By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County farmers can now apply to receive a one-time payment through the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.
The county has an “extensive agriculture base…with 1,621 total farms, averaging 142 acres per farm,” according to the Barren County Agricultural Development Council.
United States Congressman Brett Guthrie said the open enrollment period for this program, which will base payments on reported acreage, closes on April 17. Payment rates vary depending on the crop, for example an acre of cotton pays $117.35 while an acre of peas pays only $19.60, and there is a payment limit of $155,000 per producer, according the the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“It is essential that qualifying Kentucky farmers take action to receive their Farmer Bridge Assistance program payments during the ongoing enrollment window,” Guthrie said in a press release. “After an extremely difficult year in agriculture, this incredible program will help producers get financial relief ahead of the spring planting season.”
The department is providing these one-time payments as a “bridge…to American farmers…until the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act” become available. Eleven billion dollars is available in this program, with an additional $1 billion available for special crops, according to the department.
Additional information and the applications are available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
Key Facts
– Barren County farmers can apply for one-time Farmer Bridge Assistance payments
– Enrollment period runs through April 17, according to Rep. Brett Guthrie
– Payments are based on reported acreage and vary by crop type
– USDA says there is a $155,000 payment cap per producer
– Federal officials say $11 billion is available nationwide, plus $1 billion for specialty crops
– Barren County has 1,621 farms averaging 142 acres, according to the local ag council
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