Crop Insurance Participation Surges As Risk Management Needs Grow

Crop insurance remains essential as risks and costs rise.

farm gasoline tanks diesel fuel energy DSCN0035.JPG

FarmHER, Inc.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers expanded their use of crop insurance in 2025, setting new records for coverage as risk and margin pressure continue to build across agriculture. Data from National Crop Insurance Services shows producers are relying more heavily on insurance as a primary risk management tool.

Farmers purchased 2.54 million policies last year, covering a record 561 million acres and more than $159 billion in liability. Producers also invested over $6.25 billion of their own money into coverage, signaling strong confidence in the program.

Participation remains broad nationwide. Kansas and Texas led in total policies sold, while Iowa and Illinois topped the list for total liability coverage. The data reflect both large-scale row-crop production in the Midwest and high-value specialty-crop exposure in other regions.

Coverage now spans all 50 states and a wide range of commodities. As weather volatility increases and margins tighten, crop insurance continues to serve as the backbone of the farm safety net.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Crop insurance remains essential as risks and costs rise.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
For aging operators and their rural neighbors, staying socially engaged is a practical strategy to preserve decision-making capacity and farm vitality.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the status of USDA disaster aid, including delays to Stage 2 of the SDRP program, and what farmers should watch for as lawmakers negotiate an end to the government shutdown.
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s Luke Worrell joined us to discuss farmland market trends, insights from the Illinois Land Values Conference, changing buyer and seller demographics, and the latest outlook on planting progress.
EPA’s approval gives citrus growers a new disease-fighting tool against greening at a time when production losses remain severe.
Higher input costs are making flexible marketing plans and updated break-even targets more important.
Data center growth can bring opportunities, but competition for land, water, and power will matter more in rural areas.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.
Higher ocean freight rates can add export cost pressure even when grain demand remains active.