08/09/06 USDA Crop Insurance

Who knows what crop perils will foil NW farmers in 2007. No one could have predicted the wet spring, hot summer and barrage of hail and lightening storms that have challenged our agricultural community. I want to encourage my friends who farm in the beautiful Northwest to make sure you are up to date on next years crop insurance. In fact I just received an e-mail reminder from USDA risk manager Jo Lynne Seufer who wished to alert our growing region to the final fall closing dates to purchase Multi-Peril Crop Insurance. Canola and Rapeseed is set for August 31 for Fall planted types. Onions are also August 31 for growers in Walla Walla and Umatilla county. Mint, Alfalfa Barley, and Wheat growers have until October 2 but I wouldn't wait until the last minute as you might wish to make coverage changes. For more information you can always contact a local MPCI agent. To locate a list of crop insurance agents in your region call your USDA Center or go online at usda.gov.