Files
Abstract
Government subsidized farm savings accounts have gained attention as possible risk management
tools. These accounts encourage farmers to set aside funds in high income years to be drawn upon
in low income years. This study considers two potential savings programs, Farm and Ranch Risk
Management (FARRM) accounts and Counter-Cyclical (CC) farm savings accounts. FARRM
accounts use tax deferral as the primary incentive for participation and under CC accounts the
government would match farmer deposits up to $5,000.
This report examines the potential benefits of these accounts for New York dairy farmers. The
study illustrates how the selection of different income to define eligibility will impact the potential
eligibility and benefits received by the accounts. In particular, if measures do not correct for
changes in farm size, the value of the accounts to commercial farmers will be greatly reduced.
Although participation and benefit estimates vary by the specific net and gross income measures
used to define participation and allow withdrawals, the differences were relatively small. The
analysis indicates that most commercial dairy farms would be eligible to build substantial balances
in the accounts. The use of net income measures as opposed to gross income measures increases
the likelihood that farmers will be able to access the funds deposited in the accounts.