CROP INSURANCE

NEW YORK STATE CROP INSURANCE

Crop Insurance is one of the most important tools available to farmers in New York State, providing critical support in times of financial uncertainty. This federally supported and state-regulated program is designed to help farmers safeguard their income and protect their crops from the many unpredictable risks that come with farming. At Farm & Country Insurance, located on West Main Street in Honeoye Falls, New York, our dedicated crop insurance specialists are here to guide you through the complexities of crop insurance and help you select the right coverage to fit your farm’s unique needs.

Crop insurance is offered through private agencies like Farm & Country Insurance and subsidized by the federal government, which means a portion of the premium is covered to help make the policy more affordable for farmers. It is regulated by the New York State Insurance Department to ensure fairness and accountability. Our team stays informed on the latest federal and state regulations, ensuring you receive expert guidance tailored to your crops and location.

Farming is an inherently risky business. Weather patterns are becoming increasingly erratic, and crop prices fluctuate with market conditions. Drought remains the leading cause of loss among New York State farmers, followed closely by excessive moisture. Other risks include early frosts, hail, floods, pest outbreaks, disease, and irrigation system failures. For these reasons, having crop insurance is no longer optional for many farmers—it’s a vital part of a sound risk management plan.

Whether you grow corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, or specialty crops, there is a policy designed to protect your operation. At Farm & Country Insurance, we understand that no two farms are the same. Our crop insurance professionals will sit down with you to evaluate your historical yields, risk tolerance, and income needs to determine the most appropriate type and level of coverage.

We also provide guidance on how crop insurance integrates with other types of farm insurance, helping you build a comprehensive protection plan that covers both your physical assets and your potential revenue losses.

Learn more about Crop Insurance by reading our BLOG article.

OUR FOCUS: PROTECTING YOUR CROPS

At Farm & Country Insurance, our focus is on helping farmers throughout New York protect the livelihood they’ve worked so hard to build. Crop insurance plays a significant role in keeping farming operations financially stable after a poor growing season, a natural disaster, or dramatic changes in commodity prices.

Our crop insurance specialists understand the local agricultural landscape, from the Genesee Valley to the Finger Lakes and beyond. We take the time to learn about your operation, walk through the coverage options, and help you make confident, informed decisions.

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Crop Insurance Losses Covered

When you partner with Farm & Country Insurance for your New York State crop insurance needs, you gain protection against a wide range of potential losses, including:

  • Drought

  • Excessive moisture

  • Decline in commodity prices

  • Pest infestations and plant diseases

  • Cold temperatures, wet weather, and freeze conditions

  • Water irrigation system failure

  • Wildlife damage

  • Hailstorms

  • Flooding

  • High winds and storm damage

These types of losses can severely impact your yield, income, and future operations. Having a robust policy in place allows you to recover faster and avoid major financial disruptions.

NY CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE

Types of Crop Insurance

Farm & Country Insurance offers a full spectrum of crop insurance options, helping you select a level of protection that matches your specific situation. Our team works closely with each client to review risk levels and build a strategy that makes sense both financially and operationally.

Types of crop insurance coverage available through Farm & Country Insurance include:

  • Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI): Covers loss due to a variety of natural causes, such as drought, excessive moisture, freeze, and disease. This is one of the most commonly used types of crop insurance.

  • Revenue Protection (RP): Protects against loss of revenue due to low yields or falling prices.

  • Yield Protection (YP): Focuses solely on protecting against yield losses due to covered events.

  • Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy (LGM-Dairy): Provides protection for dairy producers against the loss of gross margin (market value of milk minus feed costs).

  • Actual Production History (APH): Bases coverage on the historical yield of your farm, providing a personalized insurance structure.

  • Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF): Designed for farms that rely heavily on grazing or haying acreage.

  • Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP): Offers a unique, all-encompassing approach by protecting the revenue of the entire farm operation, not just individual crops.

  • Prevented Planting Coverage: Offers protection when weather or other conditions prevent you from planting your crop by the final planting date.

agricultural insurance | crop insurance specialists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is crop insurance and how does it work?

Crop insurance is a federally supported program designed to protect farmers from significant financial losses caused by uncontrollable events like adverse weather, pests, disease, and market fluctuations. Policies are sold through private agencies like Farm & Country Insurance and offer different types of protection based on yield loss, revenue loss, or specific perils. Premiums are partially subsidized by the federal government, making this coverage more affordable for New York State farmers.

Do I need crop insurance if I already have farm insurance?

Yes. While farm insurance covers physical assets like buildings, machinery, and equipment, crop insurance specifically protects the value of your crops and potential income from those crops. Both types of insurance are complementary and together provide comprehensive coverage for your farming operation.

What types of crops can be insured under New York State crop insurance?

Farmers in New York can insure a wide variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, oats, hay, vegetables, fruits, and specialty crops. There are also tailored policies for livestock producers, dairy farmers, and operations that rely on pasture and forage. Farm & Country Insurance can help you find the right policy for your specific crops and operation type.

How are crop insurance claims evaluated?

Claims are typically evaluated based on your actual production history (APH) compared to your insured guarantee. If your yield or revenue falls below your coverage level due to a covered loss, you may be eligible for a payout. Farm & Country Insurance assists clients with claim reporting and ensures all necessary documentation is submitted promptly.

When should I sign up for crop insurance in New York?

Enrollment deadlines vary depending on the crop, but most major field crops have sign-up deadlines in early spring. It’s important to speak with a crop insurance specialist well before planting season. Farm & Country Insurance can help you stay ahead of deadlines and ensure you’re fully protected when it matters most.