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 requirements, payment limitations, and how crop insurance plays into the process.
Jul 03, 2025•33 min•Ep. 51
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.
May 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 50
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) options Program eligibility with SCO and ST...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 48
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 program Updat...
Feb 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 47
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...
Jan 16, 2025•39 min•Ep. 46
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! Am...
Dec 11, 2024•44 min•Ep. 45
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. House and Senate Ag Committees
Nov 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 44
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!
Sep 27, 2024•31 min•Ep. 43
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.
Sep 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 42
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!
Jun 24, 2024•32 min•Ep. 41
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!...
May 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 40
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.
Apr 10, 2024•27 min•Ep. 39
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.
Feb 14, 2024•29 min•Ep. 38
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.
Jan 31, 2024•37 min•Ep. 37
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
Jan 04, 2024•43 min•Ep. 36
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.
Dec 20, 2023•28 min•Ep. 34
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.
Dec 20, 2023•28 min•Ep. 35
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.
Dec 14, 2023•12 min•Ep. 33
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.
Oct 19, 2023•25 min•Ep. 32
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
Sep 08, 2023•49 min•Ep. 31
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.
Jul 26, 2023•35 min•Ep. 30
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.
May 18, 2023•31 min•Ep. 29
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.
Apr 05, 2023•36 min•Ep. 28
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.
Feb 17, 2023•20 min•Ep. 27
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.
Feb 03, 2023•38 min•Ep. 26
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.
Dec 15, 2022•14 min•Ep. 25
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.
Nov 18, 2022•26 min•Ep. 23
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.
Nov 14, 2022•14 min•Ep. 24
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.
Oct 10, 2022•33 min•Ep. 22
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.
Sep 28, 2022•16 min•Ep. 21
