Farmers Set to Receive ARC and PLC Payments Under the One Big Beautiful Bill
Farmers across the nation are preparing to receive much-needed support through federal farm programs following the passage of what many are calling the One Big Beautiful Bill. These new provisions are designed to provide financial relief to producers through updated payment estimates for both the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
According to the latest program breakdown, the changes have been thoroughly evaluated across USDA departments to determine what farmers should receive for the year. As stated, “These changes have been discussed and details have been presented to all the various departments for figuring out exactly what farmers should receive.”
Both ARC, which helps farms manage average revenue risk, and PLC, which supports producers when market prices fall below reference levels, are expected to deliver substantial assistance. According to the report, “A per acre payment has been estimated for the ARC program, that’s the average revenue, and the PLC, the ones that tall is the largest, that’s what farmers will receive this year.”
Nationwide, the total estimated support across seven major commodities is projected to reach $13.5 billion. These payments are particularly meaningful as producers continue to manage volatility in commodity markets and rising input costs.
Per-acre estimates indicate a wide range of support depending on the crop. As outlined, “soybeans a $22 rate, wheat was $48 per acre, grain sorghum had $49 per acre, corn on a base $65, seed cotton $127 per acre, and peanuts $197 per acre.” For commodities grown outside the immediate region, additional estimates included “long-range rice… $285 per acre.”
These numbers reflect carefully calculated projections intended to stabilize farm income for the 2005 crop year, ensuring producers have the resources needed to maintain operations and plan ahead. As the report notes, “overall the programs have been figured up and estimated and farmers will be receiving that help from the ARC and PLC payments for this past year 2005 crop year.”
With billions in support on the way, ARC and PLC payments continue to play a central role in protecting America’s agricultural backbone, offering vital security to farmers as they navigate shifting markets and production challenges.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.