The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the 2025 enrollment periods for key safety-net programs: Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). Agricultural producers can apply for ARC and PLC for the 2025 crop year from January 21 to April 15, and for DMC coverage from January 29 to March 31, through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
ARC and PLC offer financial protection to farmers against significant drops in crop prices or revenues, serving as crucial safety nets for most U.S. farms. DMC, on the other hand, provides price support to help offset differences in milk and feed prices.
The American Relief Act of 2025 extended several Farm Bill programs, including ARC, PLC, and DMC, for an additional year.
Producers can enroll in ARC-County (ARC-CO) or PLC for crop-specific protection, or ARC-Individual (ARC-IC) for farm-wide coverage. Election changes for 2025 are optional, but enrollment through a signed contract is required each year. If no revision is submitted by April 15, the 2024 election carries over. Farm owners must have a share in the cropland to enroll. Covered commodities include barley, corn, soybeans, wheat, and more.
ARC and PLC elections may impact eligibility for certain crop insurance products like the Supplemental Coverage Option and STAX for cotton producers.
Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) is a voluntary program offering protection for dairy producers when the milk-feed price margin falls below a selected amount. DMC has varying coverage levels, including a free option with a $100 administrative fee, which is waived for certain producers. Payments reflect updated feed costs, using 100% premium alfalfa hay. For more information, producers can visit the USDA webpage or contact a local USDA Service Center.
For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit the ARC and PLC webpage or contact their local USDA Service Center.
For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage.
Producers can apply for ARC, PLC and DMC through the FSA at their local USDA Service Center.
