- Ben Kalthoff
ENHANCED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
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Having an agent who understands the intricacies of farming is a huge asset "
- Ben Kalthoff
Ben Kalthoff and his wife , Kate , own and operate a local dairy farm . On any given day , they are managing a herd of 85 cows , including raising all their replacement heifers and cultivating all their feed on a lot of approximately 225 acres . It ’ s hard work , but their active involvement and hands-on approach ensures the highest quality care and nutrition for their livestock , which we can all appreciate translates to high-quality dairy products . Having both grown up farming , the Kalthoffs said their decision to continue on with agriculture as adults has been driven by a shared desire to provide their children with the same enriching farm life they experienced growing up .
Fourteen years ago , the Kalthoffs recruited Nesbit Agencies to participate in the insurance aspects of their farming journey , at which time Ben decided to start working with old family friend and Nesbit Agent Ruth Ann Heinen in a professional capacity . “ We started with our agent when we bought our first house and vehicles ,” Ben recalls .
Insuring his first vehicle — a Ford F-150 — was a particularly memorable experience for Ben . “ It wasn ’ t planned . We stopped at a small dealer , test drove a truck , and after that , I didn ’ t want to let it go . So , I called Ruth Ann , and she came out to me and got the vehicle covered so I could drive it home .” Her immediate response and personal touch exemplify the level of service Ben and his family have come to expect from Nesbit Agencies .
Ben values the communication and knowledge Ruth Ann brings to the table . “ Ruth Ann has been very easy to get a hold of and talk to . She is a friendly voice , always knowledgeable in all areas . If there are any questions , she finds the answer . Being from a farm herself , Ruth Ann understands the farming operation , which makes communication easy .” Her understanding of their unique needs has reassured the Kalthoffs and contributed well to their seamless insurance experience .
Of course , running a dairy farm comes with challenges , and the Kalthoffs have faced their fair share . The family has been particularly affected by the significant fluctuations in milk prices . “ It has been a challenge to get through ,” Ben states . “ We ’ ve had to reevaluate priorities and manage things extremely closely .”
But they ’ ve taken it in stride . “ We don ’ t spend extra , and we take care of our needs and cows first so they keep taking care of us ,” Ben relates . His family ’ s pragmatic approach has helped them to navigate the volatile market conditions and promote the farm ’ s sustainability .
Over time , the Kalthoffs have made significant improvements to their operation , gradually adding essential equipment to increase efficiency and productivity . “ We started out with very little equipment ,” Ben explains , “ but each year , we have been adding some type of equipment .” The family began by implementing what was most needed to save time and money — drive-by feeding — followed by the purchase of a total mixed ration ( TMR ) mixer and adding grain bins .
The Kalthoffs ’ long-term goal is to pass the farm on to one of their children or to sell it to another couple . By doing so , they will honor and work to continue on the legacy of the previous owner , who wanted to see the farm stay active . “ We purchased this place from a farmer that wanted to see the farm be passed on and keep going ,” Ben says . “ It meant a great deal to him , which makes us want to do the same ."
In the meantime , Ruth Ann and Nesbit Agencies will continue to be instrumental in providing peace of mind for the Kalthoffs . For Ben and his family , having an agent who understands the intricacies of farming is a huge asset . “ Ruth Ann is from a farm also ,” notes Ben , “ so she sees things from a farmer ’ s point of view and knows how the farming operation works , which makes things really easy to communicate .” Ben also appreciates Ruth Ann ’ s willingness to go above and beyond by making herself available to assist with his family ’ s insurance needs even on her days off .
Overall , the Kalthoffs ’ experience with Nesbit Agencies has been overwhelmingly positive . “ I would recommend going through Nesbit Agencies ,” he imparts to anyone in the market to purchase or renew an insurance policy . “ Find a local agent and begin the process ,” he says . “ It was easy to get started , and now that we are part of this agency , it ’ s easy to keep up to date and current with all coverages .”
Reflecting on their journey , Ben and his wife are proud of what they have accomplished . Having successfully navigated numerous challenges , made significant improvements to their operation , and built a strong foundation for the next generation , they remain optimistic about what the future holds for their family and their farm . We at Nesbit are fortunate to have been a part of their journey thus far , and we look forward to helping them navigate the changing insurance landscape as their operation continues to grow . +
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