Grant County, Kansas

ARC or PLC: the short answer for Grant County, Kansas

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

Wheat · 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.

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

Corn · irrigated

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $4 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: close, either one

Sorghum · irrigated

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $15 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. Sorghum borrows corn’s price swings, so it stops at Leans.

PLC only pays if sorghum averages under $4.67 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: waiting on USDA’s closing 2025 price

Smaller crops here

Each has under 1,300 enrolled base acres in the whole county (FSA, program year 2025).

Sunflower seed

Either oneClose

They come out about $2 apart per base acre. Too small to matter.

PLC only pays if sunflower seed averages under 23.75 cents a pound for 2026.

2027: waiting on USDA’s closing 2025 price

Barley

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $6 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. Barley borrows corn’s price swings, so it stops at Leans.

PLC only pays if barley averages under $5.58 a bushel for 2026.

2027: no 2027 price yet

Soybeans

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.

2027: close, either one

Oats

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $12 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. Oats borrow corn’s price swings, so they stop at Leans.

PLC only pays if oats average under $3.05 a bushel for 2026.

2027: no 2027 price yet

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 Grant County crop (FSA’s 2026 benchmark yield) and only the price moves. Prices start from USDA’s projected 2026/27 season-average prices (USDA WASDE, Oct 9, 2026: wheat $6.30, corn $4.70, sorghum $4.50, barley $5.70, soybeans $12.00, oats $3.35; FSA table of Sep 11, 2026: sunflower seed $0.2470). 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. Wheat, sorghum, sunflower seed, barley, oats 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. Wheat, barley, oats: no 2027 price outlook we can check against past years, so no 2027 answer. Sorghum, sunflower seed wait on USDA’s closing 2025 price, which sets the 2027 reference price.

Typical farm. FSA’s county average PLC yield (wheat 42.2 bu; corn 166.5 bu; sorghum 57.5 bu; sunflower seed 1,151.0 lb; barley 34.0 bu; soybeans 44.7 bu; oats 31.7 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
WheatNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
WheatNon-irrigated2027nonenoneAsk FSA
WheatIrrigated2026$7.77$9.15Either one
WheatIrrigated2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
CornNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
CornNon-irrigated2027nonenoneAsk FSA
CornIrrigated2026$1.19$5.53Leans ARC-CO
CornIrrigated2027$12.93$13.00Either one
SorghumNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
SorghumNon-irrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
SorghumIrrigated2026$12.24$26.89Leans ARC-CO
SorghumIrrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
Sunflower seedAll practices2026$1.60$0Either one
Sunflower seedAll practices2027nonenoneWait for USDA
BarleyAll practices2026$2.36$8.62Leans ARC-CO
BarleyAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
SoybeansAll practices2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansAll practices2027$3.61$5.96Either one
OatsAll practices2026$0$11.58Leans ARC-CO
OatsAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet

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.

Wheat 2026 in Grant County: Close, either one

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (42.2 bu) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (28.29 bu), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.38 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $7.77 PLC vs $9.15 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 5).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $94.34 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $42.67 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 $7.77 and ARC-CO $9.15 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 42.2 bu (program year 2025) and the official 59.93 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: 42.2 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)59.93 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$418.31/ac
Guarantee (90%)$376.48/ac
Max payment (12%)$50.20/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$42.67

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 58.03 · 2021: 69.53 (dropped) · 2022: 54.23 · 2023: 46.58 (dropped) · 2024: 67.52 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 59.93 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 59.3 bu, reaching its cap below 51.4 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 59.93 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
36.0 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%
42.0 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%
47.9 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%
53.9 bu
PLC pays more at $5.41 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.42 to $5.67. PLC pays more from $5.68 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
100%
59.9 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202162.56$5.5069.13none
202261.77$5.5053.91none
202361.85$5.5046.34none
202461.93$6.2167.36none
202558.45$6.9880.02none

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)28.29 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$197.46/ac
Guarantee (90%)$177.72/ac
Max payment (12%)$23.70/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$20.14

