UADA, FSA host Oct. 22 webinar on ARC, PLC
Oct. 15, 2026
By Mary Hightower
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Webinar focus is on ARC and PLC
- Register for webinar online
- Webinar runs from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
(460 words)
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LITTLE ROCK — With the 2026 enrollment period for PLC and ARC — two key commodity support programs — moved from spring to winter, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, Oct. 22, to offer program updates and answer questions.
Speakers for the webinar are Hunter Biram, extension economist for UADA, Ty Davis, FSA state executive director in Arkansas, and Stephen Walker, Arkansas Farm Programs chief for the FSA, who will be discussing updates on Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage, better known as PLC and ARC.
Commodity crop producers can make elections and enroll for the 2026 crop year from now through Dec. 11, 2026, and for the 2027 crop year from Nov. 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027. Producers can learn about the ARC and PLC options for 2026 and 2027 during the FSA/UADA webinar.
The webinar begins at 10 a.m. Attendees can register for the hourlong webinar online.
“With the 2026 ARC and PLC election and enrollment window now open, we’ll review key points producers need to know as they work with their local FSA office,” said Davis. “All ARC and PLC program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections and enroll ahead of the deadline. If producers do not make a 2026 ARC or PLC program election and enroll through a signed contract by Dec. 11, 2026, they will be ineligible for 2026 program assistance.”
“2026 is a bit unusual in that the enrollment period deadline was moved from spring to fall,” Biram said. “We’ll be discussing that change, program updates, as well as factors farmers might consider as they evaluate their coverage decisions.”
“The later enrollment period allowed time to address the addition of 30 million base acres and complete other administrative requirements,” he said. “The later sign-up gives producers a clearer picture of anticipated county yields as the 2026 growing season progresses.”
Among the points of discussion are how producers can use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s monthly price projections and improved yield data to make more informed ARC/PLC elections for the 2026 crop year, he said.
Biram is also associate director of the Southern Risk Management Education Center and a part of the Fryar Price Risk Management Center of Excellence.
Prior to his appointment, Davis served as state agriculture liaison for U.S. Senator John Boozman. He was raised and currently resides on his family’s rice, soybean and corn farm in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and continues to support the operation as a fourth-generation farmer.
Walker serves as the Farm Programs chief for Arkansas Farm Service Agency, where he oversees farm program delivery and county operations across the state. He works closely with field offices and is committed to advancing service delivery to all farmers and ranchers statewide.
About UADA
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, UADA conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
UADA is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three university campuses.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Hunter Biram at hbiram@uada.edu or 501-671-2168 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact:
Nick Kordsmeier
nkordsme@uada.edu