For the 2012 crop year, crop insurance programs administered by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) covered over $140 million in crop liability for Wyoming farmers and ranchers.  The state had over 2,500 policies in force for 2012, and those policies covered over 1.2 million Wyoming crop acres.  Almost 46 percent of Wyoming’s insured producers suffered a loss and received an indemnity in 2012; in fact, the average indemnity per indemnified policy for 2012 was nearly $16,500.

So, how will you manage risk in 2013?  Wyoming producers are reminded that March 15 is the sales closing date for most seeded spring crops, including barley, corn, sugar beets, and wheat.  March 15 is also the last date for new enrollees to sign up for RMA’s Adjusted Gross Revenue - Lite (AGR-Lite) Program, which is a whole-farm revenue insurance program.

Producers planning to start (or modify) coverage should contact a crop insurance agent immediately to meet the sales closing deadline and be advised of other key program dates. 

A crop insurance agent directory is available on the RMA website at www.RMA.USDA.gov.  The RMA website also offers many other useful tools, including a premium calculator, extensive program descriptions, and a variety of educational materials.

Federal crop insurance program policies are sold and serviced by private crop insurance companies.  Custom Ag Solutions works with RMA and other partner organizations to educate Wyoming producers about risk management and Federal crop insurance programs.  To receive information by mail, call CAS at 877-227-8094.  USDA, RMA, and CAS are equal opportunity providers.