Vomitoxin in the Corn: Call your agent or office immediately if you discover vitomoxin in your corn. If hauling directly to town, be sure to have the elevator hold a sample if the load has vomitoxin with level 5.1 parts per million or higher. A notice of loss must be submitted to be eligible for a quality loss. Elevator samples must be picked up by an adjuster.
Our News & Events
Women in Farming
Women are the pillar of the rural economy, especially in developing countries. They represent almost half of the world’s farmers. In recent decades these women in farming have expanded their participation in agriculture.
As the primary caretakers of their families and communities, women are also responsible for providing food and nutrition, and they are the link that connects farms and household dining rooms. Some of these women even refer to themselves as “farmhers.”
Did You Know…
- There are 14 women who serve as U.S. commissioners of agriculture.
- The first female commissioner was appointed in 1986.
- Women in farming have a 12.9-billion-dollar economic impact.
- On average, women comprise 43% of the agricultural labor force around the world, but the United States accounts for only 31% of that.
- Native American women were allowed to own land before the colonists.
- Women have had equal inheritance rights only since 1982.
- Women in farming are responsible for two-thirds of the earth’s 600 million livestock keepers.
- Women tend to work longer hours than men, putting their time in domestic work, and the outside agricultural business.
- Women in farming take care of 301,386,860 acres.
Women in Farming: Top Agricultural Commodities
The data is in, and these farmers aren’t just standing by their man; they have taken the reins!
Many women operate farms that primarily grow a combination of different row crops. Running slightly behind those women are the ones who operate beef cattle ranches, or a combination of other animals and livestock.
Empowering Women
The USDA has taken an aggressive role in expanding their interests to a critical part of ranch and farm operations: women in farming.
The USDA has developed many leadership opportunities and new roles that exist solely for women who run the farm and ag business.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees are a critical factor in the day-to-day operations of the FSA. They distribute farm plans and work opportunities at the local level to help local producers.
Research and Promotion programs offered by the USDA is an integral part of agriculture, encouraging women to apply to national boards that oversee a variety of commodities such as eggs, soybeans, lumber, and lamb.
Women in farming can also participate in USDA Advisory Committees, to help shape policies and programs that help in many issues, from emerging markets to animal health.
The USDA has formed a Women in Agricultural Mentoring Network as a way to connect, share experiences, share stories, advice, and more to fellow women in farming. These leadership groups help guide youth organizations and participate in cutting edge research across the country.
Along with the ag mentoring network, these groups can all be found online, on social media, or via the USDA blog.
Are you a woman who farms? Is agriculture your great passion? We’d love to hear your story. For assistance in your insurance needs, consider Wathen Insurance. Give us a call at 765-676-9666,or take a look at the services we offer.
Women in farming is not a new thing, but growing steadily.
Would You Grow Hemp on Your Farm?
Have you thought about the potential for your farm if you grow hemp? Hemp consumption is increasing, due to its highly nutritious properties and because it is a green and sustainable crop.
Hemp used to be a popular and profitable crop in America. We were using it to make everything from ropes to paper. However, cannabis laws changed that when they began to outlaw certain hemp crops in the 1930s.
But hemp has many other uses even today. Its fiber is used to make paper, textiles, plastics, and plywood. Its seeds, rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, are increasingly popular in cereals and salads and are ground to make flour.
Many farmers who grow hemp place their hopes on it, particularly those in areas where large tobacco crops are produced. However, weakening demand has slowed down the sail of hemp. Even corn and soybean prices have halved compared to the beginning of this decade.
What Can You Make with Hemp?
- Clothes
- Food
- Building Blocks
- Nutritious Oils
- Furniture
- Cords
- Paper
- Animal Feed
- Shampoo
- Paint
- Fuels
- Lubricants
- Varnishes
- Geotextiles
- Auto parts
- And more!
Is Hemp the Same Thing as Marijuana?
No. Hemp and marijuana do come from the same plant, but they are completely different strains.
Do You Need Special Equipment to Grow Hemp?
Hemp is an annual crop that typically uses standard farming methods, tools, and equipment.
Can You Grow Hemp Where You Live?
Do you live in an area that has the potential for growth and is conducive to running a hemp business? The states that are taking advantage of the industry right now include Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Iowa, and North Carolina. There are still nine states that have not legalized hemp growing.
Your climate must have distinctive seasons; hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of sunlight and moonlight. The soil doesn’t need to be high quality to grow hemp, but other conditions must be met for best growth. As mentioned, hot days and cold nights are optimal, along with flat fields for proper percolation.
Are Hemp Farmers in High Demand?
