Menu

Ohio farmers are always exploring new ways to capture more consumer dollars, including operations that attract the public directly to their farms. Some of these businesses are as straightforward as pick-your-own fruits or vegetables, or farm markets offering a variety of products. Others include activities known as "agritainment," such as corn mazes, hayrides, and fee-based school tours.

These types of direct-to-consumer operations can generate significant income to the farm business when performed successfully. But the additional profit can bring with it higher exposure to liability, said Jerry Hillard of Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance.

"Farm owners should not assume they are automatically covered for any activity occurring on their farms," said Hillard. "Traditional farm policies cover mostly traditional farm activities which don’t normally include the public or excessive public liability exposure."

Additional coverage is available to protect farmers when agritainment and direct-to-consumer operations become a more frequent, money-generating part of the farm business. Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, which is endorsed by Ohio Farm Bureau, provides additional coverages to farmers with many types of direct-to-consumer operations.

"It’s really important to keep your agent informed about changes in your farm business, whether you’ve added new machinery, facilities, livestock or operations," Hillard recommended. "Your agent needs the information to update your policy and adjust your coverage appropriately, especially if you have more public exposure."

Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance makes available its loss control staff for on-farm consultations at no charge to help farmers make operations safer for their families, employees and the visiting public. "If you’re planning to expand your agritainment or direct-to-consumer ventures, it will pay you to request a consultation – even if you’re in the planning stages," Hillard said.

Loss control services are provided as part of the AgriChoice farm policy available from Nationwide agents.