2024 Select Partners Symposium

Ohio Farm Bureau and Nationwide recently hosted a symposium where they invited the state’s best farm-focused insurance agents to discuss the robust relationship between the two organizations, and to strengthen the relationship between all parties.

The agents who attended the symposium, 39 in total, are all part of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Select Partner Program, an insurance and financial services preferred partnership program for Ohio’s agricultural community. All participating agencies and advisors are endorsed by a county Farm Bureau, with vetting by local farmers and ag professionals.

“These agents are vital when it comes to protecting our members with quality Nationwide farm insurance products and giving them solutions needed to ensure their business is successful,” said Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson. “They are also incredible partners with county Farm Bureaus, supporting programs designed to grow our organization and improve the well-being of our communities throughout rural Ohio.”

To become an Ohio Farm Bureau Select Partner, participants pledge to provide the best in consultative service. The partnership pledge puts the needs of the member at the center of service, which is not accomplished by selling products: It is accomplished by serving as a consultant and advisor ensuring the solutions provided best meet the member’s needs.

Select partners pledge to:
  • Work with members to fully understand their risks from top to bottom.
  • Always include and offer the best protection, solutions and options available on the market.
  • Provide excellent service, including a detailed explanation of the coverage and options available.
  • Conduct regular business operation and portfolio reviews annually or as needed.
  • Be responsive and offer innovative business strategies and solutions as part of the service.
  • Commit to continued educational development for staff and staying at the forefront of industry innovations.
  • Commit to working together to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.
Faulk and Ruhl
Nationwide Agribusiness Territory Sales Manager Mary Ann Faulk and Chad Ruhl

“Thinking back some 20 plus years when I first started, we didn’t have anything like this. We were trained that the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau relationship was all about the discount,” said Select Partner Chad Ruhl, farm manager with CSI Insurance. “Through the Select Partner Program, I realized how much more there was to the relationship. We became educated in farm insurance and weren’t just selling policies. We learned about lawsuits, pollution, agritourism, all the things we design policies to protect against. We discovered trends in these areas and it became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau to have a voice in the lawmaking process.”

To find an Ohio Farm Bureau Select Partner that is right for you, visit the program’s website or  contact your local Farm Bureau.

 

 

Feature photo caption: Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president (left) and Dirk Pollitt, vice president, Nationwide Agribusiness

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
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

Select Partner Program
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

Advocacy
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

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