In recent years, producers have increasingly adopted MPCI policies with area-based endorsements that go beyond the standard Revenue Protection (RP) or Yield Protection (YP) coverage. Products like Margin Protection (MP), Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) have gained popularity as growers seek additional risk management tools in response to persistently narrow profit margins.
Starting in 2026, Missouri corn and soybean producers will have access to a new insurance endorsement-Margin Coverage Option (MCO)-which complements an existing RP or YP policy. MCO offers margin-based protection against losses due to yield reductions, price fluctuations, cost increases, or a combination of these factors. It is important to note MCO has a sales closing date of September 30, 2025, and MCO cannot be combined with the ECO or MP endorsements due to overlapping coverage features. Given the similarities among these products, selecting the most appropriate option may require careful evaluation. A comparison is provided below to help clarify key distinctions.
| Product | MO Crops Insured | Sales Closing Date | MPCI Policy Requirement | Coverage Levels | Projected Price Discovery Period | Subsidy | Coverage for Input Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCO | Corn Soybeans | 9/30/2025 | Yes | 86%-90% or 86%-95% | 8/15-9/14/2025 | 80% | Yes |
| MP | Corn Soybeans | 9/30/2025 | No | 70% - 95% in 5% increments | 8/15-9/14/2025 | 59%-44% depends on coverage level | Yes |
| SCO | Corn Soybeans GS | 3/15/2026 | Yes | MPCI Level-86%* | 2/01-2/28/2026 | 80% | No |
| SCO | Wheat | 9/30/2025 | Yes | MPCI Level-86%* | 8/15-9/14/2025 | 80% | No |
| ECO | Corn Soybeans GS | 3/15/2025 | Yes | 86%-90% or 86%-95% | 2/01-2/28/2026 | 80% | No |
| ECO | Wheat | 9/30/2025 | Yes | 86%-90$ or 86%-95% | 8/15-9/14/2025 | 80% | No |
*One Big Beautiful Bill Act did adjust the SCO coverage level to 90%, however that will not be effective until the 2027 crop year.
All these endorsements—MCO, SCO, ECO, and MP—utilize area-based yields rather than individual farm yields and rely on a harvest price discovery period that aligns with the standard MPCI coverage to determine potential losses. While premiums are due at the same time as the underlying RP or YP policy, any potential indemnity payments would not be issued until the following summer.
A key distinction between margin-based products and other area-based
options lies in the timing of the projected price discovery period used to establish coverage guarantees. Although MCO and ECO share identical coverage levels and subsidy structures, MCO uses a fall price discovery period, whereas ECO relies on spring pricing. This difference will influence purchasing decisions based on a producer’s market outlook.
For more information or to review your current coverage, please contact your local FCS Financial office.
