Payment announcements
USDA payment updates and what the announcement says for your farm.
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USDA program updates, by email
USDA payment, deadline and disaster aid alerts for upper-Midwest farmers
For farmers and the rural banks and co-ops that serve them. Short emails with the dates, what changed, and a link to the official source.
For farmers, rural banks and co-ops in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota
What you get
What the alerts cover
Program deadlines
Election, enrollment and application dates you need to know.
Disaster aid
New aid programs, eligibility notices and signup windows.
Washington delays
Funding lapses and congressional action that could hold up USDA payments.
Every alert cites the official source.
Sample alert
Sample alert
A short email you can read at your desk or on your phone.
From: Farm Program Watch
Subject: Pick ARC or PLC for 2026 by Dec. 11
IN SHORT:
Signup for the 2026 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs runs Sept. 16 through Dec. 11, 2026. Signup for the 2027 crop year is also open, Nov. 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU:
FSA says producers must enroll through a signed contract each year, even if they keep the same program. FSA also says that if a 2026 election is not submitted by Dec. 11, 2026, the election stays the same as the 2025 election for crops on the farm, and the farm is ineligible for payments for the 2026 program year.
WHAT TO DO:
Contact your county FSA office before Dec. 11 to make an election or sign your contract. Find your county FSA office
KEY DATES:
Dec. 11, 2026: 2026 ARC/PLC election and enrollment deadline. March 15, 2027: 2027 ARC/PLC enrollment deadline.
SOURCES:
FSA news release (Sept. 15, 2026)
FSA deadline page
Not legal, tax or financial advice.
How it works
How it works
We read the notices.
We follow USDA, the Federal Register and congressional action on agriculture funding.
You get a short email.
Read what changed, what it means for the payment or deadline, and the key date.
Check the source and act.
Follow the official link and talk with your local FSA office about your operation.
For banks & co-ops
For rural banks and co-ops
Put program updates to work in your customer communications and day-to-day conversations.
- Forward alerts to customers or put them in your newsletter.
- Give loan officers and agronomists a heads-up before deadlines.
- Track funding lapses that could delay USDA payments.
Want a free first month for your bank or co-op? Email us.
Pricing
Pricing
Farmer
$29/mo
Program and deadline alerts for your operation.
SubscribeLender/Co-op
from$300/mo
Alerts to share with your team and customers.
SubscribeFirst month free for banks and co-ops, just email us.
Common questions
Questions
Is this a USDA service?
No. Farm Program Watch is independent and is not affiliated with USDA or any government agency. Alerts are nonpartisan and cite official sources.
Can I use an alert to make a farm or financial decision?
Alerts are not legal, tax or financial advice. Read the official source and check with your local FSA office about your operation.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancel anytime. Email alerts@farmprogramwatch.com for help with your subscription.
Which states do you cover?
South Dakota (SD), Nebraska (NE), Iowa (IA), Minnesota (MN) and North Dakota (ND).
How often will I get email?
Only when something changes: a new USDA notice, a deadline, a payment announcement or congressional action that could affect payments.
Can our bank or co-op forward alerts to customers?
Yes. The Lender/Co-op plan is meant for sharing with your team and customers, by forwarding or in your newsletter.
Where does the information come from?
USDA and FSA announcements, the Federal Register, and congressional action on agriculture funding. Each alert links to the source.