Claim OwnershipThe Crop Insurance Podcast
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To learn more please visit our website www.CropInsurancePodcast.com
Get an insider's look at the complex world of Federal Crop Insurance with our podcast. With three generations, and 40 plus years, of experience in the program, we've learned the ins and outs of this important resource for farmers. Join us as we share our insights, interview farmers from across the country, and feature special guests from the insurance industry. Our mission is to help you understand and benefit from this critical program
61 Episodes
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In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, Mike reconnects with Alex Offerdahl after their meeting at the Montana Grain Growers Association convention to discuss one of the newest tools in crop insurance: the Margin Coverage Option (MCO). With the September 30 sales closing deadline approaching, this timely conversation breaks down how MCO compares to ECO, SCO, and traditional revenue protection, and why understanding shallow-loss coverage is more important than ever.Mike and Alex unpack margin-based vs. revenue-based policies, the intricacies of area-level risk coverage, and the practical implementation challenges for farmers—especially in large counties like those in northern Montana. They share the backstory behind the development of MCO, including its legislative hurdles and the innovative 508(h) process that helped bring it to life.You'll also hear how export dynamics and input costs are squeezing farm margins, and why education—not sales—is key to making informed decisions. Whether you’re a crop insurance agent or a producer trying to "do the math," this episode is your guide to navigating the evolving landscape of federal crop insurance.
In this episode, we’re joined by Jaime Cortes, a crop insurance agent and PRF expert based in the Yakima Valley. Jaime breaks down how Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance works, what a “grid” really means, and how the rainfall index triggers payments. If you’re a rancher, hay producer, involved in apiculture or just curious about how to manage risk during dry years, this episode is for you.
In this special edition of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we break down the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board’s decision to fast-track major provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into the 2026 crop year. For wheat producers and other fall crops, this means big changes: higher premium subsidies, expanded Beginning Farmer and Rancher benefits, a boost in Whole Farm Revenue Protection coverage levels, and a game-changing jump in SCO & ECO subsidies from 65% to 80%.We’ll walk through what these updates mean for your operation, compare the 2025 and 2026 subsidy rates straight from the county actuarials, and explain why this decision is a major win for farmers. If you’ve been holding off on finalizing quotes for 2026 wheat, now’s the time to take another look.Tune in to learn what changed, why it matters, and how you can take advantage of these new benefits heading into the 2026 crop year.
Think you know Whole Farm Revenue Protection? Think again. In this episode, Mike sits down with Tyson Baker of Marsh McLennan Agency for a candid conversation between two WFRP pros. They bust the biggest myths, call out the common pitfalls, and break down how the program really works—without the jargon overload. Whether you’re a diversified grower curious about WFRP, or you’ve been insured for years but aren’t sure you’re using it to your advantage, this episode delivers insider insights, practical tips, and a few “aha!” moments you won’t want to miss.
In this special video episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we’re popping the champagne (metaphorically) to celebrate the launch of our brand-new website — packed with articles, tools, and some sweet merch!But that’s not all...Mike dives into real-world “aha” moments from the field — the stuff you thought you knew until it came back to bite (or save) you. From winter wheat reporting slip-ups to the sneaky power of the word “or” in the Malt Barley Endorsement, this episode is a masterclass in what not to overlook.💥 New Producer pitfalls 💥 Master Yield risks 💥 Winter wheat reporting surprises 💥 Malt barley miracle savesPlus, we’re opening the mic to future guests! Are you a crop insurance pro with stories to share? Now’s your time to shine.📲 Watch it. Learn from it. Laugh (a little). And don’t forget to check out thecropinsurancepodcast.com!
The SDRP provides additional financial assistance to producers who experienced crop losses due to qualifying natural disasters in 2023-2024, supplementing your existing crop insurance payments. Find Your Local FSA Office Learn More About Disaster Programs
The county yields are out—and that means it’s time to do the math. In this special edition of The Crop Insurance Podcast, host Mike Rydell walks you through how to determine if Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) and Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) will trigger a payment for your 2024 crop year. Using Cascade County, Montana as a real-world example, Mike explains the yield and price math in plain terms, so you can know today if a check is headed your way. Whether you’re a farmer or an agent, this is a must-listen episode to get ahead of the curve and support your operation with confidence. Please note that your county and crop will vary.
Spring is here—and so is your crop insurance to-do list. In this episode, We run through the key spring items every farmer and crop insurance agent should be tracking. From ECO and SCO payouts to early plant dates, winter wheat assessments, and hail coverage timing, this episode is your practical guide to navigating the season smoothly. Whether you're planting peas or just peeking at your winter wheat, tune in and take notes!
In this special episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, Mike breaks down the USDA’s brand-new Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)—a game-changing payment program for wheat, barley, and other commodity producers. Learn how much you could get paid per acre, who qualifies, what forms you need, and how to apply before the August 15, 2025 deadline. Whether you’ve already filed your acreage report or need to reach out to your FSA office, this quick-hit guide will make sure you don’t leave money on the table.Don’t miss this essential info—hit play, and get paid! 💰🌾More info at fsa.usda.gov/ecap
In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we continue our deep dive into Margin Protection, focusing on the Harvest Price Option (HPO) and how it affects payouts. We break down real-world examples to show how HPO adjusts coverage when prices rise, how trigger margins and actual margins determine payouts, and what happens when you have an underlying Federal Crop Insurance policy.If you’ve ever wondered how payouts are calculated and whether HPO is the right choice for your farm, this episode is for you! Tune in for a straightforward, easy-to-follow breakdown of the numbers—no calculator required! 🚜💰👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow farmers!
