NASHVILLE, TN – New Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) rates were established under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump on July 4. These loan rates, which support key commodities, will apply from the 2026 through 2031 crop years. Most MAL rates increased by 10%, except upland cotton, which rose by a variable amount depending on its previous pricing structure.
This change mirrors earlier proposals from the House Agriculture Committee and provides farmers with more financial certainty for marketing decisions. The MAL program allows producers to use their stored crops as collateral for operating loans. It is designed to support cash flow after harvest while allowing for delayed marketing.
For upland cotton, the new flat rate is $0.55/lb—up from the effective floor of $0.52/lb under the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA’s Farm Service Agency has released updated guidance to help producers evaluate the program’s benefits.
Farmers are encouraged to consider MAL as part of a comprehensive risk and marketing strategy, especially as interest rates and input costs remain elevated.