FMH InsureCast

Understanding how Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs work can help farmers make better decisions. Host Dave DeCapp talks with FMH expert and farmer Ken Ripley as he explains how FSA programs work with crop insurance. They also discuss considerations for different regions across the country with fellow FMH expert Derek Watters. This episode dives deep into two popular FSA programs and covers:Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) optionsProgram eligibility with SCO and STAX coveragesProgram payment calculation examplesImportant forms to obtain for decision-makingDecision deadline update

Sales Closing Dates are quickly approaching, with February 28 and March 17 as deadlines for a majority of FMH policyholders. FMH experts Ken Ripley and Derek Watters join Dave in our 2025 Crop Insurance Decisions episode to discuss the major considerations farmers across the country need to make this year when it comes to their risk management plan.We'll cover what farmers need to know while they make their crop insurance decision for spring 2025, including:Updates to the federal programUpdates to FSA programs and how those play into crop insuranceHow to choose coverage considering current crop prices

From the recent Farm Bill extension to the incoming administration, recent political events and the pricing landscape affect the commodity price concerns farmers are facing.  In this episode, AgriTalk's Chip Flory gives his insight on recent the current ag economy, and shares what is affecting farmers' finances for 2025.  Co-host Ken Ripley will also share his farmer perspective with points on how to prepare to choose a crop insurance package that helps cover a farmer's break-even point in a tough year. FMH.com/podcast This podcast is for informational purposes only. See policy provisions, terms, and conditions for details. Opinions expressed on FMH InsureCast do not necessarily reflect the views of Farmer Mutual Hail. 

Cranberries shine throughout the holiday season, and deserve a special spotlight for their place on traditional menus. Hear stories from two women in agriculture on what it takes to grow cranberries and get them to market in this episode of FMH InsureCast.  Cranberry farmers Amber Bristow (left) and Jenna Van Wychen (right)  - who also works as an FMH agent - tell their stories of farming a unique crop, and discuss the importance that women play in the ag industry. Connect with Amber and Jenna!Amber Bristow: Forward Farming Podcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/forwardfarming/https://www.youtube.com/@forwardfarmingpodcastFacebook and Instagram: @forwardfarmingpodcast Cranberry Chatshttps://cranberrychats.com/Facebook and Instagram: @cranberrychats Jenna Van Wychen:Wetherby Cranberry Co.Freshcranberries.comFacebook: Wetherby Cranberry Companyhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Wetherby-Cranberry-Company/1417619655187943?fref=ts Vine Vest Insurance  https://vinevest.com/ Wisconsin Cranberries:Education, recipes, and more:https://www.wiscran.org/https://www.facebook.com/WisCranberriesInstagram @wisconsincranberriesRecipes mentioned in this episode: Cranberry Tiramisu:Delicious Cranberry Tiramisu Recipe You'll Love - Cranberry ChatsCranberry Cake with Hot Butter Sauce:(5) Recipe Time! A Family Favorite:... - Wetherby Cranberry Company | Facebook

What does the future look like for agriculture and crop insurance after the recent U.S. election? Hear insights from new InsureCast host, FMH's Dave DeCapp, and special guest Tara Smith in the latest episode of FMH InsureCast.What 2024 election results mean for agriculture and the Farm BillPotential new faces in ag leadership, and the impacts to crop insuranceCIRB's current messaging to the U.S. House and Senate Ag Committees 

The landscape in crop insurance is constantly changing. Hear from FMH's expert staff about trends that will affect farmers' risk management decisions in the latest InsureCast episode. Plus, tune in for a special note from longtime InsureCast host, FMH's Ryan Benes! 

FMH's crop insurance experts share updates on crop conditions, yield predictions, and impacts to crop prices. They discuss how lower prices will impact claims this year, plus what to know in case of a claim.

Learn about how ECO performed for 2023, along with the recent news of increased subsidies for the 2025 ECO program and what that means for farmers.  Check out the video version of this episode on FMH's YouTube channel! 

Wet conditions are causing prevented planting and late planting in parts of the country. FMH's Ryan Benes and George Raife tackle what you need to know about crop insurance impacts by wet planting conditions. Plus, Ryan shares an update on Farm Bill proposals and what they mean for crop insurance. Also, Ryan chats with CMO Pat Faga about our annual St. Baldrick's event where Ryan will shave his head. Support the cause:Click here to donate! 

Planting 2024 is underway! Listen as host Ryan Benes chats with FMH's Sarah Dunnick and Marc Husman on reminders for planting season including early plant dates and what to do in case of prevented planting. They discuss ways that farmers and agents can make the acreage reporting process as smooth as possible by sharing reporting methods and tips to save time, and how Precision Solutions can result in premium savings and time during a claim. 

With spring crop insurance deadlines looming, Ryan Benes and Kody McDowell discuss factors farmers should consider as they make their crop insurance decisions. They discuss how crop prices will impact those decisions, how to choose coverage levels, and how supplemental products can fill coverage gaps. 

UPDATED This time of year, producers are making decisions about FSA programs. However, the price environment is much different from a year ago. How might these changes impact this year's crop insurance decisions?  Learn how each FSA program interacts with crop insurance from FMH experts Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley in the latest InsureCast video episode. 

 ECO, SCO, and FMH's exclusive supplemental band products can be stacked to optimize a risk management plan with higher levels of coverage and to protect profits, especially in years with harvest price drops.  Learn how to combine these products for up to 95% coverage with FMH experts Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley 

Check out this episode on YouTube. Ryan Benes and Sheila Backer review the basics of the federal crop insurance program including which perils MPCI coverage protects against, popular plan options, and how to choose coverage. They also cover important dates and record-keeping recommendations, plus tips to reduce errors throughout the crop insurance cycle.

Check out this episode on YouTube.Ryan Benes and Laura Held discuss private products including Crop Hail and band products, and why farmers should consider adding them. They touch on how private products can fill the gaps left by MPCI coverage. The two share tips on deciding on which private products to add to a risk management plan. 

Get a sneak peek at topics you'll hear about as you attend Spring Update trainings and farmer meetings in the coming months. Host Ryan Benes talks with guest Kelly Luett, FMH Regional Trainer, about federal program updates for 2024, as well as FMH private products for farmers to consider as they make their crop insurance plans for next year.

With commodity prices lower from this spring, you might have customers wondering if they have a claim. Host Ryan Benes talks with guest Zach Allsup, FMH Field Claims AVP, on what agents and farmers need to do, policy payout examples and how to have the best claims experience in this episode of FMH InsureCast. 

Hear from our in-house experts, plus special guest Jake Moline of Stone X, on the power of using forward marketing and crop insurance for maximum risk management. They give an update on current crop conditions and markets, plus discuss the upcoming decision farmers are making on Margin Protection. To subscribe to Jake's newsletter, contact jake.moline@stonex.com

What do agents and farmers need to keep in mind as fall crop insurance deadlines approach? Hear about recent program updates from FMH trainer, Derek Watters. Plus, learn about the expansion of the Margin Protection program as Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley chat about what to consider with current conditions. 

FMH recently announced the launch of its newest company, Ag Brokerage Solutions™ (ABS). Ryan Benes chats with Brent Walker, Chief Brokerage Officer, and Willie Jones, AVP P&C Sales, on what makes ABS unique and beneficial for both farmers and agents in the latest FMH InsureCast.

Planting is progressing across the country, so we've brought in our Regional Claims Managers to give updates from their areas, plus they share what to know if conditions aren't ideal such as prevented planting. Also, hear helpful reminders to ensure a smooth acreage reporting process. 

Many farmers are making important decisions about crop insurance this season. But, are they thinking about adequate coverage on their machinery too? Learn about the impact of inflation and technology on machinery values from industry guest, Mark Hennessey with INEDA.  

What do producers need to know before making critical crop insurance decisions this year? Find out important updates on the current price environment, supplemental products, and federal program changes farmers should know from two of our sales team experts, Ken Ripley and Ryan Benes.

Get a sneak peek at topics you'll be hearing about at Spring Update and farmer meetings in the coming months. In this episode of FMH InsureCast, host Ryan Benes and featured guest Derek Watters preview federal program updates for 2023, as well as supplemental FMH coverages for farmers to consider heading into the new year.

Recorded live at FMH's recent National Agent Summit, speaker Dr. Steve Johnson stops by the podcast to talk with host Ryan Benes and guest Ken Ripley about recent issues impacting farmers and recommendations on managing these issues with their risk management plans.

How does the recent election and legislation impact crop insurance? Find out in this special episode recorded live at FMH's National Agent Summit with crop insurance and legislative expert Tara Smith.

Growers with grazing land, hay, or pasture acres can benefit from better protection against dry conditions which can cause additional costs for feed, destocking, or depopulating of livestock. With these acres found across the country, Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) coverage continues to gain in popularity.

Attention listeners: This podcast includes content pertaining to suicide prevention which may evoke strong emotions for some listeners. Scott Johnson, FMH Sales Manager, shares how while growing up in a farming community, he saw first-hand how the stress and struggles of the job impact farmers every day and how he decided to get involved to aid those around him who may be struggling mentally.

