I knew when I saw the logo on the envelope that I wasn't going to like what I found inside. Sure enough, it was a friendly reminder from my insurance company letting me know that the time had come to pay our farm policy premium. I started thinking of all the different things the money for that premium could be used for on the farm. Would it be worth the risk to drop the policy for a few months? We could certainly use the money elsewhere! Besides, I don't remember our family filing a farm claim within the last ten years.

Was it worth the risk to drop our coverage? No...absolutely not! There have been several tornadoes and wind storms blow through this area in the last few years, and we're lucky to have avoided any major storm damage. We know the next one could always get us, so we're willing to spend the money needed to protect our farm's future should such an event occur.

Telling our story and speaking out for agriculture is much like paying a farm-owners insurance premium. Our time is valuable, and we may be tempted some days not to sacrifice the few precious minutes needed to connect with the public. But we are in effect buying insurance every time we share our story with a friend or neighbor, speak to a group about modern agriculture, or use tools such as social media to help give our customers a better idea where we...and their food/fiber...come from. We're using our time to purchase good will, understanding, and public support, all of which are essential to our survival and the future of our way of life.

Make an effort every day to share your story with someone, and encourage your fellow farmers and ranchers to do likewise! After all, our group coverage improves every time someone new starts paying their premiums.