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
“American soybean farmers—who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs—deserve better.”
The shutdown is yet another hurdle for producers navigating a challenging year marked by high input costs, volatile markets, and uncertain trade conditions.
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
Chris McGovern from Connected Nation joined us Tuesday to break down the findings and discuss their implications for rural America.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.

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:

The farm bill is still moving, but the toughest amendment fights were pushed into today’s session.
A more independent UAE could add long-term pressure and volatility to energy markets, affecting fuel and fertilizer costs.
Clean power growth remains strong, but slower deal-making could affect future rural energy and land-use opportunities.
Higher biofuel mandates boost long-term crop demand, but a tighter D4 market may pressure biofuel feedstocks and pose new soybean oil demand risks.
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.