While many farmers are currently considering where to reduce input costs such as machinery, chemicals, and fertilizer, crop insurance is an area that shouldn’t take great cuts.
“Crop insurance is the one input that keeps you farming into the following year,” says Kathleen Bjerke, assistant vice president of sales for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company. “Historically, less than 2 percent of farmers’ costs are attributed to crop insurance. There’s a lot that goes into having a great crop, but if it doesn’t grow, it’s crop insurance that keeps you going.”
Today, farmers have more crop insurance options than ever before. There are many newer crop insurance products that can supplement a typical federal insurance policy, allowing for increased coverage levels that can better help a farmer break even in difficult years. New technology like using precision data for crop insurance means more accurate coverage, which can reduce premium costs.
Ken Ripley, assistant vice president of sales for Farmers Mutual Hail and Minnesota farmer, says products to consider are supplemental county plans such as ECO and SCO, which trigger a claim depending on county-wide losses. New in 2025: ECO has an increased subsidy, making it more affordable for more farmers.
“When you look at dollars and look at break evens on the farm, those packages where you can add on some county plans to just give that extra cushion with those higher triggers, definitely has been on my radar. I think, for most producers, we'll wait and see what the February prices bring.” - Ken Ripley, AVP, Sales |  |
Precision data can be used for more accurate coverage, which can reduce premium costs and increase a farmer’s APH over time.
“If you’re already recording your planting and harvest with precision equipment, it’s very easy to submit that to your insurance company, which reduces paperwork, saves time, and is secure,” explains Ripley.
March 17, 2025, is the sales closing date – or the deadline to select federal crop insurance coverage – in many regions across the U.S. Both Ripley and Bjerke suggest reaching out to your agent and the local Farm Service Agency office to learn more about what newer options are available to you and to ensure you’re properly enrolled and covered.
3 things to consider when making your 2025 crop insurance decisions: 
- Educate yourself on supplemental crop insurance products that can increase your coverage levels such as ECO and SCO. This can put a better safety net under your operation.
- The same plan you have had in past years might not be enough this year. Talk to your agent about how you can right-size your crop insurance to help you break even or stay profitable this year.
- Consider new technology solutions insurance companies are offering, such as using precision data to create more accurate coverage and loss adjustments or setting up a direct deposit to receive claim payments even faster. Farmers Mutual Hail offers both options for farmers.
For more insight into what to expect for 2025, watch the latest FMH InsureCast podcast. Contact us to learn more about your crop insurance options for 2025.