Author: Matthew Marr

It’s time to meet with your insurance agent to begin planning insurance coverage for the next growing season. Are you thinking to keep the status quo? Think again. Every farmer should assess a few factors as they as begin to plan for the future.

APH Calculated Correctly?

 First, growers need to ensure that their Actual Product History (APH) has been updated properly by their agent. Step one is an accurate review of the procedural aspects of updating an APH when coming off a prevented planting growing season.

A grower may have been prevented from planting in part of a section or unit. For example, if a grower has 400 acres of ground within a given field and was prevented from planting on 200 acres of it, then 200 acres will be calculated with actual yield. The other 200 acres that was under Prevented Planting and the grower’s APH will be calculated using a blended yield. This can be tricky to evaluate, so be sure to ask how your APH was updated.

Risk Rating Updates

 Next, consider any risk rating changes that may have occurred in your area. Due to the flooding in 2019, river bottom ground or low areas that are flood prone where levees might have been breached may now be considered high risk.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) releases rates and actuarial tables every year. During 2019, several levies were breeched and destroyed that had previously protected farmland from flooding.  That land could be rated high risk now because that levee no longer exists. If farming ground that might have switched to a high-risk rating, ask your agent and confirm if this information has changed in any fields for the coming crop year.

Ask Questions about your Coverage Level

 Once you know your APH and your risk rating, it’s time to really consider how your policy performed the prior year. The best approach is to sit with your agent and start asking questions. Keep last year in mind but maintain your focus on the future and what you can do to make your coverage better.

Consider these questions to help get in the risk management mindset:

  • If we were to have another year like 2019, how do you feel about the protection you’ve got in place?
  • Were the correct options in place to maximize Prevented Plantings payments?
  • Do you need more or less coverage in 2020?
  • Is there a private product that could further minimize my risk?
  • What are your eligible acres for the next growing season?

An easy trap a lot of farmers fall into is sticking with the status quo or doing what their neighbor does. Every farming operation is different, so what your neighbor does may not be right for you. Challenge your agent to customize a policy that manages your risk and makes your policy work for you.

October 28th 2019 – Englewood, CO

Ag Resource Management (ARM) recently held its Annual Summit for 2019 in Englewood, Colo. at the Inverness Hilton Hotel & Conference Center. Executive Chairman Brad Terral, President of Insurance and Field Operations Billy Moore, and President of Lending Mark Branch all made energizing opening remarks to set the tone for three days of intense learning and discussion. This was ARM’s opportunity to have all of its Market Leaders and Principal Insurance Agents in one place to unveil what’s ahead for the coming season. It was a winter wonderland in October for the team!

ARM has seen tremendous growth over the past year adding 12 new markets across the United States, bringing ARM up to 31 storefronts in 18 states. The company’s strategies and culture have evolved just the same, and the team is excited for what 2020 has to bring. Agriculture’s need for alternative financing solutions is greater than ever, a specialty ARM has mastered for years now. It’s time to put 2019 behind us, and get in focus for next year.

For more information about Ag Resource Management and what we do, please take a moment to explore our site. To get in touch with a Market Leader or Principal Agent nearest to you, visit our locations page. Whether you’re a farmer, banker, or ag retailer, we’d love to be your next capital partner.

Let’s grow.

November 7th 2019 – Fort Worth, TX

 

Ag Resource Management is excited to announce the addition of two Principal Insurance Agents to the team, expanding its footprint in the Crop Insurance sector.

 

Brian Long will serve as a Principal Insurance Agent in Crop Insurance for ARM’s Northeast Region. Long grew up on a corn and soybean farm in Central Illinois and attended Illinois College where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s in History. He has been in the crop insurance industry since 2005, during which the majority of his time was spent as a crop insurance agent covering Western Illinois and Eastern Missouri. Most recently Long left the AIP space as Regional Marketing Manager covering the Northeast Region from Illinois and Wisconsin  and on out to Pennsylvania.  Through part of his tenure as a crop insurance agent, Long was also a grain merchandiser and grain market advisor with a Series 3 and 30.  Long’s family operates an active grain farm in Central Illinois, which drives his strong desire to help farmers manage their risk. He and his family currently reside just outside of Franklin.

 

 

Billy Fanning will serve as a Principal Insurance Agent in Crop Insurance for ARM’s Northern Region. Fanning comes to ARM with over 20 years of crop insurance experience as a market leader and producing agent. He has worked with growers across the Midwest and Southeast, most recently writing crop insurance in the Carolinas and Virginia.  Growing up on, as well as farming full time, Billy knows and understands the risk farmers face today.  In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  He is an avid horseman and cattleman showing and raising cutting horses.

 

To learn more about how Brian or Billy can help optimize your operation’s risk management strategy, please contact them directly or at our offices in Springfield, Ill. and Saint Joseph, Mo. [Brian Long: (217) 318-3767, blong@armlend.com] [Billy Fanning: (816) 558-6182, bfanning@armlend.com]

 

On Thursday July 25, 2019 Ag Resource Management celebrated their ribbon cutting in conjunction with the Bad Axe Chamber of Commerce at 805 S Van Dyke, Bad Axe, Mich. 48413. There were many in attendance including chamber members, the Mayor of Bad Axe, law enforcement officers, WLEW Radio, Huron Daily Tribune, and residents of the Bad Axe community.

Left to Right: Kathleen Particka (Bad Axe Mayor), Pam Roestel (Customer Experience Specialist), Jill Miller (Market Leader), Scott Rueff (Northeast Regional Manager), Kelsey Brown (Chamber President and Marketing Specialist-Thumb Region at Team One Credit Union), Brett Mosher (Chamber Vice President and Law Enforcement Officer at the Huron Area Technical Center and Police Officer for Bad Axe Police Department and the Huron County Sheriff’s Department)

The addition of Bad Axe now doubles ARM’s presence in the state of Michigan. Jill Miller was hired as Market Leader back in January of 2019. She was born and raised in Huron County and attended school in Bad Axe and Kinde. She later attended Saginaw Valley State University graduating with a degree in Finance and Business Management in December of 2001. Miller has spent her entire career in the Bad Axe, Mich. community doing banking and agricultural lending. Miller’s involvement in the local community has consisted of Michigan Motosport Ministries, Bad Axe FFA parent advisory board, and many others. Miller comes from a farming background and lives on her husband’s grandparents’ farm. Miller has been married to Jeff for nearly 18 years and they have two children, Haley and Jack.

Working alongside Miller is Pam Roestel who was hired as the location’s Customer Experience Specialist. Roestel has spent the past 20 years in customer service as the head teller and new accounts lead for a local financial institution. She’s involved with the Bad Axe Chamber of Commerce, has served as the deputy clerk for her township for the past 28 years and runs their elections. Roestel is an active member of her church, choir, and a member of a women’s group serving in various offices. She is married to her husband Kevin of 35 years and they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Pam Roestel (Customer Experience Specialist) and Jill Miller (Market Leader)

 

About ARM

Ag Resource Management is a specialty finance company bringing financial and risk management solutions to farmers and agribusinesses that serve farmers.

 

On Wednesday July 24, 2019 Ag Resource Management celebrated its ribbon cutting in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at 3020 W. 57th  Street, Sioux Falls, S.D. There were several esteemed guests in attendance including members of the Sioux Falls community, chamber members, leaders in the ag industry and channel partners. It was a great networking event for all as work continues in preparation for the 2020 loan season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald Kruger joined ARM with over 30 years in banking, holding numerous positions throughout his career. Kruger grew up on a family farm in Sibley and has a deep connection to the farming community. He strives to provide alternative solutions to farmers during these challenging economic environments. Kruger is married to his wife Michelle and have four children.

There are two other team members working alongside Kruger in the Sioux Falls office. Paul Fritz was hired in October as this location’s Credit Analyst. Fritz is from Tea, S.D. located just minutes south of Sioux Falls. He attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a degree in economics in May of 2018. Lisa Zens was hired in May of 2019 as their customer Customer Experience Specialist. Over the past 10 years she has held various executive leadership positions in the Aberdeen and Redfield areas of South Dakota. Zens has also worked closely with small and large concentrated animal feed operations, helping the livestock and agriculture industries grow in Spink county and throughout South Dakota. She and her husband’s family farm in Spink, Faulk and Hand counties. They have a passion for the ag industry and promoting the value family farms bring to the greater economy of the state.

 

About ARM

Ag Resource Management is a specialty finance company bringing financial and risk management solutions to farmers and agribusinesses that serve farmers.

 

Bellefontaine, Ohio, May 10, 2019 — Ag Resource Management teams up with United Way and Second Harvest Food Bank in Ohio community.

 

The United Way of Logan County observed May 10th as its Community Care Day, through which over 300 volunteers representing 41 workplaces came together to work on 37 service projects in their local communities. Some of ARM’s own jumped in to lend a helping hand through United Way at Second Harvest Food Bank, whose program assists individuals over 60 years of age who meet certain income guidelines by providing them an assortment of grocery items. The packages include canned meat, vegetables, fruit, fruit juices, potatoes, hot and cold cereals, and more. Elizabeth Long and Susan Downing packed over 80 boxes and delivered them to four different communities around Logan County.

 

Pictured: ARM’s Susan Downing (Customer Experience Specialist) and Elizabeth Long (Market Leader).

The United Way of Logan County is a volunteer driven organization that exists to support the social service and welfare needs of its community.  Their responsibilities encompass several critical areas: raising revenue for allocation to non-profit agencies, oversight of spending, monitoring how the funded services impact the community, information services, volunteer development and community building. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit uwlogan.org or call 937-592-2886.

