Struggling Farmers Look Into Crop Insurance

CREATED Jul. 18, 2012

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  • This week, farmers from all over are attending the 33rd Ag Expo at Michigan State University, but the recent drought has drawn many to the area holding insurance companies. Video by fox47news.com

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This week, farmers from all over are attending the 33rd Ag Expo at Michigan State University and while there are plenty of activities to focus on, one thing is in the back of everyone's mind.

"Right now, the corn on the lighter ground is burning up and the leaves are turning brown," said Gary Johnston, a fifth-generation farmer from Livingston County. "We're just hoping we get some rain and maybe we can make the best of the crops we do have and hopefully they can finish out fairly well."

That feeling is echoed by many farmers across the state and many are now looking for financial help by signing up for crop insurance.

"In a year like this, crop insurance becomes even more important," said Dave Ballman, of Greenstone Farm Credit Services.

Unfortunately, many are learning their lesson too late because the deadline to purchase a crop insurance policy was March 15.

"We're starting to get a lot of people asking about covering their crop next year," said Ballman.

Now, many are hoping for a rain in the coming weeks to somewhat salvage their crop losses.

"We're not at the point where we just throw in the towel," said Todd Gibbs of Farm Bureau Insurance. "Corn is just starting to tassel so the next two weeks are crucial, and farmers will tell you that's where their years are made."

If farmers do suffer further losses, it is important to note that they can still make insurance claims through December.