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Managing risk on a farm isn’t just about one crop or one season. Many farmers grow a mix of crops or raise livestock alongside produce, and they need insurance that reflects the full scope of their operation. Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) was designed to meet this need. WFRP is a crop insurance program administered by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Unlike most crop insurance policies that insure individual crops, WFRP provides protection for an entire farm’s revenue. That makes it an especially attractive option for diversified farms, specialty crop growers, and small to mid-sized operations looking for comprehensive, streamlined coverage. What Is Whole-Farm Revenue Protection? Whole-Farm Revenue Protection is a federal crop insurance product that protects the expected revenue of your entire farm, rather than just yield or price for a specific crop. It covers revenue from crops, livestock, and nursery products, all under one policy. If your actual income from farming drops below your insured revenue due to unavoidable causes such as weather events, disease, market declines, or natural disasters, WFRP can provide an indemnity payment to help make up the difference. Who Can Use WFRP? WFRP is available to most farms in the United States, but it is particularly well suited to producers who grow multiple commodities or operate smaller, diverse farms. It covers up to $17 million in insured revenue and supports operations including: Farms with specialty crops (like fruits, vegetables, or nuts) Organic operations Farms that sell through direct-to-consumer markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) Farms raising animals alongside crops New and beginning farmers (with at least 5 years of tax history, or fewer under certain conditions) How It Works WFRP coverage is based on your farm’s five-year average revenue, as reported on your Schedule F tax forms. You work with a crop insurance agent to calculate your expected revenue for the coming year, based on your production plans and historical income. Then you choose a coverage level from 50% to 85% of that revenue. For example, if your farm’s expected revenue is $250,000 and you select 80% coverage, your insured revenue would be $200,000. If your actual revenue at year’s end drops to $150,000 due to weather, market price drops, or disease, you could be eligible for a $50,000 indemnity payment. What’s Covered? WFRP covers revenue from almost all farm commodities grown for sale, including: Grains and oilseeds Fruits and vegetables Livestock and animal products (like milk or eggs) Nursery and greenhouse crops Organic crops (at either conventional or organic price elections) Losses must be caused by unavoidable, natural events or market conditions. Revenue loss due to poor marketing decisions or mismanagement is not covered. What’s Not Covered? WFRP does not cover timber, forest products, or animals for sport or pets. Additionally, if you’re only producing one crop, you may be required to purchase individual crop insurance before qualifying for WFRP at higher coverage levels. Operations with a high level of livestock income may have additional limits or paperwork. Advantages of WFRP One of the biggest benefits of WFRP is the simplicity of insuring the whole operation under one policy, instead of purchasing multiple individual policies. For diverse farms that don’t fit neatly into commodity-based crop insurance programs, WFRP provides a flexible and holistic approach to risk management. WFRP is also a great fit for farms that market directly to consumers or grow specialty crops not easily insured under traditional crop programs. It aligns closely with how these farms earn revenue and offers broader protection. Example in Practice Tom and Riley run a diversified farm in Oregon, growing berries, vegetables, and herbs, and selling through farmers markets and a CSA. Their five-year average Schedule F income is $185,000, and they expect to make $195,000 this year. They purchase 75% WFRP coverage, insuring $146,250 of their revenue. A late freeze damages their early-season crops, and drought reduces vegetable yields. At year’s end, their total farm revenue is $120,000—well below their insured level. They receive an indemnity payment of $26,250, helping them stay financially stable despite the tough season. Final Thoughts Whole-Farm Revenue Protection is an innovative insurance option designed for the realities of modern, diversified agriculture. It rewards good recordkeeping, supports a wide range of farm businesses, and provides comprehensive revenue protection in a single policy. Whether you raise livestock, grow heirloom tomatoes, or manage a small organic orchard, WFRP may be the risk management tool that helps you weather the ups and downs of farming with confidence. To learn more or apply for WFRP, contact a licensed crop insurance agent or visit the USDA Risk Management Agency website at www.rma.usda.gov. Up next: Understanding Area Risk Protection Insurance (ARPI)

