Producers should plan ahead under new rules
Mar 12, 2009 9:36 AM
Producers who anticipate the possibility of planting grain sorghum or other crops behind failed first crops this season should be aware of new rules pertaining to crop insurance under the 2008 farm bill.
According to the farm bill passed last spring, Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment program (SURE) eligibility could be affected by planting a second crop if it is not properly disclosed on insurance forms early in the season. Crop insurance enrollment forms are due on Monday, March 16.
“If a producer’s first crop fails then he chooses to plant a second crop, he will not lose eligibility for SURE provided potential for that second crop was declared on his crop insurance enrollment form,” said Chris Cogburn, National Sorghum Producers Strategic Business Director.
Listing sorghum on an insurance form or planting sorghum does not make the producer ineligible for crop insurance on his first crop, nor does it make the producer ineligible for SURE payments. The second crop is considered a “ghost” crop and does not affect SURE eligibility.
During 2008 farm bill discussions, NSP worked with Congressional leaders to designate sorghum and other crops planted behind failed first crops as “ghost” crops so they would not count against eligibility for other programs.
NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers. The organization serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation, and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.
(New Course)
