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
Local groups distribute potatoes to support hundreds of families across the Idaho Panhandle to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month.
Dr. Michael Langemeier with Purdue University provided perspective on the improving farmer sentiment and the trends shaping the agricultural economy moving forward.
Roger McEowen discusses how long-term healthcare costs for elderly Americans are reshaping estate-planning decisions for farm families and what producers should consider moving forward.
More Farms File for Bankruptcy As Strong Farm Loan Demand Boosts Bank Earnings
Rancher and Americans for Prosperity Director Tyler Lindholm breaks down the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, clarifies licensing questions, and discusses the future of local agriculture in the state.
Margin pressure and competitiveness concerns are shaping cautious outlooks.

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:

Museum explores how early car makers played a part in advancing agriculture
The thief pleaded guilty and received an eight-year sentence.
Moody Blooms grows more than 20 varieties of tulips and has opened its farm to the public as a spring agritourism destination in Texas.
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.
National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump has been inducted as an honorary member of Purdue’s Alpha Gamma Rho chapter, recognizing his leadership in agriculture.
Teams create meals from pantry items while incorporating a surprise ingredient