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How to prevent ransomware attacks on your farm

How to prevent ransomware attacks on your farm

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Farms are growing in size and sophistication. At the same time, ag markets and supply chains are relying more and more on digital systems that can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Ransomware is one type of attack that can prove particularly costly — but there are ways you can help prevent ransomware attacks.

“Any industry that relies on a complicated supply chain or time–focused requirements to get products to consumers are going to be in the crosshairs for these criminal groups,” says Nationwide Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, Todd Lukens. “When a farm or company is growing fast, computer security programs can’t keep up. In many ways, ag businesses are perfect targets.”

Ransomware is a type of cyberattack when someone illegally gains access to your computer systems or files, then locks them down until you pay a ransom to restore access. Recovery can take a lot of time and money. Business interruption, recovery, restoring systems and paying the ransom itself are all potential ransomware costs to a farm or agribusiness.

“These attacks have ramifications that last from days to weeks to months. Ransomware gives criminals the potential to make millions in a short amount of time,” adds Lukens. “Farms and agribusinesses are growing targets for these criminals.”

Ways to prevent ransomware attacks on your farm or ag business
The best way to avoid an attack and its financial hit is to practice what Lukens calls “good cyber hygiene.” Keeping computer software up–to–date and ensuring you have security protocols in place on every device can help. Lukens also recommends:

  • Educating your team on all types of cyberattacks
  • Making sure no one can access computer systems or files on the internet
  • Utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) or secure connection for any internet–connected computer or server
  • Requiring multi–factor authentication for all employees
  • Creating a backup plan so files and other data are available if you are hit by ransomware or another type of cyberattack

     

Insurance coverage and protection
There are cyber liability coverages and services to help protect you and your farm or agribusiness from loss from a ransomware or other cyberattack. That protection extends well beyond the attack itself.

“Cyberattack policies and endorsements may include coverage for liabilities associated with a data breach like ransom negotiation and payment,” said Lukens. “Policies can include business interruption loss while systems are down during an attack.”

Lukens recommends educating your farm or agribusiness workforce about cyberattacks like ransomware and how to best protect yourself. This can also help you identify the right coverage options.

“If you live in an area prone to severe storms, would you go without property insurance?” Lukens said. “The more we rely on computer systems to conduct our business, the more impactful they are when they go down. So, we have to protect them.”

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful
business and maintain the safety of your operation.

[1] *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2022.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
© 2023 Nationwide

 

pires well after
baling. That continued respiration in the presence of oxygen after it’s baled creates conditions that can
cause bales to spontaneously combust. Wet hay that continues to respire can generate heat and
eventually spontaneously combust.
After hay is baled and stored at higher moisture levels, the fire risk from spontaneous combustion is
greatest in the first two to six weeks. And that risk continues if hay bales are stored where moisture can
linger, like a barn with a leaky roof or high–humidity area.
Hay placed in storage should have a moisture content under 25%, according to a report from the
Pennsylvania State University Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department. Higher levels of
moisture require an oxygen limiting storage system. The heat generated by the crop plus the presence
of oxygen increases the risk of a fi

Prevent hay bale fires with year-round vigilance and action


Prevent hay bale fires with year-round vigilance and action

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Hundreds of barn fires happen every year in the U.S. And in many of them, hay bales are the fuel source for what’s almost always a major property loss that also can endanger livestock and farm workers.

Hay bale fires can happen from the day the bales are made until they’re used, regardless of the forage type or quality. In most cases, wet hay is actually more likely to catch fire or spontaneously combust than dry hay. Hay fires are a unique, costly hazard that calls for year–round attention, according to Nationwide Risk Management Consultant, agronomist and Iowa farmer Derek Hommer.

“Hay bale fires are just one type that contributes to fire being the leading cause of farm claims and losses,” Hommer said. “That’s why it’s so important pay close attention to nearby heat sources, hay moisture and bale quality. They all contribute to how hay catches fires and potential spontaneous combustion.”

Why does wet hay catch on fire?
When harvested at a higher moisture level, a forage crop sometimes stays damp and respires well after baling. That continued respiration in the presence of oxygen after its baled creates conditions that can cause bales to spontaneously combust. Wet hay that continues to respire can generate heat and eventually spontaneously combust.

