Local Farm Service Agency offices are back to business following the partial government shutdown. State Executive Director Brad Thykeson says the farm bill implementation is top of mind. The farm bill was signed into law right before the shutdown. “The USDA reached out this week, trying to find people who can help them write some of these rules and regulations for the farm bill that passed,” says Thykeson. The new bill allows farmers to switch from Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. “Farmers will be able to have a choice between ARC or PLC as the time goes on. Farmers have recognized now prices aren’t going to stay at $7 for corn or in the teens for beans and $8 to $9 for wheat. That PLC program is probably going to be more attractive for others. If they’re comfortable with the ARC selection, that’s fine. This new farm bill is going to make it a little bit easier for the choice.”
