FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scottsdale, AZ (February 2, 2024) – The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) has elected Lindsey Rinkenberger as chairwoman for 2024-2025.

Rinkenberger served as the director of commercial agribusiness underwriting operations at COUNTRY Financial® since 2020. Prior to that she held various positions at the company, starting as a crop insurance underwriter in 2002. She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications and media studies.

“I am proud to step into the this new position and I look forward to working with all CIRB members this year as we work to ensure crop insurance remains the most effective and efficient way to deliver risk management to farmers across the country,” Rinkenberger said.

As a CIRB member, she most recently served as vice chair under former Chairman Brian Young of Great American Insurance Group. In addition, Rinkenberger was a participant in the second Emerging Leaders Program sponsored by CIRB.

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About CIRB:
Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau
(CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop
insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the
farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop
protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or
to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

WASHIGNTON, DC (December 5, 2023) – The following statement reflects the views of the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, National Crop Insurance Services, and American Association of Crop Insurers:

“The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recently released report is fraught with recommendations that would dismantle the successful public-private partnership that delivers federal crop insurance to America’s hard working farmers and ranchers.

The report contains several recommendations that in the long run would result in reduced participation, diminish the financial soundness of the current program, and reduce the effectiveness of the private-sector delivery system. America’s crop insurers work in partnership with USDA to provide insurance coverage on approximately 500 million crop and rangeland acres and provided approximately $200 billion of financial protection in 2022 to America’s rural economy. This compares to 265 million acres in 2011 and $100 billion in financial protection for the same year.

The industry will continue to review the report, but a few observations are noteworthy at this juncture.

GAO mischaracterizes the economics of the delivery system when it states that “….the increase in crop prices did not increase the workload to sell and service the policy.” This statement ignores the fact that since 2011 the crop insurance industry has worked with USDA to implement both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Both of these pieces of legislation increased the availability of crop insurance products nationwide. New crop insurance products have since been developed along with specialty crop and livestock product expansion. The workload has, in fact, increased to meet the risk management needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.

The report further incorrectly conflates the Standard Reinsurance Agreement’s (SRA) target rate of return with GAO’s realized, market-based return. The SRA target rate of return is a gross revenue measure that excludes expenses. In contrast, GAO’s realized, market-based return is a net revenue measure that includes expenses. Because of this, the two measures are not directly comparable. A further concern is that GAO’s market-based return measures return relative to industry shareholder equity, whereas the SRA target rate of return measures return relative to industry premium volume. Again, the two measures are not directly comparable. Thus, GAO is making an apples to oranges comparison which does not accurately portray the risk borne by the private sector in delivery of the crop insurance program.

It is unfortunate that GAO focused solely on the “cost” side of the equation and missed the opportunity to address the value proposition that is the modern day crop insurance program and the number one priority of major farm and commodity groups in the upcoming Farm Bill.”

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About CIRB:
Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau
(CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop
insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the
farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop
protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or
to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

WASHINGTON, DC (September 8, 2023) – Today, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance
Bureau (CIRB) named 20 industry professionals to its 2023-2024 Emerging Leaders
Program (ELP) class. This is the largest class of Emerging Leaders since the program’s
inception in 2015. The Emerging Leaders Program allows crop insurance and reinsurance
professionals to increase their knowledge of advocacy and communications and provides
networking experiences with industry leaders.

“Through in-depth educational sessions, networking opportunities, and time spent
advocating in Washington, D.C., the Emerging Leaders Program has proven to be
effective in preparing the next generation of leaders in the crop insurance industry. I, along
with the entire CIRB team, look forward to working with this new class in the year ahead,”
said Brian Young, CIRB chairman.

