Dooly County, Georgia

ARC or PLC: the short answer for Dooly County, Georgia

By Sigurd Lindquist, a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA).

What pays more on your base acres for a typical farm here, crop by crop. 2026 signup ends Dec 11.

Is your farm’s PLC yield lower, about the same, or higher than most farms here?

Your PLC yield is on your farm’s FSA-156EZ. Not sure? Leave it on About the same.

Your main crops

Clear pickLeansCloseNo answer yet

Seed cotton · irrigated

PLCLeans

PLC comes out about $29 more per base acre, but that swings from year to year. ARC-CO did not come out ahead in any of the 11 price years we ran. Seed cotton borrows corn’s price swings, so it stops at Leans.

PLC only pays if seed cotton averages under 42 cents a pound for 2026.

Figured with the county’s all-practice PLC yield; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher.

Non-irrigated ground: ask your FSA office.

2027: waiting on USDA’s closing 2025 price

Peanuts · irrigated

PLCLeans

PLC comes out about $98 more per base acre, but that swings from year to year. ARC-CO did not come out ahead in any of the 11 price years we ran. Peanuts borrow corn’s price swings, so they stop at Leans.

PLC only pays if peanuts average under 31.5 cents a pound for 2026.

Figured with the county’s all-practice PLC yield; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher.

Non-irrigated ground: ask your FSA office.

2027: no 2027 price yet

Wheat · non-irrigated

Either oneClose

They come out about $1 apart per base acre. Too small to matter.

PLC only pays if wheat averages under $6.35 a bushel for 2026.

Irrigated ground: either one. Figured with the county’s all-practice PLC yield; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher.

2027: no 2027 price yet

Smaller crops here

Each has under 4,600 enrolled base acres in the whole county (FSA, program year 2025).

Soybeans · non-irrigated

Neither expected to payClose

Neither one is likely to pay on soybeans for 2026 at USDA’s price outlook ($12.00).

PLC only pays if soybeans average under $10.71 a bushel for 2026.

Irrigated ground: neither pays. Figured with the county’s all-practice PLC yield; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher.

2027: leans ARC-CO

Corn · irrigated

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $5 more per base acre, but that swings from year to year. PLC did not come out ahead in any of the 11 price years we ran.

PLC only pays if corn averages under $4.42 a bushel for 2026.

Figured with the county’s all-practice PLC yield; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher.

Non-irrigated ground: ask your FSA office.

2027: leans ARC-CO

Deadlines

Counter sheet for the FSA office Share this county

Show the math

2026. The 2026 crop is mostly harvested, so each scenario uses a normal Dooly County crop (FSA’s 2026 benchmark yield) and only the price moves. Prices start from USDA’s projected 2026/27 season-average prices (FSA table of Sep 11, 2026: seed cotton $0.4114, peanuts $0.2400; USDA WASDE, Oct 9, 2026: wheat $6.30, soybeans $12.00, corn $4.70). Around that price we ran each past year with a final USDA price: how far that year’s final season-average price ended from October futures, for corn and soybeans. Seed cotton, peanuts, wheat have no October futures history of their own, so they borrow corn’s October swings (wheat its own price changes, scaled to corn’s size) and stop at Leans.

Two price starts. Corn: USDA $4.70; futures-based $4.97 (Dec '26 October average so far, $5.01 over 5 of 22 trading days, × 0.991, the 2015 to 2025 average of final price / October futures). Here, the typical farm’s answer at that start: neither expected to pay, against leans ARC-CO at USDA’s start. Soybeans: USDA $12.00; futures-based $12.84 (Nov '26 October average so far, $12.89 over 5 of 22 trading days, × 0.996, the 2015 to 2025 average of final price / October futures). Here, the typical farm’s answer at that start: neither expected to pay (the same). Where the two disagree on which program leads, or on a clear pick, a clear pick drops to Leans.

