In late December, Congress passed the American Relief Act of 2025, which provides critical updates for farmers, including $31 billion in aid and another extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. At AgQuest Financial, we’re here to help you understand what this means for your operation.
Farm Bill Extension: What You Need to Know
The 2018 Farm Bill, which provides essential support for programs like crop insurance and conservation, has been extended through September 2025. This extension prevents major disruptions that could have impacted markets and farm operations. Without it, outdated laws would have caused significant uncertainty in areas like dairy pricing and crop supports.
However, some smaller programs, often called “orphan programs,” did not receive funding in this extension. These include initiatives focused on pest control and emergency disease research. While the extension ensures stability for key programs, a new Farm Bill in 2025 will be needed to address these gaps.
Disaster Aid: Relief for Weather-Related Losses
The act includes $21 billion in disaster aid to help farmers recover from extreme weather events like flooding, droughts, and severe storms. This aid can cover losses in crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure.
Farmers with crop insurance or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) may receive payments covering up to 90% of their losses. For those without coverage, payments are available at a reduced rate of 70%. If you’ve experienced losses, reach out to your local USDA office to explore your options.
Economic Aid: Addressing Financial Challenges
In addition to disaster relief, $10 billion in economic aid will support farmers of row crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Payments are calculated based on projected 2024 losses and are capped depending on your farming income. This assistance is designed to help ease financial pressures and keep operations moving forward.
How AgQuest Financial Can Help
Navigating these programs and changes can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At AgQuest Financial, we’re committed to helping you make sense of the Farm Bill extension and disaster aid opportunities. Whether it’s understanding eligibility, applying for relief, or planning for the future, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact your AgQuest Financial representative today. We’re here to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.