December

• SRA To Be Revised; Public Comments Invited (Dec 31, 2003) The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) will renegotiate the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) for the 2005 reinsurance year. The SRA defines the terms of reinsurance between FCIC and the companies that provide insurance to the Nation’s producers. RMA is seeking written comments from all interested parties by Feb. 11, 2004. Related items: Request for Input | 2005 Standard Reinsurance Agreement - (PDF; 375kb) | Current Reinsurance Agreements | Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000
• BSE Forces Suspension of New LRP Sales (Dec 24, 2003) Applications for Specific Coverage Endorsements for Fed Cattle and Feeder Cattle under the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance Policy are no longer being accepted. Livestock Risk Protection (LRP): Basic Policy (PDF) | Fed Cattle: Specific Coverage Endorsement (PDF) | LRP Insurance Pilot Program: Fed Cattle Factsheet (PDF) | Feeder Cattle: Specific Coverage Endorsement (PDF) | LRP Insurance Pilot Program: Feeder Cattle Factsheet (PDF) | LRP Policy Handbooks & Rules | APHIS BSE Information | FSIS BSE Information
• Four Individuals, One Corporation Suspended (Dec 19, 2003) A farm corporation and four individuals were suspended from the Federal crop insurance program after being indicted for conspiracy to defraud USDA of over $12 million.
• TN Agent Suspended (Dec 19, 2003) Dean Payne (Payne Insurance Company, Greenville, TN) was suspended from the Federal crop insurance program following his indictment on four counts of conspiracy to defraud USDA of over $57,000.
• Secretary Provides Year-End Update (Dec 5, 2003) Federal crop insurance "has been expanded and it now covers about $40 billion in liability to cover production and revenue risk."
• $4 Million Farm Subsidy Fraud Alleged (PDF) (Dec 3, 2003) The U.S. Attorney's Office in Minneapolis filed a civil complaint recently alleging a $4 million fraud by one of the largest recipients of farm subsidies in the United States. RMA assisted in the investigation.

November

• Livestock, GRP Expanded for 2004 (Nov 17, 2003) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors (FCIC Board) voted during its recent meeting to expand and modify several of its programs to better serve producers.
• Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite Now Available to Underserved States (Revised Nov 10, 2003) USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced that the Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite) insurance plan is now available to purchase through January 31 to producers in 12 historically underserved states for the 2004 crop year.
  AGR-Lite R&D Memo (PDFs)
  
• Administrator Outlines Future FCI Program Viability (PDF) (Nov 4, 2003) Paper on the future viability of U.S. Federal crop insurance prepared by RMA Administrator Ross J. Davidson, Jr., and presented by Associate Administrator David Hatch at a recent meeting of the International Association of Hail Insurers.
• 2004 Risk Management Writing Contest (Nov 3, 2003) RMA, in cooperation with the national FFA organization, announces its Risk Management Writing Contest. Essays are due to FFA by January 31, 2004. Rules | Other information (PDFs)
• Contracting Opportunities with RMA (Nov 3, 2003) RMA offers a variety of contracting and consulting opportunities related to the Federal crop insurance program.

October

• Statement by the FCIC Chairman on Sweetpotato Pilot (PDF) (Oct 31, 2003) The Federal Crop Insurance Board unanimously voted to make sweeping changes in the Sweetpotato Pilot insurance plan at the October 29 board meeting. Sweetpotato Pilot Crop Insurance Program Presentation (PDF)
• Statement by FCIC Chairman of the Board on Cost of Production (PDF) (Updated Oct 28, 2003) The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors unanimously voted to disapprove the submitted Cost of Production plan of insurance at the October 9 board meeting. Board resolution (PDF) | Expert Reviews
  
• Grand Jury Indicts Six in $12 Million Crop Insurance Scheme (PDF) (Oct 22, 2003) A Federal indictment was returned recently against six individuals and a North Carolina corporation charging them with $12 million in crop insurance fraud.
• USDA Announces Partnership Agreements for Risk Management Tools and Education (Oct 8, 2003) Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Vememan today announced awards of $24.7 million in risk management partnership agreements. Outreach agreements | Education agreements | R&D agreements
• New Price Election Announced (PDF) (Oct 8, 2003) An additional price election for durum wheat in Arizona and California were announced for the 2004 crop year.
• Harvest Prices Announced (PDF) (Oct 8, 2003) RMA has announced harvest prices for canola, sunflowers, and cotton under revenue assurance or crop revenue coverage plans of insurance.
• Sales Closing Date Nears (Oct 1, 2003) October 31 is the last chance for many producers to sign up for or change their crop insurance protection.

September

• Reporting Requirements Reminder (PDF) (Sep 26, 2003) RMA reminds producers and insurance providers that spouses are presumed to have a substantial beneficial interest (SBI) for crop insurance reporting purposes. A spouse's share is presumed to be 50 percent unless evidence is provided to show differently. SBI information should be collected for new insureds by the sales closing date for the crop (including new crops) and for carryover policyholders by the acreage reporting date. Manager's bulletin 02-005
• Fact Sheets on RMA Livestock Programs Now Available (Sep 25, 2003) RMA has released fact sheets on its fed cattle, feeder cattle, and LRP swine programs. Fact sheets: LRP-Swine | Feeder Cattle | Fed Cattle
• 2003 Crop Year Peanut Prices (Sep 22, 2003) RMA has listed 2003 crop year peanut prices to be used in accordance with Peanut Crop Provisions.
• September 30 Sales Closing Date Nears (Sep 9, 2003) September 30 is the last chance for many producers to sign up for or change their crop insurance protection.

August 2003

• FCIC Board Expands AGR-Lite, LRP (Updated Aug 18, 2003) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors (FCIC Board) has voted to expand the Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite) pilot program and the Livestock Risk Protection Pilot Plan of Insurance for Swine (LRP-Swine). FCIC Board documents
• FCIC Board Expands AGR-Lite, LRP (Aug 6, 2003) The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board at its meeting last week voted to expand and modify the AGR-Lite program of insurance to additional underserved States, and to expand the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program for swine to 10 additional States, both beginning the 2004 crop year.
• Survival Strategies Conference Set for October 6-9 (Aug 1, 2003) RMA's Second National Outreach Conference, 'survival Strategies for Small and Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers," will be held in San Diego on October 6-9. RMA Administrator Ross J. Davidson will be speaking at the October 9 session. Early registration ends August 29.

July

• RMA Seeks Quality Adjustment Comments (PDF) (Jul 31, 2003) Section 107 of ARPA required RMA to review current quality adjustment procedures and develop a process that more closely reflects local market prices. RMA is now seeking input from all interested parties on the final report, and recommendations for improvements to the quality adjustment procedures. Interested parties have until August 29, 2003 to submit their comments. (PDF) Report | Presentation (PDF)
  
• Updated Citrus Canker Quarantine Zones Announced (PDF) (Jul 31, 2003) Asiatic Citrus Canker (ACC) is an insurable cause of loss for the Florida Fruit Tree Pilot Program. Policy provisions state that if a quarantine zone has been established, insurance applicants must obtain an acceptable ACC Underwriting Certification to be eligible for ACC coverage. ENGLISH: FL Dept. of Ag. Current Quarantine Maps | FL Citrus Canker Offices | General Citrus Canker Information ESPAÑOL: FL Dept. de Ag. Mapas de Cuarentena | FL Oficinas del Cancro de los Citricos | General para el Cancro de los Citricos
• Deadline Nears to Apply for $15M to Fund Risk Management Initiatives (Jul 15, 2003) RMA reminds interested parties of the following deadlines to apply for risk management initiative funding: R&D and Education programs, July 28, and for applications under the Outreach program, August 1. Please read the Application Kits for deadline times and additional requirements. Research and Development | Outreach | Education
  
• Wheat Harvest Prices Approved (PDF) (Jul 15, 2003) Harvest prices for CY 2003 have been approved for CRC winter wheat and for IP wheat in States whose harvest price is determined by exchange and contract.

