Audrain County, Missouri

ARC or PLC: the short answer for Audrain County, Missouri

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

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 · non-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.

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

2027: close, either one

Wheat

Either oneClose

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

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

2027: no 2027 price yet

Sorghum

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.

2027: waiting on USDA’s closing 2025 price

Smaller crops here

Each has under 200 enrolled base acres in the whole county (FSA, program year 2025).

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

Barley

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $7 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

Sunflower seed

Either oneClose

They come out about $1 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

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 Audrain 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: soybeans $12.00, corn $4.70, wheat $6.30, sorghum $4.50, oats $3.35, barley $5.70; 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, oats, barley, sunflower seed 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, oats, barley: 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 (soybeans 38.1 bu; corn 127.3 bu; wheat 53.6 bu; sorghum 87.1 bu; oats 47.4 bu; barley 40.0 bu; sunflower seed 719.0 lb) 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
SoybeansNon-irrigated2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansNon-irrigated2027$3.08$18.47Leans ARC-CO
SoybeansIrrigated2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansIrrigated2027$3.08$18.58Leans ARC-CO
CornNon-irrigated2026$0.91$4.78Leans ARC-CO
CornNon-irrigated2027$9.88$16.07Either one
CornIrrigated2026$0.91$5.57Leans ARC-CO
CornIrrigated2027$9.88$17.83Either one
WheatAll practices2026$9.87$11.76Either one
WheatAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
SorghumAll practices2026$18.54$33.80Leans ARC-CO
SorghumAll practices2027nonenoneWait for USDA
OatsAll practices2026$0$12.27Leans ARC-CO
OatsAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
BarleyAll practices2026$2.78$9.70Leans ARC-CO
BarleyAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
Sunflower seedAll practices2026$1.00$0Either one
Sunflower seedAll practices2027nonenoneWait for USDA

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.

Soybeans 2026 in Audrain 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 $125.98 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $64.39 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 $15.40 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $3.08 PLC vs $18.47 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 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 38.1 bu (program year 2025) and the official 51.87 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 $125.98 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $75.61 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 $15.50 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $3.08 PLC vs $18.58 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 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 38.1 bu (program year 2025) and the official 60.91 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: 38.1 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)60.91 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$741.27/ac
Guarantee (90%)$667.15/ac
Max payment (12%)$88.95/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$75.61

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 62.77 (dropped) · 2021: 55.33 (dropped) · 2022: 62.05 · 2023: 58.69 · 2024: 61.98 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 60.91 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 62.3 bu, reaching its cap below 54.0 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 60.91 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
36.5 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%
42.6 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%
48.7 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%
54.8 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%
60.9 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, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202161.32$8.9553.08none
202262.83$9.1260.25none
202361.46$9.5757.34none
202460.73$11.1261.08none
202560.72$12.1762.14$12.59

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)51.87 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$631.26/ac
Guarantee (90%)$568.13/ac
Max payment (12%)$75.75/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$64.39

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 57.43 (dropped) · 2021: 47.16 (dropped) · 2022: 54.39 · 2023: 50.78 · 2024: 50.45 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 51.87 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 53.0 bu, reaching its cap below 46.0 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 51.87 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 $9.25 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
202154.81$8.9544.91none
202256.59$9.1252.59none
202355.34$9.5749.43none
202454.29$11.1249.55$23.68
202553.75$12.1747.82$78.50

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 Audrain County: Leans ARC-CO

Non-irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $3.87 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0.91 PLC vs $4.78 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 $216.41 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $85.31 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 $0.91 and ARC-CO $4.78 per base acre.

2027: Close, either one: about $6.19 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $9.88 PLC vs $16.07 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 127.3 bu (program year 2025) and the official 166.27 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $4.67 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0.91 PLC vs $5.57 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 $216.41 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $99.45 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 $0.91 and ARC-CO $5.57 per base acre.

