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.
The National Farm Machinery Show is underway in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together the latest in agricultural equipment, technology, and innovation. Here are some highlights from the trade show floor so far!
February 13, 2026 05:15 PM
·
Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline for 2025 is March 13
February 13, 2026 04:12 PM
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses how AI integration in grocery retail could impact farmers and the broader food supply chain.
February 13, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.
February 13, 2026 02:20 PM
·
Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.
February 13, 2026 01:51 PM
·
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller joins us to discuss the cattle herd rebuild, trade concerns, and how ranchers would define “America First” policy priorities.
February 13, 2026 12:50 PM
·
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
February 12, 2026 05:11 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
February 12, 2026 05:02 PM
·
Alaska Congressman discusses his new role as Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus and his priorities for the West in the 119th Congress.
February 12, 2026 04:45 PM
·
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
February 12, 2026 04:26 PM
·
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses the EPA’s rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases and what it could mean for agriculture and rural America.
February 12, 2026 02:48 PM
·
Chef and influencer Marcia Smart joined us to discuss Italian-inspired beef dishes, nutrition for active lifestyles, and how global events shape home cooking.
February 12, 2026 02:22 PM
·
