The United States Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency announced on Dec. 18 that producers with Federal crop insurance who are experiencing delays in harvesting due to late maturing crops and wet or wintery conditions should contact their Approved Insurance Provider to file a Notice of Loss and request additional time to harvest.
This guidance is important for farmers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming who have been affected by challenging weather this fall. The extended harvest period has raised concerns about potential losses among producers in these states.
Eric Bashore, Director of RMA’s Billings Regional Office, said, “Producers who have Federal crop insurance coverage and are experiencing delays in harvesting their crop should contact their crop insurance agent to file a Notice of Loss and request more time to harvest.” Producers must make this request before the end of the insurance period so claims can be settled based on harvested production. For corn and soybeans in the affected states, the end date is December 10.
Additional time may be granted if several conditions are met: timely notice is given; delays are due to insured causes such as excessive moisture; it is demonstrated that harvesting was not possible under current conditions; and insufficient equipment or manpower did not cause the delay. If authorized by an Approved Insurance Provider, extra time does not extend the official insurance period but allows further attempts at harvest. Damage occurring during this extension from insurable causes remains covered under policy terms.
Crop insurance policies will continue to cover quality loss (as specified), reduced yields, and revenue losses if applicable coverage was selected. However, costs related to drying harvested crops will not be covered under these provisions. More information about assistance for delayed harvests can be found on RMA’s website.
Organizations such as the North Dakota Grain Growers Association support local farmers through advocacy efforts at both state and federal levels while also promoting economic vitality through education and market development initiatives according to the official website.