2027. Corn and soybeans start from futures: corn $4.91 (Dec 2027 corn futures $5.12 (Oct 9, 2026) × 0.959, the 2011 to 2025 average of final MYA / February futures); soybeans $12.17 (Nov 2027 soybean futures $12.45 (Oct 9, 2026) × 0.978, the 2011 to 2025 average of final MYA / February futures). Each scenario year also moves the county yield the way it moved that year. Peanuts, wheat: no 2027 price outlook we can check against past years, so no 2027 answer. Seed cotton wait on USDA’s closing 2025 price, which sets the 2027 reference price.

Typical farm. FSA’s county average PLC yield (seed cotton 2,102.1 lb; peanuts 3,617.5 lb; wheat 45.8 bu; soybeans 25.4 bu; corn 140.7 bu) and FSA’s official benchmark. “Lower” and “Higher” mean 15% under or over the county average. Payments are per base acre and count FSA’s 85% payment acres, before sequestration and payment limits.

How we call it. Clear pick when one program averages at least $2.00 more per base acre, the gap is more than t times its standard error (2.26 for 10 years, 2.23 for 11), and it paid more in at least 3 of the years. Leans when the gap is at least $3.00 and one standard error, and it paid more in at least 3 years. Close otherwise. When both round to $0: neither expected to pay.

Average payment per base acre over the scenario years, typical farm (about the same PLC yield).
CropPracticeYearPLCARC-COAnswer
Seed cottonNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
Seed cottonNon-irrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
Seed cottonIrrigated2026$31.25$2.26Leans PLC
Seed cottonIrrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
PeanutsNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
PeanutsNon-irrigated2027nonenoneAsk FSA
PeanutsIrrigated2026$230.62$132.88Leans PLC
PeanutsIrrigated2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
WheatNon-irrigated2026$8.44$7.24Either one
WheatNon-irrigated2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
WheatIrrigated2026$8.44$9.60Either one
WheatIrrigated2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
SoybeansNon-irrigated2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansNon-irrigated2027$2.05$15.18Leans ARC-CO
SoybeansIrrigated2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansIrrigated2027$2.05$19.37ARC-CO
CornNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
CornNon-irrigated2027nonenoneAsk FSA
CornIrrigated2026$1.00$6.44Leans ARC-CO
CornIrrigated2027$10.93$37.28Leans ARC-CO

Sources. FSA 2026 ARC-CO benchmark yields (county file of Jan 16, 2026); FSA county average PLC yields, program year 2025; FSA price tables of Sep 11, 2026; USDA WASDE, Oct 9, 2026; CME futures: Dec 2026 corn and Nov 2026 soybean October average through Oct 8, 2026; Dec 2027 corn and Nov 2027 soybean close of Oct 9, 2026; USDA NASS season-average prices for closed marketing years; FSA ARC-CO county files, program years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 (county yields and payments). Full method and back-test.

Seed cotton 2026 in Dooly County: Leans PLC

FSA’s seed cotton price is its own weighted average of the upland cotton lint price and the cottonseed price. We use FSA’s seed cotton series as published and never build it from the lint price. All seed cotton counties.

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (2,102.1 lb) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (1,844.76 lb), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans PLC: expected about $28.99 more per base acre; ARC-CO did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $31.25 PLC vs $2.26 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 8 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.4200, up to $214.41 per base acre at the $0.3000 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $125.32 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 2 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $0.4114, PLC is expected to pay $31.25 and ARC-CO $2.26 per base acre.

2027: Waiting on USDA’s closing 2025 season-average price, which sets the 2027 reference price. The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 2,102.1 lb (program year 2025) and the official 2,849.93 lb benchmark. That PLC yield is FSA’s average over all practices, irrigated and not; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled seed cotton base in this county: 2,102.1 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)2,849.93 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.4311
Benchmark revenue$1,228.60/ac
Guarantee (90%)$1,105.74/ac
Max payment (12%)$147.43/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$125.32

