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Year: 2026
Farmer Bridge Assistance Payment Rates Announced
The USDA has released per-acre payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program. Eligible producers will receive pre-filled applications and payments by February 28, 2026.
Payment Rates by Commodity
| Commodity | Rate per Acre |
|---|---|
| Rice | $132.89 |
| Cotton | $117.35 |
| Oats | $81.75 |
| Peanuts | $55.65 |
| Sorghum | $48.11 |
| Corn | $44.36 |
| Wheat | $39.35 |
| Chickpeas (Small) | $33.36 |
| Soybeans | $30.88 |
| Chickpeas (Large) | $26.46 |
| Safflower | $24.86 |
| Lentils | $23.98 |
| Canola | $23.57 |
| Mustard | $23.21 |
| Barley | $20.51 |
| Peas | $19.60 |
| Sunflower | $17.32 |
| Sesame | $13.68 |
| Flax | $8.05 |
Key Eligibility Information
Eligible Acres:
- Based on 2025 planted acres
- Double crop acres qualify (both initial and subsequent plantings)
- Prevent plant acres are NOT eligible
Eligible Uses:
- All intended row crop uses EXCEPT: grazing, volunteer stands, experimental, green manure, crops left standing and abandoned, or cover crops
Crop Insurance:
- NOT required for FBA payments
- USDA strongly recommends utilizing new risk management tools from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Specialty Crops and Sugar
The remaining $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops and sugar producers. Payment timelines are still under development.
Important Resources
📧 Questions: farmerbridge@usda.gov
🌐 Program Information: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba
📍 Local Support: Contact your USDA FSA county office