Farm Bailout Explained: The $11.1B Request, an $87.6B War Bill, and Diesel Nearly Doubling in a Year

Crop producers would share $10B in short-term support this year, while $1.1B would pay for damage from freezes in early 2026 (Credit: USDA NRCS)

The White House wants Congress to approve an $11.1B (about £8.3B) farm bailout, meaning emergency cash for US farmers. That money sits inside an $87.6B (about £65.5B) package that mostly pays for the war with Iran. Congress has not voted either sum into law, and farmers are still waiting.

Farmers and lawmakers in both parties blame the war for costlier diesel, which runs farm machinery. AAA, the motoring group, put the US average at a record $6.53 (about £4.88) a gallon on Tuesday 22 September. A year earlier it stood at $3.69 (about £2.76). One North Carolina farmer says neighbours are thinking of quitting.