Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Enrollment Opens

(KNSI) — Minnesota farmers can now apply for federal financial assistance as part of an $11 billion program aimed at helping row crop producers weather trade disruptions and rising production costs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened enrollment today for the Farmer Bridge Assistance program. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says producers who apply online could see money in their bank accounts as early as this Friday. Eligible crops include corn, soybeans, sugar beets, wheat, oats, barley, among other commodities.

Payment amounts are based on 2025 planted acres and factor in cost of production data and commodity supply and demand estimates. The USDA released the specific payment rates by commodity in December.

Farmers with an account at the U.S. General Services Administration can access a pre-filled application through the USDA website by clicking here. Producers can also contact their local FSA county office to request an application in person.

The bridge payments are designed to provide short-term relief until larger investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act take effect after October 1st, including reference price increases of between 10% and 21% for major commodities.

The application window runs through April 17th.

Specialty crop farmers are also eligible for a similar program but face an earlier deadline: they have until March 13th to report their 2025 acres to the FSA.

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