Crop Insurance Deadline Nears for Fall-Planted Crops like Winter Wheat

Waiting could risk leaving next year’s crop unprotected.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reminded wheat producers that the deadline to apply for or update crop insurance policies for fall-planted crops is fast approaching. Sales closing dates vary by crop and region, with the next major deadline set for September 30.

For winter wheat, the deadline is especially critical, and producers must finalize coverage decisions with their crop insurance agents on or before the deadline to ensure protection for the 2026 crop year.

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers several online tools, including the Actuarial Information Browser and the Map Viewer, to help producers identify the correct dates and coverage options for their operation. RMA also provides the Information Reporting System tool, which outlines insurance offer reports by crop, plan, and location.

Federal crop insurance remains a cornerstone of the farm safety net, helping growers manage yield and revenue risks while supporting rural economies. Options range from traditional yield and revenue protection plans to Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm policies, which provide flexible coverage for diversified or small-scale operations.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Winter wheat producers should contact their crop insurance agents now to finalize coverage before the September 30 deadline. Waiting could risk leaving next year’s crop unprotected.
Related Stories
RFD-TV Agricultural Law & Taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses the Supreme Court’s recent repeal of the Chevron agreement and other current topics in ag law.
With today’s post, RFD-TV Ag Legal & Tax Expert Roger McEowen focuses on some more common issues farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners frequently face.
Roger McOwen started a new farm law and taxation blog that contains a “Rural Practice Digest.” You can access it through a subscription to his new Substack blog. Find the link here.
The topics in ag law and tax are diverse. There’s never a dull moment. For now, here’s a selection of various ag law topics from RFD-TV Agricultural Law & Tax expert Roger McEowen.
With ransomware and other cybersecurity threats on the rise, the U.S. Small Business Association wants to help bolster the resources available to farmers and other rural Americans who operate small businesses.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.