PRODUCERS: A REMINDER ABOUT CROP INSURANCE SALES CLOSING DATES

                                            Release No. 0324.97
                                                               
                                    Tom Amontree (202) 720-4623
                                             tamontree@usda.gov
                                  Eric Edgington (202) 690-2539
                                        Eedgington@usda.gov


PRODUCERS: A REMINDER ABOUT CROP INSURANCE SALES CLOSING DATES

     WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
reminded fall wheat growers in 37 states that they need to obtain federal
crop insurance by the September 30 sales closing date.  Sales closing dates
are significant because growers must make all of their decisions on crop
insurance coverage, especially which crops to insure, and  level of coverage
to obtain,  prior to this date.

     "For most producers, obtaining crop insurance is essential to building
a comprehensive risk management plan," said Glickman.  "The insurance
decisions producers make will strengthen their ability to manage risk and
make sound crop marketing decisions."

     Other fall-planted grains, like barley, oats, and rye, also may have a
September 30 sales closing date, depending on where they are grown.

     If producers need assistance in developing their risk management
plans, they should start by consulting a crop insurance agent.  A listing of
crop insurance agents is found in all local Farm Service Agency offices.

     The States with September 30 wheat sales closing dates are:
     
     Alabama        Louisiana       Oregon
     Alaska         Maryland        Pennsylvania
     Arkansas       Michigan        South Carolina
     Colorado       Mississippi     South Dakota
     Delaware       Missouri        Tennessee
     Florida        Montana         Texas
     Georgia        Nebraska        Virginia
     Idaho          New Jersey      Washington
     Illinois       New Mexico      West Virginia
     Indiana        New York        Wisconsin
     Iowa           North Carolina  Wyoming
     Kansas         Ohio
     Kentucky       Oklahoma

                                 
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