June 2003

• Statement on Severe Crop Conditions in the U.S. (Jun 27, 2003) Current severe weather conditions not only destroy crops but may delay or prevent planting entirely. Excessive precipitation can also create favorable conditions for damaging weeds and insects. RMA reminds producers that the agency provides producers with appropriate risk management tools for severe weather conditions.
• Final Rule Issued on Common Crop Insurance Basic Provisions (Jun 25, 2003) The Federal Register issued USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) Common Crop Insurance Policy (Basic Provisions) final rule today in accordance with the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA). Federal Register notice | R&D-03-028: Basic Provisions for the 2004 Crop Year | Supporting Documentation for R&D-03-028
• $15.25 Million Available to Fund Risk Management Initiatives (Jun 19, 2003) RMA announces the availability of approximately $15.25 million for partnership opportunities to fund risk management initiatives. Research and Development | Outreach | Education
• Insurance Agency Suspended (Jun 19, 2003) RMA issued suspension notices on June 11 against Wendell Mints, Sr., of Vernon, TX, and against Wendell Mints Insurance Agency and 4M Partnership. The suspensions were primarily based on an indictment issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which indicted Mints on charges of conspiracy, filing false claims, and making false statements.
• RMA Administrator Testifies (Jun 12, 2003) RMA Adminstrator Ross J. Davidson, Jr., testified today before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Testimony attachment | 2002 State Profiles | Chief Economist's testimony
• Small Grains Final Rule Published (PDF) (Jun 11, 2003) RMA has published a rule finalizing amendments to the Small Grains Crop Insurance Provisions and the Wheat Crop Insurance Winter Coverage Endorsement. The new provisions will be effective beginning with the 2004 crop years.
  
• ND Producer Sentenced (PDF) (Jun 5, 2003) Wimbleton, ND producer Duane Huber was sentenced to 5 years" imprisonment and repayment of monies owed for charges of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud federal agencies, false statements, and filing false tax returns in connection with federal farm and crop insurance programs. RMA assisted in the case. (PDF) Conviction
• 2002 Tobacco Market Prices Announced (PDF) (Jun 4, 2003) The 2002 season average market prices for tobacco have been announced.

May 2003

• RMA Administrator Testifies (May 22, 2003) RMA Adminstrator Ross J. Davidson, Jr., testified today before the House Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. Testimony attachment (PDF) | 2002 State Profiles | Chief Economist's testimony
• CRC Growth and Change (PDF) (May 13, 2003) The FCIC Board of Directors approved expansion of CRC for wheat to include all counties where multiple-peril crop insurance is offered for winter wheat in DE, MD, and PA. Revisions to the way prices are determined for winter wheat in AR, CA, and certain soybean counties in TX were also approved. Changes are effective for 2004 crops.
• Revenue Assurance Expanded (PDF) (May 13, 2003) Producers in CO, KS, LA, MN, MT. NE, NC, SD, and VA will be eligible for Revenue Assurance protection on certain 2004 crops.
• More NY Coverage (PDF) (May 13, 2003) The FCIC Board of Directors approved expansion of CRC wheat coverage into NY to all counties (17) that have multiple-peril coverage available for the crop. In order to adapt the program to NY wheat, a proxy price was established based on the Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures contract. The new program will be available for the 2004 crop.

April

• Price Insurance Policies Available for Fed and Feeder Cattle (Updated Apr 28, 2003) RMA announced two pilot programs, extending insurance protection to fed and to feeder cattle in various pilot States. R&D Bulletin
• Irrigation and Prevented Planting (PDF) (Apr 22, 2003) Many areas continue to experience devastating drought conditions. Prevented planting provisions in insurance policies provide valuable coverage to producers when drought prevents expected plantings. (PDFs) Handbook | Facing Drought Challenges
• Rebates (Updated Apr 22, 2003) Rebating is prohibited in the Federal crop insurance program. However, certain premium reductions are authorized by Congress under the Federal Crop Insurance Act. RMA has compiled complete information on the topic, including the statutory basis governing the practice of rebating and the roles of RMA and the States in enforcing the law.
• USDA Report Highlights Contributions to Small, Limited-Resource Farmers (Apr 22, 2003) A new USDA report highlights the department's continuing commitment to small and limited-resource producers. RMA's contributions are highlighted in S ection 1, Outreach, pages 28-32, and in Section IV, Risk Management Agency, pages 58-64.
• Loss Payments Top $4 B (Apr 22, 2003) Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 rose to $4.008 billion last week.
• Price Insurance Policies Available for Fed, Feeder Cattle (PDF) (Apr 7, 2003) RMA today announced two pilot programs, extending insurance protection to fed and to feeder cattle in various pilot States.
• FFA Essay Contest Winners Announced (Apr 3, 2005) Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the 2003 winners in the sixth annual FFA Risk Management Strategies Writing Contest.