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 2853.02 · 2021: 2779.06 · 2022: 3018.17 (dropped) · 2023: 2917.68 · 2024: 2746.39 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 2,849.93 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.4200/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 2,632.7 lb, reaching its cap below 2,281.7 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 2,849.93 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
1,710.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3337 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.3338 to $0.3399. PLC pays more from $0.3400 to $0.4199. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
70%
1,995.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
80%
2,279.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
90%
2,564.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
100%
2,849.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20212,967.34$0.36702645.98none
20222,870.62$0.36702911.70none
20232,809.10$0.36702837.83none
20242,833.99$0.39582693.16$47.90
20252,906.14$0.43112832.91$150.34

Program year; benchmark yield in lb/acre; benchmark price $/lb; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Non-irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)1,844.76 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.4311
Benchmark revenue$795.28/ac
Guarantee (90%)$715.75/ac
Max payment (12%)$95.43/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$81.12

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 1901.38 · 2021: 2222.95 (dropped) · 2022: 1737.74 · 2023: 1895.16 · 2024: 1580.88 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 1,844.76 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.4200/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 1,704.2 lb, reaching its cap below 1,476.9 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 1,844.76 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
1,106.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3337 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.3338 to $0.3399. PLC pays more from $0.3400 to $0.4199. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
70%
1,291.3 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
80%
1,475.8 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
90%
1,660.3 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
100%
1,844.8 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20211,909.10$0.36702118.91none
20221,816.25$0.36701654.51none
20231,914.29$0.36701832.74none
20241,771.01$0.39581539.26$70.10
20251,845.77$0.43111886.16$73.34

Program year; benchmark yield in lb/acre; benchmark price $/lb; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Peanuts 2026 in Dooly County: Leans PLC

All peanuts counties.

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (3,617.5 lb) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (3,292.62 lb), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans PLC: expected about $97.74 more per base acre; ARC-CO did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $230.62 PLC vs $132.88 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 11 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.3150, up to $368.99 per base acre at the $0.1950 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $153.12 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 11 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $0.2400, PLC is expected to pay $230.62 and ARC-CO $132.88 per base acre.

2027: No 2027 price yet: there is no 2027 price outlook for this crop we can check against past years, so no call. Type a price in the calculator to see the dollars. The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 3,617.5 lb (program year 2025) and the official 4,765.72 lb benchmark. That PLC yield is FSA’s average over all practices, irrigated and not; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher. County yields from the Georgia average for this crop and practice (the county has fewer than 8 years). Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled peanuts base in this county: 3,617.5 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)4,765.72 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.3150
Benchmark revenue$1,501.20/ac
Guarantee (90%)$1,351.08/ac
Max payment (12%)$180.14/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$153.12

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 5160.07 (dropped) · 2021: 4952.28 · 2022: 4400.85 (dropped) · 2023: 4794.14 · 2024: 4550.75 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 4,765.72 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.3150/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 4,289.1 lb, reaching its cap below 3,717.3 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 4,765.72 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
2,859.4 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
70%
3,336.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
80%
3,812.6 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
90%
4,289.1 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
100%
4,765.7 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20254,922.16$0.31504717.99$186.06

Program year; benchmark yield in lb/acre; benchmark price $/lb; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Non-irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)3,292.62 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.3150
Benchmark revenue$1,037.18/ac
Guarantee (90%)$933.46/ac
Max payment (12%)$124.46/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$105.79

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 3572.75 · 2021: 3882.58 (dropped) · 2022: 2966 (dropped) · 2023: 3262.71 · 2024: 3042.4 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 3,292.62 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.3150/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 2,963.4 lb, reaching its cap below 2,568.2 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 3,292.62 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
1,975.6 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
70%
2,304.8 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
80%
2,634.1 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
90%
2,963.4 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.
100%
3,292.6 lb
PLC pays more at $0.3149 or lower. Neither pays at $0.3150 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20253,324.52$0.31503381.80$125.67

Program year; benchmark yield in lb/acre; benchmark price $/lb; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Wheat 2026 in Dooly County: Close, either one

Non-irrigated, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.20 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $8.44 PLC vs $7.24 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 6 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $102.39 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $33.74 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 6 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $6.30, PLC is expected to pay $8.44 and ARC-CO $7.24 per base acre.

2027: No 2027 price yet: there is no 2027 price outlook for this crop we can check against past years, so no call. Type a price in the calculator to see the dollars. The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 45.8 bu (program year 2025) and the official 47.39 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Irrigated, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.16 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $8.44 PLC vs $9.60 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 1 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 5).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $102.39 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $44.77 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 6 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $6.30, PLC is expected to pay $8.44 and ARC-CO $9.60 per base acre.

2027: No 2027 price yet: there is no 2027 price outlook for this crop we can check against past years, so no call. Type a price in the calculator to see the dollars. The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 45.8 bu (program year 2025) and the official 62.88 bu benchmark. That PLC yield is FSA’s average over all practices, irrigated and not; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled wheat base in this county: 45.8 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)62.88 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$438.90/ac
Guarantee (90%)$395.01/ac
Max payment (12%)$52.67/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$44.77

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 59.79 · 2021: 71.21 (dropped) · 2022: 54.33 (dropped) · 2023: 57.86 · 2024: 71 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 62.88 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($6.35/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 62.2 bu, reaching its cap below 53.9 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 62.88 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
37.7 bu
PLC pays more at $4.95 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.96 to $6.17. Both pay the same at $6.18. PLC pays more from $6.19 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
70%
44.0 bu
PLC pays more at $5.15 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.16 to $6.12. PLC pays more from $6.13 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
80%
50.3 bu
PLC pays more at $5.30 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.31 to $6.00. Both pay the same at $6.01. PLC pays more from $6.02 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
90%
56.6 bu
PLC pays more at $5.41 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.42 to $5.66. Both pay the same at $5.67. PLC pays more from $5.68 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
100%
62.9 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202156.50$5.5068.96none
202256.64$5.5052.53none
202358.46$5.5056.51none
202458.90$6.2170.10none
202558.48$6.9874.26none

Program year; benchmark yield in bu/acre; benchmark price $/bu; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Non-irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)47.39 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$330.78/ac
Guarantee (90%)$297.70/ac
Max payment (12%)$39.69/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$33.74

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 45.99 · 2021: 53.45 · 2022: 65.48 (dropped) · 2023: 42.73 · 2024: 38.44 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 47.39 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($6.35/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 46.9 bu, reaching its cap below 40.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 47.39 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
28.4 bu
PLC pays more at $4.95 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.96 to $6.18. PLC pays more from $6.19 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
70%
33.2 bu
PLC pays more at $5.15 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.16 to $6.12. PLC pays more from $6.13 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
80%
37.9 bu
PLC pays more at $5.30 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.31 to $6.01. PLC pays more from $6.02 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
90%
42.7 bu
PLC pays more at $5.42 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.43 to $5.66. PLC pays more from $5.67 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
100%
47.4 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202147.77$5.5051.35none
202248.33$5.5063.80none
202351.53$5.5041.47none
202456.48$6.2137.11$35.07
202552.37$6.9843.97$43.86

Program year; benchmark yield in bu/acre; benchmark price $/bu; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Soybeans 2026 in Dooly County: Neither expected to pay

Non-irrigated, 2026: Neither expected to pay (expected $0 PLC vs $0 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $10.71, up to $83.99 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $43.91 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 0 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $12.00, PLC is expected to pay $0 and ARC-CO $0 per base acre.

2027: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $13.13 more per base acre; but the gap is within the normal swing, so PLC is a defensible choice (expected $2.05 PLC vs $15.18 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 1 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 4). The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 25.4 bu (program year 2025) and the official 35.37 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Irrigated, 2026: Neither expected to pay (expected $0 PLC vs $0 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $10.71, up to $83.99 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $62.51 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 0 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $12.00, PLC is expected to pay $0 and ARC-CO $0 per base acre.

