MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Farmers Can Review Federal Crop Coverage Choices at November Webinar Before December Enrollment Deadline

SAINT PAUL, MN (October 20, 2026). University of Minnesota Extension will offer a free November 17 webinar to help farmers evaluate federal crop safety-net choices before the December 11 deadline announced by the USDA Farm Service Agency.

The session runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central time and is intended for farmers and agricultural professionals. Registration is required to receive the online meeting link.

The Farm Service Agency announced the webinar October 19, identifying Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage as its focus.

Those programs provide financial assistance when eligible producers experience substantial reductions in crop prices or revenues. The available choices include crop-by-crop ARC-County or PLC coverage, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm.

The webinar will review actual 2025 payments, changes to ARC and PLC and strategies for making 2026 crop-year decisions. Extension’s agenda also includes a review of the choices farmers have made among the programs.

For producers, the session provides an opportunity to examine those choices before completing paperwork with their local Farm Service Agency office. Participating in the webinar does not complete enrollment.

The federal announcement emphasizes that annual enrollment requires a signed contract. It also warns of payment consequences when a producer fails to make a valid election, even if the previous program selection continues.

Farmers should therefore review both their coverage selection and the enrollment status of the relevant farm rather than assume that an earlier choice completes the current year’s requirements. The agency lists December 11 as the deadline for 2026 elections and enrollment.

Extension lists the webinar as free. The Farm Service Agency says it will be recorded and made available for later viewing, offering an option for producers unable to attend the live presentation.

Advance registration is available through Extension’s 2026 Farm Bill decision page. The page provides an event contact and accommodation information.

Participants needing disability accommodations should contact organizers in advance. Extension says interpreter services may be available with an advance request, while the Farm Service Agency announcement separately provides contact information for accommodation arrangements.

The educational session will explain the programs and decision factors. Producers remain responsible for completing their individual election and enrollment requirements with the Farm Service Agency.

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