Harvest season brings long days, changing weather, and plenty of decisions that cannot wait. While getting crops out of the field takes priority, this is also an important time to review insurance coverage, document stored grain, and prepare for upcoming enrollment deadlines.
At Hanford Insurance, we want to help you stay ahead of those details so you can focus on your operation. From considering Margin Coverage Option for 2027 to reviewing winter wheat coverage, here are the crop insurance reminders to keep on your radar this fall.
Consider your 2027 MCO election before September 30. The deadline to elect Margin Coverage Option, or MCO, for the 2027 crop year is September 30, 2026. With production expenses drawing increased attention, growers may want to evaluate how margin coverage fits their overall risk management strategy.
MCO addresses changes in the relationship between crop revenue and specified production costs. It uses area-level calculations, rather than your farm’s actual expenses or individual financial results. This means your operation could experience a loss without receiving an MCO payment. Understanding that distinction is essential when comparing coverage options. USDA MCO policy provisions
The input cost discovery period identified in our fall update ran from August 15 through September 15, 2026. Our update also noted a 2027 MCO projected corn price of $5.25 per bushel and increases in input costs following the discovery period. Those factors make a timely coverage review worthwhile, but they do not guarantee an indemnity.
Bring your questions, current coverage information, and concerns about next season’s expenses to the conversation. We can help you evaluate the available protection alongside your farm’s broader financial priorities.
Compare MCO with your spring ECO options. Electing MCO is a decision that affects your choices next year. Producers who elect MCO cannot also purchase Enhanced Coverage Option, or ECO, on the same underlying policy. For the spring crops addressed in this update, the 2027 ECO signup deadline is March 15, 2027.
Changes in commodity prices deserve careful consideration, but higher prices do not automatically eliminate an MCO payment. Underlying Revenue Protection coverage can allow adjustments to expected revenue and the trigger margin when the harvest price rises. Actual payment outcomes depend on the policy’s calculations, area yields, and covered input prices. USDA MCO policy provisions
Rather than making an election based on a single market expectation, contact Hanford Insurance to discuss the tradeoffs. We are continuing to evaluate these products and can help you understand how each option would work within your coverage plan.
Mark December 11 for 2026 ARC and PLC enrollment. USDA has announced that enrollment for the 2026 Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs runs through December 11, 2026. These programs are administered through the Farm Service Agency and require attention separately from your crop insurance elections. USDA enrollment announcement
Although harvest may make December feel far away, setting a reminder now can prevent an unnecessary rush. We will continue monitoring program outlooks and will be available to help review your options as the deadline approaches. Coordinate with your FSA office to complete the required enrollment.
Document old crop before adding new grain. If you have grain remaining in storage that will be commingled with this year’s harvest, contact our office before adding new production.
An adjuster can document the old crop inventory so there is a clear record separating crop years. Addressing this before bins begin filling helps avoid confusion when production is reported or a claim is reviewed. If harvest has already started, call us promptly to discuss your situation and the appropriate next steps.
Review winter wheat coverage now. Planning to seed winter wheat this fall? The sales closing date identified for the winter wheat coverage addressed in this update is September 30, 2026.
Please contact Hanford Insurance before that deadline to discuss your acreage, coverage options, and any changes to your operation. Confirming the requirements for your county and policy early gives you time to make an informed decision.
Check your premium billing and interest dates. USDA has authorized additional interest relief for eligible policies with premium billing dates from July through September 2026. The relief generally provides an additional 60 days, subject to policy termination dates. USDA interest deferral guidance
Our fall billing reminder identifies December 1, 2026, as the date interest begins for the affected accounts. Confirm your individual statement with our office, since the applicable timing depends on your policy and billing date.
Harvest is demanding, but a short conversation now can help keep important insurance details from becoming last-minute problems.
Contact Hanford Insurance with questions about coverage elections, grain measurements, wheat insurance, premium billing, or ARC and PLC decisions. We wish you, your family, and your crew a safe and successful harvest season.