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Soybean growers consider crop insurance adjustments

Adjustments to crop insurance are being discussed among soybean farmers ahead of the American Soybean Association’s policy session on Saturday.

Wisconsin Soybean Association President Sara Stetler tells Brownfield soybean farmers in northern states would like to see changes in Actual Production History for crop insurance included in the next farm bill. APH is a record of crop yields used in crop insurance to determine normal production levels for a farmer.

“Some of my fields only have corn or soybeans on them every two to three years in a five year period. Your average APH is determined by that two years as opposed to five years.”

She says northern farmers would like to see a 5-year APH change to a 10-year APH to reflect advances in genetics and make up for a lack of good data in prevent plant years.

The ASA already has set farm bill priorities, but Minnesota Soybean Growers Association board member Jamie Beyer says more details can be added if all ASA delegates agree to the change.

“We have lots of broad resolutions that wouldn’t surprise any staff person, but there are also some that guide which policies we have in place.”

Additional farm bill language is being discussed including the conservation title of the farm bill.