Federal Farm Program Deadlines Loom Large for Rural Farmers
Rural farmers are navigating key federal farm program deadlines in August, which could significantly impact their finances. According to the Farm Service Agency, several crucial deadlines loom for disaster aid, specialty-crop support, base-acre updates, and local committee participation.
Specialty-crop producers must apply by August 7 for payments based on reported 2025 planted acres. The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program deadline is August 12, with over $16 billion available for qualifying crop, tree, bush, and vine losses from 2023 and 2024.
Farmers and landowners have until August 31 to review possible base-acre increases for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. Up to 30 million new base acres may be added nationwide for 2026 and future crop years. County committee nominations close on August 3, prompting producers to contact their local office now to confirm records and request applications.
Market year average prices are final for wheat, barley, and oats, establishing payment rates for the upcoming Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Wheat finished below its reference price, triggering a PLC payment, while barley and oats did not meet their respective PLC reference prices.