By Andi Anderson
Ohio farmers are expected to benefit from significant federal farm program payments for the 2025 crop year, with estimates showing more than $534 million in combined support through the Agriculture Risk Coverage County (ARC-CO) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The payments are expected to provide important financial assistance to producers managing market uncertainty, rising production costs, and weather-related challenges.
Changes introduced through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in 2025 allow most Ohio producers to receive the higher payment available between ARC-CO and PLC, regardless of their original program choice. Farms enrolled in ARC-IC will continue to receive payments based on that program.
Current estimates indicate that Ohio corn producers will receive approximately $301 million in payments, averaging about $75 per base acre. Soybean producers are projected to receive roughly $171 million, averaging $54 per base acre, while wheat growers are expected to receive nearly $50 million, averaging $61 per base acre.
Corn is expected to account for the largest share of program benefits across the state. The highest estimated corn payment rate is projected at $109 per base acre in Clinton County. For soybeans, the highest estimated payment is $83 per base acre in irrigated areas of Seneca County. Wheat producers in Fulton County are expected to receive the highest estimated payment rate at $71 per base acre.
Several counties are projected to receive particularly large total payments. Darke County is estimated to receive the highest corn payment total at nearly $12 million. Auglaize County is expected to receive approximately $9.2 million in soybean payments, while Wood County is projected to lead wheat payments with about $3 million.
Statewide estimates show that payment levels vary depending on local yields, commodity prices, and program calculations. ARC-CO payments are determined by comparing county benchmark revenue with actual county revenue, while PLC payments are based on the difference between the effective reference price and the national crop-year average price.
The estimates also indicate that PLC may provide higher payments than ARC-CO in a limited number of counties for corn and soybeans, but it is expected to outperform ARC-CO in most wheat-producing counties. Specifically, PLC is projected to provide higher payments in five counties for corn, three counties for soybeans, and 77 counties for wheat.
Major recipients of total county payments include Wood County, Seneca County, Clinton County, Darke County, Fayette County, Henry County, Hancock County, and Auglaize County. These areas have substantial crop acreage and are expected to receive some of the largest overall benefits.
Although the estimates are based on finalized program data and current price projections, actual payments could change when final marketing-year average prices are released. Nevertheless, the projected figures highlight the important role of federal farm safety-net programs in supporting Ohio agriculture. For many producers, these payments will provide valuable income stability and help offset financial pressures during a challenging production year, while strengthening the economic outlook for farms across the state.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle