As temperatures soar and storm clouds gather across most of Montana, now is the time to evaluate crop insurance needs. Montana farmers and ranchers can still purchase state hail insurance through Aug. 15.

With last year’s record hail insurance claims, the Hail Board purchased reinsurance to ensure that any and all claims made by Montana producers covered by the state hail insurance program will be paid.

County Department of Revenue offices will no longer be processing new policies; instead they will be providing information to interested parties on how to begin the process. Forms are also available at Montana State University Extension Offices and Conservation District Offices.

At the request of producers and authorized by the State Legislature, the dry land hail insurance rate increased to $75 per acre and $114 per acre for irrigated land. The Hail Board also approved a five percent premium increase. Producers should contact the Montana Department of Agriculture to discuss coverage and rates.

Source - http://www.laureloutlook.com/