CARMI, Ill. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers are preparing for Wednesday’s crop insurance deadline, which marks the final federal sales-closing and policy-change date for many fall-planted crops.
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with a look at the decisions farmers and agents are making for the 2027 crop year.
Farmers Make 2027 Coverage Decisions
In an interview with RFD News, York said March 15 is the primary sales-closing date for the year, but the upcoming deadline matters for wheat, barley, oats, and several regional oilseeds and grains, including rapeseed and canola.
Those decisions are being influenced heavily by current market conditions, York said.
“The market has probably directed these decisions more so than we’ve seen in the last few crop sales closing dates,” he said.
Higher Coverage Expected
York said farmers are likely to increase coverage on many operations for the 2027 crop year.
He also expects greater use of endorsements including ECO and SCO, which can provide additional protection across multiple crops.
“The bottom line, 9/30, we’re probably going to have a higher percentage of these fall crops that are insured,” York said.
He said coverage could be higher than in previous years.
Yield Claims Concentrated in Several Regions
As harvest progresses north, York said crop insurance claims are beginning to emerge in several areas. He identified Texas and Oklahoma as one area of concern, along with the Carolinas in the Southeast.
The Dakotas could also see more claims tied to dry conditions and intense summer temperatures.
“The verdict’s still out, but we’re expecting a lot of yield claims in that direction as well,” York said.
Review Coverage Before the Upcoming Deadline
With the deadline approaching, York encouraged farmers to take advantage of current market conditions and review their available coverage options.
He specifically pointed to ECO and SCO levels for wheat and said changes from the 2025 legislation have allowed producers to protect a larger percentage of their crops with potentially less out-of-pocket cost.
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