The Margin Coverage Option (MCO) is a new area-based crop insurance endorsement. In Illinois, corn and soybeans are eligible for MCO coverage. The sales closing date for MCO coverage for the 2026 crop year is September 30th 2025 and is approaching quickly. This article provides some perspective on MCO by comparing it to the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO).| farmdoc daily
For the 2026 crop year, a new crop insurance endorsement called Margin Coverage Option (MCO) is available. MCO is an area-based product protecting against operating margin declines driven by falling output prices, rising input costs, or both. In Illinois, corn and soybeans are eligible crops to purchase MCO. The sales closing date for MCO coverage for the 2026 crop year is Sept. 30 2025. This article provides an overview of this new policy and discusses considerations in assessing its purchase.| farmdoc daily