In recent weeks, rumors of a fourth federal stimulus payment of $1,390 have swirled online, generating both hope and confusion. The IRS has officially debunked this talk-no such payment has been approved by Congress or the IRS. Yet, while some hope for direct relief, agricultural professionals are watching a very different financial story unfold: federal support once meant for farms is being redirected or diminished.

The IRS statement is clear: "there is no recovery rebate credit for taxpayers to claim," as Congress has taken no action to authorize new stimulus disbursements. Previous rounds-issued in 2020 and 2021-were legally backed, and opportunities to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit ended on April 15, 2025.

Meanwhile, in the ag space, federal subsidies, crop insurance enhancements, and emergency funding are being cut or phased out as budget priorities shift. Farmers are finding themselves shouldering higher input costs-from seed and fertilizer to labor-without the supplemental relief they've relied on in past years. With federal dollars being talked about but not delivered, the contrast between the promise of universal stimulus and the reality of dwindling farm aid has never been more striking.

There are proposals that have gained media attention-like the American Worker Rebate Act introduced by Senator Josh Hawley. It would provide direct tax rebates (at least $600 per person, with more for children), funded via tariff revenue-but it remains unapproved and speculative. Similarly, a fringe idea proposed by James Fishback envisioned $5,000 rebate checks per household with the backing of Doge-branded efficiency efforts-but this also remains unrealized.

For farmers, the takeaway is unsettling: hope for direct stimulus persists, yet agriculture remains underfunded. As Congress stalls, USDA programs, like disaster relief, conservation incentives, and loan options through co-ops, are under pressure-not unlike the stalled stimulus checks themselves.

Here's what ag professionals should do:

• Track official federal policy updates-especially legislative movement that may include agriculture-specific relief.

• Engage with local USDA offices and co-ops to access state and regional support options.

• Monitor IRS refunds or missed 2021 payments via tools like "Where's My Refund?" if relevant-though no new stimulus is coming.

• Advocate for renewed farm bill support, emphasizing how agriculture underpins national supply chain resilience and community stability.

The $1,390 stimulus myth may attract headlines, but what truly matters to the ag sector is policy that supports **yield stability, cost-share programs, and risk-management tools-**not hypothetical check amounts.

As the dust settles on stimulus rumors, the ag community must remain vigilant: federal support isn't inevitable-it must be fought for, farm by farm.