Nebraska farmers gear up for 2024 ARC/PLC enrollment

By Scout Nelson

The Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is actively reminding producers that the time is now to make their decisions and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year.   

The enrollment window remains open until March 15, 2024. Producers are advised to contact their local USDA county Farm Service Agency office to start the enrollment process. 

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Agricultural Profitability is hosting a webinar on January 25 at 12:00 p.m. CT. The session, featuring Dillon Breinig from the Nebraska Farm Service Agency and Brad Lubben from the Department of Agricultural Economics, will guide producers, professionals, and stakeholders through the ARC and PLC options for 2024.  

The UNL Extension and FSA staff will hold in-person ARC/PLC information meetings across Nebraska in various locations, including Alliance, Gering, Sidney, Valentine, Imperial, McCook, North Platte, Holdrege, O’Neill, Norfolk, Wayne, Columbus, West Point, Auburn, Beatrice, Hastings, Mead, Ord, and York.  

ARC and PLC are crucial USDA safety-net programs that aid producers during crop price fluctuations. Nebraska FSA Acting State Executive Director Tim Divis emphasizes their role in reducing financial stress. Extension policy specialist Brad Lubben highlights the impact of recent crop price changes on 2024 decision-making. 

Enrollment in ARC-County, PLC, or ARC-Individual is required for each year of the program, and producers must sign a new contract by the March 15 deadline if they wish to change their election for 2024.  Failure to submit an election by the deadline will result in a default to the previous year's election. 

Divis advises participants to carefully review and consider their program elections, ensuring Nebraska's agricultural community's resilience and continued growth amidst changing market conditions. 

For more information, meeting details and webinar registration links, Click Here. 

Photo Credit - usda-farm-service-agency