Farming in Wisconsin remains a high-stakes gamble against unpredictable weather, shifting global policies, and volatile market prices.
To combat these uncertainties, Susan Brugger, an agent with Rural Mutual Insurance, is highlighting the importance of farm policies that offer protections far beyond standard homeowner insurance, including coverage for livestock liability and chemical drift.
Beyond physical assets, Brugger emphasizes the role of insurance in securing the future of family legacies. Whether it is protecting high-value modern machinery or sentimental antique tractors passed down through generations, specialized policies ensure that a single accident doesn’t end a family’s multi-generational story.
“Your farm policy is going to cover you either way… no matter if they’re the most expensive piece of equipment or the most sentimental piece of equipment that’s on your farm.”
As the industry shifts, with many dairy farmers transitioning to beef production, risk management tools like Dairy Revenue Protection and Livestock Risk Protection have become essential. These programs help producers lock in prices and protect their bottom line, even as input costs for feed and labor continue to rise.
“Great prices are great now, but at some point they’re going to drop. And what does that do to your operation?”
With upcoming deadlines for acreage reporting on July 15, Wisconsin producers are encouraged to review their coverage to ensure their “blood, sweat, and tears” are fully protected against the next market shift.
