Producers of fall-planted crops have until today (Thursday) to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until today to do so.

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) said the sales closing date applies to the following crops: fall-planted wheat with winter coverage, forage production and forage (alfalfa) seed for select counties in Montana and Wyoming.

“Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net,” the USDA said in a news release. “It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy.”

Producers may select from several coverage options, including yield coverage, revenue protection and area risk policies.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2022 crop year. Agents can help producers determine what policy works best for their operation and review existing coverage to ensure the policy meets their needs. 

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through approved insurance providers to deliver services — including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA employees are working with providers and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. More information can be found at www.farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available using the RMA agent locator online at www.rma.usda.gov.

Producers can use the agency’s cost estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online at ewebapp.rma.usda.gov/apps/costestimator/.