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USDA plans to roll out a short-term “bridge payment” for farmers next week, officials said Tuesday, in a bid to help growers survive tight margins and trade-related losses. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told White House colleagues a key purpose of the payment is to cushion crop producers after a year of depressed prices and significant drops in U.S. soybean sales to China.
While the broader 2025 farm support package has received roughly $40 billion in commitments, the second highest since the 1930s, farming groups say some producers need immediate liquidity to cover seed, fertilizer and other input costs ahead of 2026 planting. Details, including how much each farmer may receive and which crops are eligible, remain unclear. Lawmakers expressed optimism that at least partial payments could be distributed before year’s end.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said this week that trade deals under consideration may help reduce farmers’ long-term dependence on federal support — even as a short-term aid package is being readied.
President Donald Trump’s administration argues that expanding foreign market access through new trade agreements will create “unprecedented” export opportunities, offering farmers alternative income streams. Still, given current headwinds — low crop prices, tight export demand and rising input costs — the proposed “bridge payment” remains vital to help growers get through the 2025–2026 cycle without severe financial hardship.
Whether trade deals will deliver sufficient demand to offset the loss of aid remains uncertain, especially for producers of specialty crops and regions with high production costs. Industry observers warn that concrete export deals and stable pricing will be necessary to avoid future bailouts.
NAFB news service
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