Protecting Your Farm With Crop Insurance
Issues with a farmer's crops can be a devastating problem for farming operations of any size. Unfortunately, it is a reality that crops will have to be exposed to the elements, which can put them at risk of suffering damage or being completely lost due to factors that are outside the control of the farmer.
Hail
Hail is one of the most common and devastating threats that can befall a crop. Unfortunately, hail can occur almost everywhere and at any time of the year, which can make a threat that the vast majority of farmers will find themselves needing to mitigate. The impacts of these hailstones can completely snap fragile plants. Even sturdy plants and trees can suffer issues as a result of hail due to the ability of the hailstones to remove many of the leaves and damage the branches. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to protect plants from hail impacts, but this is one of the most common types of crop insurance that individuals will buy.
Pests
Pests can be another source of severe loss for a crop. While farmers will typically implement strict pest control and mitigation plans, it is still possible for a pest problem to develop that could result in major losses for the farming operation. This can be especially true in situations where a new invasive species arrive in your area, which could be especially difficult to combat. While crop insurance policies that cover pest losses are available, they will require you to follow best practices for pest control, such as treating the area at frequent intervals.
Market Fluctuations
While the physical destruction of the crops can be the most visible type for crop loss that occurs, it is not the only threat that farmers will experience. For example, it can be possible for farmers to find that the market for their crops has suddenly deteriorated. A common example can be the result of tariffs or trade wars as it can make it difficult for farmers that are reliant on exports. Luckily, it is possible for crop insurance to also provide compensation for losses that are due to these economic factors. It is important to make sure to thoroughly review the economic losses that are covered by crop insurance policies as there can be significant variation. However, this type of protection can be invaluable for a farmer that suddenly finds that there is no market for the crops that they have spent months growing.
For more information on farm and crop insurance, check out sites like http://www.wrg-ins.com/.