ISU Extension to conduct November 17 Farm Bill Program Overview Meeting

Farmers and landowners will learn about the new programs authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2104 (commonly referred to as the Farm Bill) at an informational meeting conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and local USDA Farm Service Agency staff members. A local meeting will be held November 17 at Farmers and Merchants Saving Bank in Waukon, beginning at 1 p.m.
The Farm Bill – Program Overview meetings will focus on the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) that will be administered by USDA Farm Service Agency, and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) administered by USDA Risk Management Agency through federal crop insurance providers.
“Extension farm management specialists are prepared to discuss decisions farmers and landowners will need to make in the coming months regarding Price Loss Coverage, County Agricultural Risk Coverage, and Individual Agricultural Risk Coverage options,” said  Kristen Schulte, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Joining Extension and Outreach at the meetings will be local FSA staff members who administer the programs.”

The main topics that will be covered during the meetings include:
• Base reallocation
• Yield updating
• Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
• Ag Risk Coverage (ARC)
• Implications of PLC and ARC on participation in the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)
• Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP)
• Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).
The timeline for when decisions need to be made along with information about online Farm Bill decision tools will also be shared at the meetings.
Contact the Allamakee County Extension office at 563-568-6345 to register for the November 17 meeting at Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank in Waukon. Registration is required to make sure there are enough information sheets for all who are attending.
Farm Bill meetings for the fall and winter months continue to be added to the  ISU Extension and Outreach Statewide Calendar. For other meeting locations and dates visit the Ag Decision Maker Farm Bill website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html or contact the county extension office. The Ag Decision Maker website also contains useful links and resources related to Farm Bill decision making.