Josh Linville with Stone X shares insight into what is happening with fertilizer markets and what farmers should consider while making decisions before harvest. Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discuss how Margin Protection could help protect against the volatility these input costs are experiencing.

To view the video version of this episode, visit FMH's YouTube channel or FMH.com Margin Protection page.

Cyber attacks can halt operations, create unnecessary costs, and be a headache to deal with. Farmers who depend on technology and large amounts of data to run their operations can be particularly vulnerable to these risks. Ryan Benes and Willie Jones from FMH welcome guest Ken Grothe from HSB to discuss how farmers can protect themselves from cyber attacks.

Ken Ripley interviews Tom Sell to help clarify areas of the program including: Application and certification process Who qualifies and how payments are calculated Role of the producer and crop insurance agent  Clarifications on frequently asked questions

Wet weather and drought conditions have halted planting progress in some areas. FMH experts tackle what you need to know when prevented planting occurs including important coverage rules to be aware of, how payments are calculated, and more.

Now that planting is underway for spring crops, what should agents and producers keep in mind for crop insurance as acreage reporting approaches? Hear from FMH staff as they share planting progress updates, important reminders, and ways to streamline acreage reporting to reduce errors and hassles.

Get to know Shannon Rutledge, FMH's new President & CEO, as Ryan Benes interviews him about his background, vision for FMH's future, and his thoughts on how current events are impacting the industry.

In addition to crop insurance, FMH offers Farm and Ranch coverage across much of the Midwest, and in this special episode, we're discussing Equipment Breakdown coverage. Jim Polish and Cayce McGinnis from our Reinsurance department chat with guest Jenn Strawn, from Mutual Boiler Re, on what Equipment Breakdown covers and how farmers and homeowners could benefit from it.

Decisions farmers make on their crop insurance coverage are among the most important decisions they make and can impact their entire year. Hear from Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner on how to approach crop insurance with the broader impacts to the farming operation in mind. They discuss considerations related to price, insurance products, and federal program changes that producers need to know.

Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discuss the new P.A.C.E. (Post-Application Coverage Endorsement) which was recently made available to corn producers who utilize post-application nitrogen practices. Ryan and Ken cover what it is, who it is for, where it's available, and more.

ECO and SCO are becoming popular crop insurance options as producers need more coverage to help with higher costs. Listen as FMH's Ryan Benes, Ken Ripley, and Chock Hefner discuss these add-ons, plus new options for individual coverage, in the latest episode of our InsureCast podcast.

Hear from FMH's own experts about choosing between the FSA ARC and PLC programs, and how that election impacts eligibility for crop insurance options.

It's harvest season! What steps should policyholders take to ensure a smooth claims process in the event of a loss? In this episode, host Ryan Benes, Strategic Account Manager, and guests Bruce Van Loenen and Chad Groen, Regional Claims Managers, will share everything policyholders need to know about how to streamline the claims process and get their claim paid quickly. Topics include: How RP, YP, and RP-HPE policies work this year, with the harvest price higher than the spring price Important loss reporting dates and deadlines Preparing for an adjuster visit with traditional records vs. Precision records Tips to alleviate hold-ups and ensure the fastest claim payment Production reporting best practices when no loss occurs 

(Updated Sept. 2021) Lack of rain doesn't have to dry up profits for producers with pasture, forage, rangeland, or bee farms. Hear from FMH's Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner about Rainfall Index products, including PRF, Apiculture, and Annual Forage and how these products can protect your operation.

FMH's Ryan Benes, Ken Ripley, and guest Jake Stone from StoneX discuss Margin Protection, the crop insurance product that protects against fluctuating input costs and has a sales close date of Sept. 30. They discuss how it works and the market impacts and price trends to keep in mind when deciding to add it to a risk management plan.

Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discuss six ways to leverage crop insurance for 2022 including new products like Margin Protection and ECO, how to use crop insurance as a marketing tool, and what to consider when purchasing your coverage.

Join host Ryan Benes and guests Erick Schminke and Jake Moline as they analyze the current market and the implications and opportunities through crop insurance. They discuss crop insurance coverage and grain marketing considerations.

Make sure you are set up for success this planting season to experience easier acreage reporting. Listen as FMH's Ryan Benes discusses tips and best practices with Evan Harbert, FMH PTS, and special guest from one of our industry partners, Tonia Cantwell, Climate FieldView CAM.

In episode two of FMH InsureCast, strategic account managers Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner discuss price and product considerations farmers need to know when choosing 2021 crop insurance coverage.

The first FMH InsureCast episode features FMH's own Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discussing the new Enhanced Coverage Option crop insurance product.