The Crop Insurance Podcast

Hosted by Mike Rydell

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Jan 2026

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To learn more please visit our website www.CropInsurancePodcast.com Get an insider's look at the complex world of Federal Crop Insurance with our podcast. With three generations, and 40 plus years, of experience in the program, we've learned the ins and outs of this important resource for farmers. Join us as we share our insights, interview farmers from across the country, and feature special guests from the insurance industry. Our mission is to help you understand and benefit from this critical program

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January 27, 202656 min

Rural Mental Health: Breaking the Silence in Agriculture (with Jeff Winton, Rural Minds)

In this episode of the Crop Insurance Podcast, I’m joined by Jeff Winton, a dairy farmer and the founder/chairman of Rural Minds — a national nonprofit focused on improving mental health equity in rural America. Jeff shares the personal story that sparked Rural Minds, what he’s hearing across farm communities, and practical ways to start the conversation, reduce stigma, and connect people to real help.We also walk through Rural Minds’ Rural Mental Health Resilience Program — a “meeting-in-a-box” toolkit with free, downloadable materials that local groups can use right away.Resources mentioned (start here):Rural Minds (main site): https://www.ruralminds.org/Rural Mental Health Resilience Program toolkit: https://www.ruralminds.org/resilienceRural Minds presentation: https://www.ruralminds.org/s/PowerPointPresentation-ImprovingMentalHealthinRuralAmericav4.pdfSocial Media Links;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralmindsusTwitter: https://twitter.com/ruralmindsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruralmindsusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruralminds_/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN-AvVFwDiQhs7KQ_ZUl_ewRural Minds email contact: info@ruralminds.org Rural Minds phone: 800-226-8113If you (or someone you know) needs support:Call/Text/Chat 988 (24/7): 988lifeline.orgCrisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7): crisistextline.orgWhat you’ll hear in this episode:Why rural communities face unique barriers (privacy, distance, broadband access)Why asking directly — “Are you thinking about harming yourself?” — mattersPractical “neighbor radar” signs to watch forHow to use existing trusted community groups (Grange, Farm Bureau, schools, faith groups) to get help closer to homeSubscribe for more conversations at the intersection of agriculture, risk, and real life.

January 13, 202641 min

You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis | Rural Mental Health in Agriculture

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eric Arzubi (Frontier Psychiatry) to talk about the mental health challenges facing rural agricultural producers—and what practical support and resources are available right now. This conversation is especially relevant for crop insurance agents, FSA employees, lenders, and ag professionals who often hear the hard stuff first. We’re not trying to turn anyone into a therapist—this is about awareness, better language, and knowing where to point people when help is needed. In this episode, we cover: • Why rural producers often carry stress silently • The “language of feelings” and why it matters • Warning signs ag professionals may hear on the phone • How to listen without trying to “fix it” • When to ask direct questions and how to avoid shutting the conversation down • Why you don’t have to wait for a “crisis” to reach out • Mental health resources (including text and phone support) • Beyond the Weather and how Frontier Psychiatry is helping Montana’s ag community 00:00 Intro 00:20 Opening Credits 00:56 Ad – Crop West Insurance Group 01:25 Dr. Eric Arzubi Introduction 05:20 What makes rural communities different? 09:18 Why do producers remain silent? 13:16 What can crop insurance agents do to help? 22:32 When is it more serious than just a conversation? 33:32 What is Beyond The Weather? 37:44 Mental health resources (741741 & 988) 39:03 Final thoughts Resources & Help (Please Share) Frontier Psychiatry (Beyond the Weather / Appointments): Website: https://frontier.care Phone: (406) 200-8471 Crisis Text Line (U.S.) (you don’t have to be in a “crisis” to use it): Text 741741 (text “HELLO” or “HELP”) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) (call or text): Dial 988 If you’re outside the U.S., please use your local emergency number or local crisis resources.Disclaimer This episode is for education and awareness only and is not medical advice. If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. If you work in agriculture… If this resonated with you, consider sharing this episode with someone in ag who might need it. Like • Subscribe • Comment — it helps more people find the episode.

December 22, 20257 min

A Farm Christmas Story: Coffee, Conversation, and a Way Forward

This isn’t a normal episode.To close out the season, Mike shares a short holiday story from farm country — one about tough years, quiet conversations, and how sometimes the most important thing is simply sitting down with someone and listening.It’s a lighter episode, a little different, and a reminder that even in difficult seasons, hope has a way of showing up — often over a cup of coffee.From our family to yours, happy holidays. We’ll see you in the new year.

