By Andi Anderson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) has released the final county yield data for the 2025 crop season, allowing area-based crop insurance payments to be calculated for Ohio farmers. These results play an important role in determining payments under risk management programs designed to protect producers from revenue and yield losses.
Two key insurance programs available to farmers are the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO). These programs provide additional protection beyond traditional crop insurance policies. ECO offers coverage for shallow losses at either the 90% or 95% level, while SCO provides coverage from 86% down to the producer's selected insurance level.
Area-based insurance payments are determined by comparing a county’s expected revenue with its final revenue. Expected revenue is based on county trend-adjusted yields and projected market prices. Final revenue is calculated using actual county yields and harvest prices. When final revenue falls below coverage thresholds, insurance payments may be triggered.
For corn producers, the 2025 harvest price was $4.22 per bushel, compared to the projected price of $4.70 per bushel, representing a decline of 10.2%. As a result, many Ohio counties experienced lower revenues than expected.
A total of 83 Ohio counties recorded revenue declines of at least 5%, qualifying for potential ECO-95% claims. Additionally, 57 counties recorded revenue losses of at least 10%, which triggered ECO-90% claims. Among these, 36 counties experienced revenue reductions large enough to qualify for SCO payments.
Soybean producers also saw insurance claims in several areas. The 2025 soybean harvest price was $10.35 per bushel, slightly lower than the projected price of $10.54 per bushel, representing a decrease of 1.8%.
Based on final county revenue calculations, 69 Ohio counties qualified for ECO-95% claims. Meanwhile, 37 counties met the requirements for ECO-90% claims, and 31 counties recorded revenue declines significant enough to trigger SCO payments.
County yield and revenue data provide insight into how weather, market conditions, and production levels affect farm income. The results highlight the value of insurance programs that help reduce financial risks during challenging growing seasons.
Over recent years, ECO and SCO policies have become increasingly popular among farmers due to enhanced government support and premium subsidies. These coverage options offer additional protection against county-level revenue declines and help strengthen farm financial stability.
The 2025 county yield results demonstrate the important role of crop insurance in supporting Ohio corn and soybean producers when market prices and production outcomes reduce expected revenues. By offering financial protection during uncertain conditions, these programs remain a key component of modern farm risk management strategies.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture