By Jason Vance
Contributor

As farmers across the country wrap up harvest and begin preparing for the next growing season, the Farm Service Agency is reminding producers to pay attention to important program deadlines, including sign-up periods for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage.

David Schemm, Kansas Farm Service Agency state executive director, said fall is a busy time for farmers and ranchers, but producers should make time to visit their local FSA office and review the programs available to them.

One of the most immediate priorities is enrollment in the 2026 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The sign-up period runs through Dec. 11, and producers must make an election between the two programs.

Schemm said producers also have an opportunity to enroll in a multi-year contract covering 2026 through 2031. Those who choose that option can still change their ARC or PLC election in future years.

The Working Families Tax Cut Act also provided 30 million additional base acres nationwide. Kansas producers received approximately 1.67 million additional base acres, affecting more than 53,000 farms across the state.

Producers should have already received notification from FSA regarding additional base acres allocated to their operations. Those acres will be reflected in ARC and PLC calculations beginning with the 2026 program year.

Schemm emphasized that payments producers received in October were associated with the 2025 program year and did not include the additional base acres. However, those payments did reflect higher reference prices established under the legislation.

Looking ahead, FSA also has begun enrollment for the 2027 Dairy Margin Coverage program. The program provides financial protection to dairy producers when the difference between milk prices and feed costs falls below selected coverage levels.

The 2027 enrollment period opened Oct. 1 and continues through Dec. 18. Schemm said producers who selected the $9.50-per-hundredweight coverage level have already triggered payments, with processing beginning Sept. 30.

Although most FSA programs operate on the federal fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, some programs, including Dairy Margin Coverage, follow a calendar-year schedule. Schemm encouraged producers to pay close attention to individual program deadlines rather than assume all enrollment periods follow the same timetable.

FSA also offers marketing assistance loans that can help crop producers manage cash flow and marketing decisions during harvest. The short-term loans carry relatively low interest rates and are available for eligible commodities, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and grain sorghum.

Producers who harvest and place crops in on-farm storage may be eligible to use those commodities as collateral for a marketing assistance loan.

Loans also may be available for grain stored at commercial elevators, although Schemm cautioned producers to discuss the arrangement with their elevator or storage facility before making a decision. A warehouse receipt is required when using a commercial storage facility as collateral.

Beyond commodity loans, FSA offers operating and farm ownership loans for producers who need assistance financing their operations or purchasing farmland.

Schemm said producers experiencing financial difficulties, including those having trouble obtaining credit through commercial lenders, should contact their local FSA office to discuss available options.

Beginning farmers also have access to specialized loan programs designed to help them establish and grow their operations.

Schemm noted that the definition of a beginning farmer is not necessarily tied to age. Under FSA guidelines, a beginning farmer generally is someone who has been actively farming for 10 years or less.

That means someone returning to a family farm later in life may qualify, even if they are in their 30s, 40s or 50s. The designation is based on farming experience and participation in agricultural programs, not simply how old someone is.

Schemm also addressed the administration’s recently announced Harvest Fuel Relief program, saying additional information is expected as federal officials develop program rules and application procedures.

He said FSA is working through the details with officials in Washington, D.C., and will share information with producers as it becomes available.

In the meantime, Schemm encouraged farmers and ranchers to stay informed by regularly visiting Farmers.gov and maintaining access to their Login.gov accounts.

Many FSA programs now allow producers to complete applications electronically, providing another option for those who may have difficulty making an in-person visit during busy seasons.

Schemm said the online system has made it easier for producers to access assistance programs, including Farmer Bridge Assistance, and additional programs are expected to offer similar application options.

With several enrollment periods underway and additional assistance programs in development, Schemm encouraged producers not to wait until the last minute to explore their options.

Whether reviewing ARC and PLC coverage, applying for a loan or seeking assistance through a new federal program, producers can contact their local FSA office for information about eligibility, deadlines and application requirements.