Mid-South producers are being reminded by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Jackson, Miss., regional office that final sales closing dates for 2009 Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) are approaching. The dates below apply to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi:

Corn — Feb. 28

Cotton — Feb. 28

Soybeans — Feb. 28

Rice — Feb. 28

Grain sorghum — Feb. 28

Peanuts — Feb. 28

Fresh market tomatoes — March 15

Insured growers have an opportunity to make important changes to their coverage. Current policyholders as well as uninsured growers must make all of their decisions on crop insurance coverage, especially which crops to insure and which level of coverage to obtain, prior to the sales closing date.

Producers should contact a local MPCI agent to learn additional program details. If the traditional MPCI program for your crop is not available in your county or parish, please ask your agent whether you would be eligible for coverage under a written agreement.

A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers throughout the United States or on the RMA Web site: AGENTS.