When it comes to crop insurance, the strength of your coverage depends not only on the type of policy you choose but also on how your farm’s expected yield is calculated. One of the key tools used to determine this is Actual Production History (APH). APH is a cornerstone of many crop insurance programs in the United States. It provides an individualized, farm-level measure of a producer’s average yields, helping insurance providers determine how much loss the policy should cover. Whether you're insuring corn in Iowa or peaches in Georgia, understanding how APH works can help you make better decisions about protecting your farm. What Is Actual Production History? Actual Production History (APH) refers to a rolling 4- to 10-year record of a farmer’s historical yields for each insured crop in a specific area. This historical yield data becomes the benchmark used by insurers to determine how much production you should be able to achieve in a normal year. The APH yield serves as the foundation for calculating: The amount of coverage you can purchase How much of a loss is covered in a bad year What your indemnity payments will look like if something goes wrong The more years of consistent yield data you have, the more accurate and reliable your APH becomes. Why APH Matters APH is important because it tailors your crop insurance coverage to your specific operation, rather than using a county or state average. This means that if you've been getting strong yields over the years, you can insure based on that performance. On the other hand, if you've had erratic or low yields, your coverage limits will reflect that as well. In this way, APH incentivizes good management practices while giving you credit for years of solid production. How It Works Let’s say you’re growing grain sorghum, and you’ve kept detailed records of your yields for the past 10 years. Your average yield over that time is 90 bushels per acre. That number becomes your APH yield. Now, when you select a multi-peril crop insurance policy, like Yield Protection (YP) or Revenue Protection (RP), you can choose a coverage level—say 75% of your APH yield. APH yield: 90 bushels/acre Coverage level: 75% Insured yield: 90 × 0.75 = 67.5 bushels/acre If a drought hits and you only harvest 50 bushels per acre, your indemnity payment would be based on the difference between 67.5 and 50 bushels, multiplied by the policy’s price election. What If You Don’t Have 10 Years of Data? Not every farmer has a decade of yield history, especially beginning farmers or those planting a crop for the first time. In these cases, the USDA Risk Management Agency allows the use of: Transitional yields (T-yields) based on county averages Blended yields (a mix of actual and transitional yields) for the years where production records are missing Over time, as more data is collected from your farm, those transitional yields are replaced with your actual numbers, making your APH more personalized and accurate. How to Maintain APH Records To maintain an accurate APH, you must: Keep detailed, verifiable records of yield for each crop and unit Submit this information to your crop insurance agent annually Store supporting documents (scale tickets, bin measurements, etc.) in case of audits Good recordkeeping is essential, especially if you want to qualify for higher coverage levels or avoid penalties for yield reporting errors. Example in Practice Maria grows peanuts in southern Georgia. Over the past eight years, she’s kept excellent production records. Her average yield is 4,200 pounds per acre. She purchases a Revenue Protection policy at 80% coverage. In a bad year, a flood reduces her yield to 3,000 pounds per acre. Her APH yield (4,200) multiplied by her coverage level (80%) gives her an insured yield of 3,360 pounds per acre. Since she harvested below that, she’s eligible for an indemnity payment based on the 360-pound-per-acre shortfall. Because her APH is strong, she’s able to insure a greater portion of her potential income, offering more financial security. Final Thoughts Actual Production History plays a critical role in determining how much protection a farmer gets from crop insurance. It reflects your farm’s actual performance, rewards good management, and provides a customized benchmark that can make insurance both fair and effective. If you’re considering crop insurance or already have a policy in place, keeping accurate yield records and understanding how APH is calculated will help ensure you’re getting the most out of your coverage. For more information about APH and crop insurance policies, visit the USDA Risk Management Agency website at www.rma.usda.gov, or speak to an approved crop insurance agent. Up next: Whole-Farm Revenue Protection: One Policy for the Whole Operation

