Important Crop Insurance Deadline Nears

TOPEKA, Kan., July 10, 2015 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds farmers that crop insurance acreage reports are due July 15, 2015, for their 2015 spring-planted crops. Farmers should report their planted acreage to their agent on crops covered under the federal crop insurance program. Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture.

Heavy rainfall and flood conditions have slowed or stopped planting in many areas, preventing farmers from planting a crop by the final planting date identified in their crop insurance policies. Final planting dates and late planting periods vary by crop and by area. Prevented planting coverage is provided for most crops, and generally includes a late planting period, providing options for farmers who are unable to plant. Producers are required to provide a notice that they were prevented from planting an insured crop within 72 hours after the final planting date if they do not intend to plant within the late planting period or within 72 hours after they determine they will not be able to plant within the late planting period.

“The most important thing you can do if you are unable to plant the crop by the final planting date or within the late planting period is contact your crop insurance agent to review your policy and options before you make a decision,” said RMA Topeka Regional Office Director, Rebecca Davis.

More information is available online. Final planting dates and other county-specific information can be found in specific crop fact sheets on the RMA Regional Office webpage.

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.