Deadline Nears for Crop Insurance Sign-Ups

November 15, 1999

Dec. 1 is the deadline for farmers to sign up for crop insurance and take advantage of a 25% premium discount on 2000 crop production. Dozens of insurance plans have sales closing dates between June 30-Dec. 1, says Risk Management Agency Administration Ken Ackerman. The discount is only for crops harvested in 2000.

"Because sales closing dates vary by growing area and crop, producers should contact a crop insurance agent immediately to discuss sign up dates and their coverage options," says Ackerman. A list of agents is available at local Farm Service Agency offices or at the RMA web site at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents.

Like last year's premium discount, the amount of this discount will depend on crop prices and how many farmers choose to insure or increase their protection. Last year's discount helped insured acres increase more than 9%, farm protection increase more than 15% and acres with higher levels of coverage increase almost 21%, says RMA.