Celebrating 100 Years of Crop Insurance Research

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Did you know this year marks 100 years of crop insurance-sponsored agricultural research? That’s right – crop insurance has supported American farmers for the last century, helping them manage risk and overcome obstacles, keeping our food supply safe and secure.

In fact, over the past 100 years, National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) and its predecessor organizations have conducted more than 400 research projects in 35 states resulting in the development and refinement of loss adjustment procedures for 54 crops ranging from alfalfa to wild rice.

A mule-drawn cultivating team in the 1910’s. Around the time this photo was taken, the crop insurance industry started the agronomic research program that is still working today to understand the impact of nature’s perils on crops.A mule-drawn cultivating team in the 1910’s. Around the time this photo was taken, the crop insurance industry started the agronomic research program that is still working today to understand the impact of nature’s perils on crops.

 

Simulating hail with an ice blowing machine. The crop insurance industry funded the development of these machines in the 1980’s to simulate realistic crop damage for loss adjuster schools. They are still in use today.Simulating hail with an ice blowing machine. The crop insurance industry funded the development of these machines in the 1980’s to simulate realistic crop damage for loss adjuster schools. They are still in use today.

 

NCIS conducts research across the country. North Dakota is a favorite research location because it is the northernmost location for a diversity of insured crops. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, sunflower research was prolific in North Dakota!NCIS conducts research across the country. North Dakota is a favorite research location because it is the northernmost location for a diversity of insured crops. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, sunflower research was prolific in North Dakota!

 

Farming in 2023 is very different from farming 100 years ago, but crop insurance is continuing to adapt to best serve farmers. Over the years, the crop insurance industry has invested millions in new technology and precision data to better serve America’s farmers.

NCIS’ agronomic research has also grown with the rise of Land-Grant University research, keeping abreast with new farming practices, changing weather patterns, and technological advances that often change how crops respond to plant damage.

In fact, the ability of crop insurance to adapt to the changing climate is one of its core strengths.

Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net. That is why we are committed to helping farmers make the best decisions for their farms while maintaining the integrity and actuarial soundness of crop insurance.

Science is at the core of agriculture. And agriculture is at the heart of America.