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Stronger commodity prices may be creating opportunities for farmers, but fertilizer and energy costs continue to add uncertainty to farm margins. In this episode of FMH InsureCast, StoneX Vice President of Fertilizer Josh Linville joins FMH’s Dave DeCapp and Ken Ripley to discuss what’s driving fertilizer markets, how global supply conditions are affecting input prices, and what farmers may want to consider as they plan ahead. They cover: • What global fertilizer markets could mean for input costs• Why producers might consider layering fertilizer purchases • How commodity prices and input costs factor into margin coverage• Margin Coverage Option (MCO) and Margin Protection considerations• What producers should discuss with their crop insurance agents before the September 30 deadline With crop prices, fertilizer costs, and global markets all moving at once, understanding how these factors work together can help producers make more informed risk management decisions. MCO and Margin Protection have a September 30 deadline for the upcoming crop year. Talk with your crop insurance agent about your operation, expected county yields, and whether margin-based coverage may fit your risk management plan. Subscribe to FMH InsureCast for more crop insurance and agriculture industry insights for farmers and crop insurance agents. #CropInsurance #Agriculture #Farming #FertilizerPrices #FarmMargins #RiskManagement #MCO #MarginProtection

County yields are now available, providing an early look at how the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) and Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) plans performed across the country. Join FMH’s Dave DeCapp as he talks with FMH experts about payment triggers, adoption trends, and what agents and farmers should understand about these area-based crop insurance plans.

With growing economic pressures and continued farm bill discussions, insurance priorities and risk management programs remain at the center of important policy decisions. Host Dave DeCapp and special guest Tara Smith from the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) discuss the latest news on the Farm Bill, updates from Washington, and key issues farmers and agents should watch.

As planters roll for across the country, farmers are navigating a wide range of conditions, from early planting in some regions to drought, cold, and excess moisture in others.  Join Dave DeCapp as he connects with FMH experts and farmers from across the country to discuss what they’re experiencing and seeing in the field and how it may impact planting, claims, and risk management for the 2026 season.

Farmers are facing another financially-challenging year heading into 2026. With federal crop insurance program enhancements to ECO, SCO, and Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR), as well as new FSA and Disaster Relief Program options, farmers have many new considerations to update their crop insurance policy this spring. Dave and FMH experts break it down for farmers and agents.

The sugar beet industry plays a vital role in the U.S. sugar supply—and in the lives of the growers who produce it. Join Dave and FMH experts Sara Ahrenholz and Andrew Sather as they share firsthand insights into the lifecycle of sugar beets, from planting to processing, and what agents and insureds should know in this holiday special FMH InsureCast episode.

The Beginning Farmer & Rancher (BFR) program offers qualifying producers enhanced benefits under federal crop insurance to make it more affordable and help them grow a sustainable operation. Certain changes to the program, such as increased eligibility and benefits, took effect with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) earlier this year.   Join Dave and FMH expert Josh Menz as they discuss what agents and insureds should know about these changes in this bonus episode of 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 Podcast https://rss.com/podcasts/forwardfarming/ https://www.youtube.com/@forwardfarmingpodcast Facebook and Instagram: @forwardfarmingpodcast   Cranberry Chats https://cranberrychats.com/ Facebook and Instagram: @cranberrychats   Jenna Van Wychen: Wetherby Cranberry Co. Freshcranberries.com Facebook: Wetherby Cranberry Company https://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/WisCranberries Instagram @wisconsincranberries Recipes mentioned in this episode:   Cranberry Tiramisu: Delicious Cranberry Tiramisu Recipe You'll Love - Cranberry Chats Cranberry Cake with Hot Butter Sauce: (5) Recipe Time! A Family Favorite:... - Wetherby Cranberry Company | Facebook