Across Eastern Montana, harvest season brings long days, busy equipment, and plenty of moving parts. Combines are in the fields, grain is being hauled, and farmers are working to bring in the year’s crop. With so much happening, harvest is also a good time to take another look at your crop and farm insurance.
A seasonal insurance review can help you identify changes in your operation and discuss whether your current policies still reflect your equipment, crops, property, and other farm assets.
Harvest Brings New Risks to the Farm
Harvest can put equipment, crops, buildings, and people to work at the same time. A breakdown, storm, accident, or other unexpected event can create additional costs during an already demanding part of the year.
As harvest gets underway, consider whether you have:
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- Purchased or replaced harvesting equipment
- Changed the acreage you farm
- Added new crops or changed your crop mix
- Increased the amount of grain or other crops being stored
- Added or upgraded grain bins, sheds, or other structures
- Changed where equipment or harvested crops are stored
- Taken on new leases or other changes to your farming operation
Changes like these can be worth discussing with your insurance agent.
Crop Coverage Is Worth Reviewing
Crop insurance can play an important role in managing certain financial risks associated with farming. Coverage and eligibility can vary depending on the crop, policy, location, and other factors.
For Montana producers, reviewing your crop coverage before and after harvest can provide an opportunity to discuss changes in acreage, crops, production, and other details that may affect your insurance needs.
Don’t Overlook Your Farm Equipment
Harvest equipment represents a major investment. Combines, tractors, headers, grain carts, trucks, and other machinery can spend long hours working during harvest.
If you have purchased equipment, sold machinery, made upgrades, or changed how equipment is used, it may be time to review your policy. Keeping equipment information current can make it easier to discuss appropriate coverage with your agent.
Grain Storage and Farm Property
Harvest doesn’t end when the crop leaves the field. Grain bins, elevators, sheds, barns, and other storage areas can become especially important as crops move from the field into storage.
Review your farm property coverage if you have built a new structure, added storage capacity, or changed how harvested crops and equipment are stored.
Montana Weather Can Affect Harvest
Eastern Montana weather can change quickly during harvest. Wind, hail, heavy rain, and early snow can create challenges for crops and equipment when timing matters most.
While insurance cannot prevent weather from affecting a harvest, reviewing your policies can help you understand what coverage you currently have and where additional questions may need to be addressed.
Think Beyond the Field
Harvest often involves more than crops and machinery. Employees, family members, hired help, farm vehicles, stored supplies, and transportation can all be part of the operation.
Take time to consider whether any changes to your operation should be reflected in your farm and ranch insurance. A conversation with your insurance agent can help you identify areas that may need attention.
Montanans Serving Montana
At Watts & Kennedy Agencies, we understand that agriculture is an important part of Montana communities. Our team serves customers throughout Montana and works with farmers and ranchers to discuss insurance options based on their individual operations.
Whether you’re finishing harvest, preparing equipment for winter, or planning for the next growing season, reviewing your insurance can be one more useful item to add to your seasonal checklist.
Start Planning Beyond Harvest
Once the last field is harvested, there is still plenty to prepare for. Equipment needs to be stored, buildings may need attention, and plans for the next season begin to take shape.
Harvest season can be a practical time to review your farm and crop insurance and discuss any changes with Watts & Kennedy Agencies.