LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Cotton producers are urged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as the September 30 deadline approaches for program enrollment. Recent changes to the Stacked Income Protection Program (STAX), Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs stem from the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act signed into law on July 4, which updated reference prices for the 2025 crop year.
Typically, farmers choosing STAX were ineligible for ARC or PLC. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledges that many may have chosen PLC had they been aware of the updated reference prices. The agency is allowing late enrollment in PLC, although acres switched out of STAX remain subject to a penalty equal to 60 percent of the premium, as acreage reports cannot be revised.
Producers enrolling seed cotton acres in PLC or ARC by September 30 will forfeit STAX payments. The USDA expects PLC payments for 2025 to be made next fall, while STAX payments will be announced in summer 2026. Once changes are made, growers cannot reverse their decision, even if STAX would have provided a larger payment.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Cotton farmers should weigh potential PLC payments against STAX coverage and act before the September 30 deadline. Local FSA offices can help navigate the options and implications.
The University of Missouri Ag Policy Research Institute found that farmers with eligible base acres would see payments increase this year, primarily due to the rise in ARC and PLC. Economists estimate cotton payments will rise 177 percent, peanuts up 205 percent, and rice farmers will gain 222 percent.
We spotlight a student from Illinois who is helping to launch a middle school chapter and teaching younger students about the impact of agriculture in their communities.
October 09, 2025 12:48 PM
·
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.
October 09, 2025 11:50 AM
·
RFD-TV farm legal and taxation expert, Roger McOwen, joins us with his perspective on what farmers can expect from the delayed aid package.
October 08, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Microsoft’s partnership with the National FFA Organization is helping future ag leaders gain the tools they need to drive innovation in farming and beyond.
October 08, 2025 01:03 PM
·
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
October 08, 2025 12:47 PM
·
Crop insurance remains a vital tool for managing climate-driven risk.
October 07, 2025 03:07 PM
·
Market analyst Kevin Huddleston said news of trade deals could rebound cotton prices in late fall, and producers need to be ready to strike deals.
October 07, 2025 02:05 PM
·
Texas A&M 4-H Director Montza Williams joins for an update on the expected timeline for the program’s new facility and all the associated benefits.
October 07, 2025 01:56 PM
·
From tinkering with machines to building projects from scratch, students in the National FFA Organization develop skills to help shape future careers.
October 07, 2025 01:48 PM
·