After hay is baled and stored at higher moisture levels, the fire risk from spontaneous combustion is greatest in the first two to six weeks. And that risk continues if hay bales are stored where moisture can linger, like a barn with a leaky roof or high–humidity area.

Hay placed in storage should have a moisture content under 25%, according to a report from the Pennsylvania State University Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department. Higher levels of moisture require an oxygen limiting storage system. The heat generated by the crop plus the presence of oxygen increases the risk of a fire.

Key times to think about hay bale fire prevention
Hommer recommends the following best practices throughout the growing season to minimize hay bale fire risk, especially from spontaneous combustion once bales are stored:

  • Harvesting. Harvest forage within the optimal moisture range and allow adequate drying
    time in the field before baling.
  • Conditioning. Mower conditioners, tedders and rakes can speed hay drying but can also
    harm leaf retention and crop quality.
  • Baling. Bale hay up to 20% moisture to reduce the potential for hay bales spontaneously
    combusting or spoiling.
  • Storing. Since moisture contributes to bale heating and fires, store hay under a roof to keep
    it as dry as possible. Hay probes and sensors like in the HAYTECH platform helps monitor
    temperatures in stored hay that can help prevent hay fires or spontaneously combusting
    bales.
 

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 NationwideWhen harvested at a higher moisture level, a forage crop sometimes stays damp and res

pires well after
baling. That continued respiration in the presence of oxygen after it’s baled creates conditions that can
cause bales to spontaneously combust. Wet hay that continues to respire can generate heat and
eventually spontaneously combust.
After hay is baled and stored at higher moisture levels, the fire risk from spontaneous combustion is
greatest in the first two to six weeks. And that risk continues if hay bales are stored where moisture can
linger, like a barn with a leaky roof or high–humidity area.
Hay placed in storage should have a moisture content under 25%, according to a report from the
Pennsylvania State University Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department. Higher levels of
moisture require an oxygen limiting storage system. The heat generated by the crop plus the presence
of oxygen increases the risk of a fire.

Let’s talk about land


Let's talk about land
Because the future of your farmland matters most

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

The farmland market is red–hot. Though such a bullish marketplace is a boon for landowners, it also changes the game for tenants who depend on rented land for a large share of their crop revenue. High prices make it even more important to make sure everyone involved has the right insurance coverage in place.

Complicating the equation for lessees is the recent rise in absentee farmland ownership. According to a USDA report**, around 40% of the land farmed in the U.S. is rented. Of that share, around 31% is owned by an absentee or non–operator, a number that continues to rise, especially as active farmers retire and sell land.

The combination of these trends creates year–over–year operational and managerial challenges for leasing farmers and their landowners. One of those is ensuring both parties are adequately managing the risk of a land lease for which the two parties may be thousands of miles apart.

Sharing insurance responsibilities
In most cases when a farmer rents land from an absentee landowner, risk management responsibilities are split between the two parties. Each lease should spell out who is responsible for different operational and management responsibilities. And what is fair is not always equal.

For example, if adding improvements like tile drainage can boost the long–term productivity of a field, installation costs should be shared based on the equity it creates. If a lessee anticipates only renting the land for one year, he or she should not bear as much cost as the landowner, who will likely see greater value in the form of higher rents over time as a result of the improvement.

But if such improvements are part of a multiyear leasing strategy in which the lessee will remain in the picture, he or she will likely pay a larger share of the cost. In general, the duration of a lease often is a major contributor to how land improvement costs are spread between the landowner and renter.

Think about how land is used
There are several factors that influence how farmland is insured. First, it’s important to consider the basics of the property and its intended purpose. Some land is obviously for cropping. But grassland or pasture land may have multiple uses. All of a piece of land’s intended
uses should be accounted for in both the written lease as well as the chosen insurance coverage.

Coverage options also vary widely based on lease land’s use. A basic homeowners policy rarely covers all of the operational risk of leased farmland. Sometimes endorsements cover those specific risks, but in other cases, altogether different policies specifically designed for farmland are the best solutions.

Especially with an absentee leases, it’s always a good idea to have regular meetings during which the lessee can update the landowner on all activities on the leased land and how they impact things like lease price and optimal insurance coverage options.

