Many of America’s ag leaders have responded to President Trump’s plan to provide $12 billion in aid to U.S. farmers through USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program.
U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says $11 billion will go to row crop farmers, while the remaining $1 billion is being held back for producers of commodities not covered, such as specialty crops and sugar.
Details are still forthcoming, like how much money will go to each commodity sector. But, Rollins says those details will come quickly as USDA plans to get that money into the hands of farmers in need by Feb. 28, 2026.
Caleb Ragland, President of the American Soybean Association (ASA):
“We appreciate the administration’s attention to the challenges farmers continue to face in today’s market. 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.”
Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA):
“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.”
Pat Clements, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG):
“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.”
Duane Simpson, President of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC):
“Farmer co-ops welcome President Trump’s announcement that his administration will move forward with a major assistance package to help producers navigate one of the toughest economic periods we’ve seen in years. With cash prices under pressure, export markets disrupted, and farm balance sheets stretched thin, producers across the country have been shouldering sustained financial strain. This support is both timely and necessary.
“The Farmer Bridge Assistance program, as outlined, recognizes the dual challenges farmers are facing: sharp losses in key overseas markets and a prolonged slump in commodity prices. Taking both into account is essential to ensuring that the aid reflects real-world conditions on the ground.
“While we commend the Trump administration’s action today, USDA is now at the limit of what it can do without further congressional action. Therefore, we urge lawmakers to do their part and pass any needed additional assistance, ideally as part of finishing a new farm bill.”
Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF):
“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.”
Randy Kron, President of Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB):
“Indiana Farm Bureau is encouraged by President Trump’s aid package announcement for farmers yesterday, which comes at a time when margins are below breakeven for many crops, farm bankruptcies are on the rise and profits will be scarce going into 2026. This financial support for Indiana farmers will help offset losses and provide a bridge until farm bill enhancements from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act go into effect. We’re hopeful this will help stabilize the farm economy, sustain rural communities and maintain affordable food prices so Hoosier farmers don’t have to go into a new year with even more uncertainty.”
Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN-04), member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee:
“President Trump and his administration have made it clear that they will put American farmers first. Previously, our farmers and producers were struggling under unfair trade practices and rising input costs as a result of Biden’s inflationary agenda. This historic investment will provide much-needed economic relief until farmers can benefit from the upcoming increase in reference prices passed in the Working Families Tax Cuts.
“I was proud to see that one of my constituents, Tyler Everett of Everett Family Farms, joined President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Bessent for this historic announcement that will help fix our great ag economy. I thank the president, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Bessent for their continued efforts to ensure our farmers thrive and to create a more level playing field on the world stage.”
