(file photo/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Crop Insurance

Crop insurance coverage levels, premiums increasing

Feb 26, 2019 | 5:09 PM

Details have been released on the 2019 Crop Insurance program in Saskatchewan.

Crop insurance levels are increasing to a record $230 per acre, up from $216 per acre in 2018.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said the average coverage was able to stay strong because of an increase in overall yields.

Meanwhile, premiums also increase slightly, to an average of $8.61 per acre.

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That’s up from $8.41 per acre last year.

Marit said soil moisture reserves continue to decline across much of the province, putting this year’s crop production at greater risk if dry conditions continue.

“I want to remind producers [that] as in previous years, there will be no ad-hoc programming should the weather not cooperate,” Marit said. “Producers should make sure they’re prepared for the upcoming season. I am confident in the coverage and protection that the crop insurance program provides.”

No two farms are the same, said Marit, and every producer’s insurance is individualized, and coverage can be customized through a huge selection of options and features.

He encourages producers to build a custom-fit insurance package, and make selections that fit their farming operations, and comfort level of risk.

Marit said he also encourages producers to consider the ag stability program.

“Reductions in the value of inventory, rising input costs, and falling commodity prices can all contribute to losses, which the Ag Stability Program can help offset,” Marit said.

Other highlights from today’s announcement include the installation of another 55 weather stations across the province, increasing the total number to 186.

The fall seeding deadline for winter cereals has been extended from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30 to increase eligibility for winterkill insurance when seeding fall rye and winter wheat.

Insured values on tame and native grazing are increasing to take into account the losses during forage production shortfalls.

There is also new coverage against lack of moisture for corn acres through the Corn Rainfall Program.

Compensation for producers is expected to reach $300 million in claims for the 2018 growing season due to delayed seeding, dry conditions, and localized flooding, and delayed harvest due to early frost and snow.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974