USDA Crop Insurance Provision Being Implemented

Jul 31, 2014

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently provided an update on the process of implementing certain provisions outlined in the 2014 Farm Bill that aim to strengthen and expand insurance coverage options for American growers.

For example, the Supplemental Coverage Option, also known as SCO, which is available through the new federal crop insurance program, is set to start at the beginning of the 2015 crop year. SCO helps protect farmers from potential yield losses and price volatility.

"It's critical that they have crop insurance options to effectively manage risks and ensure that they do not lose everything due to events beyond their control. Following the 2014 Farm Bill signing, the USDA has made it a priority to ensure the Supplemental Coverage Option was available to help farmers in this upcoming crop year,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a release.

The SCO program is open to farmers who grow corn, cotton, rice, soybeans, barley and wheat. Growers who are considering this option should investigate whether or not their location (county) is on the list for eligibility for the program. According to the Risk Management Agency that administers the program, there are plans to make the program more accessible by adding more counties and crops on its eligibility list.

Farmers who cannot find their counties and or crops listed under the SCO program, are asked to wait until those details are made available by the USDA later this summer. Participating growers are also encouraged to become familiar with the new crop insurance options before locking in with a particular program.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.