments directly to economic conditions facing producers.

How to Apply

Farmers who have already filed their 2025 crop acreage report can access pre-filled applications online.

To apply online:

1. Visit fsa.usda.gov/fba
2. Log in or create a Login.gov account
3. Review, certify, and submit the pre-filled application

Applications can also be submitted through your local FSA county office. The deadline to apply is April 17, 2026.

What This Means for Illinois Farmers

For Illinois corn and soybean growers facing tight margins, elevated input costs, and ongoing global trade uncertainty, FBA provides near-term liquidity as we move into planting season.