October 16, 1998



INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM: R&D-98-053

TO:      All Reinsured Companies
         All Risk Management Agency Field Offices

FROM:    Tim B. Witt         /s/ Tim B.  Witt
         Deputy Administrator

SUBJECT: 1999 Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC) Durum Wheat Base Price and Price Factor
         Announcement

                      Crop Revenue Coverage

The Base Prices and Price Factors for the 1999 Durum Wheat CRC Program in Arizona and
California (10/31 cancellation dates) are as follows:


         BASE PRICE (MGE)              PRICE FACTORS
         100%       95%                 Low       High

         $5.42      $5.15               0.568     0.480