School Agenda

7 – 8 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

8 – 8:15 a.m.

Welcoming Remarks

Kristen Sizelove
Vice President – Member Development
NAMIC
Indianapolis, Ind.

Eric Vanasdale, ARM, CPCU, Are
Senior Loss Control Representative
COUNTRY Financial
Bloomington, Ill.

8:15 – 10:45 a.m.

General Session: Electrical Myths
Experience the snap and sizzle of electricity dropped right into your lap. This informative session on electrical hazards is led by the former supervisor for the National Safety Council’s Safety Training Institute. You will learn common mistruths and misunderstandings of electricity, frequent violations of the National Electrical Code and why they are dangerous, tips for non-electricians to improve personal electrical safety, and much more.

Bob LoMastro
President
LoMastro Associates, Inc.
Mundelein, Ill.

10:45 – 11 a.m.

Break

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Fundamental: Basics of Heating
   In this session, the different types of central and supplemental heat will be discussed. Also, covered in this session is information about why you should be concerned about the different types of heaters common to dwellings and outbuildings, and what to look for when reviewing furnaces and space heaters. Attendees can expect recommendations concerning the appliances.
   
   Eric Vanasdale, ARM, CPCU, Are
   Senior Loss Control Representative
   COUNTRY Financial
   Bloomington, Ill.
2. Advanced: Green Farming Overview
   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. Also, we will examine current alternative methods for on-the-farm generation of electrical power: engine driven generators, solar power, wind power, and an overview of GPS based farming technology.
   
   James Redinger, PE
   Principal Engineer
   Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company
   Springtown, Texas

12 – 1 p.m.

Lunch

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Fundamental: Inspection Process
   We will take an in-depth look at the farm we will be inspecting during the hands-on inspection tour. Also, information about the inspection process will be reviewed during this time.
   
   Steve Prosser
   Senior Claims Adjuster
   Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Company
   Villa Grove, Ill.
2. Advanced: Safe Electrical Work Practices
   The rising number of electrical injuries and deaths is staggering and OSHA is increasing their emphasis on safe electrical work practices. Experts in this field agree that the NFPA 70E Standards for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces provides the guidance necessary to reduce electrical accidents. This session will explore the requirements of 70E. Learn the why’s of these electrical regulations through stunning and dramatic examples of electrical faults and fires.
   
   Bob LoMastro
   President
   LoMastro Associates, Inc.
   Mundelein, Ill.

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Fundamental: Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
   Many changes have occurred in the past two decades that have helped to reduce the fire exposure created by the operation of solid fuel heating appliances. But even with these changes, the insurance industry has still seen a higher frequency of fires in homes and outbuildings that have a functioning solid fuel appliance. In this session where you will learn: identification of various types of solid fuel appliances, proper installation methods that help minimize the fire exposure, and recommended operating and maintenance procedures that help minimize the fire exposure.
   
   Ray Kilmer, AIS
   Loss Control Representative
   Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
   Indianapolis, Ind.
2. Advanced: Agricultural Biogas Power Generation Systems
   Commonly known as manure digesters, in this session attendees will learn the reasons why these are an emerging trend in animal confinement operations. Also, you will be provided an overview of how they work, the types of equipment found in these operations, and the risks associated with equipment breakdown concerns. The focus of the session is on equipment and operations; however correlations will be made to address exposures under property, casualty and liability coverage’s.
   
   Steve Tack
   Director Risk Management Services
   The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company
   Lisle, Ill.

3:45 - 4 p.m.

Break

4 - 5 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Fundamental: Poultry Confinement
   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, Minn.
2. Advanced: Farm Scale Wind Energy
   Because these technologies improve and costs are decreasing they are becoming increasingly more common in today’s rural landscape. Modern wind energy systems are appealing because they are a clean source of energy, and a reliable way of lowering our electricity costs. 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.

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

8 – 9 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Fundamental: Farm Machinery Safety
   This session will focus on issues associated with farm safety. Topics will include roadway transportation, machine guarding, tractor safety, recreational/utility vehicle safety, and roll over protective structures for tractors. At the conclusion of this session you can expect to have a better understanding of safety features and concerns to look for when inspecting farm machinery and farm properties.
   
   Dan Hinshaw, CPCU, ALCM
   Analyst-Underwriting Programs
   State Farm Fire and Casualty
   Bloomington, Ill.
2. Advanced: Agri-tourism Liability
   Farmers continue to look for ways to generate additional revenue from their farm operations. To do so, many farmers are providing educational and entertainment activities on for the public. What started as a simple road side stand or a pumpkin patch can quickly turn into an amusement or carnival risk. This session will provide information on non-traditional farm activities and identify some of the unique liability exposures associated with different activities supported by examples of losses.
   
   Eric Vanasdale, ARM, CPCU, Are
   Loss Control Specialist
   COUNTRY Financial
   Bloomington, Ill.

9 - 9:15 a.m.

Break

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

1. Fundamental: 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 is critical for the loss control specialists. You will learn 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.
   
   Steve Morris
   Claims Manager
   Dunham & Chemung Mutual Insurance Company
   Harvard, Ill.
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.
   
   Chris Buechle
   Loss Control Senior Specialist
   American Family Mutual Insurance Company
   Lincoln, Neb.

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Farm Preview
We will preview the farm and process for the inspection.

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.

12 p.m.

Buses Depart

12:30 – 4:30 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.

5:00 p.m.

Return to the hotel

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Optional Activity: Geneva Lake Boat Cruise

7 – 8 a.m.

Breakfast

8 – 10 a.m.

General Session: LP Gas
In this session, led by an industry expert, learn basic information on liquefied petroleum gas better known as LP gas, exposures and requirements of LP gas.

10 – 10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

General Session: Q&A with the Experts
This session will allow attendees to answer any questions, including follow-up questions from earlier presentations heard during the seminar. Also, this time will be used to answer any follow-up questions or concerns from the farm tour.

Moderator
Dean Kerfeld
Manager Loss Control/Member Companies
RAM Mutual Insurance Company
Sauk Centre, Minn.

11:45 a.m.

Meeting Adjourns