Farmers are facing another financially-challenging year heading into 2026. With federal crop insurance program enhancements to ECO, SCO, and Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR), as well as new FSA and Disaster Relief Program options, farmers have many new considerations to update their crop insurance policy this spring. Dave and FMH experts break it down for farmers and agents.

The sugar beet industry plays a vital role in the U.S. sugar supply—and in the lives of the growers who produce it. Join Dave and FMH experts Sara Ahrenholz and Andrew Sather as they share firsthand insights into the lifecycle of sugar beets, from planting to processing, and what agents and insureds should know in this holiday special FMH InsureCast episode.

The Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program offers qualifying producers enhanced benefits under federal crop insurance to make it more affordable and help them grow a sustainable operation. Certain changes to the program, such as increased eligibility and benefits, took effect with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) earlier this year.

Join Dave and FMH expert Josh Menz as they discuss what agents and insureds should know about these changes in this bonus episode of FMH InsureCast.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Act. On August 20, 2025, RMA announced immediate implementation of certain sections of this legislation, including premium discount increases for certain federal products including ECO, SCO, and MCO, changes to the Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program, and more.

Join Dave DeCapp and Ken Ripley as they discuss what agents and insureds need to know about these changes and updates to FSA and farm safety programs, including ECAP and SDRP.

Join Dave and Farmers Mutual Hail crop insurance experts as they discuss the new federal product for 2026, Margin Coverage Option (MCO). MCO is an MPCI endorsement that combines the simplicity of the popular Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) with the unique capability to insure against reduced margins. With a September 30 Sales Closing Date, be sure to learn about the product now and if it’s right for your farm operation.

The target date for farmer sign-up for the USDA Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) opens on Monday, July 7, 2025. This program provides assistance to farmers who experienced losses of revenue, quality, or production of crops due to weather-related events in 2023 and 2024. Join Dave and Ken as they talk about what to expect with SDRP with special guest Tom Sell, on topics like application requirements, payment limitations, and how crop insurance plays into the process.

Planting is wrapping up across the country and we’re checking in with FMH Regional Claim Managers about what they’re seeing as crops are going into the ground and what areas are impacted by adverse weather conditions. Join host Dave DeCapp as they discuss what areas and crops may be affected, and share important reminders in case of a replant of prevent plant claim. 

Understanding how Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs work can help farmers make better decisions. Host Dave DeCapp talks with FMH expert and farmer Ken Ripley as he explains how FSA programs work with crop insurance. They also discuss considerations for different regions across the country with fellow FMH expert Derek Watters. 

This episode dives deep into two popular FSA programs and covers:

• Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) options
• Program eligibility with SCO and STAX coverages
• Program payment calculation examples
• Important forms to obtain for decision-making
• Decision deadline update

Sales Closing Dates are quickly approaching, with February 28 and March 17 as deadlines for a majority of FMH policyholders.

FMH experts Ken Ripley and Derek Watters join Dave in our 2025 Crop Insurance Decisions episode to discuss the major considerations farmers across the country need to make this year when it comes to their risk management plan.

We'll cover what farmers need to know while they make their crop insurance decision for spring 2025, including:

• Updates to the federal program
• Updates to FSA programs and how those play into crop insurance
• How to choose coverage considering current crop prices

From the recent Farm Bill extension to the incoming administration, recent political events and the pricing landscape affect the commodity price concerns farmers are facing. 

In this episode, AgriTalk’s Chip Flory gives his insight on recent the current ag economy, and shares what is affecting farmers’ finances for 2025. 

Co-host Ken Ripley will also share his farmer perspective with points on how to prepare to choose a crop insurance package that helps cover a farmer's break-even point in a tough year.

FMH.com/podcast

This podcast is for informational purposes only. See policy provisions, terms, and conditions for details. Opinions expressed on FMH InsureCast do not necessarily reflect the views of Farmer Mutual Hail.