BYE (Biotech Yield Endorsement) was recently approved for Crop Insurance
 


      The biotech yield endorsement will allow the producer to receive a premium rate discount on non-irrigated 
      corn for grain planted to hybrid varieties of corn that contain Monsanto triple-stack genetics.

      The triple-stack genetics protect against:

         + Above-ground lepidopteran pests (for example: moths and their larvae)
         + Below-ground corn rootworm damage
         + Weeds via spraying glyphosate (for example: Roundup herbicide) 

      Qualifying hybrids contain a combination of the following three proprietary biotech traits developed and 
      licensed by the Monsanto Company:

         + YieldGard Corn Borer
         + YieldGard Rootworm
         + Roundup Ready Corn 2 

      Producers are eligible to receive the lower premium rates if they have purchased an individual yield or 
      revenue insurance plan (APH, RA, or CRC) at a buyup level of coverage and plant at least 75% of their 
      corn acres on an insured unit to a corn hybrid containing Monsanto triple-stack genetics.

      The average premium discount for coverage levels in the range of 70% to 75% is around 20% under the actual
      production history (APH) plan of insurance.  For producers with revenue policies, the premium rate reduction
      will vary by county, coverage level, and yield, as the yield risk accounts for only a portion of the total risk and 
      total premium rate. 
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      The Pilot BYE will be available for non-irrigated corn for grain in all counties in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
      and Minnestota beginning with the 2008 crop year.  
      
      The Pilot BYE premium rate reduction percentages will vary by state, county, and coverage level and may 
      change from year to year.
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      Some of the BYE rules are still forthcoming.  Be sure to contact our agency for more information, as there
      are some situations that will warrant further discussion.