The clock is ticking on several important risk management decisions. Farmers have one more week to choose their farm bill safety net program and, for most corn and soybean growers, to buy their crop insurance for the year.
Hopefully you've already given thought to these important farm management choices, and many of you have already visited your local Farm Services Agency office or worked with your crop insurance agent to complete the paperwork. But if you haven't, it needs to be complete by March 15.
CROP INSURANCE ELECTIONS
Spring crop insurance prices came in lower than 2023 and below levels that would cover most farmers' cost of production. That said, it's an important piece of a farmer's risk management plan and still prevents many of the worst-case scenarios that could put a farm out of business.
For corn, the spring price used in revenue protection guarantees is $4.66 per bushel. For soybeans, it's $11.55. For spring wheat, it's $6.85.
"This year in particular, springtime prices for corn and soybeans are well below the prices that were established in 2023," said Tom Zacharias, president of National Crop Insurance Services, in a recent podcast. "Because these springtime prices greatly determine the farmer-paid premium, it is appropriate to carefully evaluate the type of policy and the coverage level each and every season. Should these coverage levels be increased? Should the farmer consider supplemental coverage options to protect more of their operation? These are all questions that the farmer and agent need to address before sales closing."
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Categories: Iowa, Crops, Government & Policy