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A new whole-farm insurance program is now available in Minnesota that protects farm families against low revenues due to natural disasters and market fluctuations. Called Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite), it will be explained at seven Minnesota locations from mid-February through March.
Most farm-raised crops, animals and animal products are eligible for protection. This includes many commodities not covered under plans, says Gary Hachfeld, farm business management educator with the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
New commodities covered include organic beef and dairy products; fruits and vegetables; wool, honey, and greenhouse products. AGR-Lite is based on the five-year average farm revenue as reported to the IRS, Hachfeld says. This minimizes the number of additional records you must keep.
Hachfeld says you may want to consider AGR-Lite if you:
Grow otherwise uninsurable crops
Want umbrella protection over selected individual crop coverages
Desire to simplify your risk management program, with your coverage based on your operation's history.
Wish to protect the bottom line of your operation from severe economic loss.
Have poor yield records
Know your gross income has survived droughts better than actual production history (APH).
Consider other plans too expensive
Want catastrophic animal health protection as part of your risk management program.
The information sessions in our area are:
"¢ March 28, 9:30 a.m., Extension Regional Center--Heintz Center, Room HC118, Rochester, Gary Hachfeld (507) 389-6722
"¢ aMarch 30, 4:30 p.m., Waseca County Extension Office, Waseca, Marilyn Johnson (763) 434-0400
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