New York Farmers Receive $89 Million in USDA Support

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is distributing approximately $89 million in agricultural safety net and conservation payments to farmers, ranchers and landowners across New York.

The funding includes assistance through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year, along with 2026 payments through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Nationally, USDA announced $13.8 billion in gross ARC and PLC payments for the 2025 crop year and an additional $1.8 billion in annual CRP payments for 2026.

“These dollars help producers and landowners in our state cover operating expenses, purchase supplies and equipment, and do business with local companies, creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout our rural communities,” said Clark Putman, State Executive Director in New York. “It's a tremendous investment in New York agriculture and, collectively, in American agriculture.”

Updates to ARC and PLC Programs

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) introduced changes to ARC and PLC beginning with the 2025 crop year, including higher statutory reference prices and adjustments to effective reference price calculations. For 2025, eligible producers automatically receive the higher payment rate available under either program, regardless of their original election.

The legislation also increased the payment limit from $125,000 to $155,000, with annual inflation adjustments. The limit for the 2025 crop year is $160,000.

Six New York crops triggered PLC payments for 2025: barley, corn, grain sorghum, oats, soybeans, and wheat. Payments remain subject to applicable payment limitations and a statutory 5.7% sequestration rate.

Enrollment for the 2026 crop year opened September 16, 2026, and closes December 11, 2026. Enrollment for 2027 runs from November 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027.

The legislation also added 30 million base acres nationwide. Because eligible acreage exceeded the limit, newly allocated base acres were reduced proportionally by 3.69%. New York received more than 599,000 additional base acres, affecting ARC and PLC coverage beginning in 2026.

ARC protects against declines in crop revenue, while PLC provides support when effective commodity prices fall below established reference prices.

Conservation Reserve Program Payments

New York landowners will receive 2026 CRP payments covering 12,425 acres under active contracts. The program compensates eligible participants for maintaining conservation-focused vegetation that protects natural resources, improves wildlife habitat, and supports rural economies.

Grassland CRP is expected to represent more than 40% of national CRP acreage following 2026 enrollment, including 3,107 acres in New York. The program helps preserve grasslands while allowing livestock grazing and hay production to continue.

Producers seeking payment or enrollment information can contact their local FSA county office.

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