Farm Progress

New insurance policies from FMH cover cyberattacks on farm and home computers.

November 14, 2018

3 Min Read
PROTECTION NEEDED: Farmers are using more sophisticated digital technology, and it brings new exposures for computer attacks.

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Co. of Iowa introduced its FMH Cyber Risk Protection. It includes two new cyber risk products to provide protection and services in the event an individual, family or farm is the victim of a computer attack, cyber extortion, online fraud or a breach of personal information.

“From mobile devices for the family to farm management software for a farm operation, technology is more connected and more prevalent than ever before,” says Pat Faga, FMH vice president. “Cyberattacks can happen to anyone. We want to make sure families and small businesses that rely on FMH to protect their homes and farms can have peace of mind knowing they can recover after a cyberattack as well.”

New exposures for farmers using digital

FMH is among the first farm insurance companies to offer protection designed specifically for precision ag equipment and software. “Precision ag technology is an important tool for any farm operation. Many of these are family-run businesses that would struggle to recover if data is stolen, lost or extorted. Both products provide a range of coverages to account for multiple cyberattack scenarios,” Faga says.

FMH Cyber Risk Protection includes two products; both can be added to an existing FMH Property and Casualty policy:

• FMH Cyber Risk Protection Home is bundled coverage that protects families from losses, such as compromised data on personal computers, mobile devices and other connected home technology, as well as damage to software and operating systems.

• FMH Cyber Risk Protection Farm is comprehensive coverage that protects farm operations from losses, such as compromised data on business computers, mobile devices and other connected farm technology, as well as damage to software and operating systems including precision ag technology.

“Farmers Mutual Hail has been protecting the livelihoods of America’s farmers for over 125 years,” Faga says. “We attribute that longevity to innovation. FMH is continuously creating and offering new products and solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of farmers as technology and farming practices develop. These products reflect that innovation.” Learn more at fmh.com.

Source: Farmers Mutual Hail

Ag Partners to acquire DFS Inc.

In other Iowa farm news, Ag Partners LLC announced recently it has signed a letter of intent to purchase DFS Inc.’s operations in Newell and Nemaha, plus its Market 1 brand of feed. DFS produces and supplies feed and grain for swine and turkey producers in Iowa.

Troy Upah, CEO of Ag Partners, says, “We are honored the Kier family chose Ag Partners to continue their legacy. DFS is a very well-run, successful business with similar values as Ag Partners. DFS has a great employee base that understands the need to provide customer value in the feed business.”

David Kier, DFS owner and president, says careful consideration was given to finding the right buyer for his company. “We’ve known and worked with Ag Partners for years. We agreed to sell to them because of their industry strength and reputation, and more important because of their culture and high-quality leadership team,” Kier says. “I know DFS employees, customers and partners will be in good hands.”

The DFS venture reinforces Ag Partners commitment to be a major feed supplier for years to come, says Scott Lovin, vice president of Ag Partners feed division. He believes the firm will see significant synergies now having feed mills in Ellsworth, Newell, Nemaha and Sheldon to meet the growing feed demand in Iowa.

Ag Partners provides products, services and market access in grain, agronomy, feed and petroleum. Formed in 1997, the company represents a joint venture between Alceco, an Iowa cooperative, and Cargill. Ag Partners locations include retail and wholesale agronomy outlets, grain facilities and feed mills throughout Iowa.

Source: Ag Partners LLC

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