According to FMH experts, who are also farmers, planting progress is already ahead of the five-year average in parts of the country, with some regions nearing completion while others are just getting started.
Conditions continue to differ across regions. In the Midwest and Great Lakes, some areas are unusually dry and ready for fieldwork, while others are managing excess moisture and localized flooding. In the West, limited snowpack and ongoing drought are raising concerns about irrigation availability and potential prevent plant situations.
Rising Input Costs Driving Planting Decisions
Beyond weather, input costs are playing a major role in 2026 planting decisions. Higher fuel and fertilizer prices are leading many producers to revisit crop plans, even late in the season.
Some operations are adjusting to better manage expenses, such as shifting acres from corn to soybeans to reduce fertilizer needs. These types of decisions reflect a broader challenge this year: maintaining profitability in a high-cost environment.
USDA support programs such as the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program and Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payments provide some relief, but many producers view them as temporary support. The focus remains on producing a strong crop and marketing it at a sustainable price.
Why Crop Insurance Communication Matters During Planting
With so many factors in play, communication remains essential. Your agent and adjuster are important partners throughout the season, especially when conditions change or decisions need to be made quickly.
Whether you are considering replanting, evaluating prevent plant, or adjusting your crop mix, reaching out early can help ensure your decisions align with your coverage and avoid issues later in the claims process.
How Precision Agriculture and Data Improve Crop Insurance Claims
Technology continues to improve how claims are documented and processed. Using precision planting and harvest data through FMH Precision Solutions can simplify recordkeeping, reduce manual entry, and improve accuracy when reporting production.
FMH has also invested in upgraded claims systems for 2026 that allow adjusters to review documentation, process information, and submit claims directly from the field using mobile devices. This can reduce the need for follow-up visits and help move claims toward completion more quickly.
In addition, tools that capture and organize documents digitally, such as planting records, production reports, and scale tickets, help ensure information is readily available when needed. When combined with precision data, these tools support faster reviews and more accurate coverage.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 planting season will depend heavily on local conditions, input costs, and market factors. Staying flexible, managing risk carefully, and maintaining communication with your crop insurance team is important as the season progresses.
If you have questions about your coverage or planting decisions, connect with your FMH agent early to review your crop insurance coverage and planting decisions for the 2026 season.