URBANA, Il. (RFD NEWS) — New county-level maps from the University of Illinois show Farm Bill Title I payments reached most of rural America from 2014 through 2023, but the largest totals were concentrated in a relatively small number of counties. The updated Policy Design Lab found 97 percent of counties received some payments, yet only 24 counties topped $100 million, and 197 exceeded $50 million.
The regional pattern is clear, but the comparison is not simple. The report says 18 of the top 25 counties for total ARC and PLC payments were in the South, while the counties with the most base acres were concentrated in places such as Montana, North Dakota, and Washington.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The new county maps show farm program payments are widespread, but payment design still produces very different outcomes across regions and crops.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
That matters because total payments alone do not explain the policy picture. Southern counties showed higher payments per base acre, but those areas also include crops such as cotton that carry much higher production costs than corn or soybeans, especially relative to average crop prices. The more important policy question is how program design interacts with crop mix, base acres, and payment triggers.
The report says PLC and ARC-CO produced notably different outcomes. Twenty-one of the top 25 PLC counties were in the South, while 23 of the top 25 ARC-CO counties were in the Midwest, and PLC generally produced higher payments per base acre.
The updated maps do not settle the fairness debate, but they do sharpen it. They show that payment outcomes remain highly uneven across regions, crops, and program structures as Congress continues to revisit farm policy.
READ MORE: https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/
Farmers are navigating market volatility as spring planting progresses, with mixed weather patterns and shifting input prices adding pressure that can take a toll on producers’ mental health during the season.
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month to discuss the connection between risk management and farmer well-being.
In his interview with RFD News, York discussed how mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of crop insurance, emphasizing the importance of addressing the topic as producers face ongoing uncertainty in markets and weather. He also explained how the benefits of crop insurance can extend beyond farmers, supporting families, employees, and rural communities connected to agricultural operations.
In addition, York highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness around mental health in agriculture and noted there are organizations available for those looking to support the cause.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
January 14, 2026 01:34 PM
·
Matt Brockman, communications director for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, joined us to share a preview of the upcoming event.
January 14, 2026 12:53 PM
·
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.
January 13, 2026 02:43 PM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
January 13, 2026 01:53 PM
·
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
January 13, 2026 01:02 PM
·
Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
January 13, 2026 12:53 PM
·
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
January 13, 2026 12:46 PM
·
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
January 13, 2026 12:34 PM
·
