Spring planting is on the horizon indicating that crop insurance decisions need to be made soon to ensure optimal coverage and risk management. Crop insurance is an important tool for farmers, but knowing and meeting important deadlines ensures that you have access to additional safety nets for the upcoming crop year. A summary table of important crop insurance dates can be found at the end of this article (Table 1). 

The earliest date for corn planting is April 10th, this applies statewide. The earliest plant date for soybeans is April 10th for the southern three tier counties and April 15th for the rest of the state (see Figure 1). Crops planted before these specified dates will not be eligible for replanting payments. 

The last day to apply for coverage (sales closing date) for any Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) policy or make changes/cancel policies held the previous year is March 15th. 

Figure 1: Iowa Soybean Earliest Planting Dates 2026

The final planting date for Iowa corn is May 31st. The final planting date for Iowa soybeans is June 15th, this applies statewide. Any acres planted on or before these specified dates receive the selected full yield or revenue guarantee; however, acres planted after these dates receive a reduced guarantee and should be reported to your agent within three days. Corn acres that need to be replanted can do so through June 10th, ten days past the final planting date. Soybeans that need to be replanted can be done through June 25th, ten days past the final planting date. It is advised to check with your provider before replanting. 

The late planting period for corn begins June 1st and extends to June 25th (25 days); however, the revenue or yield guarantee for corn planted during this period is reduced 1% each day delayed beyond the final planting date (May 31st) and declines to 55% for any corn planted after June 25th. The late planting period for soybeans begins June 15th and extends to July 10th (25 days); similarly, the revenue or yield guarantee for corn planted during this window is reduced 1% each day delayed beyond the final planting date (June 15th) and declines to 60% of the original guarantee after the end of late planting date (July 10th). 

This also applies to those who were prevented from planting their crops so long as the substitute crop was not planted for harvest. Prevented planting coverage does not apply to Area Risk Protection (ARP) or Catastrophic level coverage (CAT) policies. 

The premium billing date for both corn and soybeans is August 15th but are payable as soon as the crop is planted. 30 days after, interest charges begin to accrue on any premium unpaid at 1.25% per month. If an indemnity payment or replanting payment is made, any premiums still owed will be deducted from these payments. 


Table 1:Comprehensive Dates for 2026 Crop Insurance; Source: Farm Credit Services of America

Economic analysis provided by Paige Klipstein, Research Analyst, Decision Innovation Solutions on behalf of Iowa Farm Bureau.