2014 Farm Bill
Here is a link to a good summary of the program by Tim Kelleher: Farm Bill Summary (pdf)
Grower Tools
Here is a link to a PLC and ARC payment calculator developed by Tim Kelleher for the California Rice Commission.
Farm Bill Stories
Tim Kelleher analysis of PLC and ARC-CO Payments
PLC payments are simple to calculate; multiply the farm’s PLC program yield by the difference between the national average farm price and $16.10. For every $0.01 the NAFP goes below $16.10, the payment rate/cwt goes up by $0.01. READ MORE
Agriculture Committees of Congress begin crafting a new Farm Bill
We know that farming communities get an early start to each day. Getting an early start to the next Farm Bill matches this spirit of early to rise. It also shows how moving an omnibus piece of legislation like a Farm Bill through Congress is increasingly harder. Leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees kick-started the legislative process in late February with hearings to receive input from growers across the country. READ MORE
What could PLC or ARC Payments be for California?
With rice prices continuing to be soft, we asked Tim Kelleher to review the PLC and ARC programs and provide some guidance on the level of potential payments for the 2016 crop. READ MORE
Enrollment period starting for Safety Net Coverage
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced ARC/PLC program sign-up begins November 1. In the attached announcement made by FSA Administrator Val Docini, the agency said farmers can visit their local FSA offices to enroll and sign contracts for the 2017 crop year. The enrollment period will last until August 1, 2017.
Deadlines for key programs fast approaching
In the event that price pressures continue, it is important that growers make sure they enroll in either the PLC or ARC programs as they apply to their farms. If prices end the year in the $14 – $16 range, both PLC and ARC will likely generate payments. READ MORE