The news: The USDA has announced $10 billion in economic assistance payments for growers of major field crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice. The USDA says the application window will start on Wednesday, March 19th. Pre-filled applications will be sent to farmers.

Why it matters: This aid is designed to help offset 2024โ€™s downturn in commodity markets. Farmers will begin receiving payments soon, but applications are required.

Key details:
Application window: Opens Wednesday, closes Aug. 15.
Initial payments: Farmers will receive 85% of their calculated payment upfront. A second payment may come after Aug. 15.
Who qualifies: Growers who filed 2024 acreage reports for eligible crops. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will send pre-filled applications.
Payment rates per acre:

  • Corn $42.91
  • Soybeans $29.76
  • Wheat $30.69
  • Cotton $84.74
  • Rice $76.94
  • Peanuts $75.51
  • Sorghum $42.52
  • Barley $21.67
  • Oats $77.66
  • Canola $31.83 

Important: Payment limits apply. Farmers earning more than 75% of their income from farming have a cap of $250,000. Others are capped at $125,000.

Whatโ€™s next: PRM is closely monitoring updates and will provide more details as they are confirmed. Details are coming in fast and changing rapidly. Please reach out to your Risk Management Advisor to find out the latest information that has been released by the USDA.

Want to go deeper?: You can read the FSA website for some more details.

How To Apply:

  • Pre-filled ECAP applications will be mailed to all producers with a reported eligible commodity as of March 10, 2025.
  • After verifying and completing Form FSA-63 ECAP producers should submit their application to their local FSA county office. Options to submit ECAP applications include:
    • In-person
    • Electronically using Box and One-span
    • Fax
    • The online application using a secure login.gov account
  • One application will cover a producer’s entire operation nationwide
  • Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025 

Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. According to the USDA, farmers can apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens. 

Producers must have the following forms on file with FSA for the 2024 crop year:โ€ฏ 

  • Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
  • Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).โ€ฏ
  • Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.โ€ฏ
  • Form CCC-943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).
  • AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC)โ€ฏCertification.
  • Form SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.