By Andi Anderson
As of June 2025, updated estimates for 2024 ARC-CO (Agriculture Risk Coverage – County) payments show that some Ohio farmers may receive payments based on county yield and revenue data. These projections use USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) yield estimates, which the Farm Service Agency (FSA) uses for official ARC-CO determinations.
ARC-CO payments are made when county market revenue drops below 86% of the benchmark revenue. In 2024, weather conditions in Ohio were highly variable, causing significant yield variation across counties. This led to a wide range of estimated ARC-CO payments:
- Corn base acres: Payments range from $0 in 50 counties to $81 in Ross and Highland counties.
- Soybean base acres: Payments range from $0 in 17 counties to $60 in Mercer County.
These payments are calculated after applying the standard 85% payment factor, meaning actual payments are reduced by 15%. Maps also show county-level gross revenue and corresponding ARC-CO payment rates, illustrating the program’s countercyclical nature—payments increase when market revenue decreases.
Notably, these estimates apply only to non-irrigated base acres, which dominate Ohio agriculture. Counties with both irrigated and non-irrigated acres are included, but the estimates reflect dryland conditions.
No PLC (Price Loss Coverage) payments are expected in 2024 for corn, soybeans, or wheat. This is because projected national market year prices exceed the effective reference prices set by Congress:
- Corn: $4.35 (reference: $4.01)
- Soybeans: $9.95 (reference: $9.26)
- Wheat: $5.50 (reference: $5.50)
FSA will release official payment rates in October 2025. These June estimates are subject to change based on final yields and prices. Farmers should use them with caution when making financial plans.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, General