Farm-subsidy decision tool is available to growers
A software program to help farmers decide which farm subsidy program is best for them is available for free, said Kansas State and Oklahoma State universities. In an announcement, the universities said they plan a webinar to provide an update of farm program details and to discuss how to use the decision tool. They said “this computer aid will allow farmers to evaluate the program and to start thinking about the option that best fits their farm.” Under the 2014 farm law, grain and soybean growers make a one-time choice whether to enroll in a program that shields crop revenues from shallow losses or a traditionally styled program with target prices.
On May 29, USDA awarded $6 million to universities and state extension programs to develop on-line tools and other materials to help growers decide which crop subsidy option was best for them and to conduct training programs. USDA said it expected the tool to become available in late summer or fall. Growers would decide during the winter which option to take, with sign-up early in the new year for 2014 and 2015 crops.
The OSU-KSU tool is available here. The link for the webinar is available here.