7 - 8 a.m.

General Registration & Breakfast (provided)

8 - 8:15 a.m.

Welcoming Remarks

8:15 - 9:15 a.m.

Opening General Session: Farm Agricultural Structures
When it comes to farm structures, understanding how they are built or modified over time is an important part of the insurance profession, but it is critical for the loss control profession. During this session, we will discuss various farm structures that are found on most farmsteads, what they are made from, the concerns that you should have and risk management tips for each type of structure; beginning with the basics and working through to the more complex topics such as truss design and loading. Ultimately, the session is designed to teach about the types of structures and how they work. This session will help those individuals who may have limited farm exposure understand more of the topics as the sessions progress throughout the remainder of the Agricultural Inspection School.

Randy Drysdale, BES, FCIP, CRM, IRT III
Manager - Loss Control Services
Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, Inc.Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

9:15 - 9:30 a.m.

Break

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Inspection Process Fundamentals: Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
   In this session, we will discuss small hazards that can cause big losses. We will review various NFPA 211 requirements for solid fuel heating installations and required installation inspections. We will also examine how these inspection reports assist home office and reinsurance underwriters. Also discussed will be the importance of documentation and the assistance that can provide to fire investigators.
   
   Bert Tellers
   Vice President - Loss Control Department
   RAM Mutual Insurance Company
   Waconia, Minnesota
2. Advanced: Equine Risks
   In this session, we will review the equine basics in the United States including breeds, types, and uses. We will take a look in the mind of the horse and discuss basic safety tips to use when around these animals. We will also examine horse facilities of varying size and discuss hazards and maintenance issues that can be found. In addition, we will also review some limited liability laws which exist for equine facilities.
   
   Chris Buechle, AFTS
   Loss Control Senior Specialist
   American Family Mutual Insurance Company
   Lincoln, Neb.

10:45 - 11 a.m.

Break

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Inspection Process Fundamentals: Basic Understanding of LP Gas
   In this session, we will review the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s video examining the safety issues of the propane explosion at the Little General Store in Ghent, W.V. Loss Control specialist will work through the exposures and discuss the basic requirements of LP gas.
   
   Steve Morris
   Claims Manager
   Dunham & Chemung Mutual Insurance Company
   Harvard, Ill.
2. Advanced: Thermal Imaging
   Thermal imaging cameras are a unique tool that can be used to find the “hot spots” in barns or commercial buildings. A “hot spot” is a thermal anomaly that has the potential to lead to a fire or a catastrophic failure of a motor or other piece of important mechanical equipment. Generally thermal imaging cameras are used most often to scan the electrical system of barns and commercial buildings for electrical anomalies. Electrical faults and poor connections can lead to excessive temperatures that can reach temperatures of almost 1000° F (508°C). During this session, the participants will learn about thermal imaging, its uses and limitations, and about how to start a thermal imaging program for an insurance company.
   
   Randy Drysdale, BES, FCIP, CRM, IRT III
   Manager – Loss Control Services
   Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, Inc.
   Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

12 - 1 p.m.

Lunch (provided)

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Inspection Process Fundamentals: Residential and Outbuilding Electrical
   This session will get back to the basics beginning with an overview of how electricity works. We will discuss basic wiring, curcuit breakers and fuses. In addition to the fundamentals of structure of residential and outbuilding electrical, we will discuss in detail the conditions that can lead to electrical failure in these buildings.
   
   Steve Tack
   Director Risk Management Services
   The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company
   Lisle, Illinois
2. Advanced: Modern “Green” Farming Technologies
   Currently, we are experiencing five major drivers of change: global economy, rising energy demand, aging U.S. electrical power infrastructure, proliferation of technology and, the “green” movement, this session will discuss the current methods of on-the-farm manufacturing of “green” alternative fuels including ethanol, bio diesel and bio methane. In addition we will examine current alternative methods for on-the-farm generation of electrical power: engine driven generators, solar power, and wind power. We will also include an overview of GPS based precision farming technology.
   
   James D. Redinger
   Principal Engineer
   Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company
   Springtown, Texas

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Inspection Process Fundamentals: Farm Machinery Safety
   In this session, we will explore the inspection process for farm machinery safety. We will discuss what to look for if a tractor has ROPS and what to look for if it does not have ROPS. We will also review proper installation and maintenance of SMV on farm equipment. In addition, we will examine an inspection checklist for PTO shafts and drivelines. Finally, we will review farm injury statistics and explanations of the major causes of farm injuries or death.
   
