Franklin County, Washington

ARC or PLC: the short answer for Franklin County, Washington

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

ARC-COLeans

ARC-CO comes out about $13 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. Wheat borrows corn’s price swings, so it stops at Leans.

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

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.

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

2027: leans ARC-CO

Smaller crops here

Each has under 2,000 enrolled base acres in the whole county (FSA, program year 2025).

Barley

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. 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

Dry peas

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. Dry peas borrow corn’s price swings, so they stop at Leans.

PLC only pays if dry peas average under 13.14 cents a pound 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 $14 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 Franklin 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, barley $5.70, soybeans $12.00, oats $3.35; FSA table of Sep 11, 2026: dry peas $0.1120). 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, barley, dry peas, 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, dry peas, oats: no 2027 price outlook we can check against past years, so no 2027 answer.

Typical farm. FSA’s county average PLC yield (wheat 49.1 bu; corn 181.7 bu; barley 41.7 bu; dry peas 1,384.0 lb; soybeans 29.0 bu; oats 47.0 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
WheatNon-irrigated2026nonenoneAsk FSA
WheatNon-irrigated2027nonenoneAsk FSA
WheatIrrigated2026$9.05$21.73Leans ARC-CO
WheatIrrigated2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
CornAll practices2026$1.30$6.89Leans ARC-CO
CornAll practices2027$14.11$29.84Leans ARC-CO
BarleyAll practices2026$2.90$11.57Leans ARC-CO
BarleyAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
Dry peasAll practices2026$22.82$31.46Leans ARC-CO
Dry peasAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet
SoybeansAll practices2026$0$0Neither pays
SoybeansAll practices2027$2.58$1.55Either one
OatsAll practices2026$0$13.69Leans ARC-CO
OatsAll practices2027nonenoneNo 2027 price yet

FSA lists a benchmark here but no enrolled base for flaxseed.

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 Franklin County: Leans ARC-CO

Non-irrigated: no typical-farm verdict. FSA’s average PLC yield for the county (49.1 bu) covers all practices and is above this benchmark (35.33 bu), so it does not describe a typical farm here. Run your own PLC yield below.

Irrigated, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $12.69 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $9.05 PLC vs $21.73 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 6). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $109.76 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $101.33 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 $9.05 and ARC-CO $21.73 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 49.1 bu (program year 2025) and the official 142.32 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: 49.1 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

Irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)142.32 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$993.39/ac
Guarantee (90%)$894.05/ac
Max payment (12%)$119.21/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$101.33

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 144.42 · 2021: 134.31 · 2022: 148.24 · 2023: 132.66 (dropped) · 2024: 153.34 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 142.32 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 140.8 bu, reaching its cap below 122.0 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 142.32 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
85.4 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%
99.6 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%
113.9 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%
128.1 bu
PLC pays more at $5.41 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $5.42 to $5.66. PLC pays more from $5.67 to $6.34. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.
100%
142.3 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2021123.86$5.50131.16none
2022129.64$5.50145.72none
2023134.28$5.50130.77none
2024141.33$6.21152.08none
2025141.61$6.98152.42$118.35

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

Non-irrigated: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)35.33 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.98
Benchmark revenue$246.60/ac
Guarantee (90%)$221.94/ac
Max payment (12%)$29.59/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$25.15

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 50.31 (dropped) · 2021: 31.9 · 2022: 41.8 · 2023: 30.82 (dropped) · 2024: 32.28 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 35.33 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 35.0 bu, reaching its cap below 30.3 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 35.33 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
21.2 bu
PLC pays more at $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%
24.7 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%
28.3 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%
31.8 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%
35.3 bu
PLC pays more at $6.34 or lower. Neither pays at $6.35 or higher.

FSA history, non-irrigated

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202150.09$5.5023.89$27.55
202251.33$5.5041.24none
202351.43$5.5023.62$28.29
202447.80$6.2129.42$29.68
202541.20$6.9851.04$0.56

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 Franklin County: Leans ARC-CO

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $5.60 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $1.30 PLC vs $6.89 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 $308.89 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $122.97 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 $1.30 and ARC-CO $6.89 per base acre.

2027: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $15.74 more per base acre; but the gap is within the normal swing, so PLC is a defensible choice (expected $14.11 PLC vs $29.84 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 181.7 bu (program year 2025) and the official 239.67 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled corn base in this county: 181.7 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)239.67 bu
Benchmark price 2026$5.03
Benchmark revenue$1,205.54/ac
Guarantee (90%)$1,084.99/ac
Max payment (12%)$144.66/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$122.97

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 240.16 · 2021: 237 · 2022: 241.86 · 2023: 269.79 (dropped) · 2024: 221.32 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 239.67 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 245.5 bu, reaching its cap below 212.7 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 239.67 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
143.8 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%
167.8 bu
PLC pays more at $3.55 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $3.56 to $4.52. Neither pays at $4.53 or higher.
80%
191.7 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%
215.7 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%
239.7 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, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
2021236.15$3.70227.70none
2022239.73$3.70234.42none
2023239.24$3.98264.21none
2024236.07$4.85217.60$62.03
2025239.13$5.03237.50$94.54

