Agricultural Risk Conference

Optional Activity: John Deere Des Moines Works Tour

Join fellow attendees in a unique behind-the-scenes experience of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery. During your 120 – minute walking and riding tour, you will be guided through each stage of the manufacturing process from the first steel cut to the finished product. The cost of this activity is $50 and includes transportation to and from the tour.

Optional Workshop: Advanced Loss Control

This workshop qualifies for those holding the Mutual Insurance Professional designation to earn the MIP-Loss Control certification endorsement, but it is open for all to attend. This advanced workshop will be focused on the basics of exposure for each line of coverage: Property, General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Unique Farm Exposures.

The cost for this optional workshop is $500 for NAMIC Members and $750 for Nonmembers.

Lisa Mundt, CPCU, ARM
Risk Control Unit Manager
Westfield

Registration and Event Information Desk

The Registration and Event Information Desk is the main hub for event information and badge pick-up. NAMIC staff will be on hand to welcome you and answer any questions you have during the event.

Registration and Event Information Desk

NAMIC staff will be on hand to welcome you and answer any questions you have during the event.

Attendee Breakfast and Farm Learning Lab Preview

Join fellow attendees for a hot breakfast and cup of coffee to charge up before heading to DMACC Dallas County Farm.

Load Buses and Depart for Farm Learning Lab

Farm Learning Lab: DMACC Dallas County Farm

The Farm Learning Lab is a popular and unique learning experience during the Agricultural Risk Conference. Attendees go through a peer-led, hands-on mock inspection of an area agricultural operation, allowing in-the-field experience with the same experts teaching the educational sessions.

This year, the on-farm experience will be held at the DMACC Dallas County Farm.

Attendee Lunch

Grab some food from a hot buffet and mingle with fellow attendees over the lunch break.

Farm Learning Lab: DMACC Dallas County Farm

The Farm Learning Lab is a popular and unique learning experience during the Agricultural Risk Conference. Attendees go through a peer-led, hands-on mock inspection of an area agricultural operation, allowing in-the-field experience with the same experts teaching the educational sessions.

This year, the on-farm experience will be held at the DMACC Dallas County Farm.

Networking Reception

Registration and Event Information Desk

NAMIC staff will be on hand to welcome you and answer any questions you have during the event.

Attendee Breakfast

Join fellow attendees for a hot breakfast and cup of coffee to charge up before sessions kick off for the day.

NAMIC Welcome and Interactive Farm Learning Lab Debrief

Networking Break

Join us in the Concord Foyer to chat with fellow attendees, grab a bite to eat, and stretch your legs.

A. Basic Loss Control Surveys on Farms

Every farm is unique, with its own structural layout, operational style, and management approach. This session will focus on how to prepare effectively for a farm inspection, equipping you with the essential tools and mindset to provide valuable insights. Learn how to leave a lasting impact, helping clients better protect their investments while reducing insurance risks.

Chris Davey

Manager, Risk Engineering

Sovereign Insurance

B. Understanding the DOT Regulations for Farmers: When Do Farm Vehicles Become Commercial Motor Vehicles?

In this session, we will explore the exemptions and exceptions available under FMCSA and PHMSA regulations for farmers and ranchers when using vehicles on the highway. The discussion will cover qualifying drivers, vehicle record maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and the transportation of hazardous materials. Attendees will gain clarity on the specific conditions under which farm vehicles may be exempt from certain regulations, and learn how the Covered Farm Vehicle regulation applies to farm operations.

Brian Hammer

Senior Transportation Consultant

Nationwide Insurance

Networking Break

Join us in the Concord Foyer to chat with fellow attendees, grab a bite to eat, and stretch your legs.

A. Farm Inspections: The Good and the Bad

This session will dive into the critical elements underwriting teams should look for in a quality farm survey or inspection, whether conducted by an internal or external Loss Control consultant. Focusing on advanced-level loss control, the presentation will examine the more complex and nuanced exposures that impact farm operations. Key areas of focus will include building components, hazardous conditions (such as heating and electrical systems), operational exposures (from livestock to grain handling and mills), on-farm risks, environmental and pollution concerns, neighboring exposures, and the safe operation of farm equipment, particularly on public roads.