In this first episode of our two-part deep dive into Margin Protection, we break down this powerful risk management tool in a way that’s easy to understand. We walk you through the fundamentals, including how Margin Protection works, key policy terms like Expected Revenue and Expected Costs, and how coverage levels and protection factors shape your payout. If you’ve ever been confused about Margin Protection or wondered if it’s right for your farm, this is the episode for you. Tune in and get a clear, practical explanation—no calculator required!Stay with us for Part 2, where we’ll go deeper into real-world payout scenarios, important deadlines, and key mistakes to avoid. Don’t miss it!
Did you know that your crop rotation choices could impact your federal crop insurance eligibility? In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we break down the concept of rotational requirements for crop insurance eligibility. Learn how these rules help manage disease pressure, maintain soil health, and ensure long-term sustainability. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on how to stay compliant and protect your farm. Tune in for essential insights that can help you make informed planting decisions and secure your coverage! 🎧🌱
Ever wondered how the Risk Management Agency (RMA) determines Projected and Harvest Prices for dry peas—chickpeas, lentils, green and yellow peas? 🌱 In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the pricing process, explaining how contract data is used to establish guarantees, and what happens when RMA can’t determine a price.Join us as we break down: ✅ How Projected & Harvest Prices are set ✅ What happens when there’s not enough market data ✅ Why RMA sometimes forces a set price (and what that means for you) ✅ The waiver you’ll have to sign at sales closingIf you grow dry peas and want to ensure you have the right crop insurance coverage, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Stay informed, stay protected, and keep those crops covered. 🌾Listen now and subscribe for more crop insurance insights!
In this episode, we’re diving deep into Fire Insurance Protection - Smoke Index (FIP-SI), the latest crop insurance endorsement designed to protect California grape growers from wildfire smoke damage. 🌫️🍷We’ll break down: ✅ How FIP-SI works and why it’s different from other endorsements ✅ What triggers a payout and how smoke events are measured ✅ The key calculations behind coverage and indemnity payments Join us as we wrap up our mini-series on risk management tools for Napa Valley Grape Growers, and explore why crop insurance is never one-size-fits-all. Stay covered, stay informed, and let’s make smart decisions for your farm’s future! 🚜🎙️Tune in now! 🎧 #CropInsurance #FIPSI #GrapeGrowers
In this episode, we dive into crafting the perfect crop insurance plan for Mark, our fictional Napa Valley vineyard owner. From APH coverage to contract pricing and wildfire protection, we break down the must-have policies that ensure his operation is covered. Tune in for expert insights and actionable strategies! 🍇🚜
California’s wine country isn’t just known for great wine—it’s also a high-risk region for wildfires, droughts, and smoke damage. In this first episode of our mini-series, we introduce a fictitious Napa Valley vineyard owner, played by our Crop Insurance Podcast AI. Through their story, we’ll explore the challenges vineyard owners face and set the stage for possible risk management solutions. What strategies would you recommend? Think about Yield Protection, the Contract Price Addendum, and a brand-new product—Fire Insurance Protection - Smoke Index (FIP-SI). Tune in and start thinking like a risk management pro! 🍷🔥🚜
In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we’re joined by a precision agriculture expert from RCIS to explore how cutting-edge tech is reshaping crop insurance. Learn how tools like yield monitors and GPS mapping are improving accuracy, streamlining reporting, and simplifying claims. We also discuss key rules and best practices farmers need to follow to make the most of their precision ag data. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting with ag tech, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you farm smarter and stay compliant. Tune in now! 🌾🎧
🎄 Get ready for a festive and educational twist on a holiday classic! In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we present two fun, rhyming tales about timely acreage reporting—one from the farmer’s perspective and one from the agent’s.Follow along as we explore two contrasting paths: a farmer who waits too long to report, leading to last-minute chaos and missed details, and an agent who drops the ball, creating frustration and mistrust. Both stories show how critical accuracy and timeliness are in crop insurance reporting.Through laughter and relatable scenarios, you’ll discover the importance of early reporting, alignment with FSA records, and solid communication between farmers and agents. It’s the ultimate reminder to plan ahead, stay organized, and keep your holiday season stress-free.Tune in for some festive cheer, practical lessons, and stories that are as entertaining as they are informative. 🎧✨Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/elves-workshopLicense code: U7MWKJXJWF2PA3BG
In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we’re diving into the exciting world of precision agriculture and how it’s transforming crop insurance. From streamlining reporting to improving APH accuracy and simplifying claims, we explore how tools like yield monitors and GPS mapping are reshaping the game. Plus, learn why understanding the rules behind precision ag is just as important as the tech itself—and how your crop insurance agent can help you navigate it all. Whether you’re a tech-savvy farmer or just curious about the possibilities, this short and sweet episode is packed with insights to keep you farming smarter, not harder. Tune in now! 🎧 🌾
Join us as we dive into the stories of two inspiring Montana producers recorded live at the Montana Grain Growers Convention. From navigating challenges like drought and hailstorms to building resilient operations, they share their insights, advice, and passion for agriculture. Tune in for a powerful episode full of wisdom and connection straight from the heart of Montana’s farming community.
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