By Andi Anderson
Farmers preparing for the 2026 crop year now have important decisions to make regarding federal farm safety net programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency has announced enrollment and election periods for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, giving producers an opportunity to review their options and select the most suitable coverage for their operations.
These programs are designed to provide financial support when crop revenues or market prices fall below established levels. As market conditions continue to change, understanding available program benefits is becoming increasingly important for producers seeking to manage financial risk.
According to the announced schedule, the election and enrollment period for the 2026 program year has been running from September 16 through December 11, 2026. Farmers also have advance notice that enrollment for the 2027 program year will take place from November 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027.
While producers completed enrollment for the 2025 crop year during spring 2025, any payments generated through ARC or PLC for the 2025 crops will be issued in October 2026 following the completion of the marketing year.
To support decision-making, the Ag Decision Maker Decision Tool has been updated with the latest benchmark prices and yield information. The tool allows producers to compare potential outcomes under both ARC and PLC programs by entering county information, projected yields, farm base acres, and PLC yield data.
Using this information, producers can evaluate possible payment scenarios and estimate how different market conditions may affect their farm income. The calculator also identifies revenue guarantees under ARC County Option (ARC-CO) and estimates PLC payments when projected market prices fall below effective reference prices.
The decision tool is particularly valuable because Marketing Year Average (MYA) price projections are updated each month using USDA Farm Service Agency data. This gives producers access to current information when evaluating risk management strategies and program participation.
Changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will also influence payments for the 2025 crop year. Under these provisions, participating producers may receive the higher payment generated by either ARC-CO or PLC, regardless of which program they selected during the 2025 enrollment period.
Current projections indicate that some Iowa producers could benefit from PLC payments due to lower forecasted commodity prices. Corn prices are projected at approximately $4.16 per bushel, which is below the effective reference price of $4.42. Soybean prices are projected near $10.50 per bushel, also below the effective reference price of $10.71. As a result, some producers may become eligible for PLC payments even if ARC-CO does not trigger assistance within their county.
With enrollment periods approaching and market uncertainty continuing, producers are encouraged to review updated program information and use available decision tools to compare coverage options. Careful evaluation of ARC and PLC benefits can help farmers make informed choices that strengthen financial protection and improve risk management for future crop years.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy