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Across the country, thousands of farmers grow small grains such as wheat, oats, barley and rye. Some choose to do so for conservation benefits, while others aim to diversify their income streams, to take advantage of local markets or meet the requirements of organic certification.

But, as with growing any crop, there are associated risks. While farmers who grow crops like corn and soybeans often purchase federal crop insurance to manage risk, far less insure their small grains.

Studies also suggest there is uncertainty about what programs are available to do so. In a 2022 survey of Midwest...