Berks County Courier

BLOTTER: Kutztown Borough Police Department

09/27/19 – After completing their investigation, Police arrested Joshua Goodwin, 20 of Wilkes Barre, PA for Violation of the Borough Noise Ordinance following an incident that occurred at 309 Greenwich St. A Disruptive Conduct Report was also issued.

09/27/19 – Police arrested Tamuka Mawindi, 18 of Bethlehem, PA for Purchase, Consumption, Possession or Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of W Main St.

09/28/19 – Police arrested Bridgette Schultz, 18 of Bensalem, PA for Violation of the Borough Peace and Good Order Ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 200 block of W Main St.

09/28/19 – Police arrested Erika Schwoyer, 20 of Richboro, PA for Violation of the Borough Open Container Ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 100 block of W Main St.

09/28/19 – Police arrested Luke Decker, 20 of Hackettstown, NJ for Purchase, Consumption, Possession or Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages following an incident that occurred in the 200 block of W Main St.

09/30/19 – Police investigated the report of Theft after it was reported that a cellphone was missing following an incident that occurred at Tommy Boys Pizza, 313 W Main St.

10/03/19 – Police investigated the report of Vandalism to a flag pole after it was reported that the flag pole was bent following an incident that occurred at Paisley & Company, LCC, 275 W Main St.

10/03/19 – After completing their investigation, Police arrested a Juvenile, 17 of Kutztown, PA for Theft by Unlawful Taking/Movable Property following an incident that occurred at Kutztown Area High School, 50 Trexler Ave.

Berks posts come-from-behind victory over Morrisville men

Submitted by Brandy W. Thurston, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Sports Information, SUNY Morrisville

Host Penn State Berks men’s soccer posted a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over visiting Morrisville Saturday afternoon, netting both tallies, including the game winner, in the second half of action in Reading, Pennsylvania.

THE BASICS:

Final Score: Penn State Berks 2, Morrisville 1 (halftime – Morrisville 1-0)
Location: Reading
Records: Penn St. Berks 3-8-3, 2-4-2 NEAC; Morrisville 2-10-2, 1-6-1 NEAC

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Host Penn St. Berks posted the game winning tally in the 86^th minute of action Saturday afternoon, recording the second half come back over visiting Morrisville men’s soccer in Reading, Pa.
Teo Chavez (Bronx, N.Y.) opened all scoring on the afternoon with the Mustangs lone score in the 14^th minute, forcing the turnover and burying the ball into the far corner for the 1-0 visitor lead.
Morrisville State held on to the one goal lead until the 56^th minute when Ayden Lee beat Mustang keep Tyler Card (McGraw, N.Y.) on the far side for the equalizer.
Both teams remained locked at one until a cross in the Mustangs defensive box found the foot of Nate Nguyen for the go ahead score that proved to be the game winner in the 86^th minute of the contest. Lee was credited with assisting on the score.
Card collected the loss in net, recording eight stops.
Berks keeper Carter Lam collected three stops in the opening half of action, before Jose Aparicio posted four saves to earn the win.

Soccer Game Summary (Final)

SUNY Morrisville

MORM2019 vs Penn State Berks (Oct 19, 2019 at Reading, Pa.)

MORM2019 (2-10-2, 1-6-1 NEAC) vs. Penn State Berks (3-8-3, 2-4-2 NEAC)

Date: Oct 19, 2019 Attendance: 208

Goals by period 1 2 Tot

——————————-

MORM2019………… 1 0 – 1

Penn State Berks…. 0 2 – 2

SCORING SUMMARY:

1. 13:55 MORM2019 Teo Chavez (1) (unassisted) – Berks turnover, #10 into far corner

2. 55:09 PSBM Ayden Lee (8) (Nate Nguyen) – thru ball by #11, #13 beat keeper far side

3. 85:22 PSBM Nate Nguyen (5) (Johnny Guimaraes;Ayden Lee) – cross in the box, #11 inside right post

Shots: MORM2019 14, Penn State Berks 15

Saves: MORM2019 8 (Tyler Card 8), Penn State Berks 8 (Jose Aparicio 4; Carter Lam 3; TEAM 1)

BLOTTER: Kutztown Borough Police Department

Sept. 14, 2019

Police arrested Keri McMullen, 21 of Lansford, for Public Drunkenness following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of N Whiteoak St.

Sept. 15, 2019

Police arrested Michael Hatala, 21 of Philadelphia, for Possession/Use of Drug Paraphernalia and for Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 300 block of W Main St.
Police arrested Elizabeth Weimar, 25 of Kutztown, for Public Drunkenness following an incident that occurred at the intersection of N Whiteoak St and Fair St.

