Minnesota's ARC and PLC 2025 Guide

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Minnesota, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Extension, is set to conduct a public webinar on the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. This educational session is scheduled for February 19, 2025, and aims to assist farmers and agricultural stakeholders in making informed decisions for the 2025 crop year.

The ARC and PLC programs are designed to provide financial protection to farmers facing significant declines in crop prices or revenues. These programs serve as essential economic safety nets for American agriculture, offering different coverage options tailored to individual farm needs. Participants in the webinar will learn about the benefits of each program and receive guidance on making the best choice between ARC-County, PLC, or ARC-Individual coverages.

Enrollment procedures will also be a key focus. For the 2025 crop year, although changing election is optional, signing a new contract is mandatory if changes are made. The webinar will outline the necessary steps to enroll or adjust existing contracts to ensure eligibility for program benefits continues seamlessly.

Additionally, the webinar will discuss how ARC and PLC elections might affect eligibility for certain crop insurance products, including the Supplemental Coverage Option and Enhanced Coverage Option. With crop insurance application deadlines approaching on March 15, 2025, for various crops like corn, soybeans, and small grains, timely enrollment is crucial.

The session is open to all interested parties and will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST. Prospective attendees can register in advance through the University of Minnesota’s dedicated Farm Bill webpage, or they can register at the time of the webinar. For those unable to attend live, a recording of the session will be available for future viewing.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for all involved in the agricultural sector to gain vital information that will aid in financial planning and risk management for the coming crop year.

Photo Credit: usda