By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), is providing approximately $808 million in farm safety net and conservation payments to farmers, ranchers, and landowners across Kansas. The funding is intended to strengthen agricultural operations, support rural economies, and help producers manage financial risks.
The assistance includes payments through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year, along with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments for 2026. Nationwide, USDA announced $13.8 billion in ARC and PLC payments and an additional $1.8 billion in CRP support.
The funding is expected to help producers cover production costs, invest in equipment, and maintain farm and ranch operations. It also provides economic benefits to local businesses and communities that depend on agriculture.
Recent changes under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) strengthened ARC and PLC programs beginning with the 2025 crop year. The legislation increased reference prices and allows producers to automatically receive the higher payment rate available through either ARC or PLC.
The law also raised the ARC and PLC payment limit, which reached $160,000 for the 2025 crop year. These changes are designed to provide stronger financial protection for producers facing market challenges.
In Kansas, ten crops qualified for PLC payments in 2025, including canola, corn, oats, dry peas, seed cotton, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower, and wheat. The program provides support when commodity prices fall below established reference levels.
Producers can continue enrolling in ARC and PLC programs for future crop years. Enrollment for the 2026 crop year runs through December 11, 2026, while the 2027 enrollment period continues through March 15, 2027.
Kansas also received more than 1.67 million additional base acres under WFTCA provisions. These acres will strengthen program benefits beginning with the 2026 crop year and beyond.
Conservation programs remain a key component of USDA assistance. For 2026, CRP payments in Kansas cover 182,537 acres, helping landowners implement conservation practices that protect natural resources and wildlife habitat.
Grassland CRP continues to play a major role in the state, with approximately 98,956 acres expected to be enrolled following the 2026 signup period. The program supports grassland conservation while allowing livestock grazing and hay production to continue.
Through farm safety net programs and conservation initiatives, USDA's investment is helping Kansas producers manage risk, protect natural resources, and support the long-term strength of rural communities.
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Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle