ARC and PLC Payments for the 2024 Crop Year: What Farmers Need to Know
FSA Begins Releasing Payments Despite Limited Staffing
On October 29, local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices—most still operating with just a County Executive Director (CED) and one Program Technician (PT)—were instructed to begin issuing ARC and PLC payments for the 2024 crop year. Payments are expected to be released by November 4, despite limited staffing due to ongoing constraints.
While the USDA has not yet officially published final commodity prices on its website (due to the government shutdown), updated figures from September 12, 2025, provide reliable estimates. Final MYA prices have been confirmed for major crops: corn at $4.24 and soybeans at $10.00, both playing a critical role in determining payment eligibility.
Quick Recap: ARC-CO vs PLC
Price Loss Coverage (PLC):
Triggers payments when a crop’s final price (MYA) falls below a pre-set reference price.
Agriculture Risk Coverage – County (ARC-CO):
Triggers payments when a county’s actual revenue (based on price × yield) falls below a guaranteed benchmark.
PLC Payments: No Payouts for Corn, Soybeans, or Wheat
2024 PLC Reference Prices:
Corn: $4.01/bushel
Soybeans: $9.26/bushel
Wheat: $5.50/bushel
Final MYA Prices (Confirmed or Estimated):
Corn: $4.24
Soybeans: $10.00
Wheat: $5.52
Since final MYA prices are above the reference prices, no PLC payments will be triggered for these major crops.
ARC-CO: Possible Payments in Low-Yield Counties
Although MYA prices exceeded PLC reference thresholds, they fell short of ARC-CO benchmarks, which could trigger payments—if county yields were below average.
2024 ARC-CO Benchmarks vs Final MYA
If your county experienced lower-than-average yields, there's a good chance you'll receive an ARC-CO payment.
What This Means for Producers
Enrolled in PLC (Corn, Soybeans, Wheat)?
No payment is expected—MYA prices exceeded reference prices.
Enrolled in ARC-CO?
If your county had yield shortfalls, you may be eligible for a payment based on how far revenue dropped below the guarantee.
How Are Payments Calculated?
Payments are based on base acres and the difference between actual county revenue and the ARC-CO guarantee.
Useful Links for Producers
This blog reflects data available as of November 5, 2025. Information may change as USDA releases updated figures. Always check with your local FSA office for final details.
Kyle Adams
Crop Insurance Expert | Marketing Advisor, Eastern Corn Belt
With more than a decade of experience as a crop insurance agent, Kyle integrates our marketing strategies with crop insurance products to maximize both sets of tools, creating a well-rounded risk management program for our clients.
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