Farming is full of unknowns. Weather can turn on a dime, pests can arrive unexpectedly, and a single natural disaster can wipe out an entire year’s work. For farmers who want basic, affordable insurance against total loss, Catastrophic Coverage (CAT) offers a low-cost way to protect the bottom line. CAT coverage is a simple form of crop insurance administered by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). It’s designed to give farmers a financial safety net in case of extreme events—those rare but devastating years when yields plummet well below normal. Let’s take a closer look at how CAT works, who it’s for, and when it can make a difference. What Is Catastrophic Coverage? Catastrophic Coverage, or CAT, is the most basic level of crop insurance available through the federal crop insurance program. It is intended to provide protection when a farmer experiences severe crop loss, generally defined as losing more than 50% of their expected yield. Unlike higher levels of multi-peril crop insurance, CAT: Does not cost a premium (the federal government covers it) Requires only a small administrative fee from the farmer Provides limited financial protection for extreme losses only This makes CAT especially useful for: Small-scale farmers Beginning farmers Growers with low margins or limited access to capital Anyone looking for a safety net without a large financial commitment How It Works To be eligible, a farmer must apply through an approved crop insurance agent and pay a flat administrative fee, which is currently $655 per crop per county (as of 2025), though this fee may be waived for beginning, limited-resource, or socially disadvantaged farmers. Once enrolled, CAT provides: Coverage at 50% of a farm’s average yield Compensation at 55% of the projected price for the crop This means CAT kicks in only if the yield drops below half of the farm’s normal production, and the payment is based on just over half of the market value of the lost crop. Real-World Example Let’s say Miguel grows dryland wheat in eastern Colorado. His approved average yield for wheat is 60 bushels per acre, and the projected price is $7.00 per bushel. Under CAT coverage: His coverage yield is 50% of 60 bushels = 30 bushels per acre His payment rate is 55% of $7.00 = $3.85 per bushel A drought hits during the growing season, and Miguel harvests only 20 bushels per acre—10 bushels below the covered threshold. He receives a payment for the 10-bushel loss at $3.85 per bushel, or $38.50 per acre. While that’s far less than what a higher-level policy might offer, it still helps offset some of the financial shock and provides a buffer against disaster. What CAT Does Not Cover It’s important to understand the limits of CAT: It does not protect revenue or price fluctuations It does not cover moderate losses or yield declines above 50% It offers no customization—coverage levels cannot be increased Farmers who want more comprehensive protection, including revenue-based policies, need to purchase a buy-up policy, which involves paying a premium but also delivers greater flexibility and higher coverage. Who Should Consider CAT Coverage? CAT is a good fit for: Farmers who cannot afford premium coverage Those looking for basic disaster protection only New or small-scale producers who want to meet minimum insurance requirements (for loans or participation in USDA programs) It also satisfies certain federal farm program requirements, such as those tied to the Farm Service Agency’s disaster assistance programs. Final Thoughts While not a complete risk management solution, Catastrophic Coverage provides a simple, low-cost way for farmers to protect themselves from the worst-case scenarios. It won’t cover every bump in the road, but in a year where the harvest is truly wiped out, it can be the difference between staying afloat or shutting down. If you're a farmer looking for foundational coverage—or just want to meet insurance requirements without breaking the bank—CAT might be worth considering. To explore your options and apply for coverage, connect with a certified crop insurance agent or visit the USDA Risk Management Agency website at www.rma.usda.gov. Up next: What Is Actual Production History (APH) in Crop Insurance?

