{"version":"1.0.0","segments":[{"startTime":12.355,"endTime":15.845,"body":"Welcome to The Dirt on Organic"},{"startTime":12.355,"endTime":15.845,"body":"Farming, a podcast from OATS,"},{"startTime":15.846,"endTime":18.925,"body":"the Organic Agronomy Training"},{"startTime":15.846,"endTime":18.925,"body":"Service. This season,"},{"startTime":19.305,"endTime":22.725,"body":"we are answering all those burning"},{"startTime":19.305,"endTime":22.725,"body":"questions we know you have about crop"},{"startTime":22.726,"endTime":25.405,"body":"insurance for organic farmers. Yes,"},{"startTime":25.625,"endTime":27.845,"body":"we know it's a podcast"},{"startTime":25.625,"endTime":27.845,"body":"about crop insurance,"},{"startTime":28.105,"endTime":32.045,"body":"but we're going to keep these episodes"},{"startTime":28.105,"endTime":32.045,"body":"short, lively, and accessible. Heck,"},{"startTime":32.305,"endTime":35.125,"body":"you might even enjoy listening."},{"startTime":32.305,"endTime":35.125,"body":"I'm Nate Powell Palm."},{"startTime":35.625,"endTime":36.925,"body":"And I'm Mallory Krieger."},{"startTime":37.305,"endTime":40.005,"body":"And we're the hosts of the"},{"startTime":37.305,"endTime":40.005,"body":"Dirt on Organic Farming."},{"startTime":42.305,"endTime":43.205,"body":"In this episode,"},{"startTime":43.825,"endTime":47.525,"body":"how will my innovative farming"},{"startTime":43.825,"endTime":47.525,"body":"practices affect my ability to get crop"},{"startTime":47.526,"endTime":48.359,"body":"insurance?"},{"startTime":50.825,"endTime":51.046,"body":"So,"},{"startTime":51.046,"endTime":54.765,"body":"we've talked about some of"},{"startTime":51.046,"endTime":54.765,"body":"the tools organic farmers"},{"startTime":54.766,"endTime":59.685,"body":"to get the most out of their"},{"startTime":54.766,"endTime":59.685,"body":"crop insurance policies,"},{"startTime":59.685,"endTime":63.405,"body":"written agreements, hail"},{"startTime":59.685,"endTime":63.405,"body":"and wind policies, and whole"},{"startTime":64.065,"endTime":66.125,"body":"In this episode and the next episode,"},{"startTime":66.575,"endTime":70.005,"body":"we're going to look more closely at"},{"startTime":66.575,"endTime":70.005,"body":"some of the hurdles organic farmers face"},{"startTime":70.155,"endTime":71.125,"body":"with crop insurance."},{"startTime":71.625,"endTime":75.645,"body":"And we're also going to hear from"},{"startTime":71.625,"endTime":75.645,"body":"farmers and farm organizations that are"},{"startTime":75.646,"endTime":80.125,"body":"advocating for changes to crop insurance"},{"startTime":75.646,"endTime":80.125,"body":"to make it more suited to the needs of"},{"startTime":80.126,"endTime":83.405,"body":"organic operations. So in this episode,"},{"startTime":83.655,"endTime":87.444,"body":"we're going to take a look at the"},{"startTime":83.655,"endTime":87.444,"body":"degree to which crop insurance can cover"},{"startTime":87.445,"endTime":88.525,"body":"innovative practices."},{"startTime":89.115,"endTime":93.485,"body":"Something we talked about a lot last"},{"startTime":89.115,"endTime":93.485,"body":"season is that organics is a very"},{"startTime":93.486,"endTime":94.485,"body":"knowledge-based system,"},{"startTime":94.825,"endTime":98.605,"body":"and farmers are always looking for"},{"startTime":94.825,"endTime":98.605,"body":"new ways to increase yields while also"},{"startTime":98.606,"endTime":99.685,"body":"improving soil health."