Sept. 17, 2019

After completing their investigation, Police arrested Patrick Deacon, 20 of Glenside, for Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Resist Arrest, Stop Sign Violation, Period Requiring Lighted Lamps, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Controlled Substance and for Minor Prohibited from Operating a Vehicle with Alcohol in System following an incident that occurred at the intersection of W Sacony Alley and N Whiteoak St.

Sept. 19, 2019

After completing their investigation, Police arrested Janelle Wade, 31 of Pottstown, for Disorderly Conduct following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 400 block of W Walnut St.
After completing their investigation, Police arrested Jadon Mack, 20 of Temple, and a Juvenile, 17 of Reading, for Loitering/Prowling at Night following an incident that occurred in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Ave.
Police arrested Joshua Weber, 33 of Breinigsville, for Indirect Criminal Contempt following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of E Main St.
After completing their investigation, Police arrested Joseph Faust, 26 of Orwigsburg, for Flee/Eluding Police, Stop Sign Violation, Careless Driving and Reckless Driving following an incident that occurred at the intersection of Wentz St and College Blvd.

Sept. 20, 2019

Police arrested Mia Edmanson, 18 of Dover, DE for Violation of the Borough Peace and Good Order Ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of W Main St.
Police arrested Thomas Weidman, 20 of Gap, for Purchase, Consumption, Possession or Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages following an incident that occurred in the 400 block of W Main St.

Sept. 21, 2019

Police arrested Alexander Schlager, 20 of Mechanicsburg, for Violation of the Borough Noise Ordinance following an incident that occurred at 319 W Walnut St. A Disruptive Conduct Report was also issued.
Police arrested Tyler Rigby, 19 of Coatsville, for Purchase, Consumption, Possession or Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of Constitution Blvd.

Sept. 22, 2019

Police investigated the report of Vandalism to a light fixture after it was reported broken following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 00 block of S Whiteoak St.
Police investigated the report of Vandalism to flower pots after they were reported broken following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 100 block of W Main St.

Sept. 25, 2019

After completing their investigation, Police arrested Tyler Boger, 20, of Harrisburg; Mason McElroy, 20, of Reading; and, Justin Telemaque, 20, of Norristown, for Violation of the Borough Noise Ordinance following an incident that occurred at 45 Normal Ave. A Disruptive Conduct Report was also issued.

Reading Public Library to present SAT Prep Crash Course

Reading Public Library will offer a free SAT Prep Crash Course from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019.
The workshop will be held at the Main Library Teen Loft, 100 S. 5th Street.

The course, designed for students taking the SAT this fall, will focus on helping students raise their confidence and their scores. It is being taught by Louis Blair, who has taught SAT preparation for 23 years. Students who do not have an SAT College Board workbook will be provided with one to keep.

Space is limited. To register, call or e-mail the RPL Teen Loft, 610.655.6350 ext. 241 or rplya@reading.lib.pa.us.

For more information, call 610.655.6350 ext. 241.

Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats to ‘Rock This Town’ in Kutztown Oct. 3

KU Presents! opens the 2019-20 season at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium with bass player Hall of Famer Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats.

Rocker will take the stage 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3 in Schaeffer Auditorium on the Kutztown University campus. Come early at 6:15 p.m. to the Marcon Platz between Schaeffer Auditorium and the Sharadin Art Building to see Rockabilly Rumble including hot rods, pinstriping demonstration and live music by Drew and the Blue.

A founding member of the Grammy-nominated music group the Stray Cats, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has included the Stray Cats’ Rock this Town as one of the 500 most important songs in rock. Consistently touring, recording and performing around the globe since 1980, Rocker has cultivated a fanatically loyal following of rockers, rebels and all types of music lovers.

The established center of cultural life at Kutztown University, KU Presents! serves the campus and community by bringing world-class live arts that can entertain, educate and enrich.

The KU Presents! season will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 23, with Grammy Award-winning bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers. A celebration of music from around the globe will be performed by multicultural group KUNÉ on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Revolutionary ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem comes to Kutztown on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. Celebrated baroque chamber orchestra Apollo’s Fire, under the baton of Jeannette Sorrell, takes the stage on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Ireland’s most exciting young tenor, Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill will be joined by the all-female Emerald String Quartet on Wednesday, March 18. As part of Berks Jazz Fest, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will bring their New Orleans big band style on Thursday, April 2. The season closes Wednesday, April 15, with Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, performing an evening of songs ranging from Broadway to the silver screen.

