Spokane, Wash., Risk Management Agency Specialist Jo Lynne reminds Pacific Northwest producers that 2013 crop year sales closing dates for Multi-Peril Crop Insurance is getting close for some crops.
The deadline is Aug. 31 for PNW canola and rapeseed fall-planted crops; fall-planted onions in Umatilla and Walla Walla counties.
As a similar reminder of October 1 deadlines, producers of the following should note the end of their sign up period:
Mint with winter coverage.
Wheat Multi-Peril Crop Insurance producers in the Pacific Northwest have until Oct. 1 to sign up for new policies.
Klamath and Malheur counties forage production
Alfalfa seed pilot forage
Fall-planted barley with winter coverage (in some counties)
Fall-planted dry peas and lentils with winter coverage (in some counties)
Wheat
Apiculture (honey)
Pasture rangeland forage
Before the 2012 crop year the pilot program only allowed for coverage to producers in limited areas. With the federal Crop Insurance Corporation board's approved conversion of the pilot to a permanent regulatory program, extended coverage was made available through written agreements.
"We are pleased to offer coverage for the 2013 crop year on the Forage (Alfalfa) Seed Pilot program to all qualifying producers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington," says RMA Spokane Regional Office Director Dave Paul.
"If there is no coverage filed in a county for a specific crop under the traditional MPCI program, I encourage producers to ask a crop insurance agent whether they are eligible for coverage under a written agreement," he says.
RMA also reminds fruit producers with crop insurance of actions to take in the event of fruit damage due to recent weather in Washington.
If your crop will not be harvested, provide notice at least three days before the date harvest would normally begin. You may be asked to harvest a representative sample to the insurance company can perform an appraisal.
During harvest, report damage within three days of discovering the problem.