Winter Storm 2026: Ag Impacts — Midwest

CARMI, ILLINOIS (RFD NEWS) — A powerful winter storm moved across farm country over the weekend, impacting a number of rural communities. As with any major weather event, the storm has prompted renewed questions around crop insurance and risk management heading into the next growing season.

Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss how farmers can use this time to think through risk management decisions for 2026.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, York shared what he is hearing from producers across the country and outlined new considerations farmers are weighing as they plan for the upcoming crop year. He also shared his best piece of advice for farmers as they evaluate crop insurance products and broader risk management strategies in the year ahead.

Related Stories

May is National Beef Month!

Beef Month Spotlight: Expert Pitmaster Erica Roby Shares Beginner-Friendly Grilling Tips for Memorial Day

The award-winning pitmaster discusses choosing the right beef cuts, managing grill heat and building confidence behind the grill.

May 21, 2026 03:15 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Rural Money

Rural Money: New Tax Law Changes How Farmers Can Deduct Charitable Contributions

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer says the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could shift how producers donate grain and commodities to charities.

May 21, 2026 02:57 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Livestock

AFBF Economist: Summer Grilling Season Expected to Keep Meat Demand Strong

American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson says consumers are still buying meat despite ongoing price pressures.

May 21, 2026 02:56 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Sustainability

Wisconsin Dairy Farm Turns Manure into Renewable Energy

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese is using cattle waste to help power its dairy operation and cheese production.

May 21, 2026 02:54 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Rural Money

Purdue Study Shows Sharp Divide in Farmer Sentiment on Land Values

Some producers remain optimistic about farmland markets while others point to growing pressure on margins and income.

May 21, 2026 02:38 PM

 · 

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Agriculture

Bushel: Study Participation Signals the Average Age of U.S. Farmers Might Be Declining

New data from ag-tech company Bushel suggests younger producers are beginning to play a larger role in farm decision-making across the country.

May 21, 2026 01:08 PM

 · 

Marion Kirkpatrick

Load More