USDA’s Risk Management Agency is providing additional flexibility for farmers and ranchers dealing with the drought. Additional time is now available to pay premiums and administrative fees. Interest will also be waived for 60 days. In an interview, the Red River Farm Network asked RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy if drought-stressed corn could be released earlier from crop insurance to address feed shortages. “That is something we are allowed and that is part of the emergency procedures issued because once the acres are released, the crop can go for another use. We’re making sure the acres can be released as soon as possible.” With crop losses and current commodity prices, the majority of affected farmers would normally the automatic $200,000 APH review. With the volume of claims expected in the region, Flournoy said that is being addressed. “We’ve adjusted that where everyone that hits that mark will be audited. We use data mining to be more specific and precise about who needs to be audited: that will significantly reduce the number of audits.” Flournoy encouraged farmers with questions to contact their local crop insurance agent. Here’s the interview.