The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming that the spring sales closing date is March 15. The spring sales closing and cancellation date applies to spring planted crops, and is also the deadline for producers to notify their agent if they have planted winter wheat in a county with only spring wheat coverage.
There are also important changes for organic producers this year. The five percent surcharge for all acreage insured under organic farming practices has been removed and a new contract price option will be available to organic producers who grow eligible crops under guaranteed contracts. An organic price election is now available for oats, bringing the total number of crops with organic price elections to sixteen. Changes to organic transitional yields (t-yields) will be phased in so they will be more reflective of actual organic farming experience. More information on risk management tools available for organic farmers can be found on the RMA Organic Crops website at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/currentissues/organics/.
Doug Hagel, Billings Regional Office Director, reminds producers to contact their crop insurance agent for changes and insurance availability specific to their operation. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers or on the RMA website at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.
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