2027: Close, either one: about $7.95 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $9.88 PLC vs $17.83 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 1 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 1). The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 127.3 bu (program year 2025) and the official 193.84 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: 127.3 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)193.84 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$975.02/ac
Guarantee (90%)$877.51/ac
Max payment (12%)$117.00/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$99.45

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 189.88 · 2021: 150.49 (dropped) · 2022: 206.44 · 2023: 185.2 · 2024: 212.65 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 193.84 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 198.5 bu, reaching its cap below 172.1 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 193.84 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
116.3 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%
135.7 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%
155.1 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%
174.5 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%
193.8 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
2021195.78$3.70142.44none
2022197.71$3.70200.00none
2023191.36$3.98180.37none
2024193.22$4.85209.43none
2025187.55$5.03201.36$11.38

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)166.27 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$836.34/ac
Guarantee (90%)$752.70/ac
Max payment (12%)$100.36/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$85.31

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 176.05 · 2021: 144.99 · 2022: 177.78 · 2023: 118.34 (dropped) · 2024: 198.39 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 166.27 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 170.3 bu, reaching its cap below 147.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 166.27 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
99.8 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%
116.4 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%
133.0 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%
149.6 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%
166.3 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
2021162.39$3.70137.09none
2022175.47$3.70171.46none
2023161.82$3.98103.12$64.40
2024163.26$4.85195.23none
2025164.25$5.03190.88none

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.

Wheat 2026 in Audrain County: Close, either one

All practices, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.89 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $9.87 PLC vs $11.76 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 6).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $119.82 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $54.84 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 $9.87 and ARC-CO $11.76 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 53.6 bu (program year 2025) and the official 77.03 bu benchmark. 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: 53.6 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)77.03 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$537.67/ac
Guarantee (90%)$483.90/ac
Max payment (12%)$64.52/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$54.84

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 76.44 · 2021: 74.8 · 2022: 69.88 (dropped) · 2023: 79.85 · 2024: 90.01 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 77.03 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 76.2 bu, reaching its cap below 66.0 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 77.03 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
46.2 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%
53.9 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%
61.6 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%
69.3 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%
77.0 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202166.31$5.5072.80none
202272.02$5.5068.28none
202371.02$5.5078.65none
202469.27$6.2189.21none
202573.39$6.9891.53none

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 Audrain County: Leans ARC-CO

All sorghum counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $15.26 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $18.54 PLC vs $33.80 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 $166.58 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $64.69 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 $18.54 and ARC-CO $33.80 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 87.1 bu (program year 2025) and the official 119.67 bu benchmark. 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: 87.1 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)119.67 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.30
Benchmark revenue$634.25/ac
Guarantee (90%)$570.83/ac
Max payment (12%)$76.11/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$64.69

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 131.93 (dropped) · 2021: 105.88 · 2022: 123.9 · 2023: 105.87 (dropped) · 2024: 129.23 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 119.67 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 122.2 bu, reaching its cap below 105.9 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 119.67 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
71.8 bu
PLC pays more at $3.60 or lower. Both pay the same at $3.61. ARC-CO pays more from $3.62 to $4.76. Neither pays at $4.77 or higher.
70%
83.8 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%
95.7 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%
107.7 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%
119.7 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, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2021109.88$3.95103.78none
2022118.92$3.95122.22none
2023116.93$4.31104.61none
2024115.09$5.01128.39none
2025115.50$5.30111.57$73.46

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 Audrain County: Leans ARC-CO

All oats counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $12.27 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 $12.27 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 $34.25 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $23.84 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 $12.27 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 47.4 bu (program year 2025) and the official 59.33 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled oats base in this county: 47.4 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)59.33 bu
Benchmark price 2026$3.94
Benchmark revenue$233.76/ac
Guarantee (90%)$210.38/ac
Max payment (12%)$28.05/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$23.84

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 43 (dropped) · 2021: 60 · 2022: 52 · 2023: 68 (dropped) · 2024: 66 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 59.33 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 69.0 bu, reaching its cap below 59.8 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 59.33 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
35.6 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%
41.5 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%
47.5 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%
53.4 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%
59.3 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
202157.33$2.5560.00none
202250.67$2.6752.00none
202350.67$2.7568.00none
202448.00$3.3866.00none
202553.00$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.

