Rural Money: WASDE Report Adjustments Could Lower ARC and PLC Payments for Some Crops

Rising corn and soybean prices may lower expected payments for producers

PARKER, COLORADO (RFD News) — April’s WASDE Report is offering an updated look at marketing year average prices for major crops and what that could mean for Agriculture Risk Cover (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) payments later this year.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down how those updated numbers could impact 2025 payments.

“We’re seeing an upward revision in corn and soybean prices,” Neiffer explained. “So the corn payment is now maybe in that $2 billion-$3 billion range. Maybe even a little bit less, and as long as we continue to see an improvement in corn and soybean prices, we’re going to see that estimated ARC and PLC payment for corn and soybeans continue to drop. We’re definitely seeing a drop.”

Neiffer says higher corn prices could significantly reduce PLC payments.

“If we go 25 cents higher, our PLC payment is basically going to be zero. So now, we still have some ARC because there’s going to be pockets in the country where the yields were lower than the normal.”

He says wheat could see stronger payments compared to other crops.

Neiffer also noted that tax season went smoothly overall, with more refunds among typical filers, though it was not particularly strong for farmers.

Related Stories
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
Learn the conditions farmers must meet to qualify for this new three-year tax deferral on farmland sales, how much it could save, and other details to consider.
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Roger McEowen of the Washburn School of Law discusses the lack of legal expertise in rural areas and a new program in Kansas aimed at addressing the issue.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Kaleigh Backstrom says her early involvement in 4-H helped set her on that path and sparked her interest in veterinary medicine.
Workshops give international bakers hands-on training with U.S. wheat products
The 91st anniversary of Black Sunday highlights how the Dust Bowl disaster led to modern soil conservation programs still shaping U.S. agriculture today.
A new partnership with the Montana Beef Council is bringing protein-packed refuel stations to high school sports tournaments across the state.