It’s been a busy year for the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) as the weather has thrown plenty of challenges at farmers across the country. Widespread flooding in the spring slowed things down for growers, and RMA responded with the decision to extend the acreage reporting deadline by one week in 14 states. But that wasn’t the only action they took, according to RMA Administrator Martin Barbre.

“Not only do we have a lot of prevent plant, but we have a lot of late planting. Well, obviously with late planting comes late harvest,” said Barbre, who is from Carmi, Ill.

RMA worked with Secretary Perdue’s office to defer interest due on premiums from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1 on spring planted crops to further assist farmers who were forced to plant later than usual this year.

Barbre said visitors to the 2019 Farm Progress Show are asking questions about insurance on hemp production, high risk rated areas, and double crop acreages.

Listen to Cindy’s interview with Martin here: Interview with Martin Barbre, USDA RMA
2019 Farm Progress Show Photo Album