AMES, Iowa—Crop farmers have until March 15 to make their annual election for Price Loss Coverage or Agriculture Risk Coverage (at the individual or county levels) under the 2018 Farm Bill.

This annual decision impacts the 2022 crop year, consistent with the 2018 Farm Bill. Similar annual decisions, for the 2023 crop year, will coincide with the final year of the bill.

In order to help Iowans understand their options for 2022, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is holding a variety of upcoming meetings, with support from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.

Meeting options include in-person and virtual events. Those who would prefer to attend a virtual learning session can visit the Ag Decision Maker Farm Bill information and resources webpage at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html.

“The key decision is between Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage (county or individual),” said Gary Wright, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “A farmer’s choices will depend on the type of operation, where located and their price outlook.”

Wright explained that PLC payments are triggered when the marketing year average price falls below the reference prices of $3.70 per bushel for corn and $8.40 per bushel for soybeans. Whereas ARC-CO payments are triggered when actual county revenue for the crop is less than the guarantee. Wright says current USDA price projections for 2022 are $4.80 per bushel for corn and $10.50 per bushel for soybeans.

“As with the past 2018 Farm Bill workshops, these sessions will involve the use of tools taken directly from Ag Decision Maker,” Wright said. “The producers’ overall 2022 crop decisions by March 15 will want to include (a) the federal crop program election (ARC or PLC); and (b) a thorough review of their crop insurance options. These two decisions should be evaluated jointly, following consultation with their trusted crop insurance agent (in regard to annual premiums), to ensure the desired risk management steps are being fully considered.”

Ag producers and landowners are encouraged to be proactive and attend an in-person or virtual session if they have questions about their options. In-person sessions will be approximately two hours in length, with time for questions. There is no charge to attend but pre-registration is encouraged. Webinars are one hour, including time for questions. All webinars are recording for later viewing.

In-person meetings in northwest Iowa include:

• Feb. 15, 1-3 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Palo Alto County office, 2008 10th St., Emmetsburg; Preregister to 712-852-2865.
• Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Cherokee County office, 209 Centennial Dr., Cherokee; Preregister to 712-225-6196.
• Feb. 17, 9-11 a.m. – Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, Room 117, 603 W. Park St., Sheldon; Preregister to 712-957-5045.
• Feb. 18, 9-11 a.m. – Grace United Methodist Church, 311 2nd Ave., Spencer; Preregister to 712-262-2264.

Additional questions can be directed to Gary Wright at 712-223-1574 or gdwright@iastate.edu.

February Ag Marketing Clubs in central Iowa with a focus on 2022 Farm Bill and crop insurance decisions:

• Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden, 114 SW 8th St., Ogden. Pre-registration required at 515-432-3882.
• Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. at the Conrad American Legion, 102 E. Center St., Conrad. Pre-registration required at 319-824-6979.
• Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. at 1st State Bank in Lynnville, 413 East Street, Lynville. Pre-registration required at 641-623-5188.
• Feb 18, 9:30 a.m., Ag Coffee, Farm Bill, Alexis Stevens, west central Iowa farm management specialist.

Additional questions can be directed to Patrick Hatting at 515-957-5790 or hatting@iastate.edu.

Webinar sessions are as follows:

• Feb. 11, noon, Ag Decision Maker Tools & Program Analysis, Alejandro Plastina, ISU Extension and Outreach.
• Feb. 15, noon, 2022 Farm Bill Decisions: Central Iowa, Patrick Hatting, ISU Extension and Outreach central Iowa farm management field specialist.
• Feb. 16, noon, 2022 Farm Bill Decisions: Northern Iowa, Kelvin Leibold, ISU Extension and Outreach north central Iowa farm management field specialist.
• Feb. 17, 2022, 11 a.m., 2022 Farm Bill Decisions: Western Iowa, Alexis Stevens and Tim Christensen, ISU Extension and Outreach west central and southwest Iowa farm management field specialists.

REPLAY – Jan. 11, Program Sign-up with USDA FSA, Katie Kramer and Kevin McClure, USDA Farm Service Agency.