As farmers consider 2019 and 2020 farm programs, prevent plant may encourage enrollment in Agricultural Risk Coverage-Individual (ARC-IC). “If you have a whole farm unit that’s 100 percent prevent plant acres, that means you have zero production,” said Kent Thiesse, senior vice president, MinnStar Bank. “In that case, you may qualify for a significant or maximum ARC-IC and possibly, the county may not qualify for the payment. That’s why there’s more interest in ARC-IC this time around.” Thiesse said when it comes to picking between ARC-CO and PLC programs, average county yields can make a difference. “Those probably won’t be announced by the March 15 sign-up so you’ll have to make your best guesstimate on where county yields will fall. If you don’t think it will fall below a certain level, you will probably lean toward the PLC program on corn. For soybeans, yields in most counties probably only have to fall off three to four bushels an acre to qualify for ARC-CO payments.” Thiesse reminds farmers to make the best decision for their own farm by meeting with the local Farm Service Agency office or by checking out online resources. The sign-up deadline for the 2019 crop year is March 15. Sign up for the 2020 crop year closes on June 30.
