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
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
Strong Farm Credit finances help cushion producers, but prolonged low crop margins could strain renewals in 2026.
USDA data confirms that U.S. agriculture remains overwhelmingly family-run despite structural shifts in scale and production, according to a new analystis by Farm Flavor.
The specific provision in the CO₂ storage law allowed the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) to authorize carbon storage projects to proceed even if they lacked unanimous consent from all affected landowners.

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:

Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.