Michigan Crop Insurance Pilot Program Rewards Practices that Promote Soil Health

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and partners are introducing a groundbreaking NextGen Crop Insurance pilot that gives farmers greater choice and flexibility in their coverage options when they implement regenerative practices that improve soil health. Research shows that using cover crops, diversifying crop rotations, reducing tillage and other practices that boost soil health can improve farm resiliency and profitability over time. Unlike traditional crop insurance, the NextGen pilot offers premiums that reflect the lower long-term risk associated with these practices. Corn and soybean producers in Huron, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties who use cover crops, crop rotation and no/low till can participate in the program in the 2027 crop year. The Resilience in Agriculture Lending and Insurance Coalition (RALIC) is leading the NextGen pilot and plans to expand the pilot to additional states and crops based on its performance in Michigan.