WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA is expanding crop insurance options for forage producers in 12 states, adding revenue protection beginning with the 2027 crop year.
The Risk Management Agency says the new coverage will help protect against both yield losses and price declines tied to market changes. The policy will replace Actual Production History coverage for forage production in select counties.
Eligible states include California, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Producers in those areas will have three plan options: Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion.
The change provides forage producers with tools similar to those in other federal crop insurance revenue programs. That could matter for hay and forage operations facing weather risk, input costs, and uncertain feed markets.
Producers in eligible counties should contact a crop insurance agent before the Sept. 30, 2026, sales closing date. The existing forage production program will remain available in other states.