   Dan Hinshaw, CPCU, ALCM
   Farm Program Manager
   State Farm Fire and Casualty
   Bloomington, Illinois
2. Advanced: Farm Scale Wind & Solar Energy
   As these technologies are continuously improving and system costs are coming down they are becoming increasingly more common in today’s rural landscape. Modern wind and solar energy systems are appealing because they are a clean source of energy, and a reliable way of lowering our electricity costs. This session will introduce these two sources of renewable energy, how they work and the main components of these systems. You will also learn what can go wrong with these technologies and the possible consequences when something fails as well as the insurance implications a system failure can impose. Following this presentation you will have a better understanding of these technologies and ways to minimize losses, as well as be able to identify properly installed systems.
   
   Peter Stolk
   Risk Assessment Specialist
   Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, Inc.
   Cambridge, Ontario

3:45 - 4 p.m.

Break

4 - 5 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Inspection Process Fundamentals: Building Valuations
   This session will look at the use of building construction, material opinions, and general conditions to determine building replacement cost and actual cash value.
   
   Steve Morris
   Claims Manager
   Dunham & Chemung Mutual Insurance Company
   Harvard, Illinois
2. Advanced: Swine Confinement
   This session will include basic hazards of electrical, heating, alarm systems, backup generators and construction. Also in this session we will discuss options for firedoors, firestops, and several burn test videos that will be shown regarding products to be concerned about.
   
   This is one of three sessions including poultry, swine, and dairy confinements which we feature on a rotating basis. Each year one of the three specialty types of confinement will be presented. Our expert can answer specific questions on the other two areas of confinement.
   
   Dean Kerfeld
   Manager Loss Control/Member Companies
   RAM Mutual Insurance Company
   Sauk Centre, Minnesota

5 - 6 p.m.

Welcome Reception - Enjoy this great networking opportunity! Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided.

7 - 8 a.m.

Breakfast - (provided)

8 - 9 a.m.

General Session: Liability
Liability claims are starting to have a significant impact on most insurers and can lead to claims payouts in the millions of dollars. During this session, we will discuss how to conduct a liability loss prevention inspection. Our discussion will include what to look for, typical areas of concern, and areas of new concern. Although this is not an introduction to liability, the basics will be reviewed. By the end of the session, you should have a better understanding of liability and the potential hazards that can exist.

Randy Drysdale, BES, FCIP, CRM, IRT III
Manager - Loss Control Services
Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, Inc.
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

9 - 9:15 a.m.

Break

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Inspection Process Fundamentals: Heating
   In this session students will learn about different types of central and supplemental heat. We will cover why you should be concerned about the different types of heaters and what to look at when reviewing furnaces and space heaters. The types of heaters will be common to dwellings and outbuildings. Common recommendations made concerning the appliances will be covered.
   
   Eric Vanasdale, ARM, CPCU, ARe
   Senior Loss Control Representative
   COUNTRY Financial
   Bloomington, Ill.
2. Advanced: Insurance Fraud – It’s Not Just Arson Anymore
   This session will cover what to look for down the road in regard to loss control and new types of fraud such as water, theft, liability, and contractors for building and materials and cleaning and restoration services.
   
   Guy E. “Sandy” Burnette, Jr.
   Guy E. Burnette, Jr. P. A.
   Tallahassee, Fla.

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Farm Preview

11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pick Up Boxed Lunches
Following the Farm Preview session, we have factored in a 30 minute break for attendees to take a break, grab a boxed lunch, and change clothes for the farm tour. The farm is approximately 65 minutes from the hotel.

12 p.m

Busses Depart

1:30 - 4 p.m.

Farm Visit and Report Organization
Charter busses will transport attendees to and from a nearby farm for an operations tour.

Please Note: Protective boots will be provided by NAMIC. Bottled water will also be provided during the farm tour. Snacks and bottled water will be provided on the way home.

5:30 p.m.

Return to the hotel

7 - 8 a.m.

Hot Breakfast (provided)

8 - 10 a.m.

Farm Visit Review and Open Discussion
This session will review the home and farm inspection visit, highlighting and discussing areas that should be noted in an actual inspection process.

Steve Prosser, Senior Claims Adjuster
Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Company
Villa Grove, Ill.

10 - 10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

General Session: Inspection Process Wrap-up
We will review how to collect all necessary information including verifying underwriting information, taking pictures, collecting information for building estimators and noting outstanding hazards while visiting the insured’s premises. In addition, we will discuss processing pictures and collected data to create a concise report and writing a detailed recommendation letter. Since our industry has been trending towards paperless reports, we will present a method of processing the inspection report into a PDF file, utilizing Adobe Acrobat computer program.

Ray Kilmer, AIS
Loss Control Representative
Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
Indianapolis, Indiana

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