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

BILLINGS, Mont., Feb. 25, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming producers the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage on spring crops is March 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the March 15 sales closing date to do so. Producers who planted winter wheat in a county with only spring wheat coverage must notify their crop insurance agent by March 15. 

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Producers can also choose new farm safety net options, Actual Production History Yield Exclusion, and the Supplemental Coverage Option. These two options are provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill and are available for select crops in select counties. Producers must apply for these options by March 15. Producers can use the RMA Map Viewer to learn whether these options are available for their crop in their county.

“Producers should contact their crop insurance agent for more information on crop insurance and the availability of these new options,” said Eric Bashore, Billings Regional Office director.

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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at the RMA website.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (toll-free customer service), (800) 877-8339 (local or federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users).