ARM’s Elizabeth Long (Market Leader) and Susan Downing (Customer Experience Specialist) pack boxes of food at Second Harvest Food Bank.

Ag Resource Management (ARM) is excited to announce the opening of its Fargo, N.D. location with Don Leapaldt as Market Leader.

Leapaldt brings nearly 25 years of experience in agricultural lending as well as a several years in marketing and technology. Most recently, he served as Vice President with CoBank working with cooperative agribusinesses and assisting with their lending needs. Prior to that he held roles with several banks throughout the Red River Valley and West Central Minnesota. Leapaldt graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration. Leapaldt and his wife Ella have two grown daughters, Hanna and Taylor. They reside outside of Fergus Falls, Minn. 

Call Don at 701-540-6922 or email him at dleapaldt@armlend.com to learn more.

About ARM

Ag Resource Management (ARM) is a specialty finance company focused on bringing financial and risk management solutions to farmers and agribusinesses that serve farmers. By combining proprietary technology and a deep understanding of crop agriculture, ARM brings efficient capital resources to American farmers. Our lending is based on the crop, crop insurance, and government payments. The ARM team knows the ag business space and is focused on farmer crop funding solutions.

 

March 20, 2019 – Bellefontaine, Ohio

Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Long (ARM Market Leader), a student volunteer, Evelyn (Our Daily Bread Coordinator), and Susan Downing (ARM Customer Experience Specialist).

At Ag Resource Management we take great pride in agriculture’s mission to feed and clothe the world. Recently, some of ARM’s very own took that mission a step further in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Our Daily Bread is a free meal program that serves a meal every Monday through Friday to all who enter. They run completely on donations and with the help of volunteers. “I learned about Our Daily Bread, while attending the Human Service Day put together with the Logan County Leadership committee I am participating in for nine months” says ARM Market Leader Elizabeth Long. “After hearing that February through April are the hardest time for them since they run on donations, it pulled at my heart strings to want to do more.”

Long has a strong connection with Jackson Livestock, a local livestock sale barn in DeGraff, Ohio. The owners, in conjunction with ARM, helped to purchase a dairy cow that was brought into the sale barn, and hauled it to local butcher Caven Meats. This old dairy cow that had served its farm well and for this effort yielded approximately 360 pounds of ground beef. That amount of beef is estimated to get Our Daily Bread through an entire year of meals.

For more information contact Our Daily Bread at 937.592.6325. Volunteers are always needed to help serve and clean up.

Ag Resource Management is pleased to announce the hire of Leroy Startz as Director of Market Channel Development.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Startz has an extensive background in both agriculture and finance and will be a great addition to our team as ARM continues to expand its presence across the United States.  His work experience includes numerous roles with Bank of America, Republic Bank of Dallas, Nations Bank, Caisse Nationale de Credit Agricole, John Deere, Wells Fargo and ING Capital.  He has also operated his own agricultural consulting and financial advisory business.  In his most recent role, he served as a director with ING’s Food & Agribusiness Lending Group.

He was raised on a grain, cotton and cattle operation on the coastal prairies of Texas between Houston and Corpus Christi. Startz attended Texas A&M University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with honors, and emphasis on Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, and Agribusiness.  He has also attended several executive MBA education programs at Harvard University focused on agribusiness management.  Startz has served for 12 years on the board of directors for the Agricultural Retailers Association, and as chairman of its annual conference and expo planning committee for ten years.  He is also an active member of the College of Agriculture Development Council at Texas A&M University.

Startz will be based out of ARM’s Fort Worth headquarters and traveling extensively to help build relationships at a high level with various sales channels.  He will assist in developing and executing marketing strategies with ag retailers and distributors, banks, grower groups and ag cooperatives.

 

About ARM

Ag Resource Management (ARM) is a specialty finance company focused on bringing financial and risk management solutions to farmers and agribusinesses that serve farmers. By combining proprietary technology and a deep understanding of crop agriculture, ARM brings efficient capital resources to American farmers. Our lending is based on the crop, crop insurance, and government payments. The ARM team knows the ag business space and is focused on farmer crop funding solutions.

ARM is proud to announce the hire of Ryan Buckles as Market Leader for its Springfield, Ill. location.

Buckles joins ARM with 12 years of experience in agricultural finance and 20 years of experience in marketing. He previously served in roles as a Vice President for Farm Credit Illinois and as the Director of Marketing for the Illinois Beef Association. He also holds a Bachelors degree from Western Illinois University and a Masters degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Buckles, his wife Lindsay, and their children are very involved in the livestock industry raising and selling competitive show pigs and Shorthorn-influenced cattle. They reside East of Rochester, Ill.

 

About ARM

ARM is a specialty finance company focused on bringing financial and risk management solutions to agribusinesses. Our lending is based on the crop, crop insurance, and government payments. We know the ag business and are focused on your growth.