When does the crop hail policy take effect?

The crop hail policy takes effect when the crop is visibly above ground. This is a crucial point in the context of crop insurance because it signifies that the crop has emerged from the soil and is actively growing. At this stage, the risk of damage from hail and other adverse weather events is significantly heightened, and the insurance is designed to protect the farmer's investment during this vulnerable period.

Additionally, it is important to note that for a hail policy to be effective, the crop must be established and identifiable, which correlates with the visibility above ground. This ensures that insurance coverage is in place specifically when the crop is most susceptible to the specific risks, like hail, that the policy covers. The other options refer to aspects that do not align with the effective timing of this type of insurance policy. For instance, waiting for harvest or the start of the growing season would not provide the necessary coverage for the critical period when the crop is at risk. Similarly, the policy becoming effective upon payment of the premium is not accurate in this context, as the visibility of the crop is the main factor that triggers the effectiveness of the coverage.