Brazos County, Texas

ARC or PLC: the short answer for Brazos County, Texas

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 $26 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

Corn · non-irrigated

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $3 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: ARC-CO

Sorghum · irrigated

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $9 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 400 enrolled base acres in the whole county (FSA, program year 2025).

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

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: ARC-CO

Long grain rice

Either oneClose

PLC comes out about $5 more per base acre, but it swings more than that from year to year.

PLC only pays if long grain rice averages under 16.9 cents a pound for 2026.

2027: no 2027 price yet

Oats

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $10 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 Brazos 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; USDA WASDE, Oct 9, 2026: corn $4.70, sorghum $4.50, wheat $6.30, soybeans $12.00, long grain rice $0.1400, oats $3.35). 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, sorghum, wheat, long grain rice, 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, long grain rice, oats: no 2027 price outlook we can check against past years, so no 2027 answer. Seed cotton, sorghum wait on USDA’s closing 2025 price, which sets the 2027 reference price.

Typical farm. FSA’s county average PLC yield (seed cotton 1,913.8 lb; corn 88.1 bu; sorghum 74.0 bu; wheat 24.3 bu; soybeans 15.2 bu; long grain rice 5,501.0 lb; oats 36.0 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$28.45$2.01Leans PLC
Seed cottonIrrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
CornNon-irrigated2026$0.63$3.91Leans ARC-CO
CornNon-irrigated2027$6.84$31.27ARC-CO
CornIrrigated2026$0.63$4.23Leans ARC-CO
CornIrrigated2027$6.84$12.78Leans ARC-CO
SorghumNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
SorghumNon-irrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
SorghumIrrigated2026$15.76$25.07Leans ARC-CO
SorghumIrrigated2027nonenoneWait for USDA
WheatAll practices2026$4.48$6.01Either one
WheatAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
SoybeansAll practices2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansAll practices2027$1.35$16.04ARC-CO
Long grain riceAll practices2026$135.61$130.62Either one
Long grain riceAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
OatsAll practices2026$0$10.48Leans 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.

Seed cotton 2026 in Brazos 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 (1,913.8 lb) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (1,729.99 lb), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans PLC: expected about $26.44 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 $28.45 PLC vs $2.01 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 $195.21 per base acre at the $0.3000 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $111.75 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 $28.45 and ARC-CO $2.01 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 1,913.8 lb (program year 2025) and the official 2,541.46 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: 1,913.8 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)2,541.46 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.4311
Benchmark revenue$1,095.62/ac
Guarantee (90%)$986.06/ac
Max payment (12%)$131.47/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$111.75

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 2791.87 · 2021: 2776.66 · 2022: 2055.84 · 2023: 2040.12 (dropped) · 2024: 3095.9 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 2,541.46 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 2,347.8 lb, reaching its cap below 2,034.7 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 2,541.46 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
1,524.9 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%
1,779.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
80%
2,033.2 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
90%
2,287.3 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
100%
2,541.5 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20222,381.69$0.36701713.36none
20232,603.16$0.36701695.72$95.54
20242,405.16$0.39583064.46none
20252,397.55$0.43113273.86none

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)1,729.99 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.4311
Benchmark revenue$745.80/ac
Guarantee (90%)$671.22/ac
Max payment (12%)$89.50/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$76.07

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 2039.23 · 2021: 1984.03 · 2022: 1166.69 · 2023: 1156.3 (dropped) · 2024: 2539.97 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 1,729.99 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 1,598.1 lb, reaching its cap below 1,385.1 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 1,729.99 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
1,038.0 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%
1,211.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
80%
1,384.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
90%
1,557.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.
100%
1,730.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.4199 or lower. Neither pays at $0.4200 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20221,424.69$0.3670329.28$52.29
20231,666.03$0.3670505.56$61.14
20241,587.53$0.39582519.18none
20251,453.66$0.43112045.74none

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.

Corn 2026 in Brazos County: Leans ARC-CO

Non-irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $3.28 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0.63 PLC vs $3.91 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 $149.77 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $69.77 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 $0.63 and ARC-CO $3.91 per base acre.

2027: Pick ARC-CO (expected $6.84 PLC vs $31.27 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 88.1 bu (program year 2025) and the official 135.98 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 $3.60 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0.63 PLC vs $4.23 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 $149.77 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $75.47 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 $0.63 and ARC-CO $4.23 per base acre.

