ST. PAUL — University of Minnesota Extension officials remind farmers and landowners they have until the end of March to make their crop program choices under the 2014 farm bill.

The choices are between the Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage programs. Extension economist Kent Olson said these choices need thoughtful consideration because they’ll last for five years, and there are no obvious answers about what’s best for one farm versus another. He recommends that farmers consult online decision-making tools.

Extension spokeswoman Allison Sandve said nearly 15,000 farmers have attended more than 100 classes conducted by Extension statewide to learn about their choices.

Federal figures show 69 percent of Minnesota dairy farmers signed up for their new farm bill program before its deadline earlier, one of the highest rates in the country.