With the March 15th sales closing date swiftly approaching, there are many sales-closing-related documents that need to be reviewed. It is imperative to remember the pertinent rules and regulations that surround written agreements, as they are time-sensitive.

There are several reasons why a producer may submit a written agreement request, including but not limited to providing crop insurance for insurable crops when coverage or rates are not available in the actuarial documents or to modify existing terms and conditions in the crop insurance policy when permitted by the policy.

Due to the time-sensitivity of written agreements, it is important that the request is signed, dated, and submitted by the producer and given to the agent with all the required documentation by the applicable deadline outlined in the Written Agreement Handbook. Requests that are submitted after the deadline date will not be accepted by RMA. Agents are encouraged to submit written agreement requests to ProAg as quickly as possible to allow ample time for the underwriter to review the request and submit it to RMA prior to the applicable deadline.

For detailed information on types of written agreements, deadline dates, and specific information that must be included for each specific type of written agreement, please refer to the Written Agreement Handbook by clicking on the following link: https://rma.usda.gov/-/media/RMA/Handbooks/Underwriting—24000/Written-Agreement/2023-24020-1-Written-Agreement-Handbook.ashx