Barley 2026 in Audrain County: Leans ARC-CO

All barley counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $6.92 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $2.78 PLC vs $9.70 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 $96.22 per base acre at the $2.75 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $34.19 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 $2.78 and ARC-CO $9.70 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 40.0 bu (program year 2025) and the official 52.13 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: 40.0 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)52.13 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.43
Benchmark revenue$335.20/ac
Guarantee (90%)$301.68/ac
Max payment (12%)$40.22/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$34.19

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 51 · 2021: 66 · 2022: 35.6 (dropped) · 2023: 39.4 · 2024: 75 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 52.13 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 54.1 bu, reaching its cap below 46.9 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 52.13 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
31.3 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%
36.5 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%
41.7 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%
46.9 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%
52.1 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
202146.00$4.9566.00none
202242.00$4.9535.60none
202342.00$4.9539.40none
202439.87$5.0775.00none
202542.00$6.1080.00none

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.

Sunflower seed 2026 in Audrain County: Close, either one

All sunflower seed counties.

All practices, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.00 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $1.00 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 $77.31 per base acre at the $0.1110 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $30.72 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 $1.00 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 719.0 lb (program year 2025) and the official 1,198.93 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: 719.0 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)1,198.93 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.2512
Benchmark revenue$301.17/ac
Guarantee (90%)$271.05/ac
Max payment (12%)$36.14/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$30.72

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 1338.8 · 2021: 1600 (dropped) · 2022: 1253 · 2023: 917 (dropped) · 2024: 1005 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 1,198.93 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 1,141.3 lb, reaching its cap below 989.1 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 1,198.93 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
719.4 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%
839.3 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%
959.1 lb
PLC pays more at $0.2374 or lower. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.
90%
1,079.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.2374 or lower. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.
100%
1,198.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.2374 or lower. Neither pays at $0.2375 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20231,281.60$0.2053917.00$26.31
20241,291.93$0.23081005.00$17.24
20251,267.31$0.25101554.00none

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.

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 Audrain County

Should I pick ARC or PLC for soybeans in Audrain 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 $125.98 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $64.39 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for soybeans in Audrain County, Missouri is 60.91 bu (irrigated); 51.87 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 Audrain County for 2026?

For a typical farm (non-irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $3.87 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0.91 PLC vs $4.78 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 $216.41 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $85.31 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 $0.91 and ARC-CO $4.78 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for corn in Audrain County, Missouri is 193.84 bu (irrigated); 166.27 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 wheat in Audrain County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Close, either one: about $1.89 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $9.87 PLC vs $11.76 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 6). PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $119.82 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $54.84 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 $9.87 and ARC-CO $11.76 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for wheat in Audrain County, Missouri is 77.03 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $6.98 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

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

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $15.26 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $18.54 PLC vs $33.80 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 $166.58 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $64.69 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 $18.54 and ARC-CO $33.80 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for sorghum in Audrain County, Missouri is 119.67 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $5.30 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

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

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $12.27 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 $12.27 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 $34.25 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $23.84 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 $12.27 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for oats in Audrain County, Missouri is 59.33 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $3.94 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

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

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $6.92 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $2.78 PLC vs $9.70 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 $96.22 per base acre at the $2.75 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $34.19 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 $2.78 and ARC-CO $9.70 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for barley in Audrain County, Missouri is 52.13 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 sunflower seed in Audrain County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Close, either one: about $1.00 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $1.00 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 $77.31 per base acre at the $0.1110 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $30.72 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 $1.00 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 Audrain County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for sunflower seed in Audrain County, Missouri is 1,198.93 lb (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $0.2512 per pound. 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 Missouri counties · ARC or PLC calculator and method · Audrain County in the Farmland Atlas

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