Spring Storms Add Pressure as Farmers Balance Planting and Risk Management

Austin Rice with Specialty Risk Insurance shares guidance on handling storm damage, navigating the insurance claims process, and managing risk during a volatile planting season.

agricultural land affected by flooding crop insurance_Photo By Andrii Yalanskyi via Adobe Stock.jpg

Photo By Andrii Yalanskyi via Adobe Stock

CARTHAGE, MO. (RFD NEWS) — Fluctuating weather conditions remain a major focus as spring planting ramps up across the country, with strong storms in parts of the Midwest forcing farmers to carefully navigate operational decisions this week.

Austin Rice with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to offer guidance for producers facing severe weather impacts.

In his interview with RFD News, Rice discussed steps farmers should consider taking if their operations are hit by a strong storm and what the claims process looks like after contacting an insurance agent.

He also shared final advice for producers managing both weather risks and today’s challenging market conditions.

Related Stories
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
Treat succession like any major crop — plan early, document clearly, and calibrate cash flow so the next generation can succeed.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.