Holding Out for Better Corn Prices? Don’t Forget to Protect What You’re Storing

Corn prices across the Midwest are low again this year, and farmers are making the smart decision to store grain to ride out the market and wait for better selling opportunities.

When prices are tight, the first instinct is to think in terms of grain marketing: watching basis, locking in floors, and working with your marketing advisor on timing. That’s critical. But there’s another equally important part of the strategy that often gets overlooked:

Protecting the grain you’re storing. Whether you’re storing in permanent bins, temporary structures, or grain bags, you’re taking on a significant amount of risk, and those bushels only have value if they’re protected.

Why Grain Storage Coverage Matters

You’re holding more grain, for longer.

When markets are down, storage becomes a long-term play.

More bushels + more time = greater exposure

A single loss event (wind, fire, equipment failure, vandalism, spoilage, or a storm) can wipe out a year’s worth of crops.

Your lender (and your balance sheet) depends on it.

Grain in storage is part of your working capital. Protecting stored grain helps stabilize your financial position and protect lines of credit during volatile markets.

Types of Grain Storage Coverage to Consider

Stored Grain Coverage

Covers grain stored on premises, whether it’s in bins, buildings, or approved temporary structures.

Equipment & Bin Coverage

Includes fans, heaters, dryers, augers, electrical systems, and bin structures themselves.

Peak Season Coverage

This is a big one. During harvest and storage season, your grain inventory is at its highest. Peak season coverage automatically increases your limits during the months when your grain volume is elevated—so you’re not underinsured when your bins are full.

The Power of Keeping Your Ag Operation Under One Roof

Farmers across Nebraska are navigating tough markets. And when times are tight, having a trusted partner who understands the entire financial picture—not just one piece of it—makes all the difference.

At First State Insurance, our ag team works directly with First State Bank Nebraska’s ag lending team to better serve you across three key areas:

Crop Insurance

Protect your production and revenue while you market grain strategically.

Farm Insurance

Cover your equipment, bins, grain, and the full farm operation.

Ag Lending & Lines of Credit from First State Bank Nebraska

Finance inputs, manage cash flow, and structure your operation for long-term stability with the team at First State Bank Nebraska, Member FDIC.

When your crop plan, farm coverage, and financial plan are aligned, you make better marketing decisions, protect more of your revenue, and navigate down markets with confidence. Learn more at 1FSB.BANK.

Our Ag Pros Are Here to Help

Whether you’re storing grain in bins, piles, or bags this year, make sure your bushels are fully protected. Our dedicated ag team is ready to review your coverage, walk through peak season needs, and help you build the right insurance and financial strategy for 2026.

Let us know how we can support you this season.

Insurance products are not FDIC insured, not a deposit, not insured by any federal government agency, not guaranteed by the bank, and may lose value.