USDA to open $12B farm aid applications Feb. 23 as income falls

The USDA will begin accepting applications for a $12 billion subsidy package on Feb. 23, 2026, to mitigate a deteriorating farm economy. Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the "Farmer Bridge Assistance" program is essential to sustain operations as net farm income is projected to decline 0.7% this year. The initiative allocates $11 billion for commodity crops and $1 billion for specialty producers, with payments expected by Feb. 28, 2026. Government transfers are forecast to comprise 29% of producer income in 2026. The USDA projects corn, soybean, and wheat prices for the 2026/27 season at $4.20, $10.30, and $5.00 per bushel, respectively—remaining below recent highs.