},{"startTime":100.425,"endTime":104.685,"body":"But crop insurance has rules about"},{"startTime":100.425,"endTime":104.685,"body":"what practices are permitted that might"},{"startTime":104.755,"endTime":107.325,"body":"exclude some of the systems"},{"startTime":104.755,"endTime":107.325,"body":"organic farmers are using."},{"startTime":107.965,"endTime":112.645,"body":"I think one of the most exciting things"},{"startTime":107.965,"endTime":112.645,"body":"about organics is the drive to find new"},{"startTime":112.646,"endTime":115.645,"body":"ways to improve outcomes"},{"startTime":112.646,"endTime":115.645,"body":"on your farm. Nate,"},{"startTime":115.865,"endTime":119.365,"body":"do you have any personal experience"},{"startTime":115.865,"endTime":119.365,"body":"with practices that would make you"},{"startTime":119.366,"endTime":120.725,"body":"ineligible for crop insurance?"},{"startTime":122.295,"endTime":124.485,"body":"Personally, I don't, but I,"},{"startTime":124.545,"endTime":129.325,"body":"as an organic inspector and as"},{"startTime":124.545,"endTime":129.325,"body":"a colleague of organic farmers,"},{"startTime":129.395,"endTime":133.885,"body":"have seen some really neat practices"},{"startTime":129.395,"endTime":133.885,"body":"out there that don't fall neatly"},{"startTime":134.275,"endTime":138.725,"body":"into the boxes checked by"},{"startTime":134.275,"endTime":138.725,"body":"RMA. So in this episode,"},{"startTime":139.044,"endTime":143.325,"body":"I wanted to start by hearing from a farmer"},{"startTime":139.044,"endTime":143.325,"body":"about the obstacle he is facing with"},{"startTime":143.326,"endTime":144.605,"body":"getting a crop insurance policy."},{"startTime":145.065,"endTime":149.205,"body":"And then we'll follow that"},{"startTime":145.065,"endTime":149.205,"body":"with a conversation with"},{"startTime":149.645,"endTime":153.845,"body":"RMA, about how they approach organic"},{"startTime":149.645,"endTime":153.845,"body":"agriculture and innovative practices."},{"startTime":154.465,"endTime":155.965,"body":"But first, here's Brent."},{"startTime":156.505,"endTime":160.885,"body":"I'm Brent Schlenker. I farm on"},{"startTime":156.505,"endTime":160.885,"body":"a family farm in Central Iowa."},{"startTime":161.465,"endTime":165.605,"body":"We farm near Grinnell, Iowa. It's"},{"startTime":161.465,"endTime":165.605,"body":"about 50 miles east of Des Moines,"},{"startTime":166.025,"endTime":168.565,"body":"and it's an organic grain farm."},{"startTime":169.185,"endTime":172.645,"body":"And we grow corn and soybeans organically."},{"startTime":172.646,"endTime":174.565,"body":"We're certified through Oregon Tilt."},{"startTime":175.305,"endTime":180.205,"body":"And I've been doing a lot"},{"startTime":175.305,"endTime":180.205,"body":"of work experimenting with"},{"startTime":181.835,"endTime":185.285,"body":"organic systems that"},{"startTime":181.835,"endTime":185.285,"body":"utilize, what I would call,"},{"startTime":185.395,"endTime":188.485,"body":"no-till equipment and"},{"startTime":185.395,"endTime":188.485,"body":"no-till systems. Now,"},{"startTime":189.245,"endTime":191.605,"body":"I won't call myself a no-till farmer,"},{"startTime":192.185,"endTime":195.405,"body":"but I do use no-till"},{"startTime":192.185,"endTime":195.405,"body":"equipment and no-till methods."},{"startTime":195.625,"endTime":199.325,"body":"So as an organic farmer, I"},{"startTime":195.625,"endTime":199.325,"body":"really feel that it's difficult."