Hemp seeds supply is limited, which will slow down production, but the US is looking at 100,000 to 200,000 acres of farmland being devoted to hemp. There is an abundant seed supply outside of the US, but farmers don’t yet know how it will acclimate to certain latitudes and longitudes.
Do You Need Experience?
Yes, hemp growing takes high-level farming experience. First, if there is crop failure due to pests, mildew, or mold, there won’t be any way to get the product to the market.
Additionally, not all farms are equipped to handle all aspects of the hemp growing business. It’s not only growing the hemp that you must consider, but also the appropriate processing and dispensing of the plant.
Did You Know…
The THC limit in a hemp plant is .3, but a farmer might not realize he’s growing hemp with high THC content. If the plant exceeds .3 THC, it is the law that it must be handed over to authorities and destroyed. This is a vital part of hemp growing, so make sure you give it lots of consideration.
Have you been thinking that a hemp crop might be in your future? Give careful thought to crop insurance. Give us a call today at 765-676-9666, and we’ll tell you all about our plans and policies.
Farmer Innovations Around the Farm
No one in the world is more innovative than farmers, and that includes their DIY tools around the farm. From modifying storage space to catching pests once and for all, a farmer will inevitably learn how to maximize time, space, and money. These farmer innovations might just make their way onto your to-do list!
Farmer Innovation: Mousetrap
Having trouble with mice? This farmer innovation is especially efficient. All you need is a mousetrap, cheese (or peanut butter), and a cheesecloth.
One clever farmer was getting tired of meddling mice getting the cheese but not tripping the trap. The issue then became that the mice weren’t making enough movement to trip it. This farmer wrapped some peanut butter in cheesecloth, luring mice in and requiring them to tug on the cheesecloth and thus snapping the trap shut.
Farmer Innovation: The Culvert Cutoff
This farmer innovation is perfect for livestock lovers. If you have livestock, you might really need to use this trick.
This farmer innovation uses a culvert screen to keep young cattle in their place. The culvert screen was made from heavy chains hanging down and welded about eight inches apart. When it hangs horizontally it allows water and debris to pass through but keeps the livestock in.
Farmer Innovation: Extra Storage
Farmers can never have enough storage, and this farmer-designed planter wheel storage idea is quite unique.
A farmer in South Dakota welded scrap iron into a T-shape and bolted it to the side of the wheel of his planter. Now, when something unexpected happens, he switches the broken wheel for a new one within five minutes. It’s a quick and easy workaround, and he replaces the bearings in his shop the next day. This rancher revolution is quite the time-saver, which is why it made the list of our best farmer innovations this season.
Farmer Innovation: Loading Tip
Another storage tip comes from a farmer in Illinois. He spent four hours modifying a planter for seed tender hopper cover lids. This way, he has convenient storage right alongside his seed tender. He no longer has to leave the lids behind anymore, and they come in handy if it starts to rain.
Farmer Innovation: Floater Tires=Mineral Feeders
Have any floater tires lying around the farmland? Try using them as mineral feeders. An Ohio farmer realized that if he stood them upright, they wouldn’t fall over, as long as the tire was positioned against the wind properly.
He cut beads as the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions and removed four inches of sidewall from the top half of the tire. This floater tire has an opening just big enough to for two cows at one time. Voila! Use this farmer innovation trick, and you’ll be saving money and the environment by recycling.
Wathen Insurance has seen its share of farmer-innovated tools across the country. What about you? What interesting tools have you created from necessity around the farm? Call us today at 765-676-9666 and tell us all about it, and we’ll let you know all the ways we can help you do even more.
Prevented Planting
We know it has been a wet spring, and with that thought in mind, we wanted to provide the answers for our clients to some frequently asked questions regarding crops with prevented planting coverage.
Client FAQs
- There are pretty strict limitations on PP acreage as far as trying to get other value out of those acres. If you want to preserve your full PP payment, it’s black dirt or cover crop only.
- If you plant a second crop during the LPP of the PP crop there is NO PP payment.
- If you plant a second crop after the LPP of the PP crop, the PP payment is reduced to 35% of what it would have been. Exceptions to this rule may apply for producers in a double crop area, who have a history of double cropping.
Can I plant a cover crop on the PP acres?
Cover crops may be planted and may be hayed, grazed, cut for silage, haylage, or baleage at any time without impacting the PP payment. However, cover crops cannot be harvested for grain or seed without impacting any potential PP payment. Please note that Corn will not be considered a cover crop on PP acreage. See table below to see how cover crops or volunteer crops may impact PP payments.