Talk with your insurance agent
No matter how you’re involved with farming – whether you’re currently farming or new to owning or renting farmland – it’s important to talk with your local Nationwide Farm Certified agent. Nationwide is the only farm insurance company that trains and certifies its agents. When you see that an agent is Nationwide On Your Side Farm Certified, you can be confident you’ve found a trusted, knowledgeable advisor.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com/farmlandownership to download our free Farmland Ownership Protection Guide and to learn what we know about farmland.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.
Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide

Preserving agriculture’s past, securing its future this National Ag Day

Preserving agriculture’s past, securing its future this National Ag Day

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.

Agriculture is more than just a business for us at Nationwide. From our company’s roots to our many associates who today actively manage farms and ranches, it’s at the heart of everything we do. So as we celebrate National Ag Day this year, it’s more than just a single day of annual reflection. The day, all of its activities and the spotlight it shines on agriculture is a high point in our everyday commitment to preserving the heritage of agriculture and securing its future.

That’s especially true in 2023. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, organized by the Agriculture Council of America. This year’s theme is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow,” an idea that’s close to everything we do at Nationwide. As we pause to recognize the hard–working men and women of American agriculture for all they do this National Ag Day, we’re also looking ahead and doubling down on our commitment to protect your next.

With nearly a century of protecting America’s rural community, Nationwide is as committed as ever to paving the way for farmers and ranchers to succeed today and tomorrow. Today, that means providing everything from high–value information on new tools and technology, such as telematics and HAYTECH, to insurance products and services that evolve with farmers and ranchers’ changing needs. Just like the 2023 National Ag Day theme, we work every day to grow a climate for tomorrow. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary milestone for National Ag Day, we’re focusing on how to adapt and evolve to ensure our customers have what they need, when they need it.

“Nationwide has a deep heritage in agriculture. We were founded by farmers, and it’s part of our heritage,” said Nationwide Agribusiness President Brad Liggett. “This year’s National Ag Day theme aligns closely with our unending respect and support for agriculture. But it’s also fundamental to our commitment to ensuring we’re evolving alongside our customers so we’re always there when, where and how they need us.”

Why National Ag Day is so important to Nationwide

Nationwide’s deep agricultural history cannot be overstated. But for many associates at Nationwide, National Ag Day is personal. Associates like Senior Consultant Erin Cumings also manage farms or ranches along with their work at Nationwide. That makes National Ag Day, its long heritage of raising awareness about farming and ranching, and especially the 2023 theme vitally important to both work
and family life for Cumings and the many associates like her. And it exemplifies just how important agriculture is to us at Nationwide.

National Ag Day is a day when we can shine a light on agriculture in general,” said Cumings, who alongside her husband operates a farm in central Iowa. “I love being able to bring my whole self and all of my experience and expertise to Nationwide every day.”

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for important resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of their operations. While there, we encourage you to sign up to receive our bi–monthly email newsletter.

[1] *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide

Benefits and risks of adding agritourism to your farm or ranch

Benefits and risks of adding agritourism to your farm or ranch

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Agritourism is a great way to capitalize on the natural draw of your landscape, connect non-farm families to agriculture and create new revenue streams for your operation. But these benefits are not without risk.

Finding the right agritourism for operation
Adding a new agritourism venture to your operation starts by answering a simple question: What will work best? Consider the following:

  • Your land, what you raise and any other resources that could contribute to a new attraction
  • The time and money you can invest in an agritourism venture
  • Potential hazards to visitors, the liability they create for you and how you’ll mitigate the risks and keep people safe

Agritourism examples to consider

  • Pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Fairly common around the country, they’re popular but can require a lot of time and labor.
  • Farm tours and hayrack rides. Also fairly common, opening your farm to the public for tours and offering services like hayrack rides provide up-close farm experience. They often vary widely on cost, supervision and risk exposure.
  • Bed & breakfasts. An unoccupied farm house or even a repurposed barn or other farm building offer farm guests distinctive overnight stays. Time and labor required are normally fairly high.
  • Experiences. Ranging from “U-Pick” farms and Christmas tree farms to barn rentals for events like weddings, these also can range widely in cost, supervision and risk exposure.
  • Classes. Weekly or monthly classes on things like jam- or bread-making can be an easy, low-cost option.


Minimizing the risks of agritourism
Before adding agritourism to your farm or ranch, think about the specific risks you and your visitors will face and how you’ll mitigate them. This includes simple things like trip and fall hazards all the way to specific risks around livestock, farm equipment and food safety. Conduct a thorough audit of these types of risks and start by taking steps to minimize the hazards they represent.

