By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing approximately $619.4 million in agricultural safety net and conservation payments to Missouri farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
The funding includes 2025 crop-year payments through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, along with 2026 payments under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Nationwide, USDA announced $13.8 billion in gross ARC and PLC payments for the 2025 crop year and another $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 Ronnie Russell, State Executive Director in Missouri. “It's a tremendous investment in Missouri agriculture and, collectively, in American agriculture.”
Changes to ARC and PLC Programs
The Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) introduced several changes to ARC and PLC beginning with the 2025 crop year. These include higher statutory reference prices and revised calculations for effective reference prices.
For 2025, eligible producers automatically receive the higher payment rate available under either program, regardless of their original election.
The legislation also raised the payment limit from $125,000 to $155,000, with inflation adjustments in subsequent years. The limit for the 2025 crop year is $160,000.
Fourteen Missouri crops qualified for 2025 PLC payments, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, oats, canola, grain sorghum, flaxseed, peanuts, rice, seed cotton, sesame seed, and sunflower seed.
Payments remain subject to applicable limitations and a mandatory 5.7% sequestration rate. Rice payments will be finalized after market-year average prices are determined.
Enrollment for the 2026 crop year runs through December 11, 2026, while the 2027 enrollment period is scheduled for November 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027.
The legislation also authorized 30 million additional base acres nationwide. Missouri received approximately 1.67 million additional base acres after a 3.69% proportional reduction was applied to newly allocated acreage. These additions affect ARC and PLC coverage beginning in 2026.
ARC provides protection against declining crop revenue, while PLC supports producers when effective commodity prices fall below established reference prices.
Conservation Reserve Program Support
Missouri's 2026 CRP payments cover 586,701 acres under active contracts. Participating landowners receive annual rental payments for maintaining conservation-focused vegetation that protects natural resources, improves wildlife habitat, and supports rural economies.
Grassland CRP includes 3,703 acres in Missouri, helping preserve grasslands while allowing livestock grazing and hay production to continue. Producers can contact their local FSA county office for enrollment and payment information.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy