LINCOLN, Neb., March 12 (UPI) -- A group of Nebraska farmers are suing the federal government to reverse an order that could increase their insurance premiums.
The Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star reported that about 75 farmers filed suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture in federal court in Omaha. The USDA has called for the recalculation of premiums for farmers who obtained insurance through Wentworth Agricultural Services Insurance Agency in Loup City, Neb.
Wentworth is under investigation for possible misrepresentation of the number of acres farmed and their average yield.
Unless the farmers pay the higher premiums, they will be ineligible to buy insurance for 2005 and, by extension, ineligible to participate in government farm programs.
The suit seeks to stop the recalculations, declare the farmers haven't been overpaid for their claims, have the higher premium notices voided. The plaintiffs also seek an order allowing them to to apply for 2005 insurance and be eligible for government programs.