“Check with your state for any agritourism protective measures and talk to your insurance agent for guidance on mitigation measures and how you can expand your insurance coverage,” said Neal.

Talk with your insurance agent
Farmers who offer agritourism activities need to discuss their specific types of businesses with their insurance agent. Usually, the policy that provides liability for the farm business does not extend to liability from other profit-making activities, such as agritourism.

Your local Nationwide Farm Certified agent can help you identify risks, implement safe practices and confirm you have the right agritourism insurance in place. Nationwide offers liability coverages that can be written as a package, in conjunction with a farm policy, to cover your agritourism ventures.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com to see the latest articles, videos and podcasts. While you’re there, sign up to receive our bimonthly AIC email newsletter.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.
Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide

Stay on top of key ag trends with the Ag Insight Center

Stay on top of key ag trends with the Ag Insight Center

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Managing a successful farm or ranch today takes a lot of time and energy. And keeping up with evolving trends and the accelerating pace of innovation is no easy task.

As a way to help farmers and ranchers stay on top of the many issues they face — from day-to-day operations to operation-wide management — Nationwide launched the Ag Insight Center (AIC).

At AgInsightCenter.com, you’ll find resources, expert tips and timely, relevant content to help you stay in the know on the issues you face and solutions to the challenges of agriculture.

  • Safety and risk management resources to help you identify and reduce hazards, keep workers safe and protect assets
  • Business and operations resources to help you stay on top of industry trends, identify business opportunities and run a more profitable operation
  • Financial planning resources to help you make important financial decisions for your business and family
  • Insurance resources to help understand your needs and coverage options from Nationwide


Thought leadership from farm experts and industry leaders
As the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S., Nationwide employs talented and experienced people from agricultural backgrounds –  many of whom are farm operators. The thought leadership content you will find on the AIC draws on the expertise and experience of a talented team of industry experts and ag professionals who know first-hand the pressures and challenges facing farmers and ranchers.

For example, Erin Cumings, Nationwide Sponsor Relations Senior Consultant, also raises cattle and farms in Warren County, Iowa. Erin shares with readers her 20 years of insurance experience, hands-on knowledge and expertise in farm safety and risk management and how fellow farmers can add value to their farming operations.   

Get content delivered to your inbox
We encourage everyone to subscribe to the AIC newsletter to get content delivered straight to their email inbox every other month. Each newsletter contains content on trending topics impacting farmers today. No matter where you are — in the field, office or farm shop — you always have quick access to valuable information that can help you manage your operation today and plan for tomorrow.

“The Ag Insight Center is symbolic of the Nationwide commitment to helping our customers thrive,” said Nationwide Ag Marketing Director Brad Snyder. “It’s a one-stop shop to keep farmers informed on the topics important to their businesses and families. And the AIC email newsletter gets you that information in a snap, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.” 

Visit AgInsightCenter.com to see the latest articles, videos and podcasts. While you’re there, sign up to receive our bimonthly AIC email newsletter.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.
Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide

KEEP THE FARM PROTECTED WITH INFLATION GUARD COVERAGE

Keep the farm protected with inflation guard coverage

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

There’s a lot happening around the world that’s applying downward pressure to revenue prospects for farmers. Inflation, logistical hurdles, rising energy and crop input prices at home and conflict overseas could all continue to contribute to the erosion of farm revenue potential.

But maximizing farm revenue requires investment. That investment is likely to come with some sticker shock this spring and beyond. The right insurance coverage can help.

Staying on top of your insurance coverage can help keep unexpected expenses like rising replacement costs from cutting potential farm revenue. A close eye on your coverage and a call to your agent can help make sure these costs don’t add to the financial pressure caused by inflation and other factors at home and abroad.

“All of these issues have a big impact on farm operational costs. We’re seeing higher prices for energy, machinery and many other inputs,” said Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers. “It puts a lot of pressure on revenues many farmers are facing.”

Connecting with your agent is key  

During this time of uncertainty, Nationwide and your local Nationwide farm agent are working hard to help farmers maintain the right coverage levels without incurring too much additional cost. Now is time to talk with your agent.

