Farming in Montana is no small feat—especially in Dillon, where open skies and changing weather bring both opportunity and risk. One of the most unpredictable and damaging events local farmers face is hail. It can tear through fields in minutes, turning a promising season into a financial setback.
That’s why crop-hail insurance is an essential part of a Montana farmer’s risk management plan.
Why Crop-Hail Insurance Matters in Montana
While federal crop insurance provides valuable protection against yield losses and price fluctuations, it doesn’t fully cover damage caused by hail. That’s where crop-hail insurance steps in.
Unlike multi-peril crop insurance (MPCI), crop-hail policies are sold by private insurers and can be tailored to your specific acreage, crop type, and risk level. It’s designed to cover immediate, localized damage—like a sudden hailstorm that strikes your best field just before harvest.
Even partial hail damage can lower your crop’s quality and value. Crop-hail insurance provides per-acre compensation, helping you recover losses and keep your operation moving forward.
Key Features of Crop-Hail Insurance
- Covers localized storm damage not addressed by federal crop insurance
- Sold per acre, giving you flexibility to insure high-value or at-risk fields
- Customizable deductibles and coverage levels to fit your operation
- Often includes optional coverage for fire, transit, or vandalism
- Can be purchased anytime during the growing season (before damage occurs)
Common Crops in the Dillon Area That Benefit from Hail Coverage
- Barley and wheat – These grains are particularly vulnerable during heading and harvest stages
- Alfalfa – Quality and yield can drop quickly from hail damage
- Hay and forage crops – Often grown for livestock operations and local supply
- Specialty crops – If you grow peas, lentils, or seed crops, the right hail coverage can help protect your investment
When to Buy Crop-Hail Insurance
Timing is critical. You can usually purchase a crop-hail policy right up until a storm hits, but once damage is visible, it’s too late. The best time to secure coverage is early to mid-season, when your crops are growing and the risk of hail increases.
Policies are often stacked with federal crop insurance, creating layered protection. This means even if you’re already covered under a federal program, a crop-hail policy can fill in the gaps, especially when hail hits just one section of your field.
Local Expertise Matters
As a local insurance agency in Dillon, MT, we understand the challenges farmers face across Beaverhead County and beyond. Our team works with trusted providers to offer competitive crop-hail policies that reflect both your field conditions and your financial goals.
We can help you:
- Evaluate which acres may need more protection
- Choose deductible levels that balance risk and cost
- Explore optional endorsements like fire or replant coverage
- Coordinate with your existing crop insurance plan
Montana farmers know how fast the weather can turn. One storm can flatten weeks of hard work. Crop-hail insurance gives you the ability to recover, replant, or reinvest—so one event doesn’t derail your entire season.
Let’s protect what you’ve planted. Contact our office today to explore your crop-hail insurance options and prepare for whatever the sky brings this season.