As harvest approaches, communication with crop insurance agents and adjusters becomes increasingly important.

Dylan Houser, Crop Claims Manager with COUNTRY Financial, says producers who suspect downed crops, flooding, or other damage should report it early and give the adjuster an opportunity to inspect and document conditions before harvest.

Early reporting does not mean a loss will automatically result in a claim payment. If an inspection shows no covered damage, the claim can simply be released. The goal is to make sure potential damage is documented while conditions are still visible.

Accurate production records are also important. Keeping production separated and labeled by unit based on how the policy is structured can help adjusters work through the claim more efficiently and may help avoid delays in indemnity payments.

If damaged acreage will not be harvested, producers should also contact their crop adjuster before destroying, abandoning, or otherwise taking action on the acreage.

For agricultural claims professionals, these reminders reinforce the value of early communication, clear documentation, and organized records as harvest gets underway.

Source: Brownfield Ag News, “Stormy summer leading to crop insurance reminders ahead of harvest,” September 4, 2026.