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CROP INSURANCE DATES

4/10/25

While many farmers are waiting for the right planting conditions, those who got a head start might be considering replanting following last week’s rains.  But there are some important dates to remember.

Jessica Carter, crop claims manager with Country Financial, told FarmWeek “When you're talking about replant on the federal crop insurance side of things, you have to make sure to wait until that initial plant date to get the crop in the ground,”.

For both corn and soybeans, the state is divided into three regions, with different borders for each crop.  The initial plant dates are April 1st in the southern region, April 5th in the central region and April 10th in the northern region for corn.  For soybeans it is April 5th in the south, April 10th in central and April 15th in the north.

If farmers planted a field on or after their respective date and it needs replanted, they must first submit a notice of loss to their crop insurance agent.

“We also have to have a crop adjuster come out there and approve that replanting before you get back in the field,” Carter said.

On the back end of the planting season, farmers cannot file a prevent plant claim until after their designated final planting date.

For corn, the final dates are May 31st for the seven southernmost counties in Illinois and June 5th for the rest of the state.  For soybeans the final dates are June 15th for the top quarter of the state and June 20th for the remainder.

“We still have a lot of time to get that crop in the ground, but we are definitely empathizing with the clients and the farmers out there that are itching to get out there,” she said.

Carter said it is important for farmers to stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent throughout the season.

“Every operation is different, and the rules are always changing when it comes to crop insurance,” she explained.  “So, before you make any major decisions, make sure you're talking that through with your crop agent so we can help you out as best we can.”