Mid-Season Matters: June Crop Insurance Tips for Montana Farmers

Farming in Montana means working with the land—but also battling unpredictable weather. As crops take root and summer begins, June is the time to check in on your crop insurance coverage and prepare for the second half of the growing season.

At our offices in Shelby and Sunburst, we work closely with Montana farmers to protect the crops they depend on and the livelihoods they support. Here's what you should keep in mind this month.

June marks the start of peak hail season across Montana, and forecasts often shift quickly from cool and wet to hot and dry.

Common mid-season risks:

• Hailstorms damaging young crops

• Drought stress impacting yields

• Heat spikes accelerating growth too quickly

• Flooding from late spring runoff

  
  

Crop-hail insurance and production-based policies (like MPCI) can help ensure your revenue stays steady even when your crops face setbacks.

Time for a Policy Check-Up

Now is the perfect time to:

• Review your current policy and coverage levels

• Confirm that all planted acres are accurately reported

• Check yield updates and adjust if necessary

• Understand deadlines for any endorsements or changes

  
  

Farmers often think insurance is a once-a-year event—but staying in touch with your agent mid-season can be just as important as the initial sign-up.

Don’t Miss Replanting and Claim Deadlines

If you’ve experienced crop damage this spring:

• Contact your agent before replanting

• Take photos and keep written records

• Know that late reporting can affect your claim eligibility

  
  

Our Shelby and Sunburst teams are always available to help you file claims properly and on time.

What’s Covered—and What’s Not?

Crop insurance can protect against: ✅ Hail ✅ Drought ✅ Excess moisture ✅ Yield shortfalls ✅ Market price changes (depending on policy)

But keep in mind:

❌ It won’t cover unreported acres

❌ Damage from negligence isn’t eligible

❌ Policies must be in force before the loss

Let’s make sure your policy is doing what you think it is.

Final Word from Your Local Montana Crop Insurance Team

We live and work right here in ag country—and we know the challenges Montana producers face each season. Whether you farm wheat, barley, canola, peas, or mustard, our goal is to help you protect what you plant.

Stop by our office in Shelby or Sunburst, or give us a call today for a mid-season policy check. A quick conversation could save your season.