checking corn quality

If there’s anything farmers understand, it’s uncertainty. From volatile weather to price swings to a global pandemic, they have persevered through it all.

The best way to protect against the unknown is with a sound risk management plan, said Mike Goins, Farm Credit Mid-America’s Regional Vice President for Crop Insurance.

“It’s the only way a grower can really guarantee their income,” he said. “There are so many risks, and crop insurance is how farmers can deal with those risks.”

Choose the right insurance for your operation

While crop insurance is a must, policies aren’t one-size-fits all. There are many combinations of policies to choose from, and selections must be tailored to a farm’s unique circumstances. Goins recommends growers start planning now by knowing intended acres, what their average yields are and their cost of production for the upcoming crop year.

“Understand your business plan and get crop insurance for that specific plan,” Goins said.

Work with a knowledgeable agent

With so many different policies – subsidized, unsubsidized, government programs– the selection process can be confusing. Farm Credit Mid-America has 64 non-commission-based agents across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, who continuously evaluate and analyze new policies and programs for customers.

“Choosing a policy is just one step in the process,” Goins said. “Having a knowledgeable agent and solid company behind you is key.”

Additionally, Farm Credit Mid-America customers have access to an exclusive data-driven tool that allows agents to use real-time data, including a producer’s unique, individual policy information, county data and specific crops and yields. The program then gives a variety of recommendations customized to that unique operation.

“There are a thousand what-if scenarios,” Goins said. “Our tool takes the guesswork out of choosing what’s right for you.”

Don’t wait until spring – the time to start is now

Growers have until the March 15 sales-closing deadline for spring crops, but the selection process should begin now. Determining average yields, costs to plant, and potential risks will help growers and agents find the right policies.

“Get started early so you can understand your options and not have to make a rush decision,” Goins says. “With so much uncertainty, crop insurance is the best way to mitigate risk.”

To connect with a Farm Credit Mid-America agent in your area, contact 800-444-FARM or visit us at e-farmcredit.com.

The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: