From Seed to Secured: Crop Insurance for Small Grains

Farm and Food
Policy
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Some farmers in the Midwest and Great Plains opt to grow small grains as part of their operations. Their reasons range from conservation benefits to the requirements of organic certification to local markets they have identified.

However, while small grains do have benefits on the landscape, they come with associated risks. To manage that risk, one tool available to farmers is federal crop insurance.

Many farmers are familiar with insurance for crops such as corn and soybeans, but fewer are aware of the options available for small grains.

This report addresses that uncertainty and demystifies the federal crop insurance process for insuring small grains. If one insurance option is not available in a farmer’s county, this resource will explain second and third options. The guide also highlights stories of a farmer and a crop insurance agent with experience with select programs.