By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the enrollment periods for its key safety-net programs—Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC)—for 2025. Farmers can apply for ARC and PLC from January 21 to April 15, and for DMC from January 29 to March 31.
ARC and PLC provide financial protection against market price drops, while DMC offers dairy producers support when feed costs rise, or milk prices fall. These programs are vital to safeguarding the financial stability of farmers across the country.
“Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers, so don’t delay enrollment,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “If you’re getting coverage through the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs, avoid the rush and contact your local FSA office for an appointment. Even if you are not changing your program election for 2025, you still need to sign a contract to enroll. And at $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a relatively inexpensive investment in a true sense of security and peace of mind.”
For ARC and PLC, farmers can choose ARC-County, ARC-Individual, or PLC options, covering various crops such as wheat, soybeans, and corn. Election changes are optional, but contracts must be renewed each year. Missing the April 15 deadline means retaining the previous year’s election.
DMC, which helps dairy producers manage milk-feed price margins, offers several coverage levels, including a free option with a waived fee for eligible producers. Updated feed cost calculations make the program more reflective of actual producer expenses.
Farmers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Centre or visit the official USDA website for more details. Early enrollment helps avoid last-minute rushes and ensures access to essential safety nets.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National