2027: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $5.93 more per base acre; but the gap is within the normal swing, so PLC is a defensible choice (expected $6.84 PLC vs $12.78 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 88.1 bu (program year 2025) and the official 147.10 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: 88.1 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)147.10 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$739.91/ac
Guarantee (90%)$665.92/ac
Max payment (12%)$88.79/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$75.47

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 147.61 · 2021: 156.53 (dropped) · 2022: 129.59 (dropped) · 2023: 149.25 · 2024: 144.44 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 147.10 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 150.7 bu, reaching its cap below 130.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 147.10 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
88.3 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%
103.0 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%
117.7 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%
132.4 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%
147.1 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
2021138.16$3.70150.63none
2022143.70$3.70124.87none
2023148.30$3.98145.71none
2024141.05$4.85142.08none
2025140.47$5.03161.32none

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)135.98 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$683.98/ac
Guarantee (90%)$615.58/ac
Max payment (12%)$82.08/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$69.77

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 138.71 · 2021: 142.74 (dropped) · 2022: 86.57 (dropped) · 2023: 135.95 · 2024: 133.28 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 135.98 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 139.3 bu, reaching its cap below 120.7 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 135.98 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
81.6 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%
95.2 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%
108.8 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%
122.4 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%
136.0 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
2021100.87$3.70137.64none
2022118.39$3.7082.49none
2023134.05$3.98132.89none
2024117.58$4.85131.24none
2025119.79$5.03146.20none

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 Brazos County: Leans ARC-CO

All sorghum counties.

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (74.0 bu) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (70.74 bu), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $9.31 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $15.76 PLC vs $25.07 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 $141.53 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $47.97 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 $15.76 and ARC-CO $25.07 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 74.0 bu (program year 2025) and the official 88.74 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: 74.0 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)88.74 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.30
Benchmark revenue$470.32/ac
Guarantee (90%)$423.29/ac
Max payment (12%)$56.44/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$47.97

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 101.46 · 2021: 72.7 (dropped) · 2022: 84.84 · 2023: 126.38 (dropped) · 2024: 79.92 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 88.74 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 90.6 bu, reaching its cap below 78.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 88.74 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
53.2 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%
62.1 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%
71.0 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%
79.9 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%
88.7 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, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2022106.33$3.9583.00none
2023106.38$4.31125.00none
202498.07$5.0179.00$49.13
202598.56$5.3068.00$62.68

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)70.74 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.30
Benchmark revenue$374.92/ac
Guarantee (90%)$337.43/ac
Max payment (12%)$44.99/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$38.24

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 84.94 · 2021: 57.4 · 2022: 56.96 (dropped) · 2023: 86.32 (dropped) · 2024: 69.88 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 70.74 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 72.3 bu, reaching its cap below 62.6 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 70.74 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
42.4 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%
49.5 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%
56.6 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%
63.7 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%
70.7 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, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202284.39$3.9525.00$33.33
202384.27$4.3185.00none
202472.92$5.0169.00$33.35
202575.71$5.3084.00$48.15

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 Brazos County: Close, either one

All practices, 2026: Close, either one: about $1.53 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $4.48 PLC vs $6.01 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 $54.32 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $28.00 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 $4.48 and ARC-CO $6.01 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 24.3 bu (program year 2025) and the official 39.33 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled wheat base in this county: 24.3 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)39.33 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$274.52/ac
Guarantee (90%)$247.07/ac
Max payment (12%)$32.94/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$28.00

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 31 (dropped) · 2021: 38 · 2022: 48 (dropped) · 2023: 40 · 2024: 40 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 39.33 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 38.9 bu, reaching its cap below 33.7 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 39.33 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
23.6 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%
27.5 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%
31.5 bu
PLC pays more at $5.30 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.31 to $6.00. PLC pays more from $6.01 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
90%
35.4 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%
39.3 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202236.67$5.5048.00none
202339.00$5.5040.00none
202444.33$6.2140.00$15.95
202541.67$6.9834.00$34.90

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 Brazos 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 $50.26 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $38.07 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 $1.35 PLC vs $16.04 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 10 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 5). The 2027 view uses FSA’s 2026 benchmark; FSA posts 2027 later.

For a typical farm: FSA’s county average PLC yield 15.2 bu (program year 2025) and the official 30.67 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled soybeans base in this county: 15.2 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)30.67 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$373.25/ac
Guarantee (90%)$335.93/ac
Max payment (12%)$44.79/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$38.07

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 49 (dropped) · 2021: 38 · 2022: 30 · 2023: 24 · 2024: 23 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 30.67 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 31.4 bu, reaching its cap below 27.2 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 30.67 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
18.4 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%
21.5 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%
24.5 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%
27.6 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%
30.7 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, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202231.33$9.1230.00none
202335.33$9.5724.00none
202436.67$11.1223.00$40.78
202536.67$12.1745.00none

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.

