South Dakota Producers Urged to Enroll

By Scout Nelson

Agricultural producers are reminded to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year by April 15, 2025. These vital USDA safety net programs provide income support to producers facing sharp declines in crop prices or revenue.

In South Dakota, 87% of expected enrollments are already completed, with more than 51,000 contracts signed. Producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to revise elections or finalize contracts before the deadline.

“Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer,” said the Deputy State Executive Director for FSA in South Dakota. Producers may choose ARC-County or PLC for crop-specific protection or ARC-Individual for whole-farm coverage. While election changes are optional, enrollment is required every year with a signed contract.

If no election change is made by April 15, the previous year's election will carry over. However, producers who do not complete enrollment will not be eligible for 2025 payments. Only farm owners with a share interest in the crop may enroll.

Eligible crops include barley, corn, soybeans, wheat, sunflower seed, dry peas, lentils, and more. Online tools are available to help producers make informed decisions based on their operation data.

Participation in ARC or PLC may affect eligibility for crop insurance. Producers enrolled in PLC can access the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), but ARC participants are not eligible for SCO on the same acres. ECO coverage remains unaffected by ARC enrollment.

Photo Credits:usda