The weather plays a complicated role in your farm’s health. When temperatures get too high, the yield will decrease. When temperatures get too cold, some plants will die. In the case of severe weather, like hail, tornadoes, droughts, and flooding, an entire season’s worth of work can be lost. No matter how the weather changes, you can be prepared for it by investing in crop insurance.

How Do Weather Conditions Affect Crops?

In high-temperature seasons, soil heat builds up, inhibiting growth—especially for plants with shallow roots. Insects will eat through crops or transmit bacteria during the summer months, as well.

The warmer weather will also see an increase in the number of tornadoes and hailstorms in Nebraska, though the latter can occur in the spring and fall as well.

Hail damages leaves and stems and strikes fruits and vegetables from the plant, decreasing the harvest's yield. If the storms occur early in the season, they can decimate seedlings.

Tornadoes will cut through large swaths of land, displacing or destroying crops. They can also bring hail, as well as heavy rain that leads to flooding.

Despite the potential flooding, Nebraska is prone to droughts. The state experienced a multi-year drought between 2002 and 2008, and another severe one in 2012 that affected 77.6% of the land. Reducing the water content in plants results in reduced root growth, and a smaller yield.

Cold weather also affects plants but to different degrees. Some are vulnerable to lower temperatures, but the frozen soil may be advantageous to others. Plants require nitrogen more than any other nutrient for sustenance, but it often vaporizes in warmer climates. The colder temperature keeps the nitrogen in the soil.

How Does Crop Insurance Help?

How your yield develops over the year is made unpredictable by changes in weather and market value. Comprehensive crop insurance mitigates the damage done by the weather—including natural disasters—and insects. It allows farmers to grow their yield while knowing they’re protected. If the worst happens, farmers are reimbursed once they file a claim. Also known as multi-peril insurance, it must be purchased before planting begins.

You can also purchase revenue-based crop insurance. If the market value decreases beyond a predetermined point, the insurance will compensate you for your financial loss.

For nearly 40 years, the farmers of Beatrice, NE, have relied on Nebraska Crop Insurance Agency. If your farm is operating without crop insurance, reach out to them at (402) 223-2694. They have extensive experience in both agriculture and insurance, and they’ll work with you to find a policy that protects your land while remaining in your budget. For more information on their services, including multi-peril insurance, visit their website.