Sept. 30 is the deadline for Arkansas growers of winter wheat and oats to purchase crop insurance for the 2017 crop year. “With severe storms becoming more common, growers should seriously consider using crop insurance to help offset crop losses from natural disasters,” said Dr. Henry English, director, Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Sept. 30 is also the deadline for current policy holders and uninsured growers purchasing a policy for 2017 to make decisions on crop insurance coverage such as adjusting their coverage or to cancel their insurance. Dr. English reminds growers who do nothing that they will have the same level of coverage they had in 2016. All cancellations must be done in writing. The federal crop insurance program helps farmers recover some portion of expected income in case of crop loss or failure due to natural disasters which include drought, tornadoes, high water, high water, fires, floods or explosions. Producers should check with their crop insurance agent for specific details for the 2017 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Program offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.