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 25.67 · 2021: 40.78 (dropped) · 2022: 18.64 · 2023: 18.58 (dropped) · 2024: 40.55 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 28.29 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 28.0 bu, reaching its cap below 24.3 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 28.29 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
17.0 bu
PLC pays more at $4.95 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.96 to $6.17. PLC pays more from $6.18 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
70%
19.8 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%
22.6 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%
25.5 bu
PLC pays more at $5.42 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.43 to $5.65. Both pay the same at $5.66. PLC pays more from $5.67 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
100%
28.3 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202134.66$5.5040.48none
202235.23$5.5015.79$19.38
202332.54$5.501.15$17.90
202432.60$6.2140.43none
202528.30$6.9844.21none

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 Grant County: Leans ARC-CO

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (166.5 bu) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (43.10 bu), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $4.34 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $1.19 PLC vs $5.53 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 $283.05 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $98.70 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 $1.19 and ARC-CO $5.53 per base acre.

2027: Close, either one: about $0.07 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $12.93 PLC vs $13.00 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 1 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 2). The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 166.5 bu (program year 2025) and the official 192.38 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: 166.5 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)192.38 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$967.67/ac
Guarantee (90%)$870.90/ac
Max payment (12%)$116.12/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$98.70

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 201.99 · 2021: 232.41 (dropped) · 2022: 175.46 (dropped) · 2023: 182.05 · 2024: 193.11 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 192.38 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 197.0 bu, reaching its cap below 170.8 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 192.38 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
115.4 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%
134.7 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%
153.9 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%
173.1 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%
192.4 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
2021211.61$3.70228.91none
2022204.19$3.70172.66none
2023204.60$3.98179.95none
2024202.44$4.85191.71$31.52
2025193.30$5.03215.76none

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)43.10 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$216.79/ac
Guarantee (90%)$195.11/ac
Max payment (12%)$26.02/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$22.11

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 41.29 · 2021: 45.62 · 2022: 36 (dropped) · 2023: 49.22 (dropped) · 2024: 42.4 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 43.10 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 44.1 bu, reaching its cap below 38.3 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 43.10 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
25.9 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%
30.2 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%
34.5 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%
38.8 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%
43.1 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
202177.87$3.7045.62none
202277.49$3.709.97$28.67
202363.87$3.9849.22none
202451.36$4.8530.24$24.91
202545.38$5.0394.69none

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.

Sorghum 2026 in Grant County: Leans ARC-CO

All sorghum counties.

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (57.5 bu) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (39.44 bu), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $14.65 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $12.24 PLC vs $26.89 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 9). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $4.67, up to $109.97 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $51.47 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 9 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $4.50, PLC is expected to pay $12.24 and ARC-CO $26.89 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 57.5 bu (program year 2025) and the official 95.21 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 sorghum base in this county: 57.5 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)95.21 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.30
Benchmark revenue$504.61/ac
Guarantee (90%)$454.15/ac
Max payment (12%)$60.55/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$51.47

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 76.06 · 2021: 114.68 (dropped) · 2022: 72.4 (dropped) · 2023: 99.39 · 2024: 110.19 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 95.21 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($4.67/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 97.2 bu, reaching its cap below 84.3 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 95.21 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
57.1 bu
PLC pays more at $3.60 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.61 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
70%
66.6 bu
PLC pays more at $3.76 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.77 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
80%
76.2 bu
PLC pays more at $3.87 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.88 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
90%
85.7 bu
PLC pays more at $3.96 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.97 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
100%
95.2 bu
PLC pays more at $4.03 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.04 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2021114.40$3.95114.18none
2022104.04$3.9569.52none
2023101.29$4.3199.09none
202488.52$5.01109.99none
202589.48$5.3089.36$56.91

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)39.44 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.30
Benchmark revenue$209.03/ac
Guarantee (90%)$188.13/ac
Max payment (12%)$25.08/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$21.32

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 44.28 · 2021: 47.28 (dropped) · 2022: 25.96 (dropped) · 2023: 41.14 · 2024: 32.89 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 39.44 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($4.67/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 40.3 bu, reaching its cap below 34.9 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 39.44 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
23.7 bu
PLC pays more at $3.61 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.62 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
70%
27.6 bu
PLC pays more at $3.76 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.77 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
80%
31.6 bu
PLC pays more at $3.87 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.88 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
90%
35.5 bu
PLC pays more at $3.96 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.97 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
100%
39.4 bu
PLC pays more at $4.03 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.04 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202174.33$3.9546.83none
202274.41$3.9514.75$29.39
202365.33$4.3140.87$28.16
202453.02$5.0132.71$26.56
202544.11$5.3092.06none

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.

