The deadline isn’t until March 15, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about a key risk management decision for the 2021 crop year now. The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs both offer protection from crop production and revenue losses, but one program may be a better fit for your operation than the other. The ARC program is tied to historical base acres and payments in the county-level program are based on the difference between actual county crop revenue and ARC commodity guarantees. On the other hand, PLC payments are based on established national cash prices for covered commodities. Those prices will likely be higher for the 2021 crop year given the latest market action, but the right selection often depends on your pricing expectations and area production history. Experts agree it’s a decision to consider and confirm with your local FSA office well ahead of the March 15 deadline. See more on what to think about on this big decision.