ST. PAUL, Minn. (RFD NEWS) — Alfalfa producers are calling for greater recognition in federal agriculture assistance programs, highlighting the importance of the crop and the challenges facing growers.
Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA), joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the push for additional support and a newly released revenue protection insurance tool for alfalfa farmers.
In her interview with RFD News, Nelson said alfalfa is often overlooked in policy discussions despite being the nation’s fourth most valuable field crop, with a value of about $9.5 billion. She explained that many assistance programs and risk management tools have historically focused on major crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice, leaving alfalfa producers without similar support.
“Alfalfa farmers are facing many of the same challenges as other producers,” Nelson said, pointing to rising costs, market pressures and weather-related risks.
Nelson said alfalfa acreage has declined more than 30 percent over the past two decades, which the alliance attributes in part to a lack of parity with other crops that receive economic assistance programs and crop insurance options. She emphasized that alfalfa farmers are experiencing losses comparable to row crop and specialty crop producers and are asking Congress to include the crop in future relief efforts.
She also discussed efforts to raise awareness among lawmakers, encouraging alfalfa farmers to contact their congressional offices and share their experiences with the challenges facing the industry.
“Farmers need to tell their stories,” Nelson said, emphasizing the importance of helping policymakers better understand the challenges facing forage producers.
New Risk Management Tools for Alfalfa Producers
On a positive note, Nelson highlighted the release of a new revenue protection insurance tool for alfalfa growers following more than a decade of development.
Nelson said the program will be available during the upcoming crop insurance sales closing period and is designed to give producers another tool to manage financial risk.
The new coverage option will provide additional protection by helping producers manage revenue losses tied to changes in price and production.
Nelson added that the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance is hosting a webinar to help farmers, industry members, extension professionals and crop insurance agents learn more about the new program, including eligibility, pricing, coverage options and production requirements.
She said expanding risk management tools and ensuring alfalfa receives greater recognition in agricultural policy discussions will be key to supporting the future of the forage industry.
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