September 6, 1995

BULLETIN NO.: MGR-95-033

TO:      All Reinsured Companies
         CFSA Texas State Office
         All Risk Management Field Offices

FROM:    Kenneth D. Ackerman
         Acting Deputy Administrator
         
SUBJECT: 1995 Approval To Use Boll Counts in the San Angelo, Texas Area

BACKGROUND:

The cotton crop in the San Angelo area of Texas has been attacked by beet 
armyworms, the production potential extensively decreased, and additional 
damage expected if recently approved chemicals do not provide effective 
control.

Cotton acreage that has failed or partially failed may be better put to 
another use prior to harvest.  Extension specialists have indicated that 
producers who destroy the damaged crop, or otherwise put damaged acreage to 
another use, will be aiding the control of the armyworms and boll weevils in 
the infested area.  Risk Management has reviewed conditions in and around the 
San Angelo area to assess the request to approve the immediate use of the 
boll count method to appraise production potential.

In a "normal" crop year, appraisals would be made via the stand reduction 
method until around October 1.  The stand reduction method uses a plant count 
to determine potential production; however, this method could result in an 
appraisal above the actual potential of the affected cotton crop.

ACTION:

Effective immediately, insurance providers are authorized to use the boll 
count appraisal method for cotton in Coke, Coleman, Concho, Irion, McCulloch, 
Runnels, Schleicher, and Tom Green Counties Texas.  Green bolls will be 
counted at 250 per pound of lint in accordance with existing procedure.  
Include: 1) only immature green and unopened bolls that will contribute to 
the ultimate yield at the time of harvest; and 2) only harvestable bolls that
can be mechanically harvested by the intended method of harvesting, picker or 
stripper.  Open bolls will be counted according to existing procedure.  This 
action is approved for the 1995 crop year only.  Loss adjusters should refer 
to this Bulletin in the "Remarks" section of the appraisal worksheets to 
document the authority to use boll counts. 

Loss adjusters are reminded to verify that insurable causes have contributed 
totally to the reduced production potential.  Otherwise, uninsured causes 
are to be applied.