FMH InsureCast

County yields are now available, providing an early look at how the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) and Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) plans performed across the country. Join FMH’s Dave DeCapp as he talks with FMH experts about payment triggers, adoption trends, and what agents and farmers should understand about these area-based crop insurance plans.

With growing economic pressures and continued farm bill discussions, insurance priorities and risk management programs remain at the center of important policy decisions. Host Dave DeCapp and special guest Tara Smith from the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) discuss the latest news on the Farm Bill, updates from Washington, and key issues farmers and agents should watch.

As planters roll for across the country, farmers are navigating a wide range of conditions, from early planting in some regions to drought, cold, and excess moisture in others.  Join Dave DeCapp as he connects with FMH experts and farmers from across the country to discuss what they’re experiencing and seeing in the field and how it may impact planting, claims, and risk management for the 2026 sea...

Farmers are facing another financially-challenging year heading into 2026. With federal crop insurance program enhancements to ECO, SCO, and Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR), as well as new FSA and Disaster Relief Program options, farmers have many new considerations to update their crop insurance policy this spring. Dave and FMH experts break it down for farmers and agents.

The sugar beet industry plays a vital role in the U.S. sugar supply—and in the lives of the growers who produce it. Join Dave and FMH experts Sara Ahrenholz and Andrew Sather as they share firsthand insights into the lifecycle of sugar beets, from planting to processing, and what agents and insureds should know in this holiday special FMH InsureCast episode.

The Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program offers qualifying producers enhanced benefits under federal crop insurance to make it more affordable and help them grow a sustainable operation. Certain changes to the program, such as increased eligibility and benefits, took effect with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) earlier this year.   Join Dave and FMH expert Josh Menz as they...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Act. On August 20, 2025, RMA announced immediate implementation of certain sections of this legislation, including premium discount increases for certain federal products including ECO, SCO, and MCO, changes to the Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program, and more. Join Dave DeCapp and Ken Ripley as they discuss...

Join Dave and Farmers Mutual Hail crop insurance experts as they discuss the new federal product for 2026, Margin Coverage Option (MCO). MCO is an MPCI endorsement that combines the simplicity of the popular Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) with the unique capability to insure against reduced margins. With a September 30 Sales Closing Date, be sure to learn about the product now and if it’s right fo...

The target date for farmer sign-up for the USDA Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) opens on Monday, July 7, 2025. This program provides assistance to farmers who experienced losses of revenue, quality, or production of crops due to weather-related events in 2023 and 2024. Join Dave and Ken as they talk about what to expect with SDRP with special guest Tom Sell, on topics like application...

Planting is wrapping up across the country and we’re checking in with FMH Regional Claim Managers about what they’re seeing as crops are going into the ground and what areas are impacted by adverse weather conditions. Join host Dave DeCapp as they discuss what areas and crops may be affected, and share important reminders in case of a replant of prevent plant claim. 

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: Pric...

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 th...

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...

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 uniq...

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 Bill Potential new faces in ag leadership, and the impacts to crop insurance CIRB's current messaging to the U.S...

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 he...

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...

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.