},{"startTime":199.525,"endTime":203.685,"body":"I really feel it's"},{"startTime":199.525,"endTime":203.685,"body":"important to change systems,"},{"startTime":203.825,"endTime":207.245,"body":"so that we're better managing our"},{"startTime":203.825,"endTime":207.245,"body":"soil, and better conserving soil,"},{"startTime":207.305,"endTime":210.605,"body":"and controlling soil erosion,"},{"startTime":207.305,"endTime":210.605,"body":"that type of thing. So."},{"startTime":210.945,"endTime":215.405,"body":"So Brent has almost made it his mission"},{"startTime":210.945,"endTime":215.405,"body":"to come up with no-till organic systems"},{"startTime":215.465,"endTime":218.805,"body":"for his crops, which I'm"},{"startTime":215.465,"endTime":218.805,"body":"going to say is no easy task."},{"startTime":219.505,"endTime":221.125,"body":"And with the systems he's developed,"},{"startTime":221.345,"endTime":225.525,"body":"he is able to get crop insurance on"},{"startTime":221.345,"endTime":225.525,"body":"his soybeans, but not on his corn."},{"startTime":226.065,"endTime":228.885,"body":"He described the methods he"},{"startTime":226.065,"endTime":228.885,"body":"uses for his no-till soybeans."},{"startTime":229.825,"endTime":233.525,"body":"As far as the organic"},{"startTime":229.825,"endTime":233.525,"body":"soybean cropping system goes,"},{"startTime":234.945,"endTime":236.685,"body":"so far it's worked pretty well."},{"startTime":236.685,"endTime":241.245,"body":"We normally go out with an"},{"startTime":236.685,"endTime":241.245,"body":"LP flamer in the fall after"},{"startTime":241.246,"endTime":242.079,"body":"harvest,"},{"startTime":242.425,"endTime":247.065,"body":"and flame after harvest to kill weed seeds"},{"startTime":247.925,"endTime":249.665,"body":"out in the field after harvest."},{"startTime":249.885,"endTime":253.505,"body":"And then we go in with a"},{"startTime":249.885,"endTime":253.505,"body":"great plains no-till drill,"},{"startTime":254.085,"endTime":258.585,"body":"and we no-till cereal rye in the"},{"startTime":254.085,"endTime":258.585,"body":"fall at two bushels to the acre."},{"startTime":259.255,"endTime":260.225,"body":"Then in the spring,"},{"startTime":260.975,"endTime":265.745,"body":"I'll go in with a no-till John"},{"startTime":260.975,"endTime":265.745,"body":"Deere planter spaced on 30"},{"startTime":265.885,"endTime":266.718,"body":"inches,"},{"startTime":266.725,"endTime":271.185,"body":"and use a ZRX dawn roller"},{"startTime":266.725,"endTime":271.185,"body":"crimper mounted on the planter."},{"startTime":272.005,"endTime":276.464,"body":"And once the rise headed out"},{"startTime":272.005,"endTime":276.464,"body":"in the spring, you can go in,"},{"startTime":276.465,"endTime":279.265,"body":"and roll crimp and plant soybeans."},{"startTime":279.805,"endTime":284.345,"body":"And I do use an accra no-till"},{"startTime":279.805,"endTime":284.345,"body":"cultivator when needed to"},{"startTime":284.346,"endTime":287.904,"body":"cultivate between the soybean"},{"startTime":284.346,"endTime":287.904,"body":"rows. And that works well,"},{"startTime":287.905,"endTime":290.625,"body":"and we've been able to get"},{"startTime":287.905,"endTime":290.625,"body":"crop insurance for that."},{"startTime":291.445,"endTime":296.385,"body":"So I do appreciate the work"},{"startTime":291.445,"endTime":296.385,"body":"that RMA has done in that"},{"startTime":296.445,"endTime":297.278,"body":"regard."},{"startTime":298.295,"endTime":300.835,"body":"Wow, okay. So Brent"},{"startTime":298.295,"endTime":300.835,"body":"really knows his stuff."},{"startTime":301.505,"endTime":305.115,"body":"Yeah. Wait till he describes his"},{"startTime":301.505,"endTime":305.115,"body":"almost no-till corn operation."