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 Franklin County: Leans ARC-CO

All barley counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $8.67 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $2.90 PLC vs $11.57 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 $100.31 per base acre at the $2.75 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $40.77 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 $2.90 and ARC-CO $11.57 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 41.7 bu (program year 2025) and the official 62.17 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: 41.7 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)62.17 bu
Benchmark price 2026$6.43
Benchmark revenue$399.75/ac
Guarantee (90%)$359.78/ac
Max payment (12%)$47.97/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$40.77

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 88 (dropped) · 2021: 29.6 (dropped) · 2022: 50.76 · 2023: 53.03 · 2024: 82.71 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 62.17 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 64.5 bu, reaching its cap below 55.9 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 62.17 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
37.3 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%
43.5 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%
49.7 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%
56.0 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%
62.2 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
202163.57$4.9519.45$31.47
202274.67$4.9550.76none
202367.57$4.9553.03none
202455.16$5.0782.71none
202552.83$6.1056.03none

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.

Dry peas 2026 in Franklin County: Leans ARC-CO

All dry peas counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $8.64 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $22.82 PLC vs $31.46 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 11). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings.

PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.1314, up to $73.76 per base acre at the $0.0687 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $35.33 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 11 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $0.1120, PLC is expected to pay $22.82 and ARC-CO $31.46 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 1,384.0 lb (program year 2025) and the official 2,320.00 lb benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled dry peas base in this county: 1,384.0 lb (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)2,320.00 lb
Benchmark price 2026$0.1493
Benchmark revenue$346.38/ac
Guarantee (90%)$311.74/ac
Max payment (12%)$41.57/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$35.33

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 2902.14 (dropped) · 2021: 2320 (dropped) · 2022: 2320 · 2023: 2320 · 2024: 2320 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 2,320.00 lb.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($0.1314/lb), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 2,372.4 lb, reaching its cap below 2,056.1 lb.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 2,320.00 lb county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
1,392.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1015 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1016 to $0.1343. Neither pays at $0.1344 or higher.
70%
1,624.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1058 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1059 to $0.1343. Neither pays at $0.1344 or higher.
80%
1,856.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1090 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1091 to $0.1343. Neither pays at $0.1344 or higher.
90%
2,088.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1114 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1115 to $0.1343. Neither pays at $0.1344 or higher.
100%
2,320.0 lb
PLC pays more at $0.1134 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $0.1135 to $0.1343. Neither pays at $0.1344 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
20212,325.00$0.1127881.71$26.20
20222,336.67$0.11002235.52none
20232,331.67$0.11271234.00$26.28
20242,331.67$0.12672311.22none
20252,320.00$0.14771476.47$41.12

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.

Soybeans 2026 in Franklin 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 $95.89 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $54.78 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 $1.03 apart, too small or too uncertain to call (expected $2.58 PLC vs $1.55 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 2 of 10 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 29.0 bu (program year 2025) and the official 44.13 bu benchmark. County yields from this county’s own FSA yields. Run your own numbers in the calculator below.

Average PLC yield on enrolled soybeans base in this county: 29.0 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)44.13 bu
Benchmark price 2026$12.17
Benchmark revenue$537.06/ac
Guarantee (90%)$483.36/ac
Max payment (12%)$64.45/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$54.78

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 46.1 · 2021: 33.6 (dropped) · 2022: 39.05 · 2023: 47.23 · 2024: 50 (dropped) (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 44.13 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 45.1 bu, reaching its cap below 39.1 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 44.13 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
26.5 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%
30.9 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%
35.3 bu
PLC pays more at $8.88 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $8.89 to $10.95. Neither pays at $10.96 or higher.
90%
39.7 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%
44.1 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
202240.80$9.1239.05none
202338.14$9.5747.23none
202439.49$11.1250.00none
202542.19$12.1747.00none

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.

Oats 2026 in Franklin County: Leans ARC-CO

All oats counties.

All practices, 2026: Leans ARC-CO: expected about $13.69 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 $13.69 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 $33.96 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $26.60 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 $13.69 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 47.0 bu (program year 2025) and the official 66.20 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: 47.0 bu (FSA, program year 2025). Your farm’s own is on the FSA-156EZ.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)66.20 bu
Benchmark price 2026$3.94
Benchmark revenue$260.83/ac
Guarantee (90%)$234.75/ac
Max payment (12%)$31.30/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$26.60

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 87.99 (dropped) · 2021: 79.41 · 2022: 64 · 2023: 55.2 (dropped) · 2024: 55.2 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 66.20 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 77.0 bu, reaching its cap below 66.7 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 66.20 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
39.7 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%
46.3 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%
53.0 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%
59.6 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%
66.2 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
202179.67$2.5579.41none
202280.33$2.6764.00none
202385.80$2.7552.00none
202477.13$3.3843.36$26.07
202577.13$3.8480.00$8.16

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.

