Oct. 31/18 News Print Page

Alberta is going through another fall of inclement weather that is challenging producers. Mother Nature's unpredictable behaviour puts producers in a difficult situation as they are unable to see their immediate future to make important decisions.

But even under such circumstances of uncertainty, some comfort is offered for producers who grow fall-sown crops. Producers who seed winter crops this fall are eligible for insurance if they elect to purchase and file a Land Report by April 30, 2019, subject to confirmation that the crop is viable.

“We want to give producers as much flexibility as possible when deciding to plant winter crops,” said Daniel Graham, AFSC’s Manager of Business Risk Products.

While recommended seeding dates have already passed (Sept. 20 for north of Bow River and Sept. 30 for the south of the river), there are no set deadlines for fall-seeded crops. Producers, if they choose to do so, can still seed and insure their winter cereals by contacting their AFSC branch office and filing their Land Report by the end of April 2019. For the insurance coverage to materialize for winter crops seeded after the recommended dates, an inspection in the spring must occur to confirm the viability of the crop.

“Being able to insure my winter wheat crop in the spring is an excellent way to manage risk,” said Gary Stanford, Alberta Wheat Commission vice-chair and winter wheat grower. “AFSC’s change in winter cereals insurance means that when seeding past the deadline still works agronomically for your operation, growing it can still be an option.”