Exhibit 99(1)


FIREMAN'S FUND RECEIVES APPROVAL TO ACQUIRE SHARES OF CROP GROWERS

For Immediate Release

Contacts:  John Kozero                          Bob Rousey
           Fireman's Fund Insurance Company     Crop Growers Corporation
           415-899-2166                         913-323-5612

    
    Novato, CA and Overland Park, KS-- June 2, 1997-- Fireman's Fund Insurance
Company and Crop Growers Corporation (NASDAQ: CGRO) announced today that
Fireman's Fund has received state regulatory approvals to purchase up to 100% of
Crop Growers common stock. The approvals are a part of the process necessary for
Fireman's Fund to complete the merger transaction with Crop Growers announced in
March.  Following approval from Crop Growers' shareholders, the transaction to
purchase all of Crop Growers' outstanding common shares for $10.25 in cash is
expected to close this summer.

    Subsequent to the receipt of the state approvals, Fireman's Fund completed
the purchase of 1,827,477 shares held by certain former executives of Crop
Growers.  Fireman's Fund also holds preferred stock of Crop Growers which is
convertible to 754,717 shares of, and votes with, the common stock.  Combined,
Fireman's Fund now holds 29.6% of Crop Growers' outstanding shares on an as-
converted basis.   

    One of the top 20 property and casualty insurance companies in the U.S.,
Fireman's Fund in 1996 had total assets of $16.5 billion and gross premiums
written of $4 billion.  The 134-year old Fireman's Fund is assigned an "A"
rating from A.M. Best Company and "Aa1" from Moody's.  Fireman's Fund has 7,885
employees who operate out of 40 major offices, distributing business and
personal lines insurance through more than 6,000 independent agents.         

    Crop Growers markets and services federal multi-peril crop insurance and
crop hail insurance for third party insurance companies and its own insurance
company subsidiaries.  The company also develops, markets and sells farm
management software and related mapping products.  At May 30, 1997, the company
had 7,973,451 shares of common stock outstanding.

     This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding the
proposed acquisition of Crop Growers by Fireman's Fund.  These forward-looking
statements reflect management's expectations and are based on currently
available data.  A more complete description of factors relating to the proposed
merger can be found in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. 
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