CROP PROGRAM DEADLINE SEPT. 30:

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff reminded fall-seeded barley, wheat and forage producers that they have until Sept. 30, 2004 to purchase crop insurance or modify existing choices for 2005. “Crop insurance has been a valuable risk-management tool for many producers in 2004, whose forage production quality and expected revenue were severely reduced by excessive rains” Wolff said. “I encourage farmers to enroll in similar or modified crop insurance plans for the 2005 season.” For barley and wheat protection, producers can choose a 50 percent to 85 percent level of coverage policy. When production is less than the insurance guarantee, the payment rate is $2.35 or $3.50 per bushel respectively. Crop revenue coverage is also available for wheat. Loss payments can result from low yields, poor quality and/or price fluctuations. Forage production protection can be purchased for yield fluctuations under the production history or group risk plans. Coverage is available for alfalfa and alfalfa/grass mixtures at 50 percent to 75 percent of the producer’s yield history. The group risk plan is available for all classes of hay in 29 counties. Losses are paid when the county average for the current year is less than the producer’s selected level of coverage. Forage producers can also purchase gross revenue protection based on their previous five-year average. This plan covers all classes of hay as well as the gross sales of almost all other agricultural commodities produced on the farm. Protection is provided against low revenue caused by natural disasters or low prices. . The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will cost-share the premium for crop insurance protection. Wolff urged farmers to contact a crop insurance agent before the Sept. 30, 2004 deadline.