Rural Money: Partial Government Shutdown Puts ARC and PLC Payments in Limbo

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.

PARKER, Colo. (RFD-TV) — With the latest yield projections now in from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), estimates for ARC and PLC payments are being updated — but farmers remain in limbo amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down his updated analysis of projected payments scheduled to be paid next October.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, Neiffer explained how the recent yield numbers could impact the size of those payments and what producers can expect in the months ahead. He also addressed recent changes to ARC calculations, explaining whether those adjustments will be applied to the 2025 payment cycle — and how excluding them could impact farmers’ bottom lines.

Neiffer discussed what these projections mean for growers already facing tight margins this season and emphasized the importance of staying informed despite data delays caused by the government shutdown. Finally, he shared insight into how the lack of updated crop reports could affect upcoming payment estimates and whether farmers should be concerned about further disruptions.

Related Stories
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across the U.S. for the week of Monday, September 15, 2025.
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill changes to base acres and potential impacts on future ARC and PLC payments.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
The Nashville Ag Club meets monthly to discuss current issues and hear from inspiring agriculture-related speakers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
Rising federal debt is increasing pressure on Washington to limit spending, which could tighten future funding and delivery for agricultural programs.
Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report cites global grain oversupply, easing inflation, rate cuts, and major data center growth that could reshape rural America.
Plan for sharp, short-term volatility after unexpected outages; permanent closures rarely trigger major price spread disruptions.