Winter Storm 2026: Ag Impacts — Midwest

Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the 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
In his latest Firm to Farm blog post, Ag Legal & Taxation Expert Roger McEowen examines contracts, insurance, and property rights and how those legal processes can impact your farm or ranch operation.
Digital contracts are becoming more common for farmers and ranchers, which means some unique legal issues might arise. RFD-TV’s farm legal expert Roger McEowen briefly examines those.
FarmHER and expectant mother Stephanie Stade-Townsend showcases her family’s thriving agritourism destination just outside Chicago.
The IRS recently issued its 2024 guidance on the extended replacement period for drought (and other weather-related) livestock sales. RFD-TV Ag Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the IRS’ extension of the replacement period for livestock sold due to weather-related conditions.
What are some common mistakes that farmers and ranchers make regarding estate planning? Here are a few key ideas to consider from RFD-TV Ag Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law.
RFD-TV Farm Accounting & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses crucial legal and tax issues for farmers and ranchers to manage operational risks in this Firm to Farm blog post.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.