Conservation Resources

AgriSompo North America recognizes that future generations of American farmers depend upon our stewardship of the land today. We will always support good farming practices which focus on sustainability and conservation.

As calls for such practices become more widespread throughout the country, the Risk Management Agency will continue to develop programs rewarding sustainable farming. AgriSompo North America is dedicated to educating our agents and their policyholders about these programs as they become available. Please check this page regularly for the latest developments.

Update: The deadline to sign up for the Iowa program is now January 27.

Regularly planting cover crops is a vital part of sustainable farming. The presence of cover crops aids in nutrient and topsoil retention, reduces erosion, improves water absorption, and more. Four states—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin—currently offer programs which reduce premium payments for farmers who plant cover crops and meet certain other conditions. 

These programs will provide a discount of up to $5 on crop insurance premiums for each acre of fall-planted cover crops grown by the producer. Use the links provided to sign up today!

A new outreach initiative announced in August 2022 by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will help American farmers and ranchers improve their nutrient management planning. Better nutrient management will enhance conservation benefits and combat the risks associated with supply chain disruptions and rising input costs.

Specifically, the new program will incentivize nutrient management activities through various conservation programs; launch an outreach campaign to promote the economic benefits of nutrient management; and streamline the certification process for technical service providers. 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the Nest Cover Upland Habitat Conservation Project. The project will provide financial and technical assistance to California rice producers who agree not to disturb land involved in agricultural production during the waterfowl nesting season (April 15 through July 15).

Please note that, as announced in RMA Informational Memorandum IS-22-002, a producer may be eligible for prevented planting coverage when participating in the Nest Cover Upland Habitation Conservation Project. The project does not preclude the availability of prevented planting coverage provided the contract (form NRCS-CPA-1202) is not signed until after the end of the late planting period.

Split-applying nitrogen fertilizer (in which producers spread their fertilizer application across multiple treatments throughout the growing season) is believed to be better for the environment than traditional fertilizer application methods due to a reduction in nitrogen leaching, which can be a significant problem for water quality.

The RMA has launched a new form of supplemental coverage, the Post-Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE), which will provide protection to growers who commit to this more sustainable practice. When the policyholder is unable to apply nitrogen during the growing season due to poor weather and field conditions, PACE will provide them with an indemnity.