The 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act covers many aspects
of farm programs, rural development, international market enhancement, and
nutrition. Farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma extensively
utilize safety net programs and crop insurance, as well as conservation
programs. As such, the demand for farm bill education is
high in the year that new
programs are implemented.
Farmers with crop base acres had the option of electing to either the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) or Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programs for the 2019 and 2020 crop years. Many farmers were already familiar with these programs from the 2014 Farm Bill, but they needed an market condition update and an overview of technical changes in the programs prior to their new election decision. We reached traditional and historically underserved audiences, providing information and tools to assist in farm bill program decisions.
The PIs were extension specialists with OSU Extension that worked closely with area economists, county educators, and USDA personnel to help eligible individuals make timely decisions. The PIs worked with a team from KSU to update a decision tool and educate producers, bankers, crop insurance agents, and extension educators on the impacts of 2018 Farm Bill changes on their risk management decisions.