Short-term support, long-term uncertainty

Over the past couple of months, payments from the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) have been delivered to producers across MFA territory. This one-time economic assistance is meant to help crop producers weather the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. For many operations, these funds offer a bit of breathing room in a tight and uncertain agricultural economy.

As of mid-May, nearly $7.8 billion of the $10 billion earmarked for ECAP had been allotted across the U.S. In Missouri, $309 million had been dispersed to nearly 25,000 producers. USDA touted it as the “quickest, most effective rollout of emergency payments in the history of the program.”

Another $21 billion in aid from USDA will also soon start rolling out to livestock and crop producers for losses in 2023 and 2024 due to drought, wildfires, flooding and other weather-related disasters.

No question. The money helps. Due to direct payments, Missouri’s net farm income is expected to rise from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $4.7 billion in 2025, according to projections from the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center. But that increase is likely to be temporary, and farmers should brace for tougher years ahead when federal assistance returns to historical average levels.

Bottom line: This is short-term relief, not long-term strategy.

The reason ECAP exists at all is because Congress still hasn’t passed a new Farm Bill. The current law, written in 2018, was extended until September. As the clock ticks down, there’s little indication that a new, bipartisan Farm Bill will be ready before then. Even House Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, who supported ECAP, acknowledged the deeper issue. “While this relief is a crucial financial bridge for many,” he said, “it is no substitute for the enactment of a strong, five-year Farm Bill that delivers risk management tools our farmers can rely upon for the long run.”

“An official Farm Bill provides more than just emergency payments. It is an important policy framework to support risk management, conservation, rural development, beginning farmers and food access.”

An official Farm Bill provides more than just emergency payments. It is an important policy framework to support risk management, conservation, rural development, beginning farmers and food access. If a new Farm Bill isn’t passed before the current extension expires, vital programs will face lapses or uncertain futures.

For farmers who received ECAP payments, it’s undoubtedly welcome relief. If you have not yet filed for these funds, there’s still time. The deadline to submit applications to your Farm Service Agency is Aug. 15, 2025.   

If you’re eligible, be sure to take advantage of this assistance, but also recognize what’s missing—a farm safety net with more stability and certainty. As Farm Bill negotiations continue, members of Congress need to hear your voice. Let them know that while ad-hoc payments help, they’re not enough for the long haul. Farmers need a plan, not a patch.   

The 2025 June/July Today's Farmer will be available here soon. The current issue is in-route via USPS.