Rural Mutual Roundtable

Rural Mutual Insurance is a long-standing Elite Sustaining Partner and major sponsor of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.  One the key components for the show is the Rural Mutual Event Center.  There visitors can find entertainment and elements that help support local farm families. That commitment goes beyond the company's physical sponsorship of the show.  Pam Jahnke visits with two of the Rural Mutual agents that attended the event and helped staff the Rural Mutual booth in tent city. Ryan Dilenbeck grew up in the area and is currently a Rural Mutual agent based in Thorp.  He's made his career with Rural Mutual. Why insurance? Dilenbeck explains that it started when he was a kid.  He says an insurance agent made a call to his parents home, and the way that agent handled his family left an impression on young Ryan. He knew that's what he wanted to do.  Help people.  Today, he's doing just that. Also along for the conversation is Kyle Klieforth originally from Neilsville.  Today Kyle's been at Rural Mutual Insurance over four years, but he's known the people he's calling on for a lifetime.  He explains the training he's gone through to handle situations and protect his insured.  He also talks about those times when his job, the product he sells, and life events connect.  Making sure his friends and family are "taken care of" when something happens is one of the reasons why Kyle says it's the best move he's ever made for his family.

Summer is a busy time on Wisconsin farms. While we're between planting and harvest, farmers are checking fields, monitoring crops, maintaining equipment, and preparing for the months ahead. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings safety risks that can have devastating consequences.  Pam Jahnke visits with Chris Schlechta, Safety and Loss Control Manager for Rural Mutual Insurance.   Together they have a quick conversation on the things we all look forward to in the summer.  Relax, grill out, ride and ATV/UTV - just have fun.  Schlechta is all for fun - but it comes with safety as one of the responsibilities. Schlechta says without thought and supervision, things like ATV/UTV's, bonfires, boating - can all turn "fun" into an incident you never wanted to have happen.  Around the farm, thinking through risks and making sure family, friends, visitors and yourself stay safe has to be a priority.  Are signs posted for guests?  Do you have your first aid kit and fire extinguisher available and clearly visible?  Those things don't take long to check, but can make a massive difference in an incidents outcome. Schlechta reminds anyone that wants to work through a safety review, or needs to have some information to help execute a safety plan, to head over to the Rural Mutual website.  There you'll find a complete toolbox with manuals, lists and resources to do just that.

There's a partnership unique to Wisconsin, that's all about Wisconsin.  Let's do a little deeper dive on how the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation actually helped to start Rural Mutual Insurance! Pam Jahnke is joined by Jenny Martin, Rural Mutual Insurance, Director of Marketing and Mandy Ganser, WFBF, Director of Member Relations.  They explain how farmers need for insurance fueled the beginning of Rural Mutual!  Today, that foundation of serving the rural community continues to resonate. Martin explains that 90 years ago, Wisconsin farmers were having difficulty finding insurance that covered the professions they were involved in.  Through that conversation, Rural Mutual began. Today, Rural Mutual continues to serve that audience and more with over 150 agents statewide.  Rural Mutual is exclusively in Wisconsin so that its agents know the clients they serve. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation began more than 105 years ago giving a voice to agriculture.  Today, that voice is the largest group speaking up for agriculture through 61 county Farm Bureau organizations.  Mandy Ganser, WFBF, Director of Member Relations says that today the benefits offered through membership are vast.  Not only is the organization advocating through agriculture and rural policy developments, there's also financial rewards.  Discounts for family related expenses like health and wellness or travel are available through the membership.  As you'd expect, Ganser stresses their partnerships with farm specific bonuses too.  Case-IH, Ford and Caterpillar are just a few corporate partners offering member discounts.  Ganser says it's just as simple as presenting your membership card.

"Servant heart" - by definition it generally means having a deep, selfless desire to help and put others' needs before your own, motivated by love, humility, and a willingness to serve without expecting rewards, recognition, or something in return.  That ultimately is what led Victor Magnus, a Rural Mutual agent from Wautoma, to his current position helping his community. Magnus explains his desire as a youth to enroll in the military.  After a successful tour of duty with the National Guard, Magnus needed to find a "big boy" job after the military.  He admits, insurance wasn't necessarily on his radar.  Still, when Magnus started learning more about Rural Mutual Insurance, the glove fit on his need to serve his community. Magnus talks with Pam Jahnke about the elements that differentiate Rural Mutual Insurance from other providers.  He also shares personal experiences of serving clients facing life altering situations.  Just like his fellow soldiers, Magnus takes great pride in the Rural Mutual team he depends on for top shelf service during clients darkest moments.

On this edition of the Rural Mutual Round Table, we’re joined by two great guests who know a thing or two about farming, protection, and partnership.  First, we have Carrie Clinton Griepentrog, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and owner of Clinton Farms, a multi-generational operation known for its innovation and dedication to agricultural excellence. Carrie recently hosted Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2025, welcoming thousands of guests onto her property to showcase the best of Wisconsin ag. Also with us is Dave Loken , a seasoned insurance agent with C&D Insurance, a Rural Mutual agency based in Waupaca. C&D Insurance has been serving Wisconsin’s rural communities for years, offering coverage tailored specifically to the needs of farms and agribusinesses.

