SPOKANE, Wash., July 27, 2015 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced expanded coverage for forage production to include dryland timothy and orchardgrass types under the federal crop insurance program for the 2016 crop year. The new types of coverage will be available in Benewah, Boundary, and Kootenai counties in Idaho and in Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Stevens counties in Washington.

Forage production insurance provides coverage for forage grown for livestock. Forage production is only available in select counties in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The sales closing date, the last day to purchase or modify a producer’s policy, for all forage production in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30. There are various forage types available for coverage. If insurance coverage for a producer’s forage type is not available in their county, they may be able to insure their type by written agreement.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2016 crop year. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.