What They Mean for Your Increased Protection
The harvest price discovery period for winter wheat has wrapped up. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has released the final 2026 harvest prices for winter wheat, winter and spring barley, and rye.
The South Dakota Winter Wheat (conventional) harvest price came in at $7.00 per bushel. That’s $1.25 above the $5.75 projected price set last fall. Unlike last year, when harvest prices fell below spring projections, this year’s price moved in growers’ favor.
These prices are based on the average futures price during the July 1 – July 31, 2026 discovery period, and they are now locked in for crop insurance.
Harvest Price vs. Projected Price
| Crop | Projected Price | Harvest Price | Change |
| SD Winter Wheat (Conventional) | $5.75 | $7.00 | $1.25 |
Why This Matters to You
If you carry a Revenue Protection (RP) policy, your revenue guarantee is based on the higher of the projected price or the harvest price. Because the harvest price finished above the projected price this year, your guarantee automatically increased, at no additional premium. Two things happen when the harvest price comes in higher:
- Your revenue guarantee grows. Every insured bushel is now guaranteed at $7.00 instead of $5.75. Nearly a 22% increase in the dollar guarantee.
- Lost bushels are worth more. If your yield came up short this year, each bushel below your guarantee is valued at the $7.00 harvest price when your revenue is counted. That means a yield loss pays out at the higher price.
Winter Wheat Revenue Guarantee Example*
Say your winter wheat APH is 60 bu/acre with 75% coverage:
Guarantee at the projected price: 60 BU × $5.75 × 75% = $258.75/acre
Guarantee at the harvest price: 60 BU × $7.00 × 75% = $315.00/acre
That is $56.25 more revenue protection per acre. The policy has the same coverage level and APH, just a stronger price behind it. One note: policies written with the Harvest Price Exclusion (RP-HPE) do not receive this increase and remain at the projected price.
All Announced 2026 Harvest Prices
The full list of harvest prices released for the July 2026 discovery period is below.
Think You Have a Production Loss? Contact Your Agent
If you feel you have a production loss on your crop, get with your Risk Management Advisor right away to open a claim. Timely loss reporting speeds up your claim. Early reporting means we can process your claims sooner and help you cover costs from losses quickly, if it is determined you are in a loss situation.
The Bottom Line
A harvest price above the projected price is the scenario Revenue Protection was built for. Your guarantee rises with the market instead of staying flat. Whether you had a strong crop or came up short, the $7.00 price strengthens the safety net under your 2026 winter wheat. If you have questions about what these prices mean for your operation, your PRM Risk Management Advisor can look up the harvest prices for your specific crop, practice, and area.
*All examples are for illustrative purposes only to showcase the fundamentals of crop insurance. Not an actual representation of coverages or indemnity scenarios. Each policy is unique and needs to be evaluated by a licensed agent and adjuster for final indemnity situations. © 2026, Precision Risk Management. All Rights Reserved. Any use of these materials without authorization is prohibited. PRM is an equal opportunity provider. Not all coverage or products may be available in all jurisdictions. The description of coverage in this document is for informational purposes only. Actual coverage will vary based on the terms and conditions of the policy issued. The information described herein does not amend, or otherwise affect, the terms and conditions of any insurance policy issued by Clear Blue Insurance Company. No claim of ownership is made to any third-party content used within this work.