2027: Pick ARC-CO (expected $2.05 PLC vs $19.37 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 1 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 4). The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 25.4 bu (program year 2025) and the official 50.36 bu benchmark. That PLC yield is FSA’s average over all practices, irrigated and not; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled soybeans base in this county: 25.4 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)50.36 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$612.88/ac
Guarantee (90%)$551.59/ac
Max payment (12%)$73.55/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$62.51

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 47.11 · 2021: 66.29 (dropped) · 2022: 41.28 (dropped) · 2023: 55.74 · 2024: 48.23 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 50.36 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($10.71/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 51.5 bu, reaching its cap below 44.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 50.36 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
30.2 bu
PLC pays more at $8.27 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.28 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
70%
35.3 bu
PLC pays more at $8.62 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.63 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
80%
40.3 bu
PLC pays more at $8.88 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.89 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
90%
45.3 bu
PLC pays more at $9.08 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $9.09 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
100%
50.4 bu
PLC pays more at $9.25 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $9.26 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202150.02$8.9564.19none
202250.33$9.1239.60none
202352.19$9.5754.48none
202449.23$11.1247.39none
202554.51$12.1749.81$74.04

Program year; benchmark yield in bu/acre; benchmark price $/bu; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Non-irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)35.37 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$430.45/ac
Guarantee (90%)$387.41/ac
Max payment (12%)$51.65/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$43.91

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 37.93 · 2021: 27.69 (dropped) · 2022: 41.94 (dropped) · 2023: 38.46 · 2024: 29.73 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 35.37 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($10.71/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 36.2 bu, reaching its cap below 31.3 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 35.37 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
21.2 bu
PLC pays more at $8.27 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.28 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
70%
24.8 bu
PLC pays more at $8.62 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.63 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
80%
28.3 bu
PLC pays more at $8.88 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.89 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
90%
31.8 bu
PLC pays more at $9.08 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $9.09 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
100%
35.4 bu
PLC pays more at $9.25 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $9.26 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202123.96$8.9525.99none
202224.23$9.1240.58none
202325.84$9.5737.44none
202429.03$11.1229.05none
202534.39$12.1720.39$50.22

Program year; benchmark yield in bu/acre; benchmark price $/bu; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Corn 2026 in Dooly County: Leans ARC-CO

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (140.7 bu) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (113.09 bu), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $5.44 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $1.00 PLC vs $6.44 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 4).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $4.42, up to $239.19 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $114.95 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 4 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $4.70, PLC is expected to pay $1.00 and ARC-CO $6.44 per base acre.

2027: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $26.36 more per base acre; but the gap is within the normal swing, so PLC is a defensible choice (expected $10.93 PLC vs $37.28 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 1 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 3). The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 140.7 bu (program year 2025) and the official 224.05 bu benchmark. That PLC yield is FSA’s average over all practices, irrigated and not; an irrigated farm’s own is often higher. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled corn base in this county: 140.7 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)224.05 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$1,126.97/ac
Guarantee (90%)$1,014.27/ac
Max payment (12%)$135.24/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$114.95

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 249.71 · 2021: 254.82 (dropped) · 2022: 195.48 · 2023: 226.95 · 2024: 185.19 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 224.05 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($4.42/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 229.5 bu, reaching its cap below 198.9 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 224.05 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
134.4 bu
PLC pays more at $3.41 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.42 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
70%
156.8 bu
PLC pays more at $3.55 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.56 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
80%
179.2 bu
PLC pays more at $3.66 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.67 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
90%
201.6 bu
PLC pays more at $3.74 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.75 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
100%
224.1 bu
PLC pays more at $3.81 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.82 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2021236.91$3.70239.92none
2022239.07$3.70183.56none
2023242.11$3.98218.01none
2024240.07$4.85179.23$116.43
2025235.28$5.03197.76$142.02

Program year; benchmark yield in bu/acre; benchmark price $/bu; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Non-irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)113.09 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$568.84/ac
Guarantee (90%)$511.96/ac
Max payment (12%)$68.26/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$58.02