“My immediate concern is making sure you have adequate coverage,” said Nationwide Associate Vice President for Agribusiness Regional Sales Nick McCleish. “We have to make sure the amount of insurance is keeping pace with rising costs.”

McCleish cites a recent example when a farmer had to replace a $75,000 grain cart. But at the time of replacement, the price for that grain cart had surged to $90,000. That meant the farmer paid the additional cost out-of-pocket. “Paying those types of increased costs become much more difficult if you don’t keep your policy updated,” McCleish said. 

Adding inflation guard coverage can help

The optional inflation guard coverage can help prevent such revenue losses by increasing dwelling and structure coverage limits at policy renewal. Also known as Construction Cost Adjustment, it helps to account for inflation in replacement or construction costs based on appraisals.

But inflation guard doesn’t always cover all additional costs. It’s important to have a good idea of costs for things like building materials and equipment ahead of time. Then match coverage levels to potential unexpected replacement or repair needs.

“Your insurance should not be a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ type of activity. Keep your agent up to speed on how your operation’s changing. Make sure you’re covered appropriately,” McCleish said. “Have an agent that understands your operation, and uniqueness of what you’re trying to do. Our Farm Certified agents serve that purpose.”

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more expert tips and information from Nationwide. 

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.© 2021 Nationwide

Maryland Farm Bureau Discusses Legislative Wins

Maryland Farm Bureau Discusses Legislative Wins
Group Was Able to Stop Bills Harmful to Agriculture

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (April 18, 2022) — Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) followed 139 bills during the 2022 General Assembly, which ended this week. Of those, MDFB supported 65 — on issues like wildlife damage to crops; supporting urban agriculture; and right-to-repair farm implements — and opposed 19. Of the 65 supported, 29 passed. Of the 19 opposed, only three passed and all three were significantly amended to either remove MDFB’s opposition or lessen the impact to farmers. 

“The 2022 legislative session has been interesting, to say the least,” said Colby Ferguson, MDFB director of government and public relations. “It all started with a December special session to review and vote on a new congressional district map — which caused some changes this year to the process of setting policy — and ended with many wins for Maryland farmers.”

During the session, MDFB held a virtual Day in Annapolis where Farm Bureau members discussed priority bills with legislators and met with Governor Larry Hogan. Here are the results of those bills: 

Bills supported by MDFB:

  • HB558/SB296: Adding “farm camping” to the agritourism state definition. Both bills passed and await the Governor’s signature.
  • HB855/SB942: Urban Agriculture Water and Power Infrastructure Program. Both bills passed and await the Governor’s signature.
  • HB562: Right-to-Repair – Farm Equipment. Bill died in committee.
  • HB1216: Urban Agriculture Grant Program. Bill died on the Senate floor on Sin E Die.
  • HB1002/SB800: Sales & Use Tax Exemption for Farm Electricity. Both bills died in the House committee.
  • HB592/SB497: Deer management permits on state-owned land statewide. House bill passed and awaits the Governor’s signature.
  • HB682/SB427: Baltimore County groundhog hunting permit exemption. Both bills passed and await the Governor’s signature.
  • HB956/SB582: Landowner liability exemption for allowing hunting. Both bills passed and await the Governor’s signature.

Bills opposed by MDFB:

  • HB11:  RPS Tier 1 renewables – removal of biomass energy. Bill died in committee.
  • HB387/SB268: Transfer of the regulation of pesticides from MDA to MDE. Both bills died in committee.
  • HB596/SB783: Environmental rights – Constitutional Amendment. Both bills died in committee.
  • HB798: Community Healthy Air Act. Bill died in committee.
  • HB496/SB275: Family Medical Leave Insurance Program. Both bills passed but were amended to exempt employers of less than 15 employees and employees that work less than 680 hours annually.

“During the 2022 legislative session, Maryland Farm Bureau worked diligently to ensure the voice of our members was heard as we worked to protect and grow Maryland agriculture and preserve rural life,” said Ferguson. 

The total number of bills introduced this session in Maryland was 1,487 House bills and 1,011 Senate bills.

MDFB members are invited to its annual Day in Annapolis and given weekly legislative updates or calls-to-action during session. Visit members.mdfarmbureau.com for membership information.

