Years like 2016 stressed the importance of getting ahead of the game when it comes to crop insurance. “As pockets of trouble turn up in the field, we want our farmers to call us or even send us a video from a combine, as one farmer did, showing his field issues and questions on what-if scenarios,” said Jason Alexander, Vice President-Crop Insurance, Farm Credit Mid-America. “Our team thrives on getting farmer input about how harvest is going and how crops look and even if you’ve already completed harvest, it’s often a good idea to meet with your insurance specialist while field conditions are fresh in your mind.” One of the things our Farm Credit crop insurance specialists like to do is ride in the combine with customers. “Not only can we bring the paperwork along and talk though what-if scenarios, we can see firsthand exactly what the crop situation is,” Alexander said. “Time in the combine seat with our farmers gives us a chance to discuss how each field tends to perform in different types of weather and brainstorm about different crop insurance strategies.” Those “what-if” scenarios include variability within fields that may affect both short-term and long-term plans. Short term, a farmer might need to get approval to destroy a crop as a total loss, or to harvest it as silage. Long-term planning might involve helping to decide whether farms should be insuring by optional units or enterprise units. “When in doubt, be proactive and call us,” Alexander said. “Communication with your Farm Credit crop insurance specialist is crucial to helping make sure you have the right insurance and that your claims are submitted properly to be paid at the end of the year.” Source - http://ocj.com