4 Crop Insurance Related Topics from Farmfest Farm Bill Forum

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee recently held a listening session at Farmfest, a significant Minnesota-based event bringing together many agricultural producers and businesses. The session turned lengthy, with many voices discussing many topics related to crop insurance, livestock programs and more. Farmers and organizational leaders discussed the critical need to keep a strong federal crop insurance program, citing that crop insurance has been a “financial lifesaver” for many in the U.S. who have suffered extreme weather conditions.

Attendees discussed ways to enhance the current crop insurance program by adding a 90 or 95% coverage option over the current maximum of 85%. Support was also expressed to enhance the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program for beef and hog producers and strengthen awareness for the program. Attendees spoke up for beginning farmers, advocating for more support through USDA and the need to increase maximum loan amounts in FSA loan programs.

Read more on the listening session in Minnesota with the House Ag Committee here.