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
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Bayer’s Monsanto announces $7.25B class settlement for Roundup™ lawsuits alleging Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), covering claims over 21 years.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain

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:

Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.