2016 ARC/PLC program year signup is currently available for farmers in Effingham County. Farmers are encouraged to show up or contact their local office to schedule an appointment to enroll. If a farm is not enrolled during the 2016 enrollment period, producers on that farm will not be eligible for financial assistance from the ARC or PLC programs should crop prices or farm revenues fall below the historical price or revenue benchmarks established by the program.
The two programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to farmers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities such as corn, soybeans and wheat.
The marketing year for the 2016 program year that will be used to compile the possible payment rate for covered commodities (corn, soybeans and wheat) will be September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017 and rates for corn, soybeans and wheat will be published around September 29, 2017.
By calling ahead and or making an appointment farmers can be guaranteed that their contracts ready upon their visit. The USDA and Effingham County FSA hope to have the 2016 enrollment completed by June 1st.
Call the USDA office at 217-347-7107 or stop by the Effingham County FSA Office located on 2701 S Banker in Effingham for more information. Farmers outside of Effingham County may contact the USDA or their local Farm Service Agency office.