Producers who chose coverage from the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs can visit the Farm Service Agency county office to sign contracts and enroll in coverage for 2016. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1. Although the choice between ARC and PLC is completed and remains in effect through 2018, producers must still enroll their farm by signing a contract each year to receive coverage.
The Champaign County Farm Service Agency encourages producers to call the office and schedule an appointment to enroll this spring. Almost a third of producers in Champaign County have already completed their 2016 program enrollment, and the staff of the Champaign County Farm Service Agency would like to see that number grow this spring. “Completing your 2016 enrollment before getting busy in the field allows us to make all updates prior to reporting crops later this spring.” explains Program Technician Debbie Cook.
When you make your appointment, please also inform the Farm Service Agency Office of any changes to your farming operation. Producers who have bought or sold land, or added or dropped rented land from their operation must report those changes to the FSA office as soon as possible. A copy of the deed or recorded land contract for purchase property is needed to maintain accurate records with FSA. Failure to do so can lead to possible program ineligibility and penalties. While making record updates, be sure to update signature authorizations. Making record changes now will save time in the spring.
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 agricultural producers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities. Covered commodities include corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum, oats, and barley.
For more information and to schedule your appointment, please contact the Champaign County Farm Service Agency office at 937-484-5527.
