FMH InsureCast

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Act. On August 20, 2025, RMA announced immediate implementation of certain sections of this legislation, including premium discount increases for certain federal products including ECO, SCO, and MCO, changes to the Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program, and more.Join Dave DeCapp and Ken Ripley as they discuss what agents and insureds need to know about these changes and updates to FSA and farm safety programs, including ECAP and SDRP.

Join Dave and Farmers Mutual Hail crop insurance experts as they discuss the new federal product for 2026, Margin Coverage Option (MCO). MCO is an MPCI endorsement that combines the simplicity of the popular Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) with the unique capability to insure against reduced margins. With a September 30 Sales Closing Date, be sure to learn about the product now and if it’s right for your farm operation.

The target date for farmer sign-up for the USDA Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) opens on Monday, July 7, 2025. This program provides assistance to farmers who experienced losses of revenue, quality, or production of crops due to weather-related events in 2023 and 2024. Join Dave and Ken as they talk about what to expect with SDRP with special guest Tom Sell, on topics like application requirements, payment limitations, and how crop insurance plays into the process.

Planting is wrapping up across the country and we’re checking in with FMH Regional Claim Managers about what they’re seeing as crops are going into the ground and what areas are impacted by adverse weather conditions. Join host Dave DeCapp as they discuss what areas and crops may be affected, and share important reminders in case of a replant of prevent plant claim. 

Understanding how Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs work can help farmers make better decisions. Host Dave DeCapp talks with FMH expert and farmer Ken Ripley as he explains how FSA programs work with crop insurance. They also discuss considerations for different regions across the country with fellow FMH expert Derek Watters. This episode dives deep into two popular FSA programs and covers:Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) optionsProgram eligibility with SCO and STAX coveragesProgram payment calculation examplesImportant forms to obtain for decision-makingDecision deadline update

Sales Closing Dates are quickly approaching, with February 28 and March 17 as deadlines for a majority of FMH policyholders. FMH experts Ken Ripley and Derek Watters join Dave in our 2025 Crop Insurance Decisions episode to discuss the major considerations farmers across the country need to make this year when it comes to their risk management plan.We'll cover what farmers need to know while they make their crop insurance decision for spring 2025, including:Updates to the federal programUpdates to FSA programs and how those play into crop insuranceHow to choose coverage considering current crop prices

From the recent Farm Bill extension to the incoming administration, recent political events and the pricing landscape affect the commodity price concerns farmers are facing.  In this episode, AgriTalk’s Chip Flory gives his insight on recent the current ag economy, and shares what is affecting farmers’ finances for 2025.  Co-host Ken Ripley will also share his farmer perspective with points on how to prepare to choose a crop insurance package that helps cover a farmer's break-even point in a tough year. FMH.com/podcast This podcast is for informational purposes only. See policy provisions, terms, and conditions for details. Opinions expressed on FMH InsureCast do not necessarily reflect the views of Farmer Mutual Hail. 

Cranberries shine throughout the holiday season, and deserve a special spotlight for their place on traditional menus. Hear stories from two women in agriculture on what it takes to grow cranberries and get them to market in this episode of FMH InsureCast.  Cranberry farmers Amber Bristow (left) and Jenna Van Wychen (right)  - who also works as an FMH agent - tell their stories of farming a unique crop, and discuss the importance that women play in the ag industry. Connect with Amber and Jenna!Amber Bristow: Forward Farming Podcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/forwardfarming/https://www.youtube.com/@forwardfarmingpodcastFacebook and Instagram: @forwardfarmingpodcast Cranberry Chatshttps://cranberrychats.com/Facebook and Instagram: @cranberrychats Jenna Van Wychen:Wetherby Cranberry Co.Freshcranberries.comFacebook: Wetherby Cranberry Companyhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Wetherby-Cranberry-Company/1417619655187943?fref=ts Vine Vest Insurance  https://vinevest.com/ Wisconsin Cranberries:Education, recipes, and more:https://www.wiscran.org/https://www.facebook.com/WisCranberriesInstagram @wisconsincranberriesRecipes mentioned in this episode: Cranberry Tiramisu:Delicious Cranberry Tiramisu Recipe You'll Love - Cranberry ChatsCranberry Cake with Hot Butter Sauce:(5) Recipe Time! A Family Favorite:... - Wetherby Cranberry Company | Facebook

What does the future look like for agriculture and crop insurance after the recent U.S. election? Hear insights from new InsureCast host, FMH's Dave DeCapp, and special guest Tara Smith in the latest episode of FMH InsureCast.What 2024 election results mean for agriculture and the Farm BillPotential new faces in ag leadership, and the impacts to crop insuranceCIRB's current messaging to the U.S. House and Senate Ag Committees 

The landscape in crop insurance is constantly changing. Hear from FMH's expert staff about trends that will affect farmers' risk management decisions in the latest InsureCast episode. Plus, tune in for a special note from longtime InsureCast host, FMH's Ryan Benes! 

FMH's crop insurance experts share updates on crop conditions, yield predictions, and impacts to crop prices. They discuss how lower prices will impact claims this year, plus what to know in case of a claim.

Learn about how ECO performed for 2023, along with the recent news of increased subsidies for the 2025 ECO program and what that means for farmers.  Check out the video version of this episode on FMH's YouTube channel! 

Wet conditions are causing prevented planting and late planting in parts of the country. FMH's Ryan Benes and George Raife tackle what you need to know about crop insurance impacts by wet planting conditions. Plus, Ryan shares an update on Farm Bill proposals and what they mean for crop insurance. Also, Ryan chats with CMO Pat Faga about our annual St. Baldrick's event where Ryan will shave his head. Support the cause:Click here to donate! 

Planting 2024 is underway! Listen as host Ryan Benes chats with FMH's Sarah Dunnick and Marc Husman on reminders for planting season including early plant dates and what to do in case of prevented planting. They discuss ways that farmers and agents can make the acreage reporting process as smooth as possible by sharing reporting methods and tips to save time, and how Precision Solutions can result in premium savings and time during a claim. 

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. 

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. 

 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 

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.

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. 

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.