Changes introduced through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act add new considerations as farmers evaluate their options for the 2026 and 2027 crop years.
Understanding how these programs differ and how individual farm circumstances affect decisions is an important part of managing agricultural risk.
How ARC/PLC Program Changes Affect Farmers
ARC and PLC are federal farm safety net programs designed to provide support under different market and revenue conditions.
Recent legislative changes, including adjustments to reference prices and base acres, are part of the conversation as producers evaluate their program options.
In a recent FMH InsureCast episode, FMH expert Ken Ripley joins host Dave DeCapp to discuss the impact of these changes and how producers can approach upcoming decisions.
Why 2026 and 2027 Decisions May Look Different
One important consideration is that producers are evaluating two crop years with different information available.
For 2026, farmers can consider more of the year's actual conditions and market developments. Decisions for 2027 require greater consideration of future uncertainty.
As a result, a program that appears favorable for one crop year may not necessarily be the preferred option for the next.
Comparing ARC-CO, ARC-IC, and PLC
- ARC-CO (Agriculture Risk Coverage–County): A program based on county-level revenue.
- ARC-IC (Agriculture Risk Coverage–Individual): A program based on individual farm revenue.
- PLC (Price Loss Coverage): A program tied to commodity prices and established reference prices.
The discussion highlights why individual circumstances matter. County-level trends may not reflect every farm's experience, and the same program choice may not fit every operation.
Considering ARC/PLC Alongside Crop Insurance
ARC/PLC elections are one part of a broader farm risk management strategy. Producers should also consider how these programs interact with their crop insurance decisions.
University Extension resources and farm program comparison tools can help farmers evaluate different scenarios.
For more insights on ARC/PLC program changes and considerations for 2026 and 2027, watch the latest FMH InsureCast episode featuring Ken Ripley and Dave DeCapp.