Farm Program Payments And Projections For Nebraska

Oct 31, 2017

By Brad Lubben

Extension Ag Policy Specialist

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) began issuing payments to producers in early October for Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) programs for the 2016 crop year. These payments continue to be substantial, adding more than $600 million to cash flows for Nebraska producers this fall. However, this could be the last year of such large payments, as early estimates for 2017 crop payments to be paid in the fall of 2018 could be just one-third as much and 2018 crop payments in 2019 could be even less.

An analysis of farm program payment rates provides details on the current payments as well as the outlook for future support. The federal farm program support comes from commodity programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. The legislation gave producers a choice of enrollment by commodity and by county in either a price-based program (PLC) or a revenue-based program (ARC) at either the county level (ARC-CO) or the farm level (ARC-IC for “individual coverage”). As commodity prices have declined from pre-2014 levels, both ARC and PLC have become important components of the farm income safety net and also substantial infusions of cash flow for producers.

Source: unl.edu

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.