nationwide Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Maryland Farm Bureau

Tag: nationwide

Improving farm fuel economy with telematics in commercial agriculture

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

A combination of factors from supply chain disruptions and inflation to conflicts around the world have shaken nerves in the oil market. The resulting higher fuel costs are a massive burden on large farming operations with large vehicle fleets.

There are a lot of things farmers can do to cut fuel bills. Telematics technology is on that list. Telematics offers a whole new toolbox to help keep fuel costs down through:

•Fuel-efficient operation
•Route optimization
•Proactive maintenance

“The ROI becomes clear immediately. Telematics is a way to create a cost benefit,” said Nationwide Agribusiness Senior Risk Management Consultant Brian Hammer. “Without it, you may miss out on an opportunity to manage day-to-day costs.”

Monitor operator behavior
The first way telematics streamlines fuel use is by monitoring operator behavior. This can help you ensure drivers aren’t wasting fuel. Things like excessive idling and driving at high speeds can cut fuel economy drastically.

Excessive idling is just one of the driver behaviors telematics can help you monitor. “It’s important to know you can supervise operators even when you’re not there. Telematics helps you do that,” Hammer said. “How an operator treats a piece of machinery translates directly to how much you spend on fuel.”

Manage route optimization
Without telematics, it’s tough enough to know the location of every truck and machine you operate, let alone optimize travel to minimize fuel use. With it, you can do both. Effective route optimization can save you a lot on fuel.

“Telematics helps you manage route optimization by confirming your trucks are in the right places and taking the shortest, most efficient routes,” Hammer said. “Optimizing your routes is a great way to save on fuel costs. Telematics makes that much easier to do today.”

Maintain performance and efficiency
Telematic data reveals performance and efficiency trends over time. By acting on some of the specific data telematic tools gather —tire pressure, for example —you can lower fuel and maintenance costs over time.

“If you’re not maintaining the right pressure, you lose fuel efficiency in the short term and can shorten the life of your tires in the long term. Telematics helps you plan ahead for replacement, avoid unexpected interruptions and maximize fuel efficiency,” Hammer said. “Keeping an eye on things like this can keep your costs down, both with fuel economy and maintenance.”

Get started with telematics today
Nationwide has partnered with Razor Tracking, a leader in real-time telematics and dashboard camera solutions. Nationwide farm policyholders receive preferred pricing on Razor’s devices and subscription fees. Email nationwide@razortracking.comto connect with a Razor Tracking representative and learn how this technology is right for your business.

Farm safety and volunteer firefighting with Dan Neenan

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

Dan Neenan became a volunteer firefighter in 1991 and quickly saw something that would become a huge part of his career. First responders in small towns like his often didn’t have the training and equipment they needed to save lives on the farm.

So he set out to change that. Now more than 30 years later, Neenan is a paramedic specialist and firefighter II with the Epworth and Centralia/Peosta, Iowa, fire departments. He’s also the director of the National Educational Center for Ag Safety (NECAS). And through a close partnership with Nationwide, he’s been able to deliver what he saw lacking when he first started fighting fires and saving lives.

“There are very few responders available for a fire, medical or agricultural emergency that can happen in and around our rural communities,” said Neenan, who joined the NECAS staff in 2000. “We started by developing safety and rescue programs that are agriculturally based.”

Hands-on training for firefighters and farmers

A huge part of Neenan’s work at NECAS is providing training for rural firefighters and farmers. Much of his instruction is hands-on and involves simulating some of the most hazardous working conditions and settings on and around farms like:

Tractor rollovers
Combine augers
Grain bins
Confined manure storage

“We develop hands-on training programs. Farmers and firefighters are alike in that they don’t want to sit and listen to somebody talk for 8 hours,” Neenan said. “They want to go out and get their hands dirty. And do something.

What Neenan’s work means to farm communities

In the almost 20 years since beginning these programs and simulators, Neenan said it’s not always easy to gauge his success. But with around 10,000 first responders having completed training, it’s clear he’s leading a team that’s making a big difference. And saving lives.

“From the safety side, it’s really hard to count an incident that didn’t happen,” he said. “From the rescue side, it’s a different story. Thirty-two departments have completed our grain bin safety training and have gone on to rescue someone in a bin.”