Tickets for Lee Rocker and all upcoming KU Presents! events can be purchased for $32 or $29 for students and seniors at the KU Presents! website or by calling the KU Presents! box office 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday at 610-683-4092.

For more information about KU Presents!, contact director Bryan Zellmer at zellmer@kutztown.edu or 610-683-5180.

KU Presents! season schedule:

Oct. 23 – Grammy Award-winning bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers.

Nov. 12 – A celebration of music from around the globe performed by multicultural group KUNÉ.

Feb. 5 – Revolutionary ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Feb. 25 – Celebrated baroque chamber orchestra Apollo’s Fire, under the baton of Jeannette Sorrell, take the stage.

March 18 – Ireland’s most exciting young tenor, Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill joined by the all-female Emerald String Quartet.

April 2 – Part of Berks Jazz Fest, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will bring their New Orleans big band style.

April 15 – The season closes with Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, performing an evening of songs ranging from Broadway to the silver screen.

View Online: http://kutztown.meritpages.com/news/Lee-Rocker-of-the-Stray-Cats-to-Rock-This-Town-in-Kutztown-Oct-3/11027

Lebanon Valley College Sets Record with 478 First-Year Students

Lebanon Valley College opened its fall semester with a record number of first-year students. The new class of 478 students, the most in the College’s 153-year history, surpasses last year’s record of 473 first-year students. In fall 2017, LVC opened with 466 first-year students, also a record at the time.

Local students include:

Luis Garcia of Reading, a graduate of Berks Catholic High School, who is pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

Nicholas Balaci of Wernersville, a graduate of Conrad Weiser Area High School, who is pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

Abigail Browne of Womelsdorf, a graduate of Conrad Weiser Area High School, who is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Alexa DeInnocentiis of Wernersville, a graduate of Conrad Weiser Area High School, who is pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Christiana Wagner of Womelsdorf, a graduate of Conrad Weiser Area High School, who is pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Kyle Golden of Douglassville, a graduate of Daniel Boone Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Analytical Finance.

Mary McClelland of Douglassville, a graduate of Daniel Boone Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science.

Ryan Miller of Douglassville, a graduate of Daniel Boone Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science.

Zoe Thompson of Douglassville, a graduate of Daniel Boone Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Gabriella Boyer of Birdsboro, a graduate of Exeter Township High School, who is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Madisen Keim of Reading, a graduate of Exeter Township High School, who is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Caleb Shunk of Reading, a graduate of Exeter Township High School, who is pursuing a degree in Music Education.

Brian Ward of Reading, a graduate of Exeter Township High School, who is pursuing a degree in Accounting/MBA.

Lucas Strange of Blandon, a graduate of Fleetwood Area High School, who is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Morgan Mathieu of Shillington, a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School, who is pursuing a degree in Chemistry.

Halle Gerner of Hamburg, a graduate of Hamburg Area Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science.

Trinity Pike of Hamburg, a graduate of Hamburg Area Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Mathematics.

Brendan Yoder of Hamburg, a graduate of Hamburg Area Jr-Sr High School, who is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Benjamin Maull of Reading, a graduate of Muhlenberg High School, who is pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

Vince Ferrizzi of Fleetwood, a graduate of Oley Valley High School, who is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science.

Melissa Geary of Oley, a graduate of Oley Valley High School, who is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Carter Kucier of Oley, a graduate of Oley Valley High School, who is pursuing a degree in Music Education.

Devon Klopp of Bethel, a graduate of Tulpehocken High School, who is pursuing a degree in Undeclared/Open.

Jonah Mathias of Bernville, a graduate of Tulpehocken High School, who is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Allison Jones of Reading, a graduate of Wilson High School, who is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Elizabeth Readdy of Sinking Spring, a graduate of Wilson High School, who is pursuing a degree in Music Education.

Janalyn Gonzalez of Reading, a graduate of Muhlenberg High School, who is pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

BLOTTER: Kutztown Borough Police Department

Editor’s note: Blotter entries are pending matters; any listed defendant is innocent of charges listed until proven guilty by jury or plea agreement.

Sept. 06, 2019

Police charged Michael Geary, 22, of Fairless Hills, with violation of the borough noise ordinance following an incident that occurred at 231 W. Main St. A Disruptive Conduct Report was also issued.
Police charged Colin Lynch, 21, of Great Meadows, N.J., with violation of the borough peace and good order ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 100 block of W. Main St.
Police charged Lauren Steckel, 18 of Effort, with purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of Noble St.
After completing their investigation, police charged Joshua Weber, 33 of Breinigsville, with indirect criminal contempt following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 200 block of E. Walnut St.

