A new national survey of farmers reveals what many lawmakers already know: America’s farmers consider crop insurance the cornerstone of the farm safety net.
According to research commissioned by National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS), 91% of farmers purchased crop insurance in 2024, and nearly all have done so consistently for the past five years. Crop insurance also ranked highest when farmers were asked to rate key policy tools — ahead of direct government payments and conservation programs.
“These results confirm the essential role crop insurance plays in rural America,” said NCIS President Tom Zacharias. “Not only are more acres being insured than ever before, but farmers are overwhelmingly satisfied with the product and how it performs.”
Indeed, 83% of respondents said they were satisfied with their crop insurance experience, while only 5% expressed dissatisfaction. Additionally, 85% said they were pleased with how their most recent claim was handled.
The survey results and what they mean for the future of farm policy are the focus of this month’s Keep America Growing podcast, featuring Claudine Wargel of Anthro Insights – the lead researcher behind the study.
“This is the first time NCIS has conducted a national farmer survey, and the findings were eye-opening,” Zacharias explained on the show. “They validate what we’re hearing on the ground and give us valuable insight into how to better serve our clients.”
Other highlights from the study include:
- Trust Factor: More farmers rely on crop insurance agents for farm policy information than the USDA or their peers.
- Support for Conservation: 87% said crop insurance does not hinder conservation efforts.
- Affordability: Just 7% said they could afford the same level of protection without premium support.
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