SAINT PAUL, Minn., April 5, 2024 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin growers to review their crop insurance policy if they intend to plant crops earlier than normal this spring. Unseasonable dry, warm weather has prompted questions regarding early planting provisions. The Earliest Planting Date is defined in Section 1 of the Basic Provisions as,

“The initial planting date contained in the Special Provisions, which is the earliest date you may plant an insured agricultural commodity and qualify for a replant payment if such payments are authorized by the Crop Provisions.”

Growers should contact their crop insurance agent for crop specific information, such as whether the crop they intend to plant has an Earliest Plant Date. Insureds are also reminded to adhere to the standards of good farming practices when determining the appropriate time to plant.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Additional information, like earliest planting dates, can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website.

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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

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