FARMING RISKS
Get Ahead Of Farming Risks With These 5 Tips
MATT GARRETT BUSINESS RISK ADVISOR , GENERAL INSURANCE SERVICES
BY MATT GARRETT
For farmers , daily life can bring more disasters than most people could handle in a year . Besides surprise weather events and uncontrollable crop diseases wreaking havoc on entire farms , agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States , according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health .
With the odds stacked against them , farmers continue to prevail thanks to critical risk management skills . Many of these skills are learned the hard way . There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to farming . Since every farm is different , it ’ s up to the farmers themselves to protect their crops , their employees , their customers , and even their own household from every risk associated with the industry .
We can ’ t promise that you won ’ t have to navigate hardships as a farmer , but with the right tools , you can work through even the worst situations toward the best outcomes . The number of different risks in farming feels endless , but here are five major risks and ways to manage them before or after they happen :
CROP DISEASE
Threatening food production numbers and the health and safety of all who consume the harvest , crop disease can be one of the most detrimental risks a farmer faces . With changing climates and new viruses and bacteria popping up regularly , fighting crop disease is an uphill battle . Crop losses affect 20 %– 40 % of overall global agricultural productivity , making this a risk that should be regularly addressed , mitigated , and prevented .
How To Mitigate
Many farmers use pesticides or sprays to protect against different pests and diseases that can harm crop production , but those aren ’ t the only ways to get ahead of crop disease . In fact , many consumers now prefer pesticide-free produce , forcing farmers to get even more creative .
Knowledge is the most important combatant in this situation . Figure out which diseases your crops are prone to and prepare according to those findings . Planting disease-resistant or diseasetolerant crops in future years , ensuring optimal harvesting timelines , monitoring plant health , disinfecting equipment regularly , and rotating crops are all effective ways to manage the risk of crop disease .
WEATHER EVENTS
On a global scale , we are seeing all-time records for heat advisories , dealing with some of the most extreme climate conditions humans have ever experienced , and so much more . For farmers who already have to deal with harsh storms and temperature snaps , weather-related risks are rapidly increasing . To make things even more complicated , regional implications add another layer of complexity to weather monitoring and risk management . Tornados in Kansas require a much different approach than fires in California .
How To Mitigate
Understanding your local climate and weather patterns is a critical first step in mitigating weather-related risks , but more than likely , more work will be required to fully protect your crop production and farm health . When possible , opt for seed varieties that are designed to survive certain weather conditions like cold weather or drought .
Beyond that , monitor weather alerts , build a plan for all possible catastrophes , and don ’ t be afraid to get creative . You won ’ t be the first farmer to put a blanket over your crops or build a net to protect them from hail . If all else fails , this is where farming insurance comes in . Losing an entire harvest can be devastating , but with a reliable insurance policy , it ’ s usually survivable .
BUSINESS RISKS
From our experience working with farmers , most were taught how to plant seeds , tend to crops , and run a harvest at the end of growing season . Many were not taught about the business side of farming , but it ’ s just as important to the health of your farm as having the right micronutrients in your soil . Making business relationships , managing the sourcing of supplies , and selling your harvest are all part of a successful farm .
How To Mitigate
It can be hard to step away from the farm for long , but squeezing in some business classes , attending networking events , and brushing up on your financial acumen are all great ways to turn your farm into
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