},{"startTime":305.945,"endTime":308.885,"body":"In corn production,"},{"startTime":305.945,"endTime":308.885,"body":"what I've wanted to do,"},{"startTime":309.904,"endTime":311.845,"body":"and I've been experimenting with this,"},{"startTime":312.225,"endTime":317.165,"body":"is go in and use the Great Plains"},{"startTime":312.225,"endTime":317.165,"body":"no-till drill on seven and a"},{"startTime":317.245,"endTime":318.125,"body":"half inch spacings,"},{"startTime":318.825,"endTime":322.285,"body":"and no-till 4010 field peas in the spring,"},{"startTime":323.025,"endTime":327.525,"body":"and then go in and no-till corn. You can,"},{"startTime":328.086,"endTime":331.645,"body":"the interesting thing about"},{"startTime":328.086,"endTime":331.645,"body":"field peas is you can no-till..."},{"startTime":332.165,"endTime":332.995,"body":"So essentially,"},{"startTime":332.995,"endTime":336.725,"body":"what Brent is doing is pairing the"},{"startTime":332.995,"endTime":336.725,"body":"field pea with a short stature corn that"},{"startTime":336.855,"endTime":338.765,"body":"grows slower. With this crop pairing,"},{"startTime":338.766,"endTime":342.445,"body":"he can get into the field to"},{"startTime":338.766,"endTime":342.445,"body":"roll the peas for a mulch,"},{"startTime":342.765,"endTime":343.845,"body":"allowing him to avoid tillage,"},{"startTime":343.945,"endTime":346.605,"body":"but still maintain good"},{"startTime":343.945,"endTime":346.605,"body":"weed control for his corn."},{"startTime":347.505,"endTime":349.404,"body":"And it's"},{"startTime":351.086,"endTime":354.565,"body":"just a system that I am"},{"startTime":351.086,"endTime":354.565,"body":"really excited about. However,"},{"startTime":355.815,"endTime":358.964,"body":"I can't get crop insurance"},{"startTime":355.815,"endTime":358.964,"body":"for a system like that."},{"startTime":359.585,"endTime":364.565,"body":"And so I'm at the point"},{"startTime":359.585,"endTime":364.565,"body":"where I ask myself, well,"},{"startTime":364.625,"endTime":367.725,"body":"do I spend all this money that"},{"startTime":364.625,"endTime":367.725,"body":"I'm spending on something that,"},{"startTime":368.555,"endTime":370.445,"body":"that I can't get crop insurance for?"},{"startTime":370.945,"endTime":375.325,"body":"And it's a real question mark"},{"startTime":370.945,"endTime":375.325,"body":"for me, but at the same time,"},{"startTime":375.675,"endTime":377.325,"body":"it's a system I'm excited about."},{"startTime":378.035,"endTime":381.565,"body":"It's a system that did a tremendous"},{"startTime":378.035,"endTime":381.565,"body":"job of controlling weeds."},{"startTime":382.025,"endTime":385.964,"body":"It did a great job of"},{"startTime":382.025,"endTime":385.964,"body":"controlling soil erosion."},{"startTime":386.315,"endTime":389.605,"body":"Obviously the first crop of"},{"startTime":386.315,"endTime":389.605,"body":"field peas, they died down,"},{"startTime":389.606,"endTime":392.565,"body":"and obviously build your soil,"},{"startTime":389.606,"endTime":392.565,"body":"build your biology in your soil,"},{"startTime":392.566,"endTime":396.404,"body":"so there's so many"},{"startTime":392.566,"endTime":396.404,"body":"things that's beneficial."},{"startTime":396.745,"endTime":400.565,"body":"And I told you, you know, the"},{"startTime":396.745,"endTime":400.565,"body":"ironic thing as a no-till,"},{"startTime":401.446,"endTime":405.765,"body":"as an organic farmer"},{"startTime":401.446,"endTime":405.765,"body":"\u003claugh\u003e, I had a plow,"},{"startTime":405.885,"endTime":408.365,"body":"I had a disc, I had a"},{"startTime":405.885,"endTime":408.365,"body":"harrow, I had a rotary hoe."},{"startTime":408.685,"endTime":413.165,"body":"I had all those tillage tools and we"},{"startTime":408.685,"endTime":413.165,"body":"got rid of them. We sold them and said,"},{"startTime":413.515,"endTime":416.445,"body":"even as an organic"},{"startTime":413.515,"endTime":416.445,"body":"farmer, I'm not going to,"},{"startTime":416.964,"endTime":420.685,"body":"I don't want to use those tillage"},{"startTime":416.964,"endTime":420.685,"body":"tools. And the ironic thing is,"},{"startTime":421.385,"endTime":422.885,"body":"as an organic farmer,"},{"startTime":424.055,"endTime":427.875,"body":"I'm going to have to go out probably"},{"startTime":424.055,"endTime":427.875,"body":"and use that field cultivator in the"},{"startTime":427.876,"endTime":430.235,"body":"spring, borrow a harrow from the neighbor,"},{"startTime":430.975,"endTime":434.755,"body":"and I'm going to have to field"},{"startTime":430.975,"endTime":434.755,"body":"cultivate, harrow a couple times,"},{"startTime":435.025,"endTime":436.235,"body":"cultivate a couple times,"},{"startTime":437.215,"endTime":441.475,"body":"do all those things that cause"},{"startTime":437.215,"endTime":441.475,"body":"soil erosion, soil degradation,"},{"startTime":442.295,"endTime":445.595,"body":"and simply because I"},{"startTime":442.295,"endTime":445.595,"body":"can't get crop insurance."},{"startTime":446.015,"endTime":449.115,"body":"So this is the decision that"},{"startTime":446.015,"endTime":449.115,"body":"some organic farmers face."},{"startTime":449.855,"endTime":453.515,"body":"Do they implement these sort of novel"},{"startTime":449.855,"endTime":453.515,"body":"systems that are working for their"},{"startTime":453.516,"endTime":456.275,"body":"operations but may make it"},{"startTime":453.516,"endTime":456.275,"body":"difficult to get crop insurance?"},{"startTime":456.855,"endTime":459.435,"body":"Or do they do what they have"},{"startTime":456.855,"endTime":459.435,"body":"to do to get crop insurance?"},{"startTime":460.315,"endTime":463.835,"body":"Brent feels strongly about organic"},{"startTime":460.315,"endTime":463.835,"body":"farmers working to reduce that tillage."},{"startTime":464.355,"endTime":468.795,"body":"I just find it all kind of ironic."},{"startTime":464.355,"endTime":468.795,"body":"And the unfortunate reality is,"},{"startTime":469.215,"endTime":473.155,"body":"in organic farming,"},{"startTime":469.215,"endTime":473.155,"body":"there's a huge blind spot."},{"startTime":473.815,"endTime":478.755,"body":"The fact of the matter is there"},{"startTime":473.815,"endTime":478.755,"body":"is soil erosion on organic farms."},{"startTime":479.375,"endTime":483.555,"body":"And it is a problem. And"},{"startTime":479.375,"endTime":483.555,"body":"the longer we deny it,"},{"startTime":484.215,"endTime":486.915,"body":"the worse it gets in my opinion. So,"},{"startTime":488.325,"endTime":493.105,"body":"I'm excited about utilizing no-till"},{"startTime":493.115,"endTime":497.545,"body":"principles, utilizing"},{"startTime":493.115,"endTime":497.545,"body":"no-till equipment. However,"},{"startTime":498.825,"endTime":503.385,"body":"I need to have organic"},{"startTime":498.825,"endTime":503.385,"body":"crop insurance to do it."