Farmers and ranchers can select coverage in the new 2014 Farm Bill established programs, Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) beginning today through Mar. 31, 2015, reports Farm and Ranch Guide.
“USDA is committed to keeping farm owners and producers well informed on all steps in this process to ensure that they have all of the information that they need before making their coverage choice,” said Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini. “The new ARC and PLC programs provide a more rational approach to helping farmers manage risk by ensuring families don’t lose the farm because of events beyond their control.”
Dates associated with ARC and PLC that farm owners and producers need to know:
• Now through Feb. 27, 2015: Farm owners may visit their local Farm Service Agency office to update yield history and/or reallocate base acres.
• Nov. 17, 2014 to March 31, 2015: Producers make a one-time election between ARC and PLC for the 2014 through 2018 crop years.
• Mid-April 2015 through summer 2015: Producers sign contracts for 2014 and 2015 crop years.
• October 2015: Payments issued for 2014 crop year, if needed.
To learn more about which safety net options are most appropriate for specific farming operations, farmers can use new Web tools at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc or contact their local Farm Service Agency county office at http://go.usa.gov/pYV3.