News Release

Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming

Wheat, Forage Production, Alfalfa Seed, and Rye Growers Need to Make Insurance Decisions Soon

BILLINGS, Mont., Sept. 17, 2021 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers of fall-planted crops in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year before the September 30 sales closing date. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the September 30 sales closing date to do so.

The September 30 sales closing date applies to the following crops and states: Fall Planted Wheat with Winter Coverage - Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; Forage Production - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming; Forage (Alfalfa) Seed - Select Counties in Montana and Wyoming; and Rye - Select Counties in North Dakota and South Dakota.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Producers may select from several coverage options, including yield coverage, revenue protection, and area risk policies.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2022 crop year. Agents can help producers determine what policy works best for their operation and review existing coverage to ensure the policy meets their needs.

RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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