Sunflower seed 2026 in Grant County: Close, either one

All sunflower seed counties.

All practices, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.60 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $1.60 PLC vs $0 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 3 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.2375, up to $123.76 per base acre at the $0.1110 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $30.09 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 $0.2470, PLC is expected to pay $1.60 and ARC-CO $0 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 1,151.0 lb (program year 2025) and the official 1,174.21 lb benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled sunflower seed base in this county: 1,151.0 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)1,174.21 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.2512
Benchmark revenue$294.96/ac
Guarantee (90%)$265.47/ac
Max payment (12%)$35.40/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$30.09

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 1127.04 · 2021: 1353.09 (dropped) · 2022: 1109.6 (dropped) · 2023: 1109.6 · 2024: 1286 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 1,174.21 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.2375/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 1,117.7 lb, reaching its cap below 968.7 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 1,174.21 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
704.5 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1872 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1873 to $0.2089. PLC pays more from $0.2090 to $0.2374. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.
70%
821.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1944 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1945 to $0.1994. PLC pays more from $0.1995 to $0.2374. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.
80%
939.4 lb
PLC pays more at $0.2374 or lower. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.
90%
1,056.8 lb
PLC pays more at $0.2374 or lower. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.
100%
1,174.2 lb
PLC pays more at $0.2374 or lower. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20211,599.99$0.20151353.09none
20221,479.65$0.2015779.63$29.82
20231,425.59$0.2053838.06$29.27
20241,299.03$0.23081286.00none
20251,196.58$0.25101529.05none

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.

Barley 2026 in Grant County: Leans ARC-CO

All barley counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $6.26 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $2.36 PLC vs $8.62 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 8). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $5.58, up to $81.79 per base acre at the $2.75 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $30.39 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 8 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $5.70, PLC is expected to pay $2.36 and ARC-CO $8.62 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 34.0 bu (program year 2025) and the official 46.33 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled barley base in this county: 34.0 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)46.33 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.43
Benchmark revenue$297.90/ac
Guarantee (90%)$268.11/ac
Max payment (12%)$35.75/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$30.39

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 51 · 2021: 66 (dropped) · 2022: 33 · 2023: 29 (dropped) · 2024: 55 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 46.33 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($5.58/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 48.0 bu, reaching its cap below 41.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 46.33 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
27.8 bu
PLC pays more at $4.29 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.30 to $5.78. Neither pays at $5.79 or higher.
70%
32.4 bu
PLC pays more at $4.47 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.48 to $5.78. Neither pays at $5.79 or higher.
80%
37.1 bu
PLC pays more at $4.61 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.62 to $5.78. Neither pays at $5.79 or higher.
90%
41.7 bu
PLC pays more at $4.72 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.73 to $5.78. Neither pays at $5.79 or higher.
100%
46.3 bu
PLC pays more at $4.80 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $4.81 to $5.78. Neither pays at $5.79 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202145.33$4.9566.00none
202241.33$4.9533.00none
202341.33$4.9529.00none
202438.33$5.0755.00none
202538.33$6.1051.00none

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 Grant County: Neither expected to pay

All practices, 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 $147.80 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $64.44 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: Close, either one: about $2.35 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $3.61 PLC vs $5.96 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 2 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 44.7 bu (program year 2025) and the official 51.91 bu benchmark. 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: 44.7 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)51.91 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$631.74/ac
Guarantee (90%)$568.57/ac
Max payment (12%)$75.81/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$64.44

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 50.9 · 2021: 51.65 · 2022: 39.65 (dropped) · 2023: 53.19 · 2024: 62.12 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 51.91 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 53.1 bu, reaching its cap below 46.0 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 51.91 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
31.1 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%
36.3 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%
41.5 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%
46.7 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%
51.9 bu
PLC pays more at $9.24 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $9.25 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202156.81$8.9551.65none
202252.78$9.1239.65none
202349.52$9.5753.19none
202446.70$11.1262.12none
202548.58$12.1751.93none

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.

