Important Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in the Pacific Northwest

SPOKANE, Wash., August 8, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Pacific Northwest producers to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2017 crop year before the sales closing dates. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the sales closing dates to do so. Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture.

The sales closing date for fall-planted canola and rapeseed in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is August 31. The sales closing date for fall-planted onions in Umatilla, Oregon and Walla Walla, Washington is August 31.

The sales closing date for fall-planted barley with winter coverage in select counties in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30. The sales closing date for fall-planted dry peas and lentils with winter coverage in select counties in Idaho and Washington is September 30. The sales closing date for forage (alfalfa) seed and for mint with winter coverage in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30. The sales closing date for wheat in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. 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 www.rma.usda.gov.