The following article is a recap of “Beyond Basic Coverage: Unlocking the Value of Crop Coverage Plus,” a presentation in our Roots to Results Webinar Series. The full webinar recording can be viewed here.

Risk management is, in part, about making sure one poor crop year doesn’t severely impact the overall trajectory of your farm.

During a recent webinar, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) David Van Deynze and Scott Clayton asked farmers to think differently about crop insurance: not as protection for individual crops, but as protection for the farm as a whole.

Crop Coverage Plus shifts the focus from isolated losses to overall farm performance, offering higher coverage levels and, in some cases, meaningful premium savings for diversified operations. By recognizing how different crops succeed and struggle under the same conditions, whole-farm coverage aims to provide protection that matches the way Manitoba farms actually operate.

Shift from Crop-by-Crop to Whole-Farm Thinking

Crop Coverage Plus evaluates the combined value of all insured crops, allowing strong yields to offset weaker ones.

Implementation

Review your insurance decisions across your entire crop mix instead of one line item at a time.

Crop Diversity Can Unlock Better Protection

Farms with multiple crops may qualify for coverage levels up to 90 per cent, sometimes at a lower premium than standard 80 per cent coverage.

Implementation

If you’re growing three or more crops, ask your MASC insurance specialist to model your farm under Crop Coverage Plus.

Not All Crops Move Together — and That Matters

Some crops respond differently to heat, moisture or timing. Those differences reduce overall risk when measured at the farm level.

Implementation

Consider how crops like winter wheat or corn behave differently across seasons when planning rotations.

Fewer Claims, but Stronger Support When It Counts

While small, single-crop claims may be offset, farms tend to receive larger indemnities in years when most crops suffer.

Implementation

Decide whether your operation benefits more from frequent small payouts or stronger protection in difficult years.

Reseed Benefits Increase with Higher Coverage

Reseed payments are calculated as a percentage of coverage. Higher coverage means larger reseed support when conditions force a restart.

Implementation

Factor early-season weather risk into your insurance choice, especially in moisture-prone areas.