FARMING RISKS
a sophisticated , functional business operation . Keep in mind , if you aren ’ t great at crunching numbers or making sales , you can always find a business partner or hire an employee to absorb some of the business-related tasks .
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
Businesses in every industry face legal risks the second they open their doors . Everything from logo trademarks to bad business deals can bring lawsuits to your barn doors . Legal work is a very detailed and niche profession , but even without having attended law school , you can manage mitigating legal risks as a business owner .
How To Mitigate
Having the right insurance for your farm needs and working with licensed attorneys can reduce the threat of legal implications before they happen and provide protection after the fact , too . With good business practices and an integrity-filled approach , the hope is that you never have to rely on lawyers or insurance to resolve an issue . But if an issue ever gets to a point where you need either of those things , you ’ ll be incredibly glad to have them .
PEOPLE-RELATED RISKS
Farms are so much more than crops and cows . Whether it ’ s customers that can come pick their own fruit or an employee that helps you during the busy season , farmers come face-to-face with many people-related risks . Injuries from operating heavy machinery , falling off a ladder , or picking up heavy containers are just a few of the ways people can be put in harm ’ s way on a farm .
How To Mitigate
When it comes to injuries , prevention is the best practice . Having strict safety standards in place on your farm should be a top priority . Keep customers in places where they won ’ t come into contact with heavy machinery or other hazards , train your employees on safety regulations , and stay on top of any maintenance needed for your tools , machines , or crops . Keeping people safe is of the utmost importance !
FARMERS WEAR MANY HATS
At General Insurance Services , we work with farmers all over Indiana and surrounding areas to keep their farms safe , keep their people safe , and keep them safe , too . We ’ re here when things go wrong , but we ’ re even more committed to helping things go right in the first place . As a farmer , you ’ ll wear many hats for the rest of your career , but , in the interest of safety , the “ risk management hat ” should be up there right next to your farmer ’ s hat . +
Matt Garrett has lived in Laporte all of his life and has strong roots in the community . After graduating from Laporte High School , he pursued higher education at Purdue University . Currently , Matt lives in Laporte with his wife , Kori , whom he has been married to for 25 years . They are proud parents of two sons , Wade and Gavin . With 25 years of experience in the insurance industry , Matt has held several roles and specializes in delivering top-notch commercial and agricultural insurance solutions . When he ’ s not working , Matt enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors .
ATTORNEYS AT LAW James W . Kaminski William S . Kaminski David P . Jones Matthew J . Hagenow Kristina J . Jacobucci
Nicholas T . Otis Anthony G . Novak Alyssa N . Speichert Kayleen M . Teufel
Martin W . Kus , Senior Counsel
916 Lincolnway • La Porte , IN 46350 • P : ( 219 ) 362-1577 MICHIGAN CITY P : ( 219 ) 879-6300