CROP INSURANCE discount program
Signup is now open until Friday, January 24, 2025.
Program Overview | Program Rules | frequently asked questions | CONTACT
Frequently Asked Questions
If USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers a nationwide cover crop discount program again, am I still eligible for the IDALS Crop Insurance Discount Program?
Should USDA-RMA offer a nationwide Pandemic Cover Crop Program (or similar) this year, the USDA-RMA program would be an additional discount. Participation in both programs would not affect producer eligibility for the IDALS Crop Insurance Discount Program (CIDP).
Why do you need information from my federal acreage report (FSA-578) and my crop insurance policy number?
IDALS must provide information on eligible acres to the Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA) in a form that is recognizable to their process. Collecting information consistent with their forms will streamline the process and make it easier to process the premium discount timely and accurately.
Do I need to report cover crop acres to FSA?
IDALS strongly encourages producers to report cover crops to FSA. If there is a discrepancy with the Common Land Unit information (CLU) in your application, it is more likely to be resolved in a timely manner if the acres were reported to FSA.
What if my insurance company doesn’t offer this program?
The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has MOUs in place with individual Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) who have opted to participate in this program. Any eligible applicant that utilizes the services of AIPs that have opted to offer this program will be considered eligible for the IDALS Crop Insurance Discount Program. Applicants that use AIPs that have not elected to participate will not be eligible for this program.
What if I sign-up but change my mind on what fields I seed to cover crops?
Applicants should be certain of which fields are seeded to cover crops before applying. The application should be submitted after seeding, but before sign-up closes, to prevent a change in fields enrolled.
Can I utilize this producer premium reduction on acres cost-shared through other state and federal programs?
This program is designed to incentivize additional acres of cover crops beyond those supported by IDALS and/or NRCS.
IDALS will verify applications through the Crop Insurance Discount Program and cross-reference with other state and federal programs to avoid overlapping acres. However, this program would allow acres in addition to cost-shared acres. For example, if a farmer has 160 acres enrolled in a state program and decides to install 320 acres of cover crops, the additional 160 acres will be eligible for the Crop Insurance Discount Program.
How will IDALS verify/confirm eligible acres?
IDALS will use a combination of tools to verify acres in cover crops applied for through this program. Applications will be reviewed for overlap in enrollment of other federal and state programs. IDALS will then employ a variety of tools at their discretion. Applicants may be asked to provide further documentation (e.g., seed bills, seeding method, and timing of planting) to confirm applied fields were seeded to cover crops.
Can I graze or harvest forage from my cover crop?
Yes, this program and federal crop insurance programs allow for the managed haying and grazing of cover crops as long as this management does not jeopardize the intended function of the cover crop and that termination guidelines developed by USDA-RMA and USDA-NRCS are followed.
Can cover crops in this program be harvested for grain?
No. The harvest of grain from cover crops is not the intended use of cover crops and would run contrary to federal crop insurance termination deadlines and insurable crop determinations.
What if I don’t utilize federally subsidized crop insurance?
This program is only for those with coverage through the federal crop insurance program and only eligible for those that are assessed a premium for the coverage. In instances where no premium liability is due or absent enrollment in the USDA-RMA crop insurance program, the farmer/landowner would not be eligible for this program. There may be other state or federal programs available for these producers.
Is there a limit on amount of acres an individual farmer can apply for?
Contrary to other cover crop programs, this program will not impose caps on eligible acres (absent state/federal program acres) for individual applications. For example, if a farmer signs up for 800 acres of cover crops, with no acres in other state/fed programs, they would be deemed eligible for the entire 800 acres. Currently, the only limits imposed would be the $5/acre incentive and the total funding available by IDALS for this program.
How much funding does IDALS have for this program? What happens if sign-ups exceed available funding?
IDALS has established a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USDA-RMA to fund this program. In the event that supply exceeds demand, IDALS will first explore the option to add additional funding, depending on current appropriations available. If additional funding is not available, IDALS will select applications on a first come, first serve basis in the order when completed applications were received. It is the intention of IDALS to have adequate resources to satisfy the demand for this program.
Do I sign up for this program through the NRCS or SWCD offices?
No, this program is set up independent from traditional state or federal programs administered through the USDA-NRCS/FSA or SWCD offices. If you need assistance in applying for this program, please contact covercropdemo@iowaagriculture.gov or (515) 281-5851.