March

• Loss Payments Nearing $4 B (Mar 31, 2003) Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 rose to $3.945 billion last week.
• 2003 Tobacco Support Prices Defined (PDF) (Mar 28, 2003) The 2003 support tobacco crop provisions are now available.
• RMA Administrator Testifies (Mar 17, 2003) "RMA has made rapid progress in meeting its legislative mandates to provide an actuarially sound crop insurance program to America's agricultural producers." -- Ross J. Davidson, Jr., RMA Administrator
• FFA Celebrates 75 Years (Mar 17, 2003) RMA congratulates the National FFA Organization in celebrating 75 years of student success, with 457,000 current members now reaping the benefits of agricultural education.
• Continuing to Climb (Mar 17, 2003) Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 rose to $3.912 billion last week.
• USDA to Hold Briefing on Available USDA Programs (Mar 12, 2003) USDA and RMA will hold an informational briefing on March 24, 2003, in Liverpool, New York, to acquaint farmers, ranchers, and other constituents with a wide array of agency services and to highlight changes and new provisions in the 2002 Farm Bill.
• March 17 Sales Closing Date Nears (Updated Mar 11, 2003) RMA reminds producers of the March 17 sales closing date for crop insurance for most spring-planted crops. Agent Locator | Facing Drought Challenges: Irrigation and Prevented Planting for the 2003 Crop Year (PDF)
• Continuing to Climb (Mar 10, 2003) Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 rose to $3.882 billion last week.
• New Price Elections Announced (PDF) (Mar 6, 2003) Price elections for barley, canola, corn, feed barley, grain sorghum, hybrid seed corn, soybeans, spring wheat, sunflowers, and wheat have been approved for the 2003 crop year.

February

• Cost-Share Funds Available in 15 States (Feb 25, 2003) RMA is providing cost-share assistance to producers purchasing eligible crop insurance policies in 15 targeted states. This assistance gives producers incentives to increase crop insurance participation and encourage higher levels of buy-up coverage. (PDF): Manager's bulletin | Brochure
• RMA Administrator to Moderate 2003 Outlook Forum Panel (Feb 13, 2003) RMA Administrator Ross J. Davidson, Jr., will moderate a panel titled, "2002: Putting a New Crop Insurance Program to the Test" on February 20 at the 2003 Outlook Forum. The annual event is sponsored by USDA's Office of the Chief Economist and will feature a keynote address by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman.
• Now Hiring: National Claims Manager (Feb 13, 2003) This challenging new executive position was created to ensure that U.S. producers receive fair and uniform delivery of risk management products supported by USDA. You will work closely with insurance companies to manage large claims, perform claims audits, evaluate and improve reserving methodologies, improve training, and negotiate cost-effective settlements.
• Continuing to Climb (Feb 13, 2003)Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 rose nearly 2.94% to $3.639 billion last week.
• USDA to Hold Briefings on Available USDA Programs (Feb 6, 2003) The U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold the sixth in its series of informational briefings Feb. 24 in Pasco, Wash., to acquaint farmers, ranchers and other constituents with a wide array of agency services and to highlight changes and new provisions in the 2002 Farm Bill.
• ....And Rising (Feb 5, 2003) Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 rose nearly 3.5% to $3.535 billion last week.
• Hulling Oil Sunflower Determination (PDF) (Feb 3, 2003) For the 2002 and 2003 crop years, hulling oil sunflower varieties will be insured as oil-type sunflowers. For the 2004 crop year, any additional available data will be reviewed to determine if these varieties should continue to be insured as oil-type sunflowers.
• Celebrating 65 Years (Feb 3, 2003) The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIC) has been guiding the crop insurance program since 1938. FCIC was created as an experiment to help agriculture recover from the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

January

• Making the Adjustment (Jan 17, 2003) RMA Associate Administrator David Hatch recently learned the ropes of adjusting losses with crop adjusters in North Carolina's drought- and flood-affected cotton fields.
• Lower Premiums (PDF) (Jan 15, 2003) The FCIC, under direction from the FCIC Board of Directors, recently approved a new online service for farmers that was developed by Crop1 Insurance Direct, Inc., according to standards established by Congress. Board Memorandum No. 694: Final Resolution (PDF)
• Study Shows Some Producers Unaware of RM Tools (Jan 15, 2003) A new study on producers in underserved states indicated that they are often unaware of risk management programs and products. Study (PDF)
• Indemnities Top $3B (Jan 14, 2003) Loss payments to producers for crop year 2002 hit $3.147 billion last week. Indemnity map (PDF)
• Indemnities Near $3B (Jan 2, 2003) Loss payments to producers rose nearly $300 million over the past week, currently totalling $2.843 billion. Indemnity map (PDF)