Sept. 07, 2019

Police charged Ryan Wetzel, 19, of Downingtown, with purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of Noble St.
Police charged Ryan Nelson, 21 of West Milford, N.J., with violation of the borough peace and good order ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 200 block of W Main St.
Police charged a 17-year-old Philadelphia resident with purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred at Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot, 301 W. Main St.

Sept. 08, 2019

Police investigated the report of vandalism to a vehicle after it was reported that the hood of the vehicle was damaged while the vehicle was parked at a residence in the 300 block of W. Main St.
After completing their investigation, police charged Stephen Wagner, 21, of Lansdale, with violation of the borough noise ordinance following an incident that occurred at 137 E. Main St. A Disruptive Conduct Report was also issued.
Police charged Collin Phillips, 20 of Branchville, N.J.; and Kevin Lewis, 21 of Sussex, N.J., with violation of the borough peace and good order ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 200 block of W Main St.
After completing their investigation, police charged Zabrina Zulaica, 19, of San Antonio, Texas, with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended, minor prohibited from operating a vehicle with alcohol in system and for period requiring lighted lamps following an incident that occurred in the 100 block of Sander Alley.

Sept. 10, 2019

After completing their investigation, police charged Dakota Smith, 23, of Easton, with harassment/physical contact following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of W Main St.

Sept. 12, 2019

Police charged Kyree Williams, 19, of Philadelphia, with possession of a small amount of marijuana and for possession/use of drug paraphernalia following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of S Baldy St.

Temple native Sonon volunteers summer break in Jamaica

Paige Sonon of Temple spent a week of the 2019 summer break working in Negril, Jamaica, through Alvernia University’s Alternative Breaks program. Sonon is studying BSN Nursing at the university.

During the Alternative Break to Jamaica, Sonon engaged with children while assisting them with their educational and creative skills, painted a school, sorted clothing donations, attended mass and learned about the Franciscan charism. The team also learned information about poverty, environmental sustainability and education in Jamaica.

Alvernia’s Alternative Break programs organize weekend and week-long service and immersion trips for students to inspire and empower them to lead lives dedicated to serving the underserved, promoting peace and justice and working towards the common good.

BLOTTER: Kutztown Borough Police Department Aug. 16 through Sept. 5, 2019

Aug. 16

Police investigated the report of burglary after it was reported that two TV’s were missing following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 500 block of Briar Circle S.

Aug. 24

Police arrested Taylor Molfetto, 21, of Newton, N.J., for public drunkenness and for violation of the borough peace and good order following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of W Main St.

Aug. 25

Police arrested Drew Walker, 21, of Newton, N.J., for public drunkenness following an incident that occurred at Shorty’s Bar, 272 W Main St.
Police arrested Gage Danas, 20, of Kutztown, for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of S Whiteoak St.

Aug. 26

Police investigated the report of vandalism to a store front window after it was reported that the window was scratched following an incident that occurred at Casa Le’nda Beauty Salon, 160 W Main St.

Aug. 28

Police arrested Donald Wynne, 64, of Blandon, for defiant trespass/fencing enclosure following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 200 block of E Walnut St.

Aug. 29

Police arrested Bret McLean, 19, of Northport, for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 100 block of W Main St.

Aug. 30

Police arrested Alexis Kister, 24, of Lyon Station, for public drunkenness following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of W Main St.
Police arrested Kelli Patrick, 20, of Huntingdon Valley, for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 100 block of Noble St.
Police arrested Vincent Griffin, 18, of Wallingford, for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred at the intersection of W Main and S Whiteoak Sts.

Aug. 31

Police arrested Michelle Cartagena, 19 of Reading, for violation of the borough peace and good order ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 400 block of W Main St.
After completing their investigation, police arrested paul novak, 19 of kutztown, for violation of the borough open container ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of Noble St.

Sept. 1

Police arrested Kaitlin Kudel, 21 of Shenandoah, for violation of the borough peace and good order ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 200 block of S Baldy St.
Police arrested Kandyce Clark, 31 of Kutztown; and Chase Santiago, 30 of Reading, for harassment/physical contact following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 200 block of Highland Ave.
Police arrested Jesse Porter, 20 of Pottsville, for public drunkenness and for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 400 block of W Main St
Police investigated the report of vandalism to a fence and siding after it was reported that the fence was knocked over and the siding damaged following an incident that occurred at Edward J Hildenbrand Funeral Home, 346 W Main St.
Police are investigating the report of vandalism to a gate after it was reported that the gate was broken following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 00 block of Noble St.
Police arrested a juvenile, 17 of Reading, for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages following an incident that occurred in the 300 block of W Main St.

