Although March 15 is a month away, time flies, even in the winter months. So producers of corn and soybeans need to decide by March 15 is they want crop insurance coverage for the 2016 crop.

The Farm Service Agency has a list of agents who sell crop insurance. Crop insurance rates are the same regardless of the agent. This process may take some time so act soon and choose an agent who can provide a good explanation of the various coverage levels.

It should also be noted that crop insurance is not required for participation in FSA or NRCS programs, with one exception being the Farm Storage Facility Loan program. And some agriculture lenders do seem to require crop insurance now.

Farmers and farm owners visiting the FSA office between now and April 1 will meet Becky Hyde. She is in the County Operations Trainee program in Pennsylvania.

A native of Crawford County, Hyde is a Penn State graduate. She prepared the following information on the Noninsured Assistance Program.

The USDA Farm Service Agency reminds producers to review available crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage, before the crop deadline of March 15.

Federal crop insurance covers crop losses from natural adversities such as drought, hail and excessive moisture.

NAP covers losses from natural disasters on crops for which no permanent federal crop insurance program is available.

NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production, with higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price available, including coverage for organics and crops marketed directly to consumers.

Crops intended for grazing are not eligible for additional NAP coverage. Beginning, underserved and limited resource farmers are now eligible for free catastrophic level coverage, as well as discounted premiums for additional levels of protection.

For losses on crops covered by NAP, producers must file a CCC-576, Notice of Loss, in the FSA county office within 15 days of the occurrence of the disaster or when losses become apparent.

To comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the following applicable deadlines: June 15 for spring barley, spring forage seeding, and oats; and July 15 for corn, soybeans, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and all other crops.

For more information on NAP, service fees, premium and sales deadlines, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/nap or contact your local FSA county office. To find your local FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.