Farming is a business deeply rooted in the unpredictability of nature. One bad hailstorm, a prolonged drought, or a sudden plant disease outbreak can wipe out months of hard work and financial investment. That’s why crop insurance exists—to provide farmers with a reliable tool for managing risk. One of the most widely used tools in this risk management toolbox is Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI). Backed by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), MPCI is designed to help farmers weather both literal and financial storms. Here's what you need to know about how it works, who it's for, and how it can make a difference on your farm. What Is Multi-Peril Crop Insurance? Multi-Peril Crop Insurance is a type of federally subsidized insurance policy that protects farmers against a wide range of natural and market-related risks. Unlike single-peril policies (which cover only hail or fire), MPCI covers many common causes of crop loss in one comprehensive package. Covered Perils Typically Include: Drought Excessive moisture Hail Frost Insects and disease Fire Wildlife damage (in some cases) Decline in market price (with certain coverage options) How It Works When a farmer purchases MPCI, they choose a coverage level (typically 50% to 85% of their average yield or expected revenue) and a policy type. Premiums are partially subsidized by the federal government, and the farmer pays the rest. If the farmer experiences a qualifying loss during the growing season, they file a claim. A crop insurance adjuster assesses the situation, and the farmer receives a payment based on the terms of the policy. Types of MPCI Coverage There are several options under the MPCI umbrella, allowing farmers to tailor their coverage to their operation and risk tolerance. 1. Yield Protection (YP) Covers: Losses due to low yield caused by natural disasters. Example: A wheat farmer in Kansas typically harvests 60 bushels per acre. A summer drought reduces his yield to 35 bushels per acre. With YP coverage at 70%, his insurance pays for the loss below 42 bushels per acre (70% of his average yield). 2. Revenue Protection (RP) Covers: Both yield losses and revenue shortfalls due to price drops. Example: A corn farmer in Iowa expects to produce 150 bushels per acre, and the spring projected price is $5.50 per bushel. If weather reduces yields and corn prices drop to $4.50 per bushel by harvest, RP ensures the farmer is compensated for both the lower yield and the lower price. 3. Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (RP-HPE) Covers: Revenue shortfalls, but does not adjust for higher harvest-time prices. Useful for: Farmers who want to lower their premiums and don’t need protection against price volatility. Real-World Example Let’s say Sarah owns a 500-acre soybean farm in Missouri. She chooses a Revenue Protection policy at 75% coverage. Her average yield is 45 bushels per acre, and the projected price is $13 per bushel. Expected Revenue per Acre: 45 bushels × $13 = $585 Guaranteed Revenue (75%): $585 × 0.75 = $438.75 per acre If a wet spring and early frost reduce her yield to 30 bushels per acre, and soybean prices fall to $12 at harvest: Actual Revenue per Acre: 30 × $12 = $360 Because Sarah’s actual revenue is below the guaranteed revenue, she will receive an indemnity payment to make up the $78.75 difference per acre, helping her offset her loss and plan for the next season. Who Is Eligible? MPCI is available to all producers who grow insurable crops in eligible counties. Commonly insured crops include: Corn Soybeans Wheat Cotton Rice Barley Sorghum Peanuts Many fruits and vegetables Farmers must apply through an approved crop insurance agent. The sign-up deadline varies by crop and location but is generally set prior to the planting season. Why Farmers Use MPCI Multi-Peril Crop Insurance is popular because it offers: Broad protection against multiple risks Customizable coverage levels and options Financial stability and risk management Access to farm credit (many lenders require insurance) With climate variability and volatile markets, MPCI helps farmers avoid devastating losses and gives them confidence to invest in their operations year after year. Final Thoughts Multi-Peril Crop Insurance isn’t just a safety net—it’s a strategic tool for building a resilient farm business. Whether you’re a large-scale corn grower or a specialty crop farmer with diverse acreage, MPCI can be tailored to meet your needs and help protect your livelihood. To learn more or to find a crop insurance agent near you, visit the USDA Risk Management Agency website at www.rma.usda.gov. Up next: Catastrophic Coverage: Basic Protection for the Toughest Seasons

Farming is one of the most rewarding—and riskiest—professions out there. Between unpredictable weather, market swings, pests, and diseases, even the most seasoned farmers can face sudden, unexpected losses. That’s where crop insurance comes in. These programs provide a safety net that helps farmers stay in business when nature or markets don’t cooperate. In the United States, crop insurance is primarily managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Risk Management Agency (RMA). These programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, there’s a wide range of options designed to meet the needs of different operations—from large commodity growers to small specialty farms. Let’s dig into how crop insurance works and what types are available. What Is Crop Insurance? Crop insurance is a tool that protects farmers against financial losses due to factors like: Drought Excessive rain or flooding Hail and windstorms Pests and plant diseases Declining market prices Farmers typically pay a premium, but the federal government subsidizes a significant portion of the cost to make it affordable. If a farmer experiences a covered loss, the insurance policy will provide a payout to help them recover. Types of Crop Insurance Programs Here are the main types of crop insurance available to U.S. farmers: 1. Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) This is the most common form of crop insurance. It covers a variety of natural risks—like drought, flood, or disease—in a single policy. Farmers can choose between: Yield Protection (YP): Protects against low yields. Revenue Protection (RP): Protects against low yields and falling prices. Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (RP-HPE): Similar to RP, but without coverage for price increases at harvest. 2. Catastrophic Coverage (CAT) This is a basic form of coverage for worst-case scenarios—like extreme crop failure. It’s available at no premium cost to the farmer (just a small administrative fee), and pays out when crop losses exceed 50%. 3. Actual Production History (APH) This coverage is based on a farm’s historical yield data. It protects farmers when their actual yield falls below a certain percentage of their average. 4. Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Instead of insuring individual crops, this program protects the entire farm’s revenue. It’s especially useful for diversified farms, specialty crop growers, and organic producers. 5. Area Risk Protection Insurance (ARPI) Instead of measuring loss based on an individual farm, this insurance looks at the average performance across a county or region. It’s a good fit for farmers who want broad, cost-effective coverage tied to local conditions. How Premiums and Payouts Work The cost of crop insurance depends on factors like: The type of crop The region The level of coverage selected A farm’s yield history The federal government subsidizes between 50% and 70% of the premium, making coverage more affordable than private insurance would be on its own. If you experience a loss, your insurance company (approved by the USDA) calculates a payout based on your policy and the size of the loss. Why Crop Insurance Matters Crop insurance isn’t just about peace of mind—it’s a key part of the U.S. food system. It: Helps farmers recover faster after disasters Encourages investment in long-term farm sustainability Supports rural economies Reduces the need for emergency disaster assistance from Congress In 2023 alone, more than 490 million acres of farmland were insured under federal crop insurance programs. Is It Right for You? If you’re a farmer, especially in areas prone to droughts, floods, or erratic weather, crop insurance is worth exploring. Even small or diversified farms may benefit from programs like WFRP, while basic CAT coverage can be a low-cost option to help protect your investment. You can learn more or find a local crop insurance agent through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency website: www.rma.usda.gov Final Thoughts Farmers take on a lot of risk to feed the world. Crop insurance doesn’t eliminate that risk, but it helps cushion the blow when the unexpected happens. Whether you’re growing corn in the Midwest or heirloom vegetables on a small plot, there’s likely a policy that can help protect your farm’s future. Up next: Understanding Multi-Peril Crop Insurance: A Safety Net for American Farmers

If you live near the coast or in an area with salty groundwater, desalinated water can open up new possibilities for irrigation. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for crops. While it’s a more advanced and costly method, it’s becoming increasingly important as freshwater supplies dwindle. How It Works Desalination typically uses reverse osmosis or distillation to strip salt and impurities from water. The treated water is then tested and sometimes blended with fresher sources before being used for irrigation. This water can feed drip, sprinkler, or flood irrigation systems depending on your setup. Pros Expands water supply where freshwater is scarce Provides reliable irrigation water independent of rainfall Reduces pressure on freshwater aquifers and rivers Can enable farming in otherwise inhospitable areas Cons High energy use and costs compared to other water sources Requires specialized equipment and maintenance Disposal of salty brine byproduct can impact the environment Not usually feasible for small homesteads without shared infrastructure Best For Coastal farms or ranches with salty groundwater Larger farms with resources for infrastructure and energy costs Regions facing chronic freshwater shortages or drought Specialty crops that can tolerate slightly saline water (with proper management) Equipment Needed & Water Rights Equipment Needed: Desalination plant or access to a municipal desalination supply Pumps and pipes designed for desalinated water Storage tanks with corrosion-resistant materials Irrigation system compatible with the water quality (e.g., drip irrigation) Monitoring systems for salt levels and water quality Water Rights: Desalinated water use is typically regulated by local water agencies Users may need permits for intake of seawater or brackish water and for discharge of brine Check with environmental agencies about compliance and disposal requirements Water rights may be linked to infrastructure ownership or contracts with municipal providers Homesteader Tips If you’re near a municipal desalination source, explore options for connection or water purchase Consider energy-efficient technologies or renewable energy to power desalination Blend desalinated water with rainwater or well water to reduce salinity Regularly test soil and plants for salt buildup Plan for environmental stewardship regarding brine disposal Desalinated water can be a game-changer for farming in salty or dry environments—turning a challenging resource into a valuable asset for your homestead.