Important Crop Insurance Deadline Nears
Farmers Need to Provide Acreage Report by July 15; Know Prevented Planting Options

[July 11, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD - 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.

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

More information is available in the 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.

[Nicole Anselm, Risk Management Agency]