In accordance with a need to help crop producers manage risks more efficiently, the 2014 Farm Bill programs are said to be the most significant reforms to the agriculture community in many years.

Specifically, the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs feature online tools to help producers enter statistics about their operations and predict possible outcomes in various crop production scenarios. Visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc for complete information, available on computers and mobile devices.

Here are some key dates associated with these programs:

• Sept. 29, 2014, to Feb. 27, 2015: Crop yield history and reallocation of base acres may be updated with a visit to your local Farm Service Agency office.
• Nov. 17, 2014, to March 31, 2015: Producers may choose either ARC or PLC for the 2014 through 2018 crop years.
• Mid-April 2015 through summer 2015: Contracts may be signed by producers for 2014 and 2015 crop years.
• October 2015: Payments may be made for the 2014 crop year, if earned.

Farm Service Agency will also be conducting informational meetings in various locations statewide in conjunction with the University of Missouri Extension. Please contact your local FSA office or click here for upcoming calendar events and meetings.

Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.