Can I rent my PP acreage to my neighbor who wants to plant a cover crop to hay/graze/cut for silage, haylage, or baleage?
Yes. Beginning with 2022 spring crops, it’s now okay to rent to your neighbor for those purposes. Keep in mind, though, that they cannot harvest for grain or seed without impacting any PP payment.
Will my APH database be impacted when I claim and qualify for a PP payment?
The APH database will suffer a yield reduction, but only on acreage where the payment was reduced to 35% because a second crop was planted. Those are the only PP acres that will show in the database and the yield they receive is 60% of the approved yield. PP acreage paid at 100% of the PP guarantee does not impact the APH database at all.
The Back 40 Call
Join the monthly webinar for insider ADM marketing insights on the 4th Tuesday of every month and an opportunity for Question & Answer with ADM Crop Risk Specialists.
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Prevented Planting in 2022
We know it has been a wet spring, and with that thought in mind, we wanted to provide the answers for our clients to some frequently asked questions regarding crops with prevented planting coverage. If you're a current client with questions regarding this information,...
Farm Bill Programs
2021 Information
2022 updates coming soon!
Our Story
The Wathen Family Agency
Wathen Insurance was started in the fall of 1982 by Tom and Joyce Wathen. While running a corn and soybean farming operation themselves, the opportunity to help other producers with their risk management decisions was very intriguing and appealing to Tom and Joyce. With a great deal of Passion and genuine interest in their policyholders the Wathen agency grew beyond their expectations, which provided the next generation of the Wathen’s an opportunity to join the business.
Keeping the business in the family provides for excellent quality control while affording attention to detail. We look forward to providing personalized service for our customers in the pursuit of continued success and who knows maybe our next generation will build upon what we started. Thanking you all for our continued success and wishing you a most prosperous year!
Federal Programs
Margin Protection Program
Margin Protection is a crop insurance coverage option that provides producers with coverage against an unexpected decrease in their operating margin caused by: Reduced county yields Reduced commodity prices Increased price of selected inputs Any combination of the…
PRF Program
PASTURE, RANGELAND, FORAGE The Risk Management Agency (RMA) Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Pilot Insurance Program is designed to provide insurance coverage on your perennial pasture, rangeland, or forage acres. This innovative pilot program is based on…
Area Yield Protection
Area Yield Protection (AYP) is designed as a risk management tool to insure against widespread loss of production of the insured crop in a county. AYP is primarily intended for use by those producers whose farm yield tend to follow the average County Yield. AYP is…
Area Revenue Protection
Area Revenue Protection covers against loss of yield due to county production loss and loss of revenue due to a county level production loss, price decline, or combination of both.
Yield Protection
Yield Protection (YP) and Actual Production History (APH) are multiple-peril crop insurance products that provide protection against losses in yield due to nearly all natural disasters.
Revenue Protection
Revenue Protection (RP) and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (RPHPE) are multiple-peril crop insurance products that are based on the Commodity Exchange Price Provisions (CEPP) prices and protects against production loss, price decline or increase, or a combination of both.
Supplemental Coverage Option
The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) is a county-level revenue-based or yield-based optional endorsement that covers a portion of losses not covered by the same crop’s underlying crop insurance policy.
Enhanced Coverage Option
Similar to the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is a new crop insurance option that provides additional area-based coverage for a portion of the underlying crop insurance policy deductible.
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)
Livestock Risk Protection is designed to protect against declining market prices. A variety of coverage levels and insurance periods are offered that match the time the livestock would normally be marketed.
Livestock Gross Margin (LGM)
Livestock Gross Margin Insurance provides protection against the loss of gross margin (market value of livestock, or livestock products, minus feed costs). LGM uses futures prices to determine the expected gross margin and the actual gross margin. The price a producer actually receives at market is not used in these calculations.
Private Programs
Wind
Wind with Extra Harvest Allowance is an optional Crop Hail endorsement that provides coverage for wind, green snap, and extra harvest expense for corn that has blown down due to wind damage. It covers ears that cannot be recovered because of flattening, bending, or breaking of the stalk.
Band Coverage
At its core, BAND Coverage is a risk management tool that protects against shallow losses and provides reliable input cost recovery. A lower deductible translates to a higher trigger for the producer’s indemnity, providing support exactly when it is needed.
Revenue Boost
Revenue Boost is a supplemental policy that pairs with most MPCI plans to provide higher coverage and protection to insureds. Want to protect more margin and build a stronger risk management plan? Ask your agent today about Revenue Boost.
Wathen Insurance
5969 State Road 236
North Salem, Indiana
(800) 564-4088
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