MONROE — The deadline to purchase or make changes to crop insurance for the 2023 growing season is March 15. 

To help local farmers fully understand their options, State Bank of Cross Plains (SBCP) and Monona Bank — combining in February to become Lake Ridge Bank — invite farmers to attend one of three Crop Insurance Info Meetings held in late January and early February:

●  Thursday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m., Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Ave., Waunakee

●  Thursday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m., Johnson Tractor, 1110 US 14, Janesville

●  Friday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m., Koning event Center, N3051 WI 81, Monroe

This is a free public event. Attendees do not need to be a customer of State Bank of Cross Plains or Monona Bank to participate. A complimentary lunch will be served after each presentation, and all attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a Grain Moisture Tester, valued at $200.

Space is limited, so anyone interested should visit sbcp.bank/crop-meetings or call 608-835-1248 to reserve a spot.

The meetings will be hosted by crop insurance specialists Jessica Sarbacker, Heather Golz, Rachel McDonald, Emily DeLong, and Lisa Runnels. Topics covered at each meeting include:

●  FSA Updates: What is new in government programs?

●  2023 Crop Insurance and Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) Updates: Tips for evaluating your coverage as the cost to grow a crop continues to rise.

●  Lake Ridge Bank tools for farmers, along with an overview of interest rates.

●  What does the merger mean to you? As SBCP and Monona Bank become Lake Ridge Bank, learn about what changes, what stays the same, and what new benefits will be introduced.

In addition, each meeting will feature a local expert to discuss current ag industry topics: Yahara Pride Farms in Waunakee, Farmers on the Rock in Janesville, and Badger State Ethanol in Monroe.

“Like most business owners, farmers appreciate guidance on how to best tailor benefits to fit their unique needs,” says Sarbacker, who leads the bank’s crop insurance team. “The program options can be overwhelming, so we are here to answer questions, share insights, and help farmers determine the best path forward for their farm business.”