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FMH InsureCast

40 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratings

FMH InsureCast brings you the latest from FMH and the industry to help navigate the expansive crop and farm insurance landscape. Topics include new products to leverage crop insurance within your risk management plan, and helpful tips from FMH staff and industry experts to stay informed on industry developments.

Business crop insurance agriculture finance risk management farm farming farmer
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Episodes

2024 Crop Insurance Decision Factors

February 14, 2024 22:21 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MB

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. 

FSA Programs & Crop Insurance 2024 Decisions

January 31, 2024 15:38 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MB

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. 

Optimizing Coverage with SCO, ECO, and Plus Products

January 04, 2024 22:20 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MB

 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 

Back to Basics - MPCI Products

December 20, 2023 16:15 - 27 minutes - 38.6 MB

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.

Back to Basics - Private Products

December 20, 2023 15:00 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MB

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. 

What's Ahead for 2024 - Spring Update Preview

December 14, 2023 17:05 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MB

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.

What Lower Harvest Prices Mean for Production Claims

October 19, 2023 17:35 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MB

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.

Grain Marketing and Crop Insurance, Margin Protection Decision Considerations

September 08, 2023 15:28 - 48 minutes - 67.2 MB

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 [email protected]

Fall Updates Preview & Margin Protection Expansion

July 26, 2023 19:27 - 34 minutes - 48.2 MB

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. 

Ag Brokerage Solutions - Get to Know FMH's New Ag-Focused Brokerage

May 18, 2023 13:58 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MB

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.

Planting Updates, Claims Reminders, & Tips for Easy Acreage Reporting

April 05, 2023 13:04 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MB

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. 

Industry Update: Trends in Machinery Values

February 17, 2023 16:24 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MB

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.  

2023 Crop Insurance Decision Factors

February 03, 2023 16:07 - 38 minutes - 53 MB

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.

2023 Spring Updates Preview

December 15, 2022 17:13 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

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.

What Keeps Farmers Up at Night? With Guest Dr. Steve Johnson

November 18, 2022 15:03 - 26 minutes - 35.9 MB

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.

Election Impacts to Crop Insurance with Tara Smith

November 14, 2022 18:58 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MB

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.

PRF Protection for Growers with Grazing Land, Hay, and Pasture

October 10, 2022 15:12 - 33 minutes - 46 MB

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.

Special Episode: Supporting Farmers' Mental Health with QPR

September 28, 2022 13:24 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

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.

Fertilizer Market Concerns and Margin Protection with Guest Josh Linville

September 15, 2022 19:48 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MB

Josh Linville with Stone X shares insight into what is happening with fertilizer markets and what farmers should consider while making decisions before harvest. Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discuss how Margin Protection could help protect against the volatility these input costs are experiencing.

Understanding Margin Protection and Who It’s Right For

August 31, 2022 19:39 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MB

To view the video version of this episode, visit FMH's YouTube channel or FMH.com Margin Protection page.

Protection Against Cyber Attacks with Guest Ken Grothe

August 17, 2022 20:37 - 25 minutes - 35 MB

Cyber attacks can halt operations, create unnecessary costs, and be a headache to deal with. Farmers who depend on technology and large amounts of data to run their operations can be particularly vulnerable to these risks. Ryan Benes and Willie Jones from FMH welcome guest Ken Grothe from HSB to discuss how farmers can protect themselves from cyber attacks.

Emergency Relief Program - How it Impacts Producers and Agents

June 13, 2022 15:45 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MB

Ken Ripley interviews Tom Sell to help clarify areas of the program including: Application and certification process Who qualifies and how payments are calculated Role of the producer and crop insurance agent  Clarifications on frequently asked questions

Prevented Planting 2022 - What You Need to Know as Final Plant Dates Approach

May 17, 2022 21:05 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MB

Wet weather and drought conditions have halted planting progress in some areas. FMH experts tackle what you need to know when prevented planting occurs including important coverage rules to be aware of, how payments are calculated, and more.

2022 Planting Updates and Acreage Reporting Tips

April 20, 2022 19:11 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MB

Now that planting is underway for spring crops, what should agents and producers keep in mind for crop insurance as acreage reporting approaches? Hear from FMH staff as they share planting progress updates, important reminders, and ways to streamline acreage reporting to reduce errors and hassles.

Meet FMH's New President Shannon Rutledge

March 31, 2022 15:22 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MB

Get to know Shannon Rutledge, FMH's new President & CEO, as Ryan Benes interviews him about his background, vision for FMH's future, and his thoughts on how current events are impacting the industry.

Special Episode: Equipment Breakdown Coverage

March 22, 2022 18:05 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MB

In addition to crop insurance, FMH offers Farm and Ranch coverage across much of the Midwest, and in this special episode, we’re discussing Equipment Breakdown coverage. Jim Polish and Cayce McGinnis from our Reinsurance department chat with guest Jenn Strawn, from Mutual Boiler Re, on what Equipment Breakdown covers and how farmers and homeowners could benefit from it.

2022 Crop Insurance Decision Considerations

February 03, 2022 19:46 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MB

Decisions farmers make on their crop insurance coverage are among the most important decisions they make and can impact their entire year. Hear from Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner on how to approach crop insurance with the broader impacts to the farming operation in mind. They discuss considerations related to price, insurance products, and federal program changes that producers need to know.

P.A.C.E. Post-Application Coverage Endorsement

February 03, 2022 15:29 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MB

Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discuss the new P.A.C.E. (Post-Application Coverage Endorsement) which was recently made available to corn producers who utilize post-application nitrogen practices. Ryan and Ken cover what it is, who it is for, where it's available, and more.

ECO and SCO, Plus New Options for 2022

December 17, 2021 15:01 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MB

ECO and SCO are becoming popular crop insurance options as producers need more coverage to help with higher costs. Listen as FMH's Ryan Benes, Ken Ripley, and Chock Hefner discuss these add-ons, plus new options for individual coverage, in the latest episode of our InsureCast podcast.

FSA Program Decisions and Crop Insurance Impacts

December 09, 2021 17:31 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MB

Hear from FMH's own experts about choosing between the FSA ARC and PLC programs, and how that election impacts eligibility for crop insurance options.

Harvest Claims - Steps for a Smooth Settlement

October 29, 2021 15:28 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MB

It's harvest season! What steps should policyholders take to ensure a smooth claims process in the event of a loss?   In this episode, host Ryan Benes, Strategic Account Manager, and guests Bruce Van Loenen and Chad Groen, Regional Claims Managers, will share everything policyholders need to know about how to streamline the claims process and get their claim paid quickly.  Topics include: How RP, YP, and RP-HPE policies work this year, with the harvest price higher than the spring...

Rainfall Index Products - PRF, Annual Forage, and Apiculture

October 01, 2021 14:19 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

(Updated Sept. 2021) Lack of rain doesn’t have to dry up profits for producers with pasture, forage, rangeland, or bee farms. Hear from FMH's Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner about Rainfall Index products, including PRF, Annual Forage, and Apiculture, and how these products can protect your operation.

Rainfall Index Products - PRF, Apiculture, and Annual Forage

October 01, 2021 14:19 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

(Updated Sept. 2021) Lack of rain doesn’t have to dry up profits for producers with pasture, forage, rangeland, or bee farms. Hear from FMH's Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner about Rainfall Index products, including PRF, Apiculture, and Annual Forage and how these products can protect your operation.

Margin Protection - How it Works and What to Consider

September 02, 2021 15:54 - 35 minutes - 49.6 MB

FMH's Ryan Benes, Ken Ripley, and guest Jake Stone from StoneX discuss Margin Protection, the crop insurance product that protects against fluctuating input costs and has a sales close date of Sept. 30. They discuss how it works and the market impacts and price trends to keep in mind when deciding to add it to a risk management plan.

Rainfall Index Products - PRF, Annual Forage, and Apiculture Sept. 2021

September 01, 2021 16:09 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

(Updated Sept. 2021) Lack of rain doesn’t have to dry up profits for producers with pasture, forage, rangeland, or bee farms. Hear from FMH's Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner about Rainfall Index products, including PRF, Annual Forage, and Apiculture, and how these products can protect your operation.

6 Ways to Leverage Crop Insurance for 2022

August 23, 2021 15:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discuss six ways to leverage crop insurance for 2022 including new products like Margin Protection and ECO, how to use crop insurance as a marketing tool, and what to consider when purchasing your coverage.

Impacts of a High Price Environment - Coverage and Grain Marketing

June 28, 2021 16:00 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MB

Join host Ryan Benes and guests Erick Schminke and Jake Moline as they analyze the current market and the implications and opportunities through crop insurance. They discuss crop insurance coverage and grain marketing considerations.

Prep for Planting 2021 with Climate FieldView Guest

April 09, 2021 16:00 - 23 minutes - 31.9 MB

Make sure you are set up for success this planting season to experience easier acreage reporting. Listen as FMH’s Ryan Benes discusses tips and best practices with Evan Harbert, FMH PTS, and special guest from one of our industry partners, Tonia Cantwell, Climate FieldView CAM.

2021 Crop Insurance Considerations

February 16, 2021 17:00 - 32 minutes - 45.3 MB

In episode two of FMH InsureCast, strategic account managers Ryan Benes and Chock Hefner discuss price and product considerations farmers need to know when choosing 2021 crop insurance coverage.

Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO)

December 15, 2020 17:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

The first FMH InsureCast episode features FMH's own Ryan Benes and Ken Ripley discussing the new Enhanced Coverage Option crop insurance product.