The 2023-2024 CIRB Emerging Leaders Program class includes:
Dustin Bourgois, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
Mara Garris, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
Carolyn Payne, AgriSompo North America
Jake Chamness, AgriSompo North America
Scott Barhorst, Aon
Marin Bozic, Bozic LLC
Brian Davis, COUNTRY Financial
John Grant, COUNTRY Financial
Kate Lewarne, Farmers Mutual Hail
Rafeeq Shaik, Farmers Mutual Hail
Trevor Robins, Farmers Mutual Hail
Zach Hyland, Farm Bureau Financial Services
Jon King, Gallagher Re
Andy Anderson, Guy Carpenter
Joe Voye, Hudson Crop
Steve Milholland, Hudson Crop
Geoff Childress, Rural Community Insurance Services
Matt Bledsoe, Rural Community Insurance Services
Sam Arocho, Rural Community Insurance Services
Weston Kimm, Watts and Associates
Officially kicking off this month, the Emerging Leaders Program offers the opportunity for
participants to join CIRB Executive Committee meetings, to receive media training, and to
learn strategies for effective advocacy for crop insurance.
Click here for more information about the program.

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About CIRB:
Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau
(CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop
insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the
farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop
protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or
to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 4, 2023) – Today, Head of Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS) and Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) member, Jason Meador testified in front of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade. Through his remarks, Meador addressed three key topics to consider as Farm Bill discussions move forward: the intersection of climate and crop insurance, ensuring the funding of disaster programs remain separate from crop insurance funding, and the importance of an effective and efficient 508(h) process to develop new and innovative crop insurance products.

Overall, Meador emphasized the critical role crop insurance plays for farmers across the United States as they manage risk. He urged Congress to maintain program flexibility that allows farmers to make decisions based on the unique challenges facing their region and individual operations, and ensure the future integrity of the program through a continued strong public-private partnership.

“I believe that crop insurance is the best tool available to farmers to manage the risks they face and to protect their livelihoods,” said Meador. “Crop insurance successfully meets the needs of hundreds of thousands of farmers today and we believe can address additional challenges.”

Meador discussed how crop insurance remains farmers’ first line of defense against climate change and natural disasters, reminding decision-makers that any intersection between crop insurance and climate should be incentive-based and crop insurance funds should not be considered as a way to pay for the development of additional disaster programs.

Meador’s testimony aligns with CIRB’s main priority for the upcoming Farm Bill: protect and preserve crop insurance, ensuring that all farmers—whether they are first generation or continuing the family legacy—can utilize this critical risk management tool to ensure the success of their operation for years to come.

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (February 22, 2023) – Today, the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) released farm bill policy recommendations for the 118th Congress. Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Chairman and CEO of Crop Risk Services Brian Young issued the following statement in support:

“Today’s announcement from FACA illustrates the importance of diverse stakeholders collectively working together to find common ground regarding climate smart agriculture policy in the upcoming Farm Bill. As these conversations continue, it is critical to protect the integrity of programs, such as crop insurance, by using reliable data to develop solutions that work for stakeholders across the board – FACA’s recommendations are a step in the right direction.

The bottom line is crop insurance is a critical tool in the toolbox for farmers across the country whether they are just getting their foothold in the industry or are continuing the legacy of generations that came before them. We look forward to continuing to ensure that crop insurance remains farmers’ first defense to challenges associated with climate and extreme weather conditions.”

To read the recommendations, click here.

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (January 30, 2023) The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB), American Association of Crop Insurers (AACI), and National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS), along with 58 additional Crop Insurance Coalition partners, representing farmers, lenders, agricultural input providers, and conservation groups, sent letters to key decision makers in the Administration and Congress opposing cuts to the federal crop insurance program during the upcoming fiscal year 2024 budget and appropriations processes.

“The last several years have brought an onslaught of uncertainty for America’s farmers and ranchers – from weather extremes to the disruptions of international markets to COVID-19 and all of its unique challenges. During this tumultuous time, one of the few certainties that farmers could rely on was the protection provided by the federal crop insurance policy purchased with their hard-earned dollars,” the letter explains.

