Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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Is your homeowners insurance policy enough? If you own a small farm or ranch, you could be at risk. The following information is provided by Nationwide, the
No. 1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.
Even if your farm is small, if you’re relying on a homeowners policy alone, you may not be adequately covered. How can you tell if you need more than a homeowners policy? Here are a few things to consider.
Barns and farm outbuildings
Most homeowners policies exclude barns and other detached structures “used in whole or in part for business purposes.” Because farming would fall within a homeowners definition of “business,” you’d probably have no property coverage for these buildings.
Farm property
Most homeowners policies place a limit on coverage for property used for business (i.e., farming). If your homeowners policy limit doesn’t cover the value of the equipment you use to farm, this would be a gap in your protection.
Livestock
Most homeowners policies exclude property coverage for animals. A farm-endorsed homeowners policy allows up to $300 for death to livestock from collision with a motor vehicle. A farmer who needs a higher valuation or needs broad causes of loss would be better served by having a farm insurance policy.
Tractors
If you own a tractor to mow your lawn, it would be covered by the homeowners policy. However, if you use it for farm purposes or take it off your property, you’d need a farm policy for it to be covered.
Special causes of loss
Under a homeowners policy, farm equipment is covered only in certain situations. There may not be coverage for:
• Contact with a tree, post, stump or other object
• Damage from contact with a pothole
• Upset or overturn
• Damage from a foreign object
• Damage during towing and hitching
Protection off your property
Most homeowners policies will not cover a tractor or other farm equipment if it’s taken off your property. There are often exclusions for tractors and other “land conveyances” except when they’re used to service your home.
Nationwide offers CountryChoice for small farms and ranches. CountryChoice is insurance designed specifically to protect your small farm or ranch. It’s a policy that conveniently combines coverage for both your small farm and home.
Farm Bureau membership
Because of Nationwide’s relationship with these nine Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau members in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia may be eligible to receive a discount on Nationwide farm insurance.
For a free insurance review or to design a CountryChoice policy just right for your small farm or ranch, talk to your farm insurance agent, or contact the county Farm Bureau office to find a nearby agent.
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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The Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read MoreODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read MoreKatie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreMary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read MoreAdele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
Read MoreProducers are urged to work with their veterinarian to practice enhanced biosecurity measures and review and limit cattle movements within production systems.
Read MoreThe changing seasons bring with them the need to thoroughly inspect pole barns for any damages that may have occurred during the winter months.
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