Flaxseed 2026 in Franklin County: ARC-CO benchmark and break-even

All flaxseed counties.

All practices: official 2026 ARC-CO benchmark

Benchmark yield (FSA)12.80 bu
Benchmark price 2026$14.70
Benchmark revenue$188.16/ac
Guarantee (90%)$169.34/ac
Max payment (12%)$22.58/ac
Max per base acre (×85%)$19.19

FSA trend-adjusted county yields (county yield or 80% of T-yield): 2020: 15.12 (dropped) · 2021: 12.8 (dropped) · 2022: 12.8 · 2023: 12.8 · 2024: 12.8 (struck: high and low). Middle three average: 12.80 bu.

At a season-average price equal to the 2026 effective reference price ($13.30/bu), PLC pays nothing and ARC-CO pays when the county yield comes in below 12.7 bu, reaching its cap below 11.0 bu.

PLC vs ARC-CO break-even at a 12.80 bu county yield, 2026 prices

PLC yield, % of your official benchmarkWhich pays more, by season-average price
60%
7.7 bu
PLC pays more at $10.36 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $10.37 to $13.12. PLC pays more from $13.13 to $13.29. Neither pays at $13.30 or higher.
70%
9.0 bu
PLC pays more at $10.79 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $10.80 to $13.06. PLC pays more from $13.07 to $13.29. Neither pays at $13.30 or higher.
80%
10.2 bu
PLC pays more at $11.08 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $11.09 to $12.95. PLC pays more from $12.96 to $13.29. Neither pays at $13.30 or higher.
90%
11.5 bu
PLC pays more at $11.33 or lower. ARC-CO pays more from $11.34 to $12.61. PLC pays more from $12.62 to $13.29. Neither pays at $13.30 or higher.
100%
12.8 bu
PLC pays more at $13.29 or lower. Neither pays at $13.30 or higher.

FSA history, all practices

YearBenchmarkPriceCounty yieldARC-CO $/ac
202118.57$11.2843.31$20.95
202215.94$11.28411.00none
202315.37$11.2849.34$17.34
202414.31$13.3567.42$19.11
202513.57$14.7021.00none

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 Franklin County

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

For a typical farm (irrigated): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $12.69 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $9.05 PLC vs $21.73 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 6). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $6.35, up to $109.76 per base acre at the $3.72 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $101.33 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 $9.05 and ARC-CO $21.73 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 Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for wheat in Franklin County, Washington is 142.32 bu (irrigated); 35.33 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 Franklin County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $5.60 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $1.30 PLC vs $6.89 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 $308.89 per base acre at the $2.42 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $122.97 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 $1.30 and ARC-CO $6.89 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 Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for corn in Franklin County, Washington is 239.67 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $5.03 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

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

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $8.67 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $2.90 PLC vs $11.57 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 $100.31 per base acre at the $2.75 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $40.77 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 $2.90 and ARC-CO $11.57 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 Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for barley in Franklin County, Washington is 62.17 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 dry peas in Franklin County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $8.64 more per base acre; PLC did not pay more in any of the 11 years, but the gap is within the normal swing (expected $22.82 PLC vs $31.46 ARC-CO per base acre; PLC paid more in 0 of 11 past-year scenarios, ARC-CO in 11). Capped at Leans: this crop borrows corn’s price swings. PLC pays on any season-average price below $0.1314, up to $73.76 per base acre at the $0.0687 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $35.33 per base acre but also pays when the county’s yield is short; it paid something in 11 of the 11 past-year scenarios. With prices centered at $0.1120, PLC is expected to pay $22.82 and ARC-CO $31.46 per base acre. Run your own PLC yield and base acres; the answer can change.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for dry peas in Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for dry peas in Franklin County, Washington is 2,320.00 lb (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $0.1493 per pound. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

Should I pick ARC or PLC for soybeans in Franklin 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 $95.89 per base acre at the $6.82 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $54.78 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 Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for soybeans in Franklin County, Washington is 44.13 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 Franklin County for 2026?

For a typical farm (all practices): Leans ARC-CO: expected about $13.69 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 $13.69 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 $33.96 per base acre at the $2.20 loan rate, so it protects against a deep price drop. ARC-CO is capped at $26.60 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 $13.69 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 Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for oats in Franklin County, Washington is 66.20 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $3.94 per bushel. FSA has not posted the 2027 benchmark.

What is the ARC-CO benchmark yield for flaxseed in Franklin County?

FSA's official 2026 benchmark yield for flaxseed in Franklin County, Washington is 12.80 bu (all practices). The 2026 benchmark price is $14.70 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 Washington counties · ARC or PLC calculator and method · Franklin County in the Farmland Atlas

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