Update on the ACRE Program in Idaho

 The USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Idaho announced that new online research and planning tools are available for farmers and ranchers to assist them in examining how the new 2008 Farm Bill programs apply to their crops and operations.

ACRE or the Average Crop Revenue Election Program, is a new revenue-based guarantee program that assists farmers and ranchers in managing their risks in agricultural operations. Growers enter their crops, acreages and price/yield projections in an ACRE on-line calculator to evaluate potential results. Ron Abbott, Farm Program Chief of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Idaho: “If the farm revenue is below the farm guarantee, then he does get an ACRE payment. You have to hit both triggers. The state revenue must be down and the farm revenue must be down.”

Nationally, ag economists have been collectively analyzing the Average Crop Revenue Election program and its merits. In general they believe it worthwhile - and that signing up this year offers the best opportunity for a payback out of the ACRE program. Here’s Farm Management Specialist Gary Schnitkey: