SAINT PAUL, Minn., April 27, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announces updated guidance for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin farmers who use cover crops and insure their cash crops through Federal crop insurance. The updated cover crop fact sheet is available on the St. Paul Regional Office website. Crop insurance provides protection against a loss due to natural perils.

As a risk management tool, cover crops are used primarily to address erosion control, soil health improvement, and water quality improvement. Cover crops help farmers address their operational needs while improving conservation outcomes, which benefit the public as well.

The fact sheet provides a quick and useful tool for farmers by explaining when a cover crop may be used in conjunction with their crop insurance coverage and how it affects the insurability of the cash crops. It also provides answers to frequently asked questions and clarifies how farmers may obtain more information.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Farmers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at the RMA website.