By Andi Anderson
Farmers across the United States now have an important opportunity to review and select commodity program coverage for the 2026 production year. Following an eight-month delay, the enrollment period for key Farm Bill programs officially opened on September 16 and will remain available until December 11.
During this period, producers can choose between the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programs based on the needs and risks of their farming operations.
Selecting the right program can be a challenging decision because each option provides a different type of protection. However, the timing of enrollment during harvest offers producers valuable information.
By reviewing current yield results and production data, farmers may gain a clearer understanding of which program is likely to provide the most effective support for their operation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is encouraging producers to complete enrollment before the deadline. Farms that fail to make a selection by December 11 will automatically be re-enrolled in their 2025 program choice. However, those farms will not qualify for a potential 2026 payment, making timely enrollment especially important.
To help producers understand their choices, Michigan State University Extension is organizing an educational webinar focused on Farm Bill commodity program decisions. The event will provide guidance on risk management, insurance updates, commodity programs, and other topics relevant to the 2026 growing season.
Scheduled for November 5 at 1 p.m., the webinar will focus on major field crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Experts will explain how both commodity programs operate and discuss factors farmers should consider when making enrollment decisions.
The Agricultural Risk Coverage County Option (ARC-CO) program offers revenue-based protection. Payments may be triggered when farm revenue, determined by crop yield and market price, falls below an established coverage level. In contrast, the Price Loss Coverage program provides protection when market prices drop below a designated reference price.
A key feature of the webinar will be the updated MSU Farm Bill Analyzer. This decision-support tool has been revised for the 2026 production season and helps producers evaluate which program may deliver greater benefits under different conditions. Webinar speakers will use the tool to demonstrate possible risk scenarios and explain how varying market and yield outcomes can influence payments.
The educational program is free to attend, although advance registration is required. By participating, farmers can gain practical knowledge and improve their understanding of available Farm Bill options. With the enrollment deadline approaching, the webinar offers a valuable opportunity to make informed decisions and strengthen risk management plans for the 2026 crop year.
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy