Thanks to provisions in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” base acres are set to increase for farmers starting next year, with the maximum national increase limited to 30 million acres. Farm CPA and RFD-TV Tax Expert Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look.
In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander, Neifer provides details on the increase in base acres, how it varies state-by-state, and which states could see the most significant increases. He also explains how this will affect ARC and PLC payments, and provides other business planning tips for farmers and ranchers to prepare for this change.
Base acres represent a fixed, historical allocation of specific commodity crop acres for a farm, specifically designated for use within the programs administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). It’s important to note that these base acres are not contingent upon a farm’s current planting decisions; they are established retrospectively.
The determination of a farm’s eligibility for various government support programs, such as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) initiatives, is fundamentally based on the established base acres. These government programs provide financial assistance, with payments calculated based on a farm’s historical production records, rather than any current season’s yields.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
November 25, 2025 01:26 PM
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The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
November 25, 2025 01:09 PM
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AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
November 25, 2025 12:40 PM
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Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
November 24, 2025 12:42 PM
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Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
November 24, 2025 12:38 PM
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November 21, 2025 07:30 PM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
November 21, 2025 01:59 PM
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Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
November 21, 2025 11:58 AM
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Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
November 21, 2025 11:48 AM
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