LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – While agriculture is the lifeblood of Nebraska, ongoing inflation, tariffs and trade turmoil have contributed to the struggle among the Midwest’s agricultural economy. But on Monday President Trump announced he’s throwing farmer’s a life vest, with a $12 billion bailout to the agricultural sector.
Most of that money will go to crop farmers through one-time payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, while the rest will go to farmers whose crops fall outside of that.
“These bridge payments are intended in part to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act … Reach eligible farmers on Oct. 1, 2026,” the USDA said on its website.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau, a coalition of farmers, ranchers and agricultural experts, say while this is necessary for farmers, it’s not a sustainable fix.
Jordan Dux, the bureau’s senior director of national affairs, said other permanent measures need to be made to ensure long-term success for Nebraska’s producers.
“If a government impacts producer profitability, we hope that the government will make that right,” Dux said. “The president’s move today to provide some level of assistance to producers is certainly appreciated, but there’s a reason for that, and that’s because food security is national security.”
Dux said that there are a number of proposals in Washington D.C. and the Nebraska Legislature that, if passed, could bring hope to eliminating some international trade barriers and boosting demand for product.
“That is what gets us out of this,” Dux said. “It’s not going to be continued government assistance necessarily. What gets producers on a far better track is going to be, again, a continued boost in both domestic and international demand of our agricultural products.”
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, who was in attendance at the round table with the president, said the farm assistance package was “welcome news as we work to get the farm economy back on track.”
“I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for stepping up to ensure that America’s ag producers have the support they need to feed and fuel our world,” Fischer said.
Sen. Pete Ricketts also chimed in, calling agriculture the heart and soul of Nebraska.
“When agriculture does well, Nebraska does well,” Ricketts said. “This relief provides temporary economic assistance while President Trump continues opening new markets for agricultural products. I encourage Nebraska farmers to work with USDA and their local Farm Service Agency office to ensure their eligibility for the program.”
Rep. Mike Flood also applauded the president, saying he’s “delivering for America’s farmers and ranchers.”
“Today’s announcement provides much-needed bridge relief as the administration continues to deliver new trade deals and open up markets for our products around the world,” Flood said.
Rep. Adrian Smith also commended Trump, calling for continued trade progress to help producers.
“I appreciate President Trump and his administration recognizing the challenges faced by American producers during ongoing trade negotiations,” Smith said. “While supporting producers during this critical time is important, it is not a permanent solution. Nebraska farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to producing because they want to sell their goods at home and abroad for a fair price. It is vital President Trump and his trade negotiators continue opening new markets and ensuring fair treatment of American agriculture around the globe.”
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