Insurance policies are all the same, right?  Wrong!  Craig Kamholz, a Rural Mutual agent celebrating 16 years with the company can tell you how different insurance companies and the policies they offer differ vary. Kamholz grew up in rural Green County on his family's dairy operation.  His background makes conversations with farmers, agribusinesses and neighbors very comfortable.  Kamholz visits with Pam Jahnke about why he started as an agent with Rural Mutual, and why he believes their client base continues to grow. Kamholz says weather events that have happened this spring prove just how responsive the Rural Mutual team is to getting answers and support quickly to their clients.  He also proudly shares stories about events and situations where the Rural Mutual dedication made all the difference.

These conversation's aren't necessarily comfortable, but they're essential if you're going to have your estate pass to the right hands, in a timely way.  Susan Brugger and Nicole Steinbach, two Rural Mutual agents in Boscobel have been involved in these discussions for years.  While the subject may be difficult to bring up, consequences of not bringing it up at all are really sad. Pam Jahnke sits down to visit with the two agents about how to start planning.  Moving at your own pace is a priority for them, and making sure that ALL of your advisors are around the table for the greatest productivity also matters. With a background in health care, Steinbach says there's nothing more heartbreaking than when a family has to post a "gofundme" site to try and pay for the expense of a funeral.  Also, assuming that your loved one will be able to not only afford assisted living, but also find room in the facility of their choice, is not always correct. All Rural Mutual offices generally have simple pamphlets that can help you begin organizing your thoughts, and perhaps documents.  When you're ready, having a Rural Mutual agent professionally review what's in place and advise on what's still to be taken care of can you give you and your family piece of mind.

There are 71 counties across Wisconsin populated with townships.  Each of those townships face unique responsibilities to tax payers.  In this edition of Rural Mutual Round Table, Dan Lowndes, managing attorney with Statewide Services for Rural Mutual, talks about the liabilities that townships face and how they should be protecting themselves. Lowndes says with upcoming elections, many townships could face questions about how the elections were conducted or monitored.  Does your township want to face those questions alone?  That's where Rural Mutual Insurance can provide a partnership that's unique compared to most insurers.

Storm season is upon us in Wisconsin, and it's important you're prepared.  Abby Weiss, Director of Claims for Rural Mutual joins Pam Jahnke to talk about how Rural Mutual responds when weather events occur. Also in studio, Branden Borremans, Communications Specialist and former broadcast TV meteorologist.  Borremans reviews what he sees developing with weather patterns over Wisconsin this growing season, and how producers can arm themselves with information from the National Weather Service.

March 15th is the looming deadline for crop insurance decisions that farms will live with for the rest of the calendar year.  Do you have all the answers you need to make the right choice?  Crop insurance rates are basically the same for any company you might work with, but the service you receive can vary. Jenny Brown is a Rural Mutual Crop Insurance advisor.  She's been involved in production agriculture her entire life, and continues farming with her husband today.  That means she understands the unknowns about growing a crop.  She also thoroughly understands the options that Rural Mutual can present in the form of crop insurance. Brown sits down to visit with Pam Jahnke about elements that shouldn't be overlooked for risk management strategies in the growing season of 2024, and what you can expect if things don't go your way.  Input costs, poor market prices, uncertain weather patterns, government policy adjustments - she's got her eye on it all for you.

Winter's in Wisconsin provide all kinds of challenges to anyone who lives here.  For farms and agribusinesses, there's some especially unique situations that can develop with colder weather, along with snow and ice. Carl Thomfohrda and Tony Aguado are two Rural Mutual Insurance agents in Northwest Wisconsin that have seen it all.  From roof collapses after heavy snowfall, to a call about a vehicle that went through the ice while fishing - they're prepared to handle it all. Listen in as Pam Jahnke visits with the two about questions farms and agribusinesses should be asking themselves about policy elements and coverage for these unique situations.  Winter Readiness, courtesy of Rural Mutual Insurance and the Rural Mutual Roundtable.

It's a difficult conversation to have sometimes.  What happens if something happens to you?  How many people will it impact.  What about the farm or business?  It's complicated terrain for many families to cover, but Rural Mutual Insurance is a trusted partner involved in many of those discussions. Pam Jahnke visits with Rural Mutual's, Jared Nelson, about the array of options available when it comes to life insurance.  It can be a little overwhelming, but Nelson says those options can make a big difference in giving comfort to families.

Pam Jahnke hosts Rachel Gerbitz, Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, along with Jason Mugnaini, Executive Director of Government Relations for WFBF.  The emphasis is on "sustainability".  The phrase is being used a lot in policy development and corporate communications.  What does it mean to Wisconsin agriculture and environmental practices?  Rachel and Jason explain how production agriculture is staying involved in the communication. The Rural Mutual Round Table is a quarterly conversation provided by Rural Mutual Insurance.

What does an insurance agent do?  What questions should you ask?  On this edition of the Rural Mutual Round Table, Pam Jahnke visits with Daryl and Maddeline Pulsfus.  They're Rural Mutual agents covering a large geography in southern Wisconsin with an emphasis on farms and agribusiness. They'll take a deeper dive into what many insurance providers overlook when it comes to the high investment made in agriculture - and the higher amounts need to replace critical infrastructure and equipment in agriculture. What about preparing for the next generation that's taking over the farm - maybe with some family members expecting a cash settlement.  Rural Mutual has tools to help manage that evolution of agriculture too.

On this edition of Rural Mutual's Round Table, the focus is on the Farm Neighbors Care campaign.  Pam Jahnke visits with Kevin Krentz, dairy farmer and president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation - along with Cassie Sonnentag, Director of Media Relations and Outreach with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Krentz discusses the many ways that the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation engages with rural communities and elected officials, and what he's seen become relevant conversations in rural communities.  Sustainability and mental health are two hallmarks. Cassie Sonnentag has personally witnessed how moving the "Farm Neighbors Care" campaign can be.  Launched in 2018, the campaign uses social media to help support farmers who are facing stress due to low market prices, poor weather and crop conditions, etc. Farming can be an isolating career, especially if other family members work off the farm, so checking in on your friends, neighbors and family members to gauge how they are doing and offer support and a listening ear is valuable. Find resources and become engaged in the Farm Neighbors Care campaign on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federations website.

It's time for another edition of Rural Roundtable. During this episode, Pam Jahnke chats wtih Tony Conlin, Director of Claims and Abby Weiss, Regional Claims Manager about coverage stories. These stories include common coverages to some special and extreme coverages. Learn more at RuralMutual.com

2022 is already proving to be a challenge for Wisconsin agriculture.  High input costs, temperamental weather, and more congestion on rural roadways than ever before.  Now, more than ever, farmers and their families need to keep the emphasis on operating safely. Chris Schlechta is the Safety & Loss Control Manager for Rural Mutual Insurance.  His goal is simple.  To make sure every family member returns home as healthy and sound as they were when they left.  Schlechta shares some of the resources available to anyone that wants to review their safety operations, with particular emphasis on the hectic spring schedule many farm families are facing. Find the Learning Center and Farm Safety resources on line, whenever you need them.

For the sixth year in a row since Rural Mutual Insurance established the first-of-its-kind Farm Dividend Program, the company’s Board of Directors declared a 5% dividend on all eligible farm policies for 2021 farm policyholders. Over the past six years, Rural Mutual has paid out over $15 million to Wisconsin farmers as part of this program. Based on the company’s positive operating results, an estimated $2.8 million will be paid out in 2022 upon the farm policy renewal. Farmers will start to receive dividend checks in early February.  During this edition of the "Rural Mutual Round Table", Dan Merk, Executive Vice President and CEO of Rural Mutual talks with Pam Jahnke about the dividend and what 2022 is looking like.  

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the last year during the pandemic it’s no surprise there has been an increase in online shopping, mobile banking, video conferences, and other online activities and in general as we evolve into a more tech-savvy generation. This is a great time for us to educate consumers on the dangers of identity theft, common scams that are going around and tips to protect themselves. Unfortunately, identity theft impacts 1 in 20 Americans and amounts to losses of $17 billion annually. When we hear about scams, we sometimes think “it’s not going to happen to me” until it does happen to you and then it’s too late. Hannah Winckler, Sr. Marketing Strategist, and Mike Lubahn, Director of Marketing and Statewide Services with Rural Mutual Insurance, are in studio guests.  

Rural Mutual Roundtable with Dr. Marsha Salzweder and Pam Jahnke. During this harvest season Dr. Salzweder talks about farm safety, special for kids on the farm, during this busy fall. To learn more visit RuralMutual.com

Sara Grade, Manager of Products and Product Training, discusses how they can make their insurance products better for their clients. Coverage of farming and rural properties and assets can require some additional coverages and out of box thinking. Rural Mutual Insurance is focused on making sure they are meeting the needs of farmers and rural communities in Wisconsin. Premiums paid here, stay here, since Rural Mutual Insurance is entirely a Wisconsin based company. Learn more at RuralMutual.com. 

Pam Jahnke talks with a variety of people from Rural Mutual Insurance about what they are all about. Mike Luban, Director of Marketing, talks about the scope of jobs available at Mutual Insurance. He speaks to how Rural Mutual agents are different and go the extra miles. Bill Kriese, Marketing Relationship Manager, talks about accident reports and atvs/utvs. Education is key to helping to prevent these accidents.  Kurt Mansavage, Manager of Agribusiness Underwriting and Crop and Hail Services, discusses the coverage needed for farms and crops.  To learn more, visit RuralMutual.com