The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending program flexibilities to Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) and agricultural producers until June 30, 2022, or later. Originally, these flexibilities were expiring in January.

Agricultural producers who have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from USDA if they planted cover crops during this crop year.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will adopt and implement a crop insurance reward program for cover crops that American Farmland Trust and a coalition of agriculture, environmental and conservation organizations developed.

Planting over much of the Midwest is seriously delayed and history suggests the odds have also increased for reduced yields and very low net incomes. Two ag economist discuss why obtaining the number of acres eligible for prevented planting by crop for each insurance unit is useful background information to acquire in case planting decisions need to be made after the prevented planting date.

The world has a burdensome supply of wheat and corn from the 2016 season, and adequate supply of soybeans, so what should no-tillers do with what remains of their cash crops?

To be eligible to receive many USDA benefits, including loans and federal crop insurance premium subsidies, growers must comply with requirements for highly erodible lands and wetlands.

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced that the new Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance policy is now available for the 2015 crop year. The policy allows producers to insure between 50-85% of their whole farm revenue and makes crop insurance more affordable for producers, including fruit and vegetable growers and organic farmers and ranchers.

In a time of tight supplies of both forage and agricultural land, many producers are interested in making use of cover crops as alternative forages. Most cover crop species used in Michigan also have a long history of use as forage crops for livestock and offer great potential for dual use to improve soil while providing forage. However, if the cover-cropped acreage is also enrolled in a crop insurance program, Michigan State University Extension reminds farmers that it is important to recognize how intended use as forage may impact the insurance policy.