Farmers Will Select 2026 Safety Net Programs by December
Producers must choose between ARC and PLC coverage to manage revenue risks for the 2026 crop year.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Agriculture
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The USDA opened the election period for 2026-2027 revenue safety net programs on September 16, 2026. Farmers have until December 11, 2026, to decide between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC).
Why it matters
Choosing the right program is critical for financial planning, as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act recently added 30 million base acres nationwide. The enrollment window was delayed to allow time for the implementation of these new tax provisions.
The federal government added 30 million base acres nationwide, significantly expanding the scope of the current enrollment window vs. prior cycles. Producers must now reconcile these changes within the existing safety net structure.
The players
USDA
The federal agency responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal laws related to farming and food.
Texas A&M University
The public research institution that provides agricultural policy analysis and economic decision support for producers.
The details
Producers must evaluate their potential revenue outcomes by inputting yield data, base acres, and irrigation percentages into decision aids. The tools allow farmers to run comparative models between PLC and ARC-County payments based on their own price estimates. Unlike the 2025 crop year, which did not require an election, operators must now actively choose their coverage path for the 2026 cycle.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: USDA opened the election and enrollment period.
October 2026: Payments for 2025 crop year arrive in bank accounts.
November 2, 2026: Sign-up for 2027 crop year begins.
December 11, 2026: Deadline for 2026 crop year program choice.
March 15, 2027: Sign-up for 2027 crop year ends.
Market Landscape
This cycle follows a precedent set by the expansion of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which fundamentally shifts the coverage landscape for millions of acres. The current administrative requirements reflect a broader trend of tying tax policy adjustments directly to federal agricultural safety nets.
Operators should complete their program selection by December 11, 2026, to ensure coverage for the upcoming crop year. Contacting the AFPC at 979-845-5913 or 1-888-890-5663 can provide technical assistance for the decision tool.
The takeaway
Producers should prioritize running simulations with their internal yield data to determine the most beneficial program structure. Mark the December 11, 2026 deadline on your calendar to ensure federal coverage is secured for the 2026 crop year.
Further reading
For more on managing commodity risk, see Agriculture.
More information
To utilize the official modeling resources, access the online farm bill decision tools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Farm Progress.
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Is now a good time for farmers to prioritize price protection over revenue stability?
