Farmers must Sign Up for ARC or PLC by April 15 for 2025 Crops
Agricultural producers across the U.S. are reminded to enroll in USDA’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs by April 15, 2025, for the 2025 crop year. These programs provide financial protection for farmers facing significant drops in crop prices or farm income.
As of now, Oklahoma has enrolled 51.6% of expected contracts, with 24,443 completed out of 47,361. Participation is crucial for securing coverage. “Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer,” said Jaramie Karcher, Deputy State Director for FSA in Oklahoma.
Farmers can choose ARC-County or PLC for crop-specific protection or ARC-Individual for full-farm coverage. Although changing elections is optional for 2025, signing a contract is mandatory each year unless a multi-year contract is already active.
If elections are not updated, the 2024 election will carry over. However, failure to enroll and sign contracts by April 15 will mean no coverage or payment in 2025. Enrollment is open to base acre holders of crops like corn, wheat, rice, soybeans, cotton, lentils, oats, and more.
Farmers should also consider crop insurance impacts. Those who elect PLC may opt for Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), while ARC participants are ineligible for SCO. Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) remains available for both.
While visiting FSA offices, farmers can apply for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), which opened on March 19. ECAP offers up to $10 billion in relief for 2024 crops. The deadline for ECAP applications is August 15, 2025.
For more information, farmers can visit fsa.usda.gov or their local USDA service centre.