},{"startTime":503.965,"endTime":508.265,"body":"And I just really believe"},{"startTime":503.965,"endTime":508.265,"body":"that there is great"},{"startTime":508.535,"endTime":509.368,"body":"potential,"},{"startTime":509.885,"endTime":514.465,"body":"but we just have to create"},{"startTime":509.885,"endTime":514.465,"body":"the system for farmers to"},{"startTime":514.855,"endTime":516.425,"body":"exploit that potential."},{"startTime":517.205,"endTime":520.184,"body":"And another frustration for Brent is"},{"startTime":517.205,"endTime":520.184,"body":"that he feels like he's getting mixed"},{"startTime":520.185,"endTime":522.145,"body":"messages from different"},{"startTime":520.185,"endTime":522.145,"body":"government agencies."},{"startTime":522.945,"endTime":527.545,"body":"We have the NRCS and we have"},{"startTime":522.945,"endTime":527.545,"body":"the RMA within our government,"},{"startTime":527.915,"endTime":531.905,"body":"those are the two government"},{"startTime":527.915,"endTime":531.905,"body":"organizations. And the RMA is saying,"},{"startTime":531.906,"endTime":536.245,"body":"you can't do that. You can't"},{"startTime":531.906,"endTime":536.245,"body":"no-till. And NRCS is saying,"},{"startTime":536.246,"endTime":540.925,"body":"what are you doing running that field"},{"startTime":536.246,"endTime":540.925,"body":"cultivator across this hillside?"},{"startTime":541.065,"endTime":544.085,"body":"You know, you're tilling"},{"startTime":541.065,"endTime":544.085,"body":"you're going to cause erosion."},{"startTime":544.085,"endTime":546.565,"body":"And what do you tell the NRCS? Well,"},{"startTime":547.304,"endTime":551.365,"body":"that's the only thing I can do to get"},{"startTime":547.304,"endTime":551.365,"body":"crop insurance is cause soil erosion."},{"startTime":552.245,"endTime":556.245,"body":"You're between a rock and a hard place."},{"startTime":552.245,"endTime":556.245,"body":"And then you have the banker saying,"},{"startTime":556.246,"endTime":558.045,"body":"well, yeah, you have"},{"startTime":556.246,"endTime":558.045,"body":"to have crop insurance."},{"startTime":558.046,"endTime":561.765,"body":"There's no way that this particular loan"},{"startTime":558.046,"endTime":561.765,"body":"is going to go through unless you have"},{"startTime":561.766,"endTime":566.365,"body":"crop insurance. So you're"},{"startTime":561.766,"endTime":566.365,"body":"between a rock, between the NRCS,"},{"startTime":566.366,"endTime":569.845,"body":"and the RMA, and the banker, and"},{"startTime":566.366,"endTime":569.845,"body":"the only choice you have is tillage."},{"startTime":569.945,"endTime":574.245,"body":"At that point, I look at it and I just"},{"startTime":569.945,"endTime":574.245,"body":"shake my head. I'm saying, you know,"},{"startTime":574.875,"endTime":577.205,"body":"what can we do? Why is it the way it is?"},{"startTime":578.125,"endTime":581.085,"body":"Brent is not alone. This is a"},{"startTime":578.125,"endTime":581.085,"body":"common criticism of the system."},{"startTime":582.165,"endTime":586.125,"body":"NRCS encourages farmers to incorporate"},{"startTime":582.165,"endTime":586.125,"body":"as many soil conservation practices as"},{"startTime":586.365,"endTime":586.905,"body":"possible,"},{"startTime":586.905,"endTime":591.405,"body":"but those practices can also sometimes"},{"startTime":586.905,"endTime":591.405,"body":"make you ineligible for crop insurance as"},{"startTime":591.406,"endTime":592.645,"body":"defined by RMA."