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Missouri farmers told the choice is theirs

Thousands of Missouri farmers have attended meetings across the state on how to choose the right commodity safety net programs for their operations. Mike Lafollate, with the Missouri State FSA office, says it helps that producers now have more time to make that decision. “Certainly, at this point in time,” Lafolette says, “They have a pretty good look at 2014 yields and prices. And, I think for a lot of producers they want to wait as far into the process as they can to get the most current information to help them make the decisions.”

The USDA extended the deadline to reallocate acreage and choose between the PLC or one of the two ARC programs (ARC-co/ARC-ic) until March 31st.

AUDIO:  Interview with Mike Lafolette (6:00 mp3):

Pat Westhoff, director of FAPRI-MU, says they have tools to HELP producers but, ultimately, the choice is theirs, “It’s not just making a choice based on which program is going to pay you $1 more than another program. It’s going to be what keeps you up at night. You know, what are you worried about? What sort of risk are you able to handle? What sort of risk CAN’T you handle? And, make sure you have the program that’s right to handle those sorts of risks.”

Brownfield interviewed both men at the Abner Womak Agriculture Outlook and Breimyer Policy Seminar at the University of Missouri’s Bradford Research Farm.

AUDIO:  Interview with Pat Westhoff (7:00 mp3):

FAPRI-MU Farm Bill Decision Aid tool