As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reminded that America’s farmers continue to show up every day to produce the food, fuel, and fiber our country depends on. From row crops to specialty crops, farm families are doing everything they can to keep their operations moving forward—even as economic pressures continue to mount.
Earlier this year, Congress took an important step by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, which included long-overdue improvements to the farm safety net. Those changes will help strengthen the safety net and provide more certainty for farmers in the years ahead. Still, for many, the challenges they face today remain urgent, which is why Congress must continue to stand by our farm and ranch families in 2026 and beyond.
Earlier this month, USDA announced more than $12 billion in emergency assistance through the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. This bridge support is intended to help farmers manage ongoing strain from low commodity prices, rising input costs, and market disruptions as longer-term safety net improvements take effect.
Under the program, approximately $11 billion will be directed to farmers growing major row crops—including corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and sorghum—while more than $1 billion is reserved for other eligible specialty crops and sugar. USDA anticipates payments will be issued by the end of February, providing short-term relief as farmers plan for the next season. This Christmas, we’re grateful this support is moving quickly – the assistance is intended as a bridge to long-term safety net improvements – but it does not fully address the losses many farmers are facing today.
Losses tied to depressed commodity prices, trade challenges, and rising production costs continue to far exceed the level of emergency aid provided. Industry estimates suggest farmers will face between $35 billion and $44 billion in losses in 2025 alone. For growers of crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, sugar, and sorghum, these pressures threaten not just a single season, but the long-term viability of family operations.
America’s farmers are resilient, but resilience alone isn’t enough. As we head into the Christmas season and turn our sights to 2026, Congress must be prepared to build on the progress made this year. Continued engagement on the issues facing rural America will be critical to ensure farm families can weather today’s challenges and continue providing for communities across the country for years to come.
From all of us at Farm Policy Facts, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we extend our sincere gratitude to the many farm and ranch families across this nation.
Need a Farm Bill refresher? Find a high-level, title-by-title history and overview of this crucial piece of legislation that impacts every American, from the field to the dinner plate, here. Plus, learn about agricultural policy straight from America’s heartland on the Groundwork podcast.