The U.S. Department of Agriculture is releasing a second round of Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payments to farmers. The announcement came at the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, where officials confirmed that funds remain from the $10 billion program.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency has already distributed more than $8 billion. Because money is still available, eligible producers who received an initial payment will automatically get another. Farmers with applications approved after Sept. 25, 2025, will receive one lump sum.
The new payment equals 14% of the original calculation, bringing the total payout factor to 99%. Payments are tied to reported crop acres, not production. Prevented planting acres qualify at half the standard rate.
Beyond ECAP, USDA is continuing other disaster relief efforts. Livestock producers have already received more than $1 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program, with another $1 billion expected for losses tied to floods and non-federal wildfires. Applications remain open until Oct. 31, 2025. Crop growers have also received $5.4 billion through Stage 1 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, while Stage 2—covering quality and shallow losses—will be announced soon.
At the same time, USDA has finalized $958 million in block grants with Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, and discussions are underway with 14 other states. Officials say these combined payments and programs are designed to help farmers reduce debt, stabilize cash flow, and prepare for the next crop year.
With markets still volatile, federal support remains a critical lifeline. Farmers can learn more at their local FSA office or online at fsa.usda.gov.
