Spring Acreage Reporting: Best Practices Backed by 40 Years of Expertise

Spring is a busy time in the crop insurance world—and acreage reporting plays a critical role in making sure coverage is accurate and complete. Whether you’re an agent or a grower, knowing what to expect (and when!) can save you from costly mistakes later in the season.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make acreage reporting smoother, smarter, and stress-free.

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1. Review Seeding Plans Early

Start with a conversation at sales closing. Confirm what crops are on the policy, and talk through anything new that might pop up this spring (hello, mustard or chickpeas!). This is where those “Oh yeah, I forgot to mention…” moments often happen.

2. Know Your Dates

Create a list of spring crops and their early plant dates in your area. Contact growers ahead of time to avoid planting too early and creating uninsurable acres. While you’re at it, touch base about any winter crops still in the ground.

3. Check In on Winter Coverage

For growers with the Winter Coverage Endorsement, reach out early to explain their options in case of damage. For others, remind them they can still submit replant claims. Communication here is key.

4. Stay in Touch—3 Ways

Use the Call, Text, Email rule. Create a paper trail so you’ve done your due diligence with those hard-to-reach farmers. CYA.

5. Catch Them While It’s Fresh

As planting wraps up, check in right away while it’s top of mind. Get those acres locked in before they move on to spraying, branding, or hauling hay.

6. Spot Prevent Plant Issues Early

Early outreach means you’re better positioned to track any prevent plant scenarios and stay within reporting deadlines.

7. Review the Summary of Coverage (SOC)

When the SOC comes in, compare it line by line against your notes. Catching mistakes now can avoid headaches later—and there are plenty of common ones.

8. Let the Grower Review It Too

Send that SOC to your growers. They’re tired, busy, and human. Help them help you by reviewing for missed fields or errors before the ARD.

9. Fix It and Finalize

Make any necessary corrections and wrap it up.

10. Fill the Gaps

Once everything’s in, look at what isn’t covered and talk about private options like hail insurance to close the loop.

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✅ Want this list as a downloadable checklist?

That’s it—ten simple steps that can make your spring acreage reporting season efficient and way less stressful. Let’s get it done right, the first time.