WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers will have less flexibility to target early-season planting risk under the USDA’s Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) rule. Hunter Biram with the University of Arkansas and Francis Tsiboe with North Dakota State University say the change removes prevented planting buy-up coverage beginning with the 2027 commodity year.
Prevented planting coverage pays farmers when adverse weather keeps insured crops from being planted. Historically, producers could buy extra protection for that risk without increasing broader crop insurance coverage.
The new rule eliminates that option. Farmers seeking similar prevented planting protection may need to raise their overall crop insurance coverage, which can increase premiums and expand exposure across the policy.
Past experience shows producers may adjust slowly. After the 10 percent prevented planting buy-up was removed in 2018, some farms gradually shifted from 75 percent coverage to 80 percent and 85 percent levels.
The concern is most direct for farms with high planting risk and already strong coverage levels. Some may not be able to fully replace lost protection.
