By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant increase in replant payments for farmers starting with the 2026 crop year. This initiative aims to provide farmers with enhanced financial support when they need to replant crops that have been damaged by early-season losses, a crucial step to maintain agricultural productivity.
Replant payments have not been updated since the 1990s. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reviewed these payment factors to ensure they reflect current replanting costs, which have increased over time. As a result, most small grains and coarse grains crops will receive a substantial increase in replant payment amounts.
RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger emphasized the importance of this adjustment, saying, “The enhancement in replant payments underscores the Risk Management Agency’s commitment to sustain agricultural productivity and economic stability.” These replant payments will provide farmers with more support than the standard insurance indemnity, helping them recover faster from crop setbacks.
The increased replant payments will be formally announced alongside other crop insurance improvements in the summer of 2025. USDA officials will also continue to monitor the effectiveness of the changes and consider future updates based on new data and feedback from farmers.
This initiative is part of USDA’s broader effort to strengthen risk management tools for farmers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the financial burdens caused by crop loss and other agricultural challenges.
Farmers seeking more information about crop insurance and replant payments can reach out to private crop insurance agents or visit USDA's RMA website.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National