Which two crops are primarily mentioned as being traded on the commodity exchanges for the yield protection plan?

The yield protection plan in crop insurance primarily focuses on major crops that are most widely produced and traded on commodity exchanges. Corn and soybean are the two crops that stand out due to their significant presence in both domestic and international markets. They are essential components of U.S. agriculture, with strong market demand and price volatility that make them ideal candidates for coverage under the yield protection plan.

Corn is a staple grain used for animal feed, ethanol production, and various food products, while soybeans are also a critical source of protein and oil, with uses in food production and industry. The immense volume of trade and the established futures markets for both of these crops allow for effective risk management strategies, making them central to yield protection mechanisms.

In contrast, the other crops listed, such as wheat, barley, rice, oats, sugarcane, and tobacco, do not play as prominent a role in the yield protection plan or are not as actively traded in the same way as corn and soybeans. This highlights why corn and soybeans are the correct focus within the context of commodity exchanges and crop insurance.