Neenan has led lifesaving efforts. But he’s quick to point out he’s no hero. To him, he’s just one member of a larger team — including Nationwide — who has made a lifesaving difference in farm towns around the country.

Success takes a team effort

The team aspect of the NECAS work Neenan leads is the biggest reason for its success. It’s not unlike what makes rural firefighters so good at what they do.

“If you look at the partnership we have with Nationwide and all the partners who have come together to donate or help make something like Grain Bin Safety Week happen, do I play a part in it? Yes. Am I the only reason? I don’t think so,” Neenan said. “It takes a team to do that. Just like a fire department.”

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for expert tips and information from Nationwide for your farm or ranch.

*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.

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.

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.

3 Life Insurance Options to Secure Your Farm

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

Life insurance can protect your family and your business in more ways than you might think. If you’re a beginning farmer, it can provide your family with financial stability in your absence. It is also instrumental in helping your farm continue after illness, retirement or if you pass away. It can even help provide needed funds should something happen to one of your operation’s most valuable employees. Here are three examples of how the right life insurance coverage can protect you:

1. Term policies can help beginning farmers

If you’re younger or just beginning your farm, you’ve likely taken on some debt… maybe even a hefty amount of it. After covering your family’s living expenses and paying on your farm’s debt, there may not be much left over in your family’s bank account.

That challenge is exactly why term insurance is so important. Term policies provide life insurance coverage at the lowest cost and can help your family cover your personal or business debts. It can also create an emergency cash fund or provide needed financial support while your family gets back on their feet.

“As a farmer just getting started, you may have incurred personal debt in order to finance the growth of your farm. This debt has a life of its own and will survive your premature passing. This debt means that less of your assets will be available to support your loved ones,” according to Nationwide Advanced Consulting Group DirectorSteve Hamilton. “A level term life insurance policy that protects your family through the life of your loan is an easy and cost-effective way to help make sure your debt does not burden your loved ones after your passing.”

2. Universal life policies for established farmers

If you’re a more established farmer with a higher-value operation, there’s an additional benefit that can come with a permanent life insurance policy. Whether you’re concerned about protecting your family or your savings, universal life policies can provide:

Permanent death benefit protection
Income tax-free death benefits for your family
Additional source of savings with tax benefits
Source of tax-free supplemental income in retirement

“More established farm operators can consider adding a permanent, cash-accumulating life insurance policy to their personal balance sheet,” said Hamilton. “Farms, land and equipment all possess varying degrees of liquidity risk. If your family needs funds quickly after your passing, an asset may not sell quickly or profitably when there’s a lack of demand. Whether the policy allows your family to bide time for a better offeror allows your family to keep the tractor running if you’re not around, a permanent, cash-accumulating life insurance policy can become the cornerstone of a farming family’s financial plan.

3. A survivorship life policy for the future of your farm

When planning the future of your operation, the right life insurance policy can help ease the financial pains of transitioning the farm. A survivorship life insurance policy is an option to consider.

“A buyout of your farm funded with a survivorship life insurance policy can ensure that your farm’s successors have the funds to purchase your operation or that your spouse and children that may not work the farm receive the financial benefits of your life’s work,” Hamilton added. “Even if the next generation is not your successor, a buyout funded with life insurance amongst future or current co-owners can help the farm continue operating while your family is financially taken care of.

”If you’re interested in exploring your life insurance options to secure your family’s or your farm’s financial future, don’t wait.Get connected to a financial specialist who can help protect your farm, family and future by visiting Nationwide.com/YourLand.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2021 Nationwide

3 questions to ask before lending farm & ag equipment to neighbors

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

When her husband Mike passed away in 2020, Jolene Palmer was faced with the task of harvesting the Fairfax, Minnesota, farm family’s corn crop —but she wasn’t alone.

Neighboring farmers eagerly volunteered their time and equipment —58 people, 12 combines, 12 grain carts and 28 semis, to be exact —to help her get the crop in the bin.

“In a total of 15 hours, they harvested 1,100 acres. It really was a true effort,” Palmer said.“It went so smoothly. It was just a huge accomplishment and it really made everybody feel good.”Farmers are well known for helping each other in times of need. Lending equipment or a helping hand to neighbors often takes place without a second thought. But like anything in farming, it’s crucial to do proper planning –weighing any safety, liability and insurance considerations.

Before lending farm & ag equipment, consider this scenario

Say your neighbor rolls over your lent tractor, which is one of the most common accidents in farming. Could you be liable for injuries? Will damages to the tractor be covered under your insurance policy?

Change your production systems

Nationwide’s AVP of Risk Management, Jason Berkland, recommends farmers stop and ask themselves three important questions before lending equipment to assist neighbors, including:

Does my policy extend coverage for rented or lent equipment? Before donating equipment or machinery to help out, confirm any coverage for that equipment with your farm insurance agent.
Is the piece of equipment in good working order? Make sure any machinery or equipment you are lending is well-maintained. That includes having all safety equipment like guards or locks installed and in working order. For additional information on mobile equipment safety, consider our mobile equipment safety training program.
Does the person borrowing the equipment have the experience and ability to run the equipment safely? Confirm who will be operating the equipment and that they have the necessary experience. Also conduct a walk-around together to point out safety features, worn parts and areas to watch while using the equipment.

Change your production systems

As the #1 farm insurer in the U.S.1, Nationwide has been helping farmers in need for nearly a century –so we get it. We just want to make sure that when farmers help other farmers, safeguards are in place to help protect those involved.

Contact your local Nationwide Farm Certified agent to learn more about the risks of lending farm equipment and to confirm you have the proper coverage. This way, you can be confident in helping your neighbors.

Tips to help overcome farm labor shortages

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

Farm labor is a big challenge for many U.S. farmers. Factors like COVID-19 pandemic disruptions have complicated the farm labor issue.

Over half the farmers responding to a recent Purdue University survey say they’ve faced labor shortages in the last two years. Many say they’ve also had difficulty maintaining adequate qualified workforces.

“In 2021, nearly two thirds of respondents said they either had ‘some’ or ‘a lot of difficulty’ in hiring adequate labor compared to just three out of 10 respondents in 2020,” according to the July 2021 update of the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture Ag Economy Barometer report.

Strategies to help maintain peak productivity with the current farm worker shortage:

Explore alternate equipment

If you raise row crops, there may be machinery and equipment that can help you stretch existing labor or replace it altogether. Larger implements, for example, can help you get as much done in the field with fewer workers.

Change your production systems

Switching from conventional tillage to no-till, for example, can cut down on your field operations and required laborers to operate the required machinery.

Think seasonally

You may be able to hire temporary seasonal workers when year-round, full-time employees are in short supply. Doing so can also help cut your overall labor costs.

Explore new technology

Tools like autonomous machinery, drones, telematics and precision ag technology may not completely offset human labor. But they may help you better utilize available (or seasonable) labor. That’s true even if those workers aren’t experienced with running large equipment.

Work with outside labor

Some field operations can be conducted by contract operators like custom applicators or harvest crews. If the cost is justifiable, doing so might mean you don’t have to maintain own labor force year-round.

Offer incentives for current and new workers

Providing benefits like retirement savings options can help retain and attract labor. A financial planner or human relations specialist can help identify the best options for your farm.

Don’t try to solve your agriculture labor shortages alone

Work with your agronomist, lender and other farm stakeholders to identify the changes that will work best on your farm. And check with your Nationwide Farm Certified agent to make sure you have the right coverage options for any major changes to overcome your farm labor challenges.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for expert tips and information from Nationwide to help you navigate the changing agricultural landscape, run a successful business and maintain the safety of your farm operation.

Help prevent dairy farm chemical contamination with these tips

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

In general, consider these steps to help keep chemicals out of your milk:

Monitor and document chemical use
Follow label instructions and dairy best management practices
Conduct regular, frequent inspections of farms and animals
Train workers to properly handle and administer chemicals
Update protocols regularly based on chemicals used

“All workers should be trained. Include education on chemical usage,documentation and proper storage and application,” said Nationwide Agribusiness Senior Risk Management Consultant Lance Reeve. “When a new chemical is introduced, train workers on potential hazards. Account for any special handling requirements and ways to prevent exposure.”

