In this drought, crop insurance has turned into a lifeline for many farmers in the Tri-States.

The U.S. Department of Ag says it expects corn growers to average 123 bushels per acre, which is down 24 bushels from last year. The federal government says corn growers could end up with their lowest average yield in 17 years as the drought continues to take its toll.

The USDA has started sending letters to farmers, explaining what things farmers need to know before having an insurance adjuster on site to evaluate their crops.

“There would be an awful lot of people out here today that would be extremely concerned with this drought if we didn’t have crop insurance,” farmer Dan Hugenberg said.

Hugenberg says insurance is his life line this year as he watches the drought destroy his corn crop.

“I’ve got $400,000-500,000 invested in this crop and if I come out with a 30 bushel yield or 20 bushel yield, and if I only come out with $160,000, it takes a long time to recover,” Hugenberg said.