December 9, 202511 min

$12 Billion Up for Grabs? What Farmers Must Know About the New FBA Program Before December 19!

The USDA just announced a massive $12 billion relief package — and $11 billion of it is earmarked for row crop farmers under the brand-new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program. In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, Mike breaks down everything you need to know to claim your share, including who qualifies, how payments will be calculated, why accurate acreage reporting is critical, and what role crop insurance plays in this new era of farm support. Don't miss the key deadlines, payout details, and political backdrop behind this historic move in ag policy. This is need-to-know info — especially if you grow corn, soybeans, wheat, or any of the 20+ eligible crops.Deadline to act? December 19. Payments start? February 28. Your move? Hit play.

December 4, 202515 min

SDRP Stage 2: Unlocking Payments for Shallow and Quality Losses

In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, Mike breaks down the new SDRP Stage 2 program and why it's a game-changer for producers who had shallow or quality-related crop losses in 2023 or 2024 — even if they didn’t trigger a crop insurance claim. Learn how to apply, what records to bring to FSA, how to use the USDA's quality loss calculator, and why booking your appointment early is key.

November 24, 20256 min

SDRP Stage 2: Your Application Checklist Starts Here

Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program is officially open! In this quick-hit episode, Mike walks you through the must-have forms, records, and prep work you’ll need before applying. Whether you’re documenting losses, quality issues, or updating your info with FSA, we break it all down so you can hit submit with confidence.

September 23, 202540 min

Margin Coverage Option: Navigating Area-Based Protection in a Volatile Market with Alex Offerdahl

In this episode of The Crop Insurance Podcast, Mike reconnects with Alex Offerdahl after their meeting at the Montana Grain Growers Association convention to discuss one of the newest tools in crop insurance: the Margin Coverage Option (MCO). With the September 30 sales closing deadline approaching, this timely conversation breaks down how MCO compares to ECO, SCO, and traditional revenue protection, and why understanding shallow-loss coverage is more important than ever.Mike and Alex unpack margin-based vs. revenue-based policies, the intricacies of area-level risk coverage, and the practical implementation challenges for farmers—especially in large counties like those in northern Montana. They share the backstory behind the development of MCO, including its legislative hurdles and the innovative 508(h) process that helped bring it to life.You'll also hear how export dynamics and input costs are squeezing farm margins, and why education—not sales—is key to making informed decisions. Whether you’re a crop insurance agent or a producer trying to "do the math," this episode is your guide to navigating the evolving landscape of federal crop insurance.

September 9, 202535 min

Breaking Down PRF with Jaime Cortes: What You Need to Know

In this episode, we’re joined by Jaime Cortes, a crop insurance agent and PRF expert based in the Yakima Valley. Jaime breaks down how Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance works, what a “grid” really means, and how the rainfall index triggers payments. If you’re a rancher, hay producer, involved in apiculture or just curious about how to manage risk during dry years, this episode is for you.

August 26, 202516 min

The One Big Beautiful Bill Amendment: How 2026 Crop Insurance Just Got Better

In this special edition of The Crop Insurance Podcast, we break down the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board’s decision to fast-track major provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into the 2026 crop year. For wheat producers and other fall crops, this means big changes: higher premium subsidies, expanded Beginning Farmer and Rancher benefits, a boost in Whole Farm Revenue Protection coverage levels, and a game-changing jump in SCO & ECO subsidies from 65% to 80%.We’ll walk through what these updates mean for your operation, compare the 2025 and 2026 subsidy rates straight from the county actuarials, and explain why this decision is a major win for farmers. If you’ve been holding off on finalizing quotes for 2026 wheat, now’s the time to take another look.Tune in to learn what changed, why it matters, and how you can take advantage of these new benefits heading into the 2026 crop year.

August 12, 202536 min

Whole Farm Revenue Protection: Myths, Mistakes, and Must-Knows with Tyson Baker

Think you know Whole Farm Revenue Protection? Think again. In this episode, Mike sits down with Tyson Baker of Marsh McLennan Agency for a candid conversation between two WFRP pros. They bust the biggest myths, call out the common pitfalls, and break down how the program really works—without the jargon overload. Whether you’re a diversified grower curious about WFRP, or you’ve been insured for years but aren’t sure you’re using it to your advantage, this episode delivers insider insights, practical tips, and a few “aha!” moments you won’t want to miss.