For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2009

Media Contact: Nathan Sanderson, 605-773-6211

 

 

Pierre, S.D. – Extremely wet conditions across South Dakota have delayed the harvest for many farmers and raised concerns about the fast-approaching Dec. 10, 2009, harvest deadline for crop insurance. However, producers unable to harvest their crops due to weather conditions may be eligible for additional time from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).

 

Corn and soybean harvests are on pace to be the slowest ever in the state, even as both commodities are estimated to produce near-record yields. Recent USDA estimates indicate that only 18 percent of South Dakota’s corn and 76 percent of soybeans have been harvested, compared to the five-year average of 71 percent and 99 percent, respectively.    

 

As a result, many producers may be unable to meet the “End of the Insurance Period” (EIOP) deadline for harvesting their crops. The deadline for most spring planted crops is Dec. 10; the specific date is found in each producer’s applicable crop provisions and is a contractual date that is not extended by RMA. Producers should read their policy’s applicable crop provisions to be sure of the date.

 

Producers unable to harvest by the EIOP calendar date due to extreme wet or snowy conditions may request additional harvest time from their crop insurance company.

 

“We are stressing to all of our producers that the most important thing to do is contact their crop insurance agents to report losses and request additional time to harvest in order to protect their crop insurance coverage,” said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even. “RMA has done an excellent job of responding to our concerns.”

 

Producers requesting extensions must continue to carry out normal and customary harvesting practices, if possible. Crop insurance policies will cover loss of quality (as specified in the crop provisions), reduced yields and revenue losses if revenue coverage was chosen.  The cost of drying the harvested crop is not covered.

 

Farmers should also document weather conditions and all actions taken in order to receive accurate claim payments (if applicable).  

 

For more information, contact your local crop insurance agent or visit the RMA Web site at www.rma.usda.gov/NEWS/2009/11/WETHARVEST.HTML

 

- 30 -