Montana farmers can now sign up for updated federal safety net programs that feature the first expansion of eligible land in twenty years.The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is adding more than thirty million new base acres to the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. The expansion is funded by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
Because nationwide demand exceeded the legislative cap, the Farm Service Agency is applying a uniform reduction of nearly three-point-seven percent to all newly added acres. Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says the update increases access to the safety net and allows farmers to change their program elections to best support their operations.
Sign-up for the 2026 crop year runs through December 11th, while enrollment for 2027 begins November 2nd. Producers must sign a contract to enroll and can complete the process online or at their local Farm Service Agency office.
