RALEIGH, N.C., July 1, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Maryland fall-seeded forage growers that the final date to apply for 2017 fall-seeded forage crop insurance is July 31, 2016. Current policy holders also have until July 31 to make changes to existing contracts.

Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in production due to natural perils such as adverse weather conditions, failure of irrigation water supply, fire, insects or plant disease, or wildlife. Newly-seeded acreage of alfalfa and forage mixtures containing at least 50 percent (by weight) alfalfa, clover, birdsfoot trefoil, or any other locally recognized and approved forage legume species may be covered under the policy in some Maryland counties.

Fall-seeded forage acreage must be planted by August 31, 2016 in Allegany and Garrett counties, and by September 10, 2016 in Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties. Coverage ends the date of the total destruction of the crop, initial harvest, commencement of grazing, the final adjustment of a loss, or abandonment of the crop, whichever is earliest.

Fall-seeded forage growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon 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. Growers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at  the RMA website.