Learn About ARC and PLC Options for 2026 and 2027

By Scout Nelson

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska partners with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) to host a free webinar about federal crop safety net programs. The session helps farmers understand the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2026 and 2027 crop years.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at noon Central Time. It is open to crop producers, agricultural professionals, and others interested in farm support programs. Participants can register for free through the CAP website at cap.unl.edu/webinars.

Cathy Anderson, FSA production and compliance programs chief in Nebraska, and Brad Lubben, an Extension policy specialist in the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, will lead the session. They will explain program choices, enrollment steps, and important details producers need to consider before making decisions.

Farmers can make ARC and PLC elections and enroll for the 2026 crop year through December 11, 2026. Enrollment for the 2027 crop year runs from November 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027.

ARC and PLC help eligible crop producers manage financial risks caused by changes in farm revenue or crop prices. The programs are extended through the 2031 production season under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

“With the 2026 ARC and PLC election and enrollment window now open, we’ll review key points producers need to know as they work with their local FSA office,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Hilary Maricle. “All ARC and PLC program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections and enroll ahead of the deadline. If producers do not make a 2026 ARC or PLC program election by December 11, 2026, they will be ineligible for 2026 program assistance.”

Brad Lubben said changes to program rules and crop price expectations may affect farmers’ decisions for the next two crop years.

"After a year when producers automatically received the higher of the two programs, 2026 brings back an active choice between ARC and PLC," said Lubben. "Higher reference prices and changes to ARC shift the math from what producers have seen in past years. Understanding the program mechanics and analysis will help producers make sound enrollment decisions with FSA."

In-person educational meetings about ARC and PLC are also planned at several locations across Nebraska. Details about these meetings will be announced later.

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency