Crop insurance deadlines approach for 2018 protection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency reminds producers in Washington to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2018 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.

Sales closing dates vary by crop. They are: Canola/Rapeseed – Aug. 31 (for fall planted types); fall planted barley with winter coverage – Sept. 30 (in select counties); fall planted dry peas/lentils with winter coverage – Sept. 30 (in select counties); triticale – Sept. 30; wheat – Sept. 30.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2018 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator.

Growers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.

http://www.rma.usda.gov