PARKER, Colo. (RFD NEWS) — Landowners have until Aug. 31 to finalize potential base acre increases for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share business planning tips for producers ahead of the deadline.
In his interview with RFD News, Neiffer says landowners should have already received a letter from the Farm Service Agency outlining their potential increase. Anyone who has not received a letter should contact their local FSA office before the deadline.
“This is an increase. You’re not going to lose your current base acres,” Neiffer said. “None of that’s going to change.”
The increase could vary by operation, but Neiffer said the average increase nationwide is expected to be about 10 percent to 12 percent, with some farmers potentially seeing a larger increase and others seeing no increase.
How the Increase Could Affect ARC and PLC Payments
The updated base acres will not affect payments for the 2025 crop year. Neiffer said the changes will apply to the 2026 crop year.
For qualifying crops, the increased base acres could result in payments averaging about 12 percent higher compared with using the same payment rates and existing base acres.
However, Neiffer said projected ARC and PLC payments for 2026 could be substantially lower than payments for the 2025 crop year if commodity prices continue to increase.
The programs cover about 22 crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, rice, cotton and various legumes and oilseeds.
What to Do if FSA Numbers Are Incorrect
Landowners who disagree with the base acre calculation should contact their local FSA office and explain the discrepancy.
Neiffer said landowners will need to provide evidence showing why the agency’s calculation is incorrect.
With the Aug. 31 deadline approaching, Neiffer encouraged farmers not to wait until the final days to address any questions or discrepancies with their records.
