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
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
The amendments affect BLM lands in several Western states. Comments on the Sage grouse proposals can be made to the BLM National NEPA Register until Oct. 3.
Mike Formica with the National Pork Producers Council joined us on Market Day Report with his reaction to the EPA’s rollback of a Biden-era wastewater discharge mitigation plan.
The trustees’ 2025 annual report, released June 18, cited a law enacted this year as the primary reason why the funds are projected to run out a year earlier than previously projected.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.
One trader said the products entering the U.S. are primarily grind and trim, noting that the volume and type of beef, on its own, should not cause a major disruption. However, he says fund traders are reacting heavily to headlines rather than market realities.
Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network Behavioral Health Coordinator, shares about AgriSafe Network’s resources created to support farmers and rural Americans.
Jael Cruikshank, the newly elected Western Region Vice President, shares her story on this week’s FFA Today.
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.
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.