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
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson warns that rising electricity demand from AI and data centers could strain the grid and affect rural electric cooperatives if U.S. power infrastructure cannot keep up.
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
Weather remains the primary driver for wheat price outlook.
Acre reporting is crucial to maximize specialty crop aid.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.

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:

University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Watch AARP Live tonight at 7:30 PM ET on RFD-TV to learn more about ways to reduce expenses and make smart financial choices.
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.