Jim Zyta

National Manager Prevention & Risk Services

Wawanesa Mutual Insurance

B. Evaluating Structural Integrity for Agricultural Building Structures

Agricultural buildings are a unique risk for property insurers because they are often exempt from building codes when constructed, are typically hard-use structures when in service, and generally receive insufficient maintenance and restoration work throughout their lifespan. This session will introduce loss control professionals and insurance underwriters to the elementary concepts needed to evaluate the structural integrity of agricultural buildings.

Ryan Michalek

Director, Property Engineering Services

Nationwide Insurance

Networking Break

Join us in the Concord Foyer to chat with fellow attendees, grab a bite to eat, and stretch your legs.

A. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Confinements

This session will cover many aspects of the confinement industry, including dairy, hog, and poultry. Photographs will be used to demonstrate and exhibit the various types of building construction, equipment and technology that is playing a part in today’s confinement industry. This is a practical, “what we look for, the good, the bad and the ugly” presentation.

Dean Kerfeld

Director, Risk Management

Ram Mutual Insurance

B. Fires in Agricultural Harvesting and Processing Operations

It is no secret that agricultural harvesting operations are especially susceptible to fires. The combination of heavily-mechanized processes, as well as the regular use of activities like heated drying – all in conjunction with mature crop material – often poses a scenario that is ripe for ignition. This visually-intensive presentation will discuss why these fires occur so often, as well as examining the damage that can result. We will also discuss best practices for prevention, and review preparation and planning for an efficient and effective response in the event of a fire.

Benjamin Peetz

Risk Control Consultant

Westfield Insurance

Attendee Lunch

Grab some food from a hot buffet and mingle with fellow attendees over the lunch break. You are welcome to come and go at your convenience.

A. Safe Livestock Handling

This session will focus on the essential techniques for safely handling livestock while ensuring the well-being of both animals and handlers. Attendees will learn about animal behavior, effective handling methods, and how to identify and address deficiencies in existing animal handling systems. By understanding the signs of stress and the best practices for safe interaction, participants will be better equipped to create safer, more efficient livestock management environments.

Rich Gassman

Director

I-CASH

B. Fire and Emergency Response

Networking Break

Join us in the Concord Foyer to chat with fellow attendees, grab a bite to eat, and stretch your legs.

A. Basic Electrical

Your electrical distribution equipment is the single most critical system within your facility. Whether it is a church, a school, or an administrative building, all require electricity to function. Lights, heating and cooling, office equipment, computers, telephones, all depend upon a reliable electrical supply. Proper maintenance and protection of your electrical system and equipment is essential in order to ensure that routine daily operations are not interrupted.

Milton Simmons

Senior Loss Control Director

Hartford Steam Boiler

B. Fleet Safety – Accident Reconstruction

This session will explore how accident reconstructionist investigate collisions involving farming-related commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Key topics will include retrieving Electronic Control Module (ECM) data, analysis of onboard video, accident modeling, post-collision inspections, and driver perception and response. Attendees will also examine the risks of slow-moving vehicles (SMVs) on roadways. Through real-world case studies, this session will demonstrate how forensic analysis aids in determining the causation and liability of accidents. Insurance professionals will gain valuable insights into how reconstruction findings affect claims evaluation, risk assessment, and underwriting decisions for farm CMV policies.

Todd Hall
Technical Accident Reconstructionist
Roadway Dynamics, Inc.


Dennis McMahon
Technical Accident Reconstructionist
Roadway Dynamics, Inc.

Networking Break

Join us in the Concord Foyer to chat with fellow attendees, grab a bite to eat, and stretch your legs.

Closing General Session: How Underinsured Is Your Customer? Uncovering the Coverage Gap in Post-Frame Construction

Discover the critical connection between post-frame construction and insurance. Gain insights into fluctuating material and labor costs over the past five years, with a pole barn builder’s perspective on rising lumber, steel, and freight prices. Explore a side-by-side comparison of post-frame buildings from 2018 to 2025, highlighting key differences between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies. Learn from real customer stories about the risks of being underinsured and how outdated policies can lead to significant financial losses. Finally, uncover best practices for annually updating policy values with accurate estimates to ensure comprehensive coverage for your farming customers.

Blair Neihouser

Vice President, Sales

FBi Buildings