JACKSON, Miss., Feb. 14, 2017 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Tennessee producers that the final dates to apply for crop insurance on most insurable spring crops are fast approaching. The final date to apply for insurance coverage on rice is February 28. The final date to apply for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and insurance coverage on corn, cotton, fresh market tomatoes, grain sorghum, soybeans, and tobacco is March 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until the applicable sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, excessive moisture, and decreases in revenue.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use RMA’s online Cost Estimator to obtain an estimate of their premium amount due. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at the RMA website.