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
Among many longstanding traditions at the FFA Convention & Expo is the National FFA Band.
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
The idea of buying more beef from Argentina does not sit well with much of farm country, raising some questions from analysts and producers.
As we continue our Countdown to Convention presented by Culver’s, we meet some of the people who help bring the event to life.
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
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.