Oats 2026 in Grant County: Leans ARC-CO

All oats counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $11.58 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0 PLC vs $11.58 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 9). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $3.05, up to $22.90 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $22.51 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 9 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $3.35, PLC is expected to pay $0 and ARC-CO $11.58 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 31.7 bu (program year 2025) and the official 56.00 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled oats base in this county: 31.7 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)56.00 bu
Benchmark price 2026$3.94
Benchmark revenue$220.64/ac
Guarantee (90%)$198.58/ac
Max payment (12%)$26.48/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$22.51

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 52 · 2021: 50 · 2022: 41 (dropped) · 2023: 66 (dropped) · 2024: 66 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 56.00 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($3.05/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 65.1 bu, reaching its cap below 56.4 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 56.00 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
33.6 bu
PLC pays more at $2.26 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $2.27 to $3.54. Neither pays at $3.55 or higher.
70%
39.2 bu
PLC pays more at $2.37 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $2.38 to $3.54. Neither pays at $3.55 or higher.
80%
44.8 bu
PLC pays more at $2.45 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $2.46 to $3.54. Neither pays at $3.55 or higher.
90%
50.4 bu
PLC pays more at $2.52 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $2.53 to $3.54. Neither pays at $3.55 or higher.
100%
56.0 bu
PLC pays more at $2.57 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $2.58 to $3.54. Neither pays at $3.55 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202154.80$2.5550.00none
202252.13$2.6741.00none
202349.80$2.7566.00none
202448.13$3.3866.00none
202549.80$3.8458.00none

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 Grant County

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

For a typical farm (irrigated): Close, either one: about $1.38 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $7.77 PLC vs $9.15 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 5). PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $94.34 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $42.67 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 $7.77 and ARC-CO $9.15 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 Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for wheat in Grant County, Kansas is 59.93 bu (irrigated); 28.29 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 corn in Grant County for 2026?

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $4.34 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $1.19 PLC vs $5.53 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 $283.05 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $98.70 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 $1.19 and ARC-CO $5.53 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 Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for corn in Grant County, Kansas is 192.38 bu (irrigated); 43.10 bu (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $5.03 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for sorghum in Grant County for 2026?

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $14.65 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $12.24 PLC vs $26.89 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 9). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $4.67, up to $109.97 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $51.47 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 9 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $4.50, PLC is expected to pay $12.24 and ARC-CO $26.89 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for sorghum in Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for sorghum in Grant County, Kansas is 95.21 bu (irrigated); 39.44 bu (non-irrigated). The 2026 benchmark price is $5.30 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for sunflower seed in Grant County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Close, either one: about $1.60 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $1.60 PLC vs $0 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 3 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 0). PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.2375, up to $123.76 per base acre at the $0.1110 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $30.09 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 $0.2470, PLC is expected to pay $1.60 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 sunflower seed in Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for sunflower seed in Grant County, Kansas is 1,174.21 lb (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $0.2512 per pound. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for barley in Grant County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $6.26 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $2.36 PLC vs $8.62 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 8). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $5.58, up to $81.79 per base acre at the $2.75 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $30.39 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 8 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $5.70, PLC is expected to pay $2.36 and ARC-CO $8.62 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for barley in Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for barley in Grant County, Kansas is 46.33 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $6.43 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

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

For a typical farm (all practices): 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 $147.80 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $64.44 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 Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for soybeans in Grant County, Kansas is 51.91 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $12.17 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for oats in Grant County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $11.58 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0 PLC vs $11.58 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 9). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $3.05, up to $22.90 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $22.51 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 9 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $3.35, PLC is expected to pay $0 and ARC-CO $11.58 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for oats in Grant County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for oats in Grant County, Kansas is 56.00 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $3.94 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 Kansas counties · ARC or PLC calculator and method · Grant County in the Farmland Atlas

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