$8 Billion Fuel Relief Program

New federal relief is heading to Iowa fields as harvest moves into full swing.

President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program to help producers handle market disruptions and surging input costs.

For Iowa corn and soybean growers, this means targeted, one-time payments for the 2026 crop year to cover rising expenses like field fuel. Financial support will be distributed through a uniform formula using reported acreage and cost estimates, with commodity-specific payment rates expected in November. You do not need crop insurance to qualify.

The Farm Service Agency will administer the program. Iowa producers are encouraged to prepare now by setting up or verifying their Login.gov account linked to USDA. This will allow access to pre-filled applications online as soon as official enrollment opens.

Producers of non-Title I commodities, like specialty crop growers, can submit fuel cost data directly to HarvestFuel@usda.gov for payment rate consideration.

To get ready and learn more, visit usda.gov/farmers-first.