April 17 is deadline to enroll in USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
The application deadline for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program is April 17, 2026.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing $11 billion through a one-time bridge payment to American farmers. This assistance provides producers with a bridge until the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are available. As of April 7, 2026, nearly $314 million dollars from the FBA program had been distributed to Arkansas producers.
How It Works
FBA payments will be based on 2025 reported acres, Economic Research Service cost of production, and the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate Report.
Double crop acres, including all initial and subsequently planted crops, are eligible. Prevent plant acres are not eligible.
The FBA payment limit is $155,000 per producer. The average adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation relating to limits on payments for persons or legal entities, excluding joint ventures and general partnerships, with certain levels of AGI apply. Specifically, a person or legal entity with an AGI (as defined in 7 CFR Part 1400) that exceeds $900,000 is not eligible to receive FBA payments.
The following commodities are eligible for FBA: Barley, Chickpeas, Corn, Cotton, Lentils, Oats, Peanuts, Peas, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Canola, Crambe, Flax, Mustard, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, and Sunflower.
Apply Online
Pre-filled FBA applications will be available to producers who timely filed their 2025 crop acreage report for eligible commodities.
Producers who have a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online as well as track their application and payment status.
Apply at your Local FSA Office
In addition to applying online, producers can also request their pre-filled FBA application from their FSA county office.
For more information or to enroll, visit the FBA webpage, or contact your local service center.