2026 Wheat Sales Closing Deadline Reminders

Attention wheat producers! The deadline to make important changes to your 2026 wheat insurance policy is approaching fast—September 30, 2026. This is the only opportunity throughout the year to update your policy to ensure your coverage aligns with your current operations. Here’s what you need to check and prepare:

Key Items to Review Before the Deadline:

1. Entity Changes: If you have experienced any changes in your business structure—such as marriage, divorce, or the passing of a partner—these updates must be reflected on your policy by September 30.

2. Sales Method Alignment: Make sure your policy accurately reflects how you plan to sell your grain. Any discrepancies could affect your coverage and claims.

3. County and Land Additions: If you’re adding land in a different county, verify that this county is set up on your policy. Without proper setup, you won't have coverage on that land.

4. Beginning Farmer/Rancher Application: If you’ve farmed for less than 10 years, you need to complete a Beginning Farmer/Rancher application. Note that for 2026, this qualification now includes those who have farmed less than 10 years—a change from previous years, where it was limited to the first 5 years.

5. Coverage Changes: This is also the time to review and modify your coverage options:

   • Coverage level decisions

   • Policy options and endorsements

   • Unit structure

6. Signature Authority: Ensure that anyone authorized to sign acreage reports, production reports, and claims is listed as Signature Authority on your policy. This streamlines the process and avoids delays.

7. Additional Land: If you've acquired new land, inform us so we can get it mapped and ready for reporting acres and coverage.

   
   

Important Additional Information:

• Premium Subsidy Increase: For 2026, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has increased the premium subsidy for SCO and ECO plans again.

  • 2024: 35% subsidy

  • 2025: 65% subsidy

  • 2026: 80% subsidy

  Historically, ECO and SCO premiums have been on the higher end, but with this increased subsidy, expanded coverage options are now more affordable and worth considering if you haven't evaluated them in recent years.

• Wheat Base Price: The official wheat base price will be set on September 15, 2025. Quotes will be available shortly after that date.

• Preparation Tips: Start gathering your input costs now. Having detailed economic data will help us customize your crop insurance options when we review the quotes together.

  
  

Final Reminder:

The deadline to make these policy updates is September 30, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute—reach out now to ensure your coverage is accurate, comprehensive, and ready for the upcoming season.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your policy updates, contact us today!