Statement: OKFB applauds Farmer Bridge payments as agricultural producers face difficult economy

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Stacy Simunek released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration's announcement on Monday, Dec. 8, of $12 Billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments.

"Oklahoma Farm Bureau members appreciate the Trump administration's commitment to support our nation's farmers and ranchers with the announcement of Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments.

"Our state's agricultural producers are committed to producing affordable, safe, and healthy food, which requires us to put seeds in the ground without knowing what the market for our crops will be like come harvest time. Rising farm input prices have also put pressure on our farm and ranch members who are feeling the economic squeeze just like the families who purchase our agricultural products.

"These payments will help Oklahoma agricultural producers continue our important work of feeding America, and we are appreciative of President Trump's and Sec. Rollins' commitment to our farm and ranch families."

Information from USDA for agricultural producers (read the full release here):

Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5pm ET on December 19, 2025. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of the month. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the FBA Program; however, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new OBBBA risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.