USDA ANNOUNCES CROP INSURANCE DEADLINE FOR NORTH CAROLINA SPRING CROPS

North Carolina farmers are reminded that the final date to apply for crop insurance on most insurable spring-planted crops for this year is February 28, 2008, according to the Raleigh Regional Office, USDA Risk Management Agency.  Current policyholders also have until February 28 to make any changes to their existing insurance contracts.  Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils, such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture.  Crops with a February 28 sales closing date include Cabbage, Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Peanuts, Soybeans, Sweet Potatoes, and Flue-Cured Tobacco (Burley tobacco has a March 15 deadline).  Farmers may also want to inquire about revenue plans such as Crop Revenue Coverage, Indexed Income Protection, and Revenue Assurance that offer protection against market price declines for crops like corn, cotton, grain sorghum, or soybeans.  In addition, Group Risk Plan and Group Risk Income Protection are low-cost group plans that are available in many counties for corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean producers.  Producers are strongly urged to contact a local crop insurance agent as soon as possible for premium quotes and more details.  For a list of crop insurance agents in your area, contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office or log on to the Risk Management Agency web site at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.