Webinar to Help Producers Navigate ARC, PLC Decisions

Alabama producers facing important farm program decisions will have an opportunity to learn more about Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) during a Nov. 13 webinar hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

The webinar will provide guidance to producers evaluating ARC and PLC options for the 2026 and 2027 crop years. Enrollment and election decisions can have significant financial implications for a farm’s safety net. This is particularly true for periods of low commodity prices, reduced yields or revenue shortfalls.

Ph.D. candidate Bridget Bafowaa and Adam Rabinowitz, an associate professor and Extension economist with Auburn University, will host the webinar. Their recent analysis shows the choice between ARC and PLC can substantially affect the level of support producers receive.

“As producers prepare to make ARC/PLC decisions for the 2026 crop year, it is important to understand that the program elected determines the income support they receive,” Bafowaa said. “When the enrolled program triggers less payment than the alternative, the payment received provides less income support. This webinar will help producers understand the financial implications of program election. It will also provide guidance to assist them in making informed decisions.”

ARC aims to protect against revenue losses caused by lower prices and yields, while PLC provides protection when market prices fall below established reference prices. Rabinowitz stressed that it has been over a year since the last ARC/PLC decision, and there were changes to these programs since that time.

“The timing of the 2026 crop year decision is also very unique, coming after much of the 2026 crop has been harvested,” he added. “Producers should make sure they use all information that is available to them to maximize the safety net. We will help provide that practical guidance specific for Alabama producers to make the most informed decision for their operation.”

The webinar will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Register at https://www.aces.edu/go/arcplc.