Rural Money: January’s WASDE Report Potential Impact ARC and PLC Payments

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.

PARKER, Colo. (RFD NEWS) — Markets opened the week with the first WASDE report of the year, delivering a bearish outlook for both corn and soybeans. The updated supply and demand estimates have raised new questions for producers about how lower prices could impact projected ARC and PLC payments.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined RFD NEWS on Friday to break down what the latest report could mean for farmers as they look ahead.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Neiffer walked through what he is expecting for ARC and PLC payments under the current price outlook, explaining how the latest WASDE figures factor into payment calculations. He outlined how declining commodity prices could influence payment levels and what producers should be watching as the marketing year continues.

Neiffer also addressed what happens if prices fall further, detailing how additional downside risk could affect both ARC and PLC outcomes and the financial planning decisions farmers may need to consider.

The conversation also included an update on Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payments, with Neiffer providing insight into the status of Stage 2 payments and what producers should know as they wait for further guidance.

Related Stories
Wheat Harvest Expands As Drought Still Pressures Pastures
AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses price protection levels, recent market declines, and risk management strategies for producers.
Rob and Emily Sharkey discuss new episodes, finding guests and what keeps the show going.
Riders will retrace more than 1,900 miles of the historic Pony Express route.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s record farm cash receipts, profitability trends in livestock and crops, and the impact of rising input costs in 2026.
Fred Nichols with Huma discusses corn nutrition timing, side-dress nitrogen strategies, and key management tips as the 2026 crop continues to develop across the Midwest.
Matthew Poling with CLAAS joins us to discuss harvest strategies for a below-average wheat crop and combine adjustments growers should consider.
National Cotton Council’s Gary Adams joins us to discuss the USDA’s Great American Cotton Plan, crop conditions, prices, and efforts to boost domestic demand.
The agreement establishes a new system to monitor water deliveries to Texas and sets limits on how far Mexico can fall behind on its treaty obligations.
Unlike facilities focused on merchant ammonia, Meadowlark would convert its on-site ammonia into UAN and sulfur-containing ATS fertilizers used by regional crop producers.