SAINT PAUL, Minn., August 19, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance for fall-planted crops such as cultivated wild rice, forage production, grass seed, mint, and wheat is September 30 for the 2017 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the September 30 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Producers may select from a number of coverage options including yield coverage, revenue protection, and area risk policies.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. Agents can help producers determine what policy works best for their operation and review existing coverage to ensure the policy meets their needs.

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 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 www.rma.usda.gov.