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 126.68 · 2021: 147.58 (dropped) · 2022: 92.32 (dropped) · 2023: 107.24 · 2024: 105.36 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 113.09 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($4.42/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 115.8 bu, reaching its cap below 100.4 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 113.09 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
67.9 bu
PLC pays more at $3.41 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.42 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
70%
79.2 bu
PLC pays more at $3.55 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.56 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
80%
90.5 bu
PLC pays more at $3.66 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.67 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
90%
101.8 bu
PLC pays more at $3.74 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.75 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
100%
113.1 bu
PLC pays more at $3.81 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.82 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2021105.00$3.70138.18none
2022116.32$3.7050.40$40.51
2023126.97$3.9888.91$30.05
2024120.13$4.8535.54$58.26
2025116.54$5.0387.90$70.34

Program year; benchmark yield in bu/acre; benchmark price $/bu; actual county yield; ARC-CO payment rate per acre before the 85% factor. All from FSA’s files. Older program years use older windows and prices, so they are history, not this year’s benchmark.

Break-even prices are per base acre with both programs on 85% of base and 2026 prices. Your PLC yield is on the FSA-156EZ.

Run every number for your farm

Run your farm’s numbers

Run each crop on each FSA farm number separately. The election is made crop by crop, farm by farm.

From the FSA-156EZ. Base acres are not what you plant; each farm number has its own base.

On the FSA-156EZ for the farm. Each farm has its own.

Fills in from FSA’s official county file when we have it. You can type the number your county office gives you.

County average, not your farm. A normal year often comes in a bit above this.

USDA national season-average price for the marketing year, not your local cash price.

Goes on the printout and keeps each farm’s numbers apart on this device.

Loading FSA and USDA numbers for the calculator.

Questions about Dooly County

Should I pick ARC or PLC for seed cotton in Dooly County for 2026?

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans PLC: expected about $28.99 more per base acre; ARC-CO did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $31.25 PLC vs $2.26 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 8 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.4200, up to $214.41 per base acre at the $0.3000 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $125.32 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 2 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $0.4114, PLC is expected to pay $31.25 and ARC-CO $2.26 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for seed cotton in Dooly County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for seed cotton in Dooly County, Georgia is 2,849.93 lb (irrigated); 1,844.76 lb (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $0.4311 per pound. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for peanuts in Dooly County for 2026?

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans PLC: expected about $97.74 more per base acre; ARC-CO did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $230.62 PLC vs $132.88 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 11 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.3150, up to $368.99 per base acre at the $0.1950 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $153.12 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 11 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $0.2400, PLC is expected to pay $230.62 and ARC-CO $132.88 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for peanuts in Dooly County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for peanuts in Dooly County, Georgia is 4,765.72 lb (irrigated); 3,292.62 lb (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $0.3150 per pound. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for wheat in Dooly County for 2026?

For a typical farm (non-irrigated): Close, either one: about $1.20 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $8.44 PLC vs $7.24 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 6 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $102.39 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $33.74 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 6 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $6.30, PLC is expected to pay $8.44 and ARC-CO $7.24 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for wheat in Dooly County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for wheat in Dooly County, Georgia is 62.88 bu (irrigated); 47.39 bu (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $6.98 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for soybeans in Dooly County for 2026?

For a typical farm (non-irrigated): Neither expected to pay (expected $0 PLC vs $0 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). PLC pays on any season-average price below $10.71, up to $83.99 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $43.91 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 0 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $12.00, PLC is expected to pay $0 and ARC-CO $0 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for soybeans in Dooly County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for soybeans in Dooly County, Georgia is 50.36 bu (irrigated); 35.37 bu (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $12.17 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for corn in Dooly County for 2026?

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $5.44 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $1.00 PLC vs $6.44 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 4). PLC pays on any season-average price below $4.42, up to $239.19 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $114.95 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 4 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $4.70, PLC is expected to pay $1.00 and ARC-CO $6.44 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for corn in Dooly County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for corn in Dooly County, Georgia is 224.05 bu (irrigated); 113.09 bu (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $5.03 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

An estimate, not a USDA determination. Source: FSA ARC/PLC program data. Find your county office.

Related: All Georgia counties · ARC or PLC calculator and method · Dooly County in the Farmland Atlas

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