Last year, farmers and ranchers spent more than $6 billion to purchase crop insurance policies from the private sector through a program regulated by USDA. Private sector companies compete for farmers’ business and quickly deliver assistance to farmers, typically within just a few weeks. The structure of the crop insurance program allows producers to customize their policies to their individual farm and financial needs, while also facilitating additional opportunities for producers to engage in conservation practices.

Click the following links to view the Administration, Budget Committee, and Appropriations Committee letters, respectively.

Background:

The federal crop insurance program is administered through USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Federal crop insurance is structured so that private insurers, the federal government, and individual farmers have a financial stake in the policy, thus ensuring the integrity of the program.

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (August 29, 2022) – Today, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) named 17 industry professionals to its 2022-2023 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) class. This is the largest class of emerging leaders since the program’s inception in 2015. The Emerging Leaders Program allows crop insurance and reinsurance professionals an opportunity to increase their knowledge of advocacy and communications while providing networking experiences with industry leaders.

“I am very proud to welcome this new class of emerging leaders,” said Brian Young, CIRB chairman. “The enthusiasm around CIRB’s Emerging Leaders Program is growing within the crop insurance community, which is illustrated by this record-breaking class. This program is a benefit of being a CIRB member, and I highly encourage all CIRB members to participate.”

The program officially kicks off in September with an “Introduction to CIRB” webinar led by Deputy Executive Vice President Tara Smith. The Emerging Leaders Program allows participants to experience multiple Executive Committee meetings, learn how to effectively advocate for the crop insurance industry with “lobby 101” seminars in Washington, D.C., and receive traditional and social media training. New to the program this year is instruction on utilizing LinkedIn to share the story of crop insurance.

The 2022-2023 CIRB Emerging Leaders Program Class includes:

  • Elizabeth Mauch, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
  • Kaia Peterson, American Agricultural Insurance Company
  • Christa Luebke, AgriSompo North America
  • Ryan Johnston, AgriSompo North America
  • Kyle Simpsen, COUNTRY Financial
  • Matthew Miller, COUNTRY Financial
  • Jessica Carter, Crop Risk Services
  • Sara Wall, Crop Risk Services
  • Travis Krinkie, Crop Risk Services
  • Landon Shafer, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
  • Molly Eastman, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
  • Blaine Hanf, Hudson Crop
  • Adam Livers, Hudson Crop
  • Laura Stodola, Rural Community Insurance Services
  • Meg Yandell, Rural Community Insurance Services
  • Serena Navarro, Rural Community Insurance Services
  • John Kuhling, Watts and Associates

You can learn more about the new class at www.cropinsurance.org/emerging-leaders-program/. Please contact Perry Harlow with any questions about the program.

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection.  Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org.  To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (July 20, 2022) – Today, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) member Bob Haney testified in front of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management on the importance of crop insurance and the vital role it plays in providing risk management to farmers and ranchers across the country. Haney, Executive Chairman of Approved Insurance Provider (AIP) AgriSompo North America, stressed the importance of continued support for the current “3-legged stool” crop insurance model, as well as continued flexibility for farmers to ensure coverage allows them to make the best decisions for their business and the environment alike.

Crop insurance, in its current form, is designed through a model in which AIPs and the federal government share in the risk of the policies. Farmers pay a premium and must meet a deductible before receiving a payment. Thereby, all three parties have a financial stake in ensuring the success and integrity of the program.

“This ‘3-legged stool’ concept is the key to the success of the crop insurance program, which is envied around the world as a fair and successful means of supporting agricultural production and our food supply,” said Haney. “As it currently stands, crop insurance successfully meets the needs of hundreds of thousands of farmers, and we believe the program can be used to solve future challenges in agriculture.”

Crop insurance allows farmers and ranchers, of diverse scale and business model, to evaluate their needs and choose a product that works for them. This flexibility to mitigate risk has direct impact on growers’ ability to invest in and implement climate-smart practices.

“As an industry, we want to continue to be farmers’ first line of defense against climate change, while offering them the flexibility to implement conservation practices in a way that maintains the integrity of the program,” said CIRB Deputy Executive Vice President Tara Smith.

