NFU, Farm Bureau Welcome Bridge Payment

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the Trump administration’s $12 billion bridge payment plan offers much-needed relief for farmers struggling with volatile markets, high input costs, and trade uncertainty. Larew says the support will help many operations stay afloat but emphasizes the need for long-term policy updates, noting that the current farm safety net is outdated and cannot keep pace with today’s economic pressures. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall also praised the announcement, saying the bridge assistance will provide critical financial help as producers face soaring expenses and historically low crop prices. Duvall added that the aid could determine whether some family farms are able to plant another crop or are forced to shut down, especially since many farm program improvements passed by Congress will not take effect until 2026.