Long grain rice 2026 in Brazos County: Close, either one

All long grain rice counties.

All practices, 2026: Close, either one: about $4.99 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $135.61 PLC vs $130.62 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 5 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 6).

PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.1690, up to $430.18 per base acre at the $0.0770 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $202.40 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 $0.1400, PLC is expected to pay $135.61 and ARC-CO $130.62 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 5,501.0 lb (program year 2025) and the official 11,741.33 lb benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled long grain rice base in this county: 5,501.0 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)11,741.33 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.1690
Benchmark revenue$1,984.28/ac
Guarantee (90%)$1,785.86/ac
Max payment (12%)$238.11/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$202.40

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 12632 (dropped) · 2021: 10755 · 2022: 9748 (dropped) · 2023: 12504 · 2024: 11965 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 11,741.33 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.1690/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 10,567.2 lb, reaching its cap below 9,158.2 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 11,741.33 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
7,044.8 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1689 or lower. Neither pays at $0.1690 or higher.
70%
8,218.9 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1689 or lower. Neither pays at $0.1690 or higher.
80%
9,393.1 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1689 or lower. Neither pays at $0.1690 or higher.
90%
10,567.2 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1689 or lower. Neither pays at $0.1690 or higher.
100%
11,741.3 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1689 or lower. Neither pays at $0.1690 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202210,443.33$0.14008221.00none
202311,071.67$0.140012504.00none
202411,071.67$0.140011965.00none
202511,060.67$0.16906461.00not yet

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.

Oats 2026 in Brazos County: Leans ARC-CO

All oats counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $10.48 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 $10.48 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 $26.01 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $20.36 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 $10.48 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 36.0 bu (program year 2025) and the official 50.67 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled oats base in this county: 36.0 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)50.67 bu
Benchmark price 2026$3.94
Benchmark revenue$199.64/ac
Guarantee (90%)$179.68/ac
Max payment (12%)$23.96/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$20.36

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 50 · 2021: 45 (dropped) · 2022: 49 · 2023: 68 (dropped) · 2024: 53 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 50.67 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 58.9 bu, reaching its cap below 51.1 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 50.67 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
30.4 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%
35.5 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%
40.5 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%
45.6 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%
50.7 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
202244.00$2.6749.00none
202549.67$3.8454.00none

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 Brazos County

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

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans PLC: expected about $26.44 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 $28.45 PLC vs $2.01 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 $195.21 per base acre at the $0.3000 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $111.75 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 $28.45 and ARC-CO $2.01 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 Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for seed cotton in Brazos County, Texas is 2,541.46 lb (irrigated); 1,729.99 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 corn in Brazos County for 2026?

For a typical farm (non-irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $3.28 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $0.63 PLC vs $3.91 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 $149.77 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $69.77 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 $0.63 and ARC-CO $3.91 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 Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for corn in Brazos County, Texas is 147.10 bu (irrigated); 135.98 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 Brazos County for 2026?

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $9.31 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $15.76 PLC vs $25.07 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 $141.53 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $47.97 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 $15.76 and ARC-CO $25.07 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 Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for sorghum in Brazos County, Texas is 88.74 bu (irrigated); 70.74 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 wheat in Brazos County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Close, either one: about $1.53 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $4.48 PLC vs $6.01 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 $54.32 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $28.00 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 $4.48 and ARC-CO $6.01 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 Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for wheat in Brazos County, Texas is 39.33 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 soybeans in Brazos 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 $50.26 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $38.07 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 Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for soybeans in Brazos County, Texas is 30.67 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 long grain rice in Brazos County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Close, either one: about $4.99 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $135.61 PLC vs $130.62 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 5 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 6). PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.1690, up to $430.18 per base acre at the $0.0770 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $202.40 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 $0.1400, PLC is expected to pay $135.61 and ARC-CO $130.62 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for long grain rice in Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for long grain rice in Brazos County, Texas is 11,741.33 lb (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $0.1690 per pound. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

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

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $10.48 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 $10.48 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 $26.01 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $20.36 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 $10.48 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 Brazos County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for oats in Brazos County, Texas is 50.67 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 Texas counties · ARC or PLC calculator and method · Brazos County in the Farmland Atlas

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