In his testimony, Haney shared that maintaining the intended structure of the program, safeguarding current funding, and incentive-based options are essential as lawmakers discuss the intersection of climate and crop insurance.

“Crop insurance is a critical tool for farmers as they adapt to changing climate pressures. Weakening the program in any way will do more harm to farmers coping with weather and climate challenges, and will only increase the need for ad-hoc disaster programs,” said Haney.

As conversations regarding the upcoming farm bill continue, CIRB stands ready to ensure that crop insurance, as it currently stands, remains a viable tool for farmers and ranchers across the country.

 

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (March 29, 2022) – The President this week released his proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget that fully funds the federal crop insurance program in recognition of the indispensable role that crop insurance plays in the farm safety net.

The release of the FY 2023 Budget follows a letter sent to OMB and the Secretary of Agriculture by 55 farming, banking, and conservation organizations asking that the administration protect crop insurance from harmful budget cuts.

The American Association of Crop Insurers, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, Crop Insurance Professionals Association, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, and National Crop Insurance Services released the following joint statement:

“America’s farmers and ranchers feed our nation, grow the fibers that clothe us, and provide an important economic driver for our rural communities. Over the past several years, crop insurance has helped farmers navigate the challenges posed by weather disasters, supply chain disruptions, and uncertain markets. The Administration has recognized the importance of crop insurance as a critical risk management tool by fully funding crop insurance in its FY 2023 budget.

“The crop insurance program works for farmers and taxpayers alike:

  • By delivering aid quickly and efficiently, crop insurance continues to earn the trust of America’s farmers, protecting more than 90 percent of America’s planted crop land acres.
  • Farmers invest in their own protection. Last year, farmers spent $5 billion to purchase crop insurance and then shouldered a significant portion of losses through deductibles.
  • Crop insurance complements farmers’ efforts to invest in conservation and climate-smart farming practices.
  • The federal government spends less than a quarter of 1% of its budget on the farm safety net, including crop insurance, making this a worthwhile investment to protect the world’s most affordable and safe food and fiber supply.

“We appreciate this Administration for fully funding crop insurance in its proposed budget. We urge Congress to follow suit by protecting and strengthening crop insurance.”

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (January 28, 2022) – Fifty-five partners of the Crop Insurance Coalition, representing farmers, lenders, agricultural input providers, and conservation groups sent letters to key lawmakers and the Administration opposing cuts to crop insurance during the upcoming fiscal year 2023 budget process.

 

 

“It is no accident that the most recent farm bills emphasized risk management, and in doing so, protected the interests of American taxpayers.  Farmers spend as much as $4 billion per year of their own money to purchase insurance from the private sector.  On average, farmers also must incur losses of almost 30 percent before their insurance coverage pays an indemnity.  Crop insurance allows producers to customize their policies to their individual farm and financial needs and policies are based on fundamental market principles, which means higher risk areas and higher value crops pay higher premiums for insurance. Crop insurance and its links to conservation further ensure that the program is a good investment for taxpayers,” the letter explains.

 

Please contact CIRB Deputy Executive Vice President Tara Smith at tsmith@torreydc.com with any questions.

 

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection.  Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org.  To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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WASHINGTON, DC (February 23, 2021) – Fifty-eight partners of the Crop Insurance Coalition, representing farmers, lenders, agricultural input providers, and conservation groups sent letters to key lawmakers and the Administration opposing cuts to crop insurance during the upcoming fiscal year 2022 budget process.

“Even in good years, farmers need access to a strong and secure Federal crop insurance program, a program that farmers have described time and again as a critical linchpin of the farm safety net.  The strength and predictability of the program is only more critical given the uncertainty that characterizes the production agriculture sector. USDA and Congress have taken extraordinary ad hoc measures over the past three years to ensure the financial security of rural America.  It would only serve to undercut these efforts to propose harmful changes to a crop insurance program that provides predictable, within-budget assistance to farmers in a way that helps lenders continue to support America’s farmers and ranchers. It is the certainty of the crop insurance program that provides critical reassurance to lenders,” the letter explains.

Please contact CIRB Federal Affairs Vice President Tara Smith at tsmith@torreydc.com with any questions.

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About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection.  Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org.  To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

Washington, D.C. (February 22, 2021) – The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) today announced an expanded Steering Committee including the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB). Other Steering Committee members include: American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Seed Trade Association, American Sugar Alliance, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Ducks Unlimited, Environmental Defense Fund, Farm Credit Council, FMI – The Food Industry Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Produce Marketing Association, and USA Rice Federation. A full list of FACA’s 43 members can be found at AgClimateAlliance.com.

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance consists of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation section, state government, sportsmen, and environmental advocates. These groups have broken through historical barriers to develop and promote shared climate policy priorities across agriculture, food, and forestry value chains.

“CIRB is proud to work with the others in FACA to ensure that crop insurance is a part of climate solutions for the future, while also ensuring that these solutions maintain the underlying integrity of the program and the principle of actuarial soundness,” noted Michael Torrey, Executive Vice President of CIRB.

The work of FACA will uphold three key principles:

  • Agricultural and forestry climate policies must be built upon voluntary, incentive-based programs and market-driven opportunities;
  • They must promote resilience and adaptation in rural communities; and
  • They must be science-based.

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About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection.  Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org.  To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau’s (CIRB) Chairman, Zane Vaughn of ARMtech, presented Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) with the crop insurance industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Chairman Roberts is considered to be the father of the modern crop insurance program and is the only Member of Congress to serve as Chairman of both House and Senate Agriculture Committees. He most recently worked to pass the 2018 Farm Bill with the largest vote count in history. CIRB’s Chairman presented the award during the 2020 CIRB Annual Meeting, in Bonita Springs, FL.

“Crop insurance is the anchor of the farm safety net, but it hasn’t always been that way.  Through Chairman Roberts’ vision, perseverance and endless wit and sense of humor, he drove a shift in farm policy that is almost unprecedented,” stated CIRB Chairman Zane Vaughn of ARMtech. “This industry, America’s farmers and ranchers, and others throughout rural America owe a great debt of gratitude to Chairman Roberts for his belief in a better system of risk management.”

“I’m honored to receive the crop insurance industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and I would be remiss if I did not dedicate it to the hard-working men and women who have always been there to remind me of the importance of the farmer’s risk management toolkit. Thank you for all you do—and will continue to do—for farmers, ranchers, growers, and rural communities,” said Roberts. “No matter where I travel across the country, the number one refrain I hear is, ‘protect crop insurance.’ That’s why I have made it a priority during my time in Congress, and I’m pleased that together we have fended off multiple attempts to cut and harm the program.”

For more information about CIRB’s Annual Meeting, including interviews and photos of the event, visit cropinsurance.org/events or contact Kerry Lynch at klynch@torreydc.com.

Washington (February 10, 2020) – The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released President Trump’s FY 2021 budget proposal which includes significant cuts to crop insurance. Click here to read a joint statement from the six crop insurance industry organizations in response to the proposal.

WASHINGTON (December 13, 2019)– The Crop Insurance Coalition, led by the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB), sent a proactive letter of 57 national farm, lending, ag input, conservation, and insurance organizations to the Administration opposing cuts to crop insurance during the FY 2021 budget process.

The letter states:

“For good reason, the state of the agricultural economy has been the subject of numerous recent hearings, reports, and media coverage. Cash crop receipts have dropped more than $34 billion since 2012, and despite a recent bump in net farm income this year, net farm income is still down $44 billion from 2013 in inflation-adjusted dollars. Multiple years of hardship have taken their toll on farm families across the country. Farm debt has increased 55 percent over the last decade, and now stands at $415 billion. Moreover, inflation-adjusted farm debt is at a level just shy of the record set prior to the farm financial crash of the early 1980’s. More farms are struggling to service this debt and as a result, farm bankruptcies have increased 24 percent since just last year.

Given this picture of the agricultural economy, now is not the time to make cuts to crop insurance, a program that farmers have described time and again as a linchpin of the farm safety net. This Administration has gone the extra mile during these difficult times to provide much-needed aid to farmers suffering from unfair retaliatory tariffs from China through ad hoc assistance such as the Market Facilitation Program. It would undercut these efforts to then recommend cuts to a program such as crop insurance that provides predictable, on-budget assistance to farmers in a way that helps lenders continue to support America’s farmers and ranchers. No other piece of the farm safety net can provide this reassurance to lenders.”

Please contact CIRB Federal Affairs Vice President Tara Smith at tsmith@torreydc.com with any questions about the letter or the Crop Insurance Coalition.

Washington, D.C.- Today, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) named 13 industry professionals to its 2019-2020 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) class. In its 5th year, this will be the largest class to date, with participants selected from CIRB’s membership. The program gives the opportunity for selected professionals to increase their knowledge of advocacy and communications while providing networking experiences with industry leaders.

“The development and growth of the ELP program is just one of the many ways CIRB is a leader for the industry in shaping crop insurance advocacy,” said Zane Vaughn, CIRB Chairman. “I encourage all industry professionals to take advantage of this unique experience which provides a well-rounded curriculum.”

The program, which officially kicks off in September, allows participants to experience multiple Executive Committee meetings, learn how to effectively advocate for the industry with “lobby 101” seminars in Washington and receive media training and social media guidance. New to the curriculum this year is a reinsurance webinar for participants to learn more about the history and functions within the reinsurance industry.

The 2019-2020 CIRB Emerging Leaders Program class includes:

  • Neely Phelps, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services, Inc
  • Jay Mark, ARMtech Insurance Services
  • Craig Conroy, COUNTRY Financial
  • Matthew Miller, COUNTRY Financial
  • David Stewart, Crop Risk Services
  • Cade Stockberger, Crop Risk Services
  • Zach Allsup, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
  • Chad Simon, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
  • Duane Hynes, Holborn
  • Jaya Hahn, Hudson Crop Insurance, Inc
  • Alexis Schroeder, Hudson Crop Insurance, Inc
  • Mat Brueggeman, Rural Community Insurance Services
  • Robert Rankin, Rural Community Insurance Services

You can learn more about the program and the new class at: cropinsurance.org/emerging-leaders-program/

Throughout the year, CIRB will spotlight members of the 2018-19 Emerging Leaders Program and share about their experience in the program.
Emerging Leaders Spotlight: RJ Brinkmeyer
Strategic Accounts Manager, Farmers Mutual Hail

Crop insurance has always been a part of RJ Brinkmeyer’s life. A 2nd generation crop insurance professional, RJ and his brother once co-owned a crop insurance agency which was started by their father in 1966.

In 2011, Brinkmeyer took an unexpected job opportunity with Farmers Mutual Hail as a Field Supervisor, overseeing sales for nine counties in Central Iowa. From there, he quickly moved up and in 2015, became the Strategic Accounts Manager for the state.
Last week, Brinkmeyer joined his fellow ELP’s on Capitol Hill to meet with Members of the House and Senate and advocate for crop insurance. He and his team met with Reps. Finkenauer (D-IA), Davis (R-IL), Adams (D-NC), Rouzer (R-NC), Bacon (R-NE) and Johnson (R-SD), Senator Tillis (R-NC) and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS). “I find that Hill visits are much like making a sales call in the industry,” Brinkmeyer reflected. “You take time to get to know the Representative you are calling on. You prepare the key points you want to deliver and leave additional resources for them to learn more. Then you close by asking what questions they have for you and see if you can be of service to them.”
This wasn’t Brinkmeyer’s first time visiting Capitol Hill though. As a junior in high school, Brinkmeyer was selected to represent his county at Rural Electric Cooperatives Youth Delegation. It was there that he met Senator Chuck Grassley, who was serving in his first term. Brinkmeyer and his wife, Bridgette, have three daughters and two grandchildren and reside in Hubbard, IA.
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip up-and-coming professionals on key policy issues and prepare them to be effective advocates for the crop insurance industry. All participants are employees of CIRB’s growing membership, which includes both crop insurance and reinsurance companies.
Throughout the year, CIRB will spotlight members of the 2018-19 Emerging Leaders Program and share about their experience in the program.
Emerging Leaders Spotlight: Ryan Kramer
Assistant Vice President- Compliance Manager, Farmers Mutual Hail
Ryan Kramer began his crop insurance career early in life, as he worked as a part-time underwriter in high school and college. From there, Kramer moved up the ladder, serving as a Senior Underwriter, Underwriting Supervisor and Compliance Manager before landing in his role as Assistant Vice President-Compliance Manager at Farmers Mutual Hail.
Kramer’s role gives him an unique opportunity to promote program integrity. He serves as a bridge between government officials and agents or producers, which gives him unique insights into the value of the crop insurance program. “Each stakeholder in the program, whether a producer, agent, Approved Insurance Provider, or member of Congress working on the Farm Bill has, in my experience, valid concerns and opinions of the program. […] I try to bridge the gap to provide an understanding to both sides,” said Kramer.
This week, members of the Emerging Leaders Program met with their Congressional representatives in their district offices. Kramer and two other ELPs met with the office staff of Congresswoman Axne (D-IA-02) to advocate to protect the program. “Our [ELP] experience has equipped us with real examples of how risk management tools provide peace of mind to producers, even during times of variability in the agricultural market,” said Kramer. “Those experiences help us communicate to lawmakers how the crop insurance program supports their valued constituency.”
Kramer grew up in central Minnesota and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He resides in the Des Moines area and enjoys spending his free time camping, canoeing and kayaking. Follow him on Twitter at @jryan_kramer.
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip up-and-coming professionals on key policy issues and prepare them to be effective advocates for the crop insurance industry. All participants are employees of CIRB’s growing membership, which includes both crop insurance and reinsurance companies.

Throughout the year, CIRB will spotlight members of the 2018-19 Emerging Leaders Program and share about their experience in the program.

Chelsea Abrahamson
Crop Marketing Specialist, Farm Bureau Financial Services
Chelsea Abrahamson started her career in crop insurance in 2012 as an underwriter. She joined Farm Bureau Financial Services in 2017 and serves as a Crop Marketing Specialist. In her current role, Abrahamson educates agents and business units on the importance of crop insurance and assists with agent training and partnerships.
Before being selected as an Emerging Leader, Abrahamson was already developing her advocacy skills, attending the 2018 CIRB Fly-In and Policy Conference. “Advocacy is important because there is so much misinformation available regarding crop insurance. Through advocacy we are able to educate those who may not have the resources readily available to understand the true impact crop insurance has on them.”
Next week, Chelsea and fellow ELP Participants will meet with lawmakers’ district offices. “I’m excited about the opportunity to meet with the in-district team for Cindy Axne (D-IA-03). Our class was fortunate to hear from members of the Crop Insurance Coalition in November and learn how to best advocate for crop insurance when we meet with Members of Congress. Having this experience is key as we prepare to advocate in our own districts.”
Originally from rural South Dakota, Chelsea has a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University.  She and her husband live in Urbandale, IA. Follow her on twitter at @chelsea_abe.
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip up-and-coming professionals on key policy issues and prepare them to be effective advocates for the crop insurance industry. All participants are employees of CIRB’s growing membership, which includes both crop insurance and reinsurance companies.

WASHINGTON (March 11, 2019)–The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released President Trump’s FY 2020 budget proposal which includes significant cuts to crop insurance. The cuts this year total $25.83 billion over 10 years. Click here to read a joint statement from the six crop insurance industry organizations in response to the proposal.