NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — U.S. farmers are reacting sharply to a new Federal Crop Insurance Corporation rule that would eliminate the long-standing “+5” buy-up option for prevented planting coverage, a change embedded within a broader regulatory package meant to update and streamline crop insurance policies.
The final rule — published November 28 under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) — clarifies harvest price methodology, moves certain regional dates to Special Provisions, removes barriers to direct marketing, and updates quality-adjustment and claims procedures. But the removal of buy-up prevented-plant coverage is emerging as the most controversial portion.
Under the regulation, the eliminated buy-up would apply to crops with contract-change dates on or after November 30, 2025, meaning many 2026-planted crops will be affected. The Southwest Council of Agribusiness warns the provision appears to have been inserted by budget officials outside the USDA, estimating it would save $70 million while shifting substantial risk back onto already financially stressed producers.
The Council expects heavy opposition during the 60-day comment period and notes Congress could intervene before implementation. Producer organizations are urging farmers to file comments identifying the financial harm the change could cause amid weak margins and tightening credit conditions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The new rule removes prevented-plant buy-up coverage, prompting strong objections from farm groups concerned about added risk exposure.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
December 05, 2025 03:31 PM
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains the basics of Low-Risk Credit in Farming, and how an understanding of the farm credit landscape lets producers tactfully approach debt.
December 05, 2025 02:40 PM
·
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
December 05, 2025 12:29 PM
·
Texas livestock producers face a heightened biosecurity threat as New World screwworm detections in northern Mexico coincide with FDA approval of the first topical treatment.
December 05, 2025 11:27 AM
·
“The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first,” said the USDA.
December 05, 2025 10:49 AM
Low-risk credit farming is not a technique; it is a culture of financial discipline. It requires the same level of expertise in the farm office as it does in the field.
December 05, 2025 07:00 AM
·
Working capital is tightening for crop farms, increasing reliance on operating loans even as land values steady in the broader sector.
December 04, 2025 02:59 PM
·
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.
December 04, 2025 01:31 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer has developed a detailed calculator to help producers navigate the program’s requirements. He joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to explain how it works.
December 04, 2025 01:20 PM
·
