FMH InsureCast

2026 Crop Insurance Decisions

Farmers are facing another financially-challenging year heading into 2026. With federal crop insurance program enhancements to ECO, SCO, and Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR), as well as new FSA and Disaster Relief Program options, farmers have many new considerations to update their crop insurance policy this spring. Dave and FMH experts break it down for farmers and agents.

Dig Into the Story of Sugar Beets

The sugar beet industry plays a vital role in the U.S. sugar supply—and in the lives of the growers who produce it. Join Dave and FMH experts Sara Ahrenholz and Andrew Sather as they share firsthand insights into the lifecycle of sugar beets, from planting to processing, and what agents and insureds should know in this holiday special FMH InsureCast episode.

Bonus Episode: BFR Updates for 2026

The Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program offers qualifying producers enhanced benefits under federal crop insurance to make it more affordable and help them grow a sustainable operation. Certain changes to the program, such as increased eligibility and benefits, took effect with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) earlier this year. Join Dave and FMH expert Josh Menz as they discuss what agents and insureds should know about these changes in this bonus episode of FMH InsureCast.

One Big Beautiful Bill Impacts on Crop Insurance

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Act. On August 20, 2025, RMA announced immediate implementation of certain sections of this legislation, including premium discount increases for certain federal products including ECO, SCO, and MCO, changes to the Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program, and more.Join Dave DeCapp and Ken Ripley as they discuss what agents and insureds need to know about these changes and updates to FSA and farm safety programs, including ECAP and SDRP.

What is the New MCO Product?

Join Dave and Farmers Mutual Hail crop insurance experts as they discuss the new federal product for 2026, Margin Coverage Option (MCO). MCO is an MPCI endorsement that combines the simplicity of the popular Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) with the unique capability to insure against reduced margins. With a September 30 Sales Closing Date, be sure to learn about the product now and if it’s right for your farm operation.