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
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
·
Focus on home radon testing—not changing your diet—because background sources vastly outweigh any exposure from naturally radioactive foods.
October 06, 2025 01:29 PM
·
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
·
Farm debt is climbing to record levels at ag banks, reflecting pressure on crop producers’ finances even as livestock and land values lend stability to the sector.
October 03, 2025 03:53 PM
·
On Champions of Rural America, Rep. Dusty Johnson underscores the Western Caucus’ ongoing commitment to advocating for farmers and rural communities.
October 03, 2025 03:21 PM
·
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
October 03, 2025 02:57 PM
·
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
October 03, 2025 01:12 PM
·
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
October 03, 2025 01:04 PM
·
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
October 03, 2025 11:53 AM
·