# # #

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Amber Pearson | Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications)

573.268.6853 | amber@tsncommunications.com

Benefits of farm equipment asset tracking

Benefits of farm equipment asset tracking

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Businesses have employed an evolving range of asset tracking tools to help keep track of things like equipment and product inventory since the 1960s. Today, asset tracking is readily available to farmers challenged by managing growing farm machinery and equipment lineups.

Asset tracking platforms like Zubie Asset Trak offer farmers benefits in both the short and long term. And with today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to create value and ROI from proactive asset tracking. 

Know farm equipment whereabouts and improve field operations 

If your farm’s growing, that may mean a lot more farm machinery and equipment than in the past. Whether it’s in the field, in the farm shop or anywhere in between, asset tracking creates a new set of eyes for your equipment.

A system like Zubie’s provides real-time location data so you always know where farm equipment is located. During the busy seasons of planting or harvest, this data enables you to make informed short-term decisions in scheduling field operations and managing workers to maximize productivity.

There’s a protective component to asset tracking, too. Systems like Zubie Asset Trak enable the user to create “geofences” that dictate where equipment can be operated. If a piece of equipment is outside that fence, the operator may be working in the wrong place or the equipment has fallen into the wrong hands. Asset tracking enables you to take the right corrective action, whether it’s a simple phone call to an operator or alerting the authorities that your equipment may have been stolen.

Get up to 15% off Zubie Asset Trak devices

Now is a good time to consider adding asset tracking to your growing equipment and machinery lineups. Through an exclusive discount, Nationwide farm policyholders can get up to 15% off Zubie Asset Trak devices and 1- to 3-year service subscriptions without sharing policy information.

Email nationwide@zubie.com to learn more about Zubie Asset Trak and how to integrate the technology into your farm or ranch.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more expert tips and information from Nationwide. 

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.© 2021 Nationwide

Celebrating National Ag Day today and every day

Celebrating National Ag Day today and every day

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

National Ag Day is celebrated March 22 this year and is the perfect time to recognize the hard-working men and women of American agriculture for all they do. From keeping us fed, clothed and fueled to being the economic engine that powers rural communities, they provide so much to everyday life. That alone is something to be celebrated. But so is the fact the agriculture sector is always adjusting and evolving to keep up with ever-changing needs of customers. At Nationwide, we are too. 

Evolving Together

Technology is evolving faster than ever in agriculture today. Crop farmers, for example, are using new tools to improve crop productivity, reduce environmental impacts and improve worker safety. Other innovations help livestock producers improve animal health, work more efficiently and improve environmental sustainability. Agribusinesses are evolving how they connect with farmers and ranchers through things like digital platforms and telematics.

Staying up on advances like these can be a challenge. Nationwide is committed to helping farmers and ranchers stay ahead of today’s fast pace of evolving technology and how it affects their operations.

“Farmers and ranchers today have incredible technology at their disposal. But it can sometimes be difficult to identify what’s truly needed to make real improvements at the farm level,” said Brad Liggett, President of Nationwide Agribusiness. “Nationwide is committed to helping our customers be resilient and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.”

Working to protect your next

This year, we’re celebrating National AgricultureDay by doubling down on our commitment to protect your next. It’s a role that entails not just providing the right insurance products and services but also staying on the leading edge of technology, tools and practices farmers and ranchers depend on to get their jobs done, today and tomorrow.

“Protecting your next means being there for today and being ready for tomorrow,” Liggett said. “At Nationwide, we are always challenging ourselves to make sure we’re providing the products and services that will enable farmers and ranchers to do what they do best. And protecting your next is a big part of our commitment to the farm and ranch families and agribusinesses we serve.”. 

Ag Day every day 

National Ag Day is just one day out of the year. But for the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S., it’s a daily commitment that has no end. Throughout the month of March, Nationwide is hosting a series of company-wide employee events to highlight the diversity of ag across the U.S.and to celebrate Nationwide’s longstanding ag heritage.
 
“We want National Ag Day to be about showing the world just how connected agriculture is to everyone’s daily lives,” Liggett said. “But it’s just one of 365 days a year that we spend looking ahead to make sure we’re meeting the insurance and risk management needs of farm and ranch families, today and well into the future.” ThisNational AgricultureDay, let’s plan how to protect your next together. Get in touchwith a Nationwide Farm Certified agent or visit NationwideAgribusiness.comto get started.
 

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.© 2021 Nationwide

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