FMH InsureCast

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, farmers might be 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 know, policy payout examples and how to have the best claims experience.

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.