Which step comes first in the crop insurance cycle?

The sales closing date is the first step in the crop insurance cycle because it establishes the deadline by which farmers must finalize their choices for crop insurance coverage for the upcoming season. This date is critical as it determines when policy elections and premium payments must be made in order for coverage to be effective for that insurance year. It is a crucial time frame that sets the stage for all other actions in the crop insurance process. After the sales closing date, farmers will typically take further actions such as submission of production reports and acreage reports. The end of insurance marks the conclusion of the coverage period, making it a later phase in the cycle. Understanding the sequence of these steps is essential for proper planning and management of crop insurance policies.