A panel of farm leaders urged Congress to “do no harm” to crop insurance in the upcoming Farm Bill and to remember that crop insurance is a top priority for most of America’s farmers, according to Michigan Farmer.

Robbie Minnich, senior government relations representative with the National Cotton Council, pointed out that one of the key strengths of crop insurance is that farmers and agents sit down and draw up a risk management strategy tailored specifically for that farm.

Panelists at the 2013 Crop Insurance Industry Convention say crop insurance should be top priority in Farm Bill, noting that crop insurance is critical in wheat country, particularly given the ongoing drought.

Several of the panelists expressed concern that crop insurance could come under pressure as budget constraints tighten, which could harm both the participation levels and overall effectiveness of the program.