Sept. 3

After completing their investigation, police arrested Juwel Milhouse, 20 of Kutztown, for harassment/physical contact following an incident that occurred at a residence in the 200 block of E Walnut St.
Police arrested Qion Lewis, 19 of Kutztown, for strangulation, simple assault, reckless endangerment/person and harassment/physical contact following an incident that occurred in the 100 block of Constitution Blvd.
Police arrested Joseph Gillespie-Porco, 19 of Milford, for public drunkenness following an incident that occurred at Turkey Hill Minit Market, 50 W Main St.

Sept. 4

After completing their investigation, police arrested Hailey Amato, 19, of Parsippany, N.J.; and Elena Delduca, 19, of New Providence, N.J., for violation of the borough open container ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 00 block of Noble St.

Sept. 5

After completing their investigation, police arrested Ashley Salen, 20 of Saint Clair, for violation of the borough peace and good order ordinance following an incident that occurred in the 400 block of W Main St.
After completing their investigation, police arrested Oscar Kelchner, 21 of Hamburg, for simple assault, harassment/physical contact, disorderly conduct and for public drunkenness following an incident that occurred at Shorty’s Bar, 272 W Main St.

USDA opens 2019 enrollment for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs

2020 enrollment period to open in October

Agricultural producers can now enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, two popular safety net programs, for the 2019 crop year. Interested producers must sign up for either program by March 15, 2020.

The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized and made updates to these two USDA Farm Service Agency programs. ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guarantee level. PLC program provides income support payments on historical base acres when the price for a covered commodity falls below its effective reference price.

“The ARC and PLC programs, in combination with crop insurance, are the bedrock of the farm safety net for crop farmers and something I hear about frequently on the road,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “This exciting opportunity for enrollment in these programs marks the first time folks will have the opportunity to switch their elections since the 2014 Farm Bill was implemented. I am pleased to add that today’s announcement means our staff met yet another major Farm Bill implementation goal and they are continuing to move full speed ahead.”

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain rice), safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.

Elections and Enrollment

Updated provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill allow producers with an interest in a farm to enroll and elect coverage in crop-by-crop ARC-County or PLC, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for program year 2019. The election applies to both the 2019 and 2020 crop years. If a 2019 election is not submitted by the deadline of March 15, 2020, the election defaults to the current elections of the crops on the farm established under the 2014 Farm Bill. No payments will be earned in 2019 if the election defaults.

For crop years 2021 through 2023, producers will have an opportunity to make new elections. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the farm.

Once the 2019 election and enrollment are completed, producers on the farm for 2020 can complete an enrollment contract for the 2020 crop year beginning Oct. 7, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020.

Although 2019 enrollment begins Sept. 3, 2019 and must occur first, a producer waiting until Oct. 7, 2019 to enroll is afforded the opportunity to enroll in either program for both 2019 and 2020 during the same office visit. During this time, farm owners have a one-time opportunity to update PLC payment yields that takes effect beginning with crop year 2020. If the owner accompanies the producer to the office, the yield update may be completed during the same office visit.

Web-Based Decision Tools

In partnership with USDA, the University of Illinois and Texas A&M University are offering web-based decision tools to assist producers in making informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations. Tools include:

Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator, the University of Illinois tool that offers farmers the ability to run payment estimate modeling for their farms and counties for ARC-County and PLC.
ARC and PLC Decision Tool, the Texas A&M user friendly tool that allow producers to analyze payment yield updates and expected payments for 2019 and 2020. Producers who have used the tool in the past should see their user name and much of their farm data will already be available in the system.

Crop Insurance Considerations

Producers are reminded that enrolling in ARC or PLC programs can impact eligibility for some forms of crop insurance. Producers who elect and enroll in PLC also have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option through the USDA Risk Management Agency. Producers of covered commodities who elect ARC are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres.

Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan on their planted cotton acres. To be eligible for STAX coverage, producers must not enroll their seed cotton base acres into the ARC or PLC programs.

More Information

For more information on ARC and PLC, download our program fact sheet or our 2014-2018 farm bills comparison fact sheet. To sign up for the program, visit your FSA county office.