National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
NAMIC Agricultural Risk Inspection School, July 17-19, 2012, St. Louis, Mo.

“This was my third time to attend Ag Risk School and I get a lot out of it each time. It's worth every dime.”

– Terry Tucker, Shelter Insurance Companies

July 17-19, 2012, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark | St. Louis, Mo.

Agenda

Subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, July 17

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast (provided)

8:00 - 8:20 a.m.

Welcoming Remarks

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

8:20 - 9:20 a.m.

General Session: Industry Update
Our industry is constantly changing and evolving. Catch up on all of the latest happenings with Chris Leliaert, director agri reinsurance, Catlin US.

Chris Leliaert
Director Agri Reinsurance
Catlin US
Chicago, Ill.

9:20 - 9:40 a.m.

Break

9:40 – 10:40 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Corrugated Steel Bin Construction Use and Maintenance
    This session led by Sid Fey, director of risk management services, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, will provide education and guidance to anyone that is responsible for the inspection and determination of risk associated with insuring corrugated steel bins. The session will provide insight into issues related to the proper construction, maintenance and use of corrugated steel grain storage bins.

    Sid Fey
    Director, Risk Management Services
    Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company
    Des Moines, Iowa
  2. Equine Risks
    Join Joe Carr, consultant, Equine Risk Management Group LLC, for this session that will discuss equine liability and exposures. Information on proper care, breeding, and boarding will also be shared in this advanced session.

    Joe Carr, BCs, AFIS, SMP
    Consultant
    Equine Risk Management Group LLC
    Lexington, Ky.

10:40 – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Dairy Facilities: What Makes Them Unique?
    In this session led by Dean Kerfeld, manager loss control/member companies, RAM Mutual Insurance Company, attendees will learn all aspects of insuring the risk and the hazards that are unique to dairy facilities. Also to be discussed are electrical hazards, heating, general liability concerns, and some of the machinery that is used in dairy facilities.

    Dean Kerfeld, CHI
    Manager Loss Control/Member Companies
    RAM Mutual Insurance Company
    Sauk Centre, Minn.
  2. Claim Trends
    In this session, attendees will review claims trends through the years and emerging areas of concern. From this review with Eric Vanasdale, senior loss control representative, COUNTRY Financial, attendees will be able to examine claims in a more thorough manner and learn appropriate actions underwriting and loss control departments can undertake as a result.

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

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Fundamental: Basic Electricity and Electrical Hazards
    Join Ronald Behrens, director of risk management services, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, for this session where attendees will be exposed to basic terms and issues related to the use of electricity in a barn or house. Attendees will also learn how it works, what can go wrong with it, and things to look for when in the field. The session is designed to give a general overview of the components used in electrical wiring and with the problems that can result. This session, with loads of visuals, is designed to provide an overview for attendees demonstrating a wide range of potential exposures in ag buildings and how to deal with these problems.

    Ronald Behrens, ALCM
    Director of Risk Management Services
    Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company
    Lisle, Ill.
  2. Advanced: Renewable & Alternative Energy: Solar and Wind Energy
    Join Christopher B. Ellis, senior territory manager, Mutual Boiler Re and Dirk Smith, vice president engineering, Mutual Boiler Re, for an overview of solar and wind energy which will include many of the exposures facing farm and homeowners customers. The presenters will simplify the technology of solar and wind energy production with the goal of shedding light on key exposure identification and loss potential. They will also help you identify the hazards and then provide insight into underwriting and loss control issues to address.

    Christopher B. Ellis, CIC, AFIS
    Senior Territory Manager
    Mutual Boiler Re
    Wentzville, Mo.

    Dirk Smith
    Vice President Engineering
    Mutual Boiler Re
    Malvern, Pa.

1:45 – 2:05 p.m.

Break

2:05 – 3:20 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Fundamental: Solid Fuel
    In this session led by Ward Henderson, national loss control manager, The Co-operators Insurance Company, attendees will review the installation guidelines as per the NFPA 211 – Standards for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. Also to be discussed in this session is how to understand and assess basic installation requirements and how to assess deficiencies and appropriate corrections.

    Ward Henderson, CRM, WETT
    National Loss Control Manager, Special Lines
    Co-operators General Insurance Company
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  2. Advanced: Green Fuels/Methane Digesters

3:20 – 3:40 p.m.

Break

3:40 – 5:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Fundamental: LP Gas
    The basic hazards and exposures of LP gas will be discussed in this session taught by Larry Gallagher, corporate loss control director, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. A review of some of the typical safety controls that should be implemented to reduce the probability of loss will be reviewed. During this presentation liquid LP gas will be used to demonstrate the physical properties of LP Gas - a very unique and effective way to learn about the associated risks.