Minimize antibiotic risks

Dairy antibiotics help keep cows healthy and productive. But every farmer must make sure milk is free of even a trace of them before it leaves the farm. Work with a veterinarian and keep detailed records on specific products, their doses and when they’re given. Many antibiotics have labeled withdrawal periods. Observe those times to help keep them out of the consumer dairy supply chain.

“Review records regularly with a veterinarian who visits the farm,” Reeve said. “All farm workers need to know the importance of following protocols for antibiotic use. This training is vital to preventing cross-contamination.”

Build a chemical control program

There are a lot of other chemicals used on dairy farms. Account for the following product types in a chemical control program for your farm:

Cleaners
Sanitizers
Lubricants
Other animal treatments and medications

Your program should include how to take care of potential chemical residues in animals, barns and on equipment. Follow all specific product label instructions or warnings about cross-contamination and safe handling. Finally, have a plan for how you will eliminate those residues.

“Ensure you are appropriately managing all chemicals to protect employees and milk,” Reeve said. “For example, many cleaners are concentrated. If you dilute one before using, follow label instructions. Then, verify and document those steps.”

Don’t take shortcuts

It’s sometimes tough to resist the urge to do things like reuse containers, for example. Doing so can cause exposure even when all other protocols are followed.

A part of managing chemicals on a dairy farm is managing your workforce. Make sure only your workers and other approved personnel are allowed on the farm. Store chemicals securely and allow only trained, authorized workers access to them.

“Every worker on the farm needs to know mishandling chemicals creates a risk to themselves and the milk,” Reeve said. “All workers need general chemical training and education on protocols like safe storage and prohibited uses of unapproved chemicals.”

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

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020.

The information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable.Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any training, materials, suggestions or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company should not be used as the basis for legal advice or other advice but should be confirmed with alternative sources.Nationwide, the Nationwide Nand Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.© 2021 Nationwide

Keep Your Rural Roads Safe

KEEP YOUR RURAL ROADS SAFE

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

Safely navigating large agricultural equipment over rural roads to and from the fields is a challenge for even the best drivers. Nationwide reminds farmers to consider the following rules on the safe operation of equipment to help reduce the risk of motor vehicle collisions.

Basics

Courts uphold agricultural equipment operator rights for road usage, and regulations for size and type usually don’t apply. But still take necessary precautions to prevent serious injury and damage and ensure that your equipment isn’t in violation. You know accidents can happen any time of day, but remember:

Working after dark: Turn on lights, use reflectors or conspicuity tape, display SMV (slow-moving vehicle) sign, consider escort vehicles
Trailer pulling: Don’t rely on power unit lights only; this increases collision risk if lights become obstructed
“Road rules”: Operators must understand driving hazards; regulations include specific training for equipment operation and environment navigation

Left Turns

Operators tend to pull to the right when making wide left turns. Motorists may view this as permission to pass. To prevent accidents:

Use turn signals or hand/arm signals
Check oncoming traffic
Check mirrors and blind spots

Bridges

Before crossing rural bridges:

Ensure appropriate vehicle weight
Allow oncoming traffic to clear the bridge (reduces weight on bridge and provides you space to maneuver)
If tires have large lugs for traction, be cautious of guardrail contact that could inadvertently cause equipment to climb the rail or tip off the bridge

Passing cars

When driving a slow-moving vehicle, never wave a driver to pass. It’s the passing driver’s responsibility to pass – not yours. Also:

Don’t drive on the shoulder; you may sideswipe a passing vehicle if you have to swerve to avoid an oncoming mailbox or obstruction
Drive with the left side of your vehicle to the centerline, even if your equipment extends onto the shoulder; passing drivers should consider safety and the law before passing

Rear-end collisions

Rural road travelers can easily be surprised by a large, slow-moving vehicle — and misjudge their speed and gap distance. To avoid rear-end collisions:

Monitor mirrors for fast-approaching vehicles
Ensure that the vehicle’s warning devices, such as SMV signs, are visible
Consider vehicle escorts on heavily traveled paved roads

For more farm safety tips, contact your local Nationwide farm agent or visit mynsightonline.com.