Earthtimes, UK 10-12-07 Pennsylvania Agriculture Department Hosts 8th Annual Crop Insurance Conference Author : Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Crop insurance agents, representatives and extension agents are better able to respond to farmers' risk management needs following the 8th Annual Pennsylvania Crop Insurance Conference, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. The conference, which ended Wednesday, provided an opportunity for the department to meet with leaders in the crop insurance industry and educational partners to discuss marketing efforts, Farm Bill issues and updates, and new risk management products. "Pennsylvania is recognized as a national leader in crop insurance, helping our producers protect their investments and livelihoods should a crop disaster occur," said Wolff. "We were reminded again this year, with 24 counties declared disaster areas by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, how crop insurance can help farmers recover from some of their losses." The 70 conference attendees participated in nine interactive workshops on the effects of the changing agricultural industry on crop insurance and risk management. Eldon Gould, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency, spoke at the conference about the future of crop insurance, acknowledging Pennsylvania for its efforts to improve the program for local farmers. "The role of crop insurance is continuing to expand, allowing farmers to receive more than loss payments," said Gould. "Crop insurance enables farmers to get loans approved; helps them aggressively market their crop; and allows them to plan more reliably for their future." Among other presenters at the conference: -- Dr. Bruce Babcock, professor of economics at Iowa State University, instructed the group about livestock gross margin (LGM) for dairy, a new product for Pennsylvania's dairy producers; -- Stephen Frerichs, consultant for AgVantage, spoke about updates to the Farm Bill; -- Dr. Ken Bailey, associate professor at Penn State University, provided updates on the state and national dairy industry; -- Dr. Laurence Crane, vice president of education and communications for National Crop Insurance Services, spoke about the changing face of agriculture and implications for risk management; -- John Nelson, Western Center for Risk Management Education, spoke about the benefits of AGR-Lite; -- Gene Gantz, risk management specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; John Frey, director of the Center for Dairy Excellence; and Karen Powell, an agricultural risk management specialist for the Pa. Department of Agriculture, gave an update for risk and profit management; and -- Dr. Greg Roth, professor of agronomy at Penn State University, provided an outlook on energy trends and their impact on farm profitability. A panel of Pennsylvania producers shared their crop insurance experiences. Many said that without crop insurance, the drought that plagued much of the commonwealth this summer would have devastated their businesses. The panel also underscored the need to constantly improve the insurance program, closing the gaps in coverage provided to farmers. "The goal of the department is to educate farmers about the benefits of having crop insurance and about the crop insurance assistance program, which covers a portion of the producers' premium to encourage participation," said Wolff. "I am pleased that Pennsylvania will provide $1.5 million in 2008 to help subsidize insurance premiums. We are here to facilitate a good working relationship between farmer and agent, ensuring that our producers are protected in the best possible way." Two individuals were honored at the annual conference for their work with crop insurance. Vaughn Hunter of Carlisle, a crop insurance agent, was honored for his outstanding service to agricultural risk management, particularly the fruit industry. John Nelson accepted recognition on behalf of the Western Center for Risk Management Education through Washington State University. The center was instrumental in the expansion of Pennsylvania's crop insurance program, AGRLite, to 18 states. AGR-Lite is the only state-owned crop insurance product in the nation. The department created the program in response to many producers who did not have traditional products available to protect their farms. AGR-Lite is a whole- farm umbrella policy designed for specialty crop and diversified farm operations. In 2008, the program will be available in 34 states. Since 2002, Pennsylvania farmers have received more than $139 million in loss payments, a net income boost of nearly $100 million after premium payments. After the recent drought and storm damage in Pennsylvania, loss payments may reach record highs. Between $40 and $70 million in loss payments are expected to be paid to farmers this year. "Crop insurance is the foundation of any risk management plan," said Wolff. "This year, more than ever, our farmers will need crop insurance to protect their future." For more information on crop insurance, contact Karen Powell at 717-787-6041 or visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/cropinsurance. To find a crop insurance agent in your area, visit http://www.rma.usda.gov/.