Key dates for crop and dairy program sign-ups
The USDA has announced the upcoming enrollment periods for its essential safety-net programs, which are critical in supporting the agricultural sector’s stability.
Starting January 21, farmers can register for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, and from January 29, for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
These programs form a crucial part of the financial protection framework for agricultural producers, mitigating risks associated with price and revenue downturns.
ARC and PLC specifically offer coverage that is tailored to either individual crops or entire farm operations, while DMC focuses on the dairy sector by offsetting price volatility in milk and feed costs.
Emphasizing the benefits, FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux stated, “Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers, so don’t delay enrollment.” He encourages producers to engage early with the Farm Service Agency to complete their enrollments.
Extended under the American Relief Act, 2025, these programs continue to support the livelihoods of the farming community. It's important for farm owners to maintain their involvement through annual contracts, even if they choose not to alter their elections from the previous year.
Coverage choices in these programs can also influence qualifications for various crop insurance products, which is crucial information for producers managing risk on their farms.
For more details on how to apply and to understand the full scope of benefits, farmers should visit their local USDA Service Center or the dedicated ARC and PLC webpage.