    Larry Gallagher, ALCM
    Corporate Loss Control Director
    Grinnell Mutual Insurance Company
    Grinnell, Iowa
  2. Advanced: Agritourism
    Do you insure pumpkin patches, fall festivals, road side stands and/or other farmers who are diversifying their farming operation through agritourism activities? If so, you will want to attend this session led by Eric Vanasdale, senior loss control representative, COUNTRY Financial, to learn more about emerging liability risks associated with agritourism activities on the farm.

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

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

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

Wednesday, July 18

7:00 a.m.

Breakfast (provided)

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Fundamental: Farm Machinery
    This session led by Cory Weller, farm ranch underwriting team manager, State Farm Insurance will focus on issues associated with farm safety. Topics will include farm machinery safety, recreational/utility vehicle safety, confined spaces, proper fencing and barriers, and other farm related safety. At the conclusion of this session, you may expect to have a better understanding of overall safety measures employed on farms and concerns to look for when inspecting farm property and machinery.

    Cory Weller, ALCM, CPCU
    Farm Ranch Underwriting Team Manager
    State Farm Insurance
    Lincoln, Neb.
  2. Advanced: Structural Stability of Ag Properties
    Join Sean Cary, senior forensic engineer, Donan Engineering, for a session on evaluating agricultural buildings, grain bins and grain handling equipment on structural stability. This session will help attendees identify specific conditions that are likely to result in structural failure during high winds or heavy snow load conditions.

    Sean Cary, S.E., P.E.
    Senior Forensic Engineer
    Donan Engineering Co., Inc.
    Davenport, Iowa

9:30 - 9:50 a.m.

Break

9:50 - 11:10 a.m.

General Session: Inspector Safety & Tour Logistics
This is a must attend session for all attendees as the basics of inspector safety and tips for site visits will be discussed. Also, attendees will be provided information on Knebel Circle K Dairy Farm, the site for the farm inspection and tour.

Becky Deters, PFMM
Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer
Home Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Teutopolis, Ill.

11:10 a.m.

Break/Pick-up Boxed Lunches

11:30 a.m.

Buses Depart

12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Farm Visit and Report Organization

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

Please Note: Shoe coverings will be provided by NAMIC. Bottled water and snacks will also be provided.

5:00 p.m.

Return to the Hotel

6:00 p.m.

Optional Activity: TBD

Thursday, July 19

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

8:00 – 9:20 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Fundamental: Dwellings
    In this session taught by Chris J. Buechle, commercial farm/ranch senior loss control specialist, American Family Mutual Insurance Company, attendees will thoroughly examine the farm/ranch dwelling. Areas of focus for this session include how the dwelling might be reflection of the insured’s big picture, what outward signs might say about the structural integrity of the dwelling, where to look for general electrical safety in regards to loss control and underwriting, and the type of kind/class structure of the dwelling.

    Chris J. Buechle, AFIS
    Commercial Farm/Ranch Senior Loss Control Specialist
    American Family Mutual Insurance Company
    Lincoln, Neb.
  2. Advanced: General Confinements
    his session led by Dean Kerfled, manager loss control/member companies, RAM Mutual Insurance Company, will highlight all aspects of insuring the risk and hazards that are unique to confinements. Attendees will examine the specifics when it comes to inspecting and underwriting this type of risk. Items to be discussed include the structural integrity, building design as it relates to snow loads, fire walls, fibre-reinforced plastic paneling, electrical, heating, air quality control and liability concerns. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view burn videos of FRP and urethane insulation.

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

9:00 – 9:20 a.m.

Break

9:20 – 10:40 a.m.

General Session: Lessons Learned from the Field
Join Eric Vanasdale, senior loss control representative, COUNTRY Financial, for an interactive session where attendees will have a chance to test their knowledge using live hand-held polling devices. Images from existing reports will create dialog where we will explore the area of concern and possible solutions.

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

10:40 - 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Closing Keynote Address: Improving Upon Your EIEIO Ratio
This session, led by Kelli Kukulka, senior vice president, Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., will provide insight into the mysteries and fundamentals surrounding policy language. Attendees will develop a better understanding of farm policy language and coverage as it relates to named insureds and additional insureds, contractual liabilities, and completed operations.

Kelli Kukulka
Senior Vice President
Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.
Chicago, Ill.

12:00 p.m.

Meeting Adjourns

Session Proposals

Interested in speaking at this seminar? Submit your session proposal to Amanda Byrd.

Posted: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:25:13 PM. Modified: Thursday, April 26, 2012 8:11:10 AM.

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