},{"startTime":593.575,"endTime":597.885,"body":"Brent also brings up an important point"},{"startTime":593.575,"endTime":597.885,"body":"that the banks are part of this equation"},{"startTime":597.985,"endTime":602.485,"body":"too. If you're not insured, it is"},{"startTime":597.985,"endTime":602.485,"body":"much more difficult to secure loans."},{"startTime":603.195,"endTime":605.605,"body":"Yeah, it is great to see farmers"},{"startTime":603.195,"endTime":605.605,"body":"thinking about these things."},{"startTime":606.085,"endTime":609.525,"body":"I am so stoked to see folks like"},{"startTime":606.085,"endTime":609.525,"body":"Brent ask the right questions,"},{"startTime":609.825,"endTime":614.045,"body":"and really push to improve opportunities"},{"startTime":609.825,"endTime":614.045,"body":"for farmers to both maintain"},{"startTime":614.046,"endTime":618.125,"body":"sustainable businesses while maximizing"},{"startTime":614.046,"endTime":618.125,"body":"the ecological outcomes on their farms."},{"startTime":618.945,"endTime":621.365,"body":"I'm sharing with you"},{"startTime":618.945,"endTime":621.365,"body":"because I want there to be,"},{"startTime":621.865,"endTime":625.525,"body":"the end goal is just"},{"startTime":621.865,"endTime":625.525,"body":"create a better system,"},{"startTime":625.765,"endTime":628.445,"body":"and a better environment for"},{"startTime":625.765,"endTime":628.445,"body":"farmers to work within. You know,"},{"startTime":628.665,"endTime":632.445,"body":"that's my goal and if I can"},{"startTime":628.665,"endTime":632.445,"body":"share some of this with you,"},{"startTime":633.184,"endTime":634.804,"body":"I'm glad I could do that. \u003claugh\u003e."},{"startTime":643.765,"endTime":644.598,"body":"After hearing from Brent,"},{"startTime":644.645,"endTime":648.725,"body":"I wanted to get RMA's perspective on how"},{"startTime":644.645,"endTime":648.725,"body":"they're working to make crop insurance"},{"startTime":648.726,"endTime":650.005,"body":"better for organic farmers."},{"startTime":650.585,"endTime":654.405,"body":"And I got to speak with both Sarah"},{"startTime":650.585,"endTime":654.405,"body":"Kliethermes and Anna Parker from RMA."},{"startTime":654.905,"endTime":655.845,"body":"My name is Sarah Kliethermes,"},{"startTime":657.145,"endTime":661.885,"body":"and I work for the Risk Management Agency"},{"startTime":657.145,"endTime":661.885,"body":"in the policy administration branch."},{"startTime":662.505,"endTime":666.965,"body":"I'm from Central Missouri"},{"startTime":662.505,"endTime":666.965,"body":"and I have worked in the"},{"startTime":667.235,"endTime":671.625,"body":"organic area of crop"},{"startTime":667.235,"endTime":671.625,"body":"insurance for 15 years."},{"startTime":672.705,"endTime":673.785,"body":"I am Anna Parker."},{"startTime":674.145,"endTime":679.145,"body":"I am a risk management specialist"},{"startTime":674.145,"endTime":679.145,"body":"for the USDA Risk Management Agency."},{"startTime":679.745,"endTime":684.625,"body":"I work in product management,"},{"startTime":679.745,"endTime":684.625,"body":"loss adjustment standards branch."},{"startTime":685.795,"endTime":690.745,"body":"Based out of Kansas City, but live"},{"startTime":685.795,"endTime":690.745,"body":"and farm in North Central Montana."},{"startTime":691.135,"endTime":696.065,"body":"I've been with RMA, focusing on"},{"startTime":691.135,"endTime":696.065,"body":"organic within crop insurance,"},{"startTime":696.275,"endTime":697.465,"body":"since 2010."},{"startTime":697.945,"endTime":702.545,"body":"I asked Sarah and Anna to provide a"},{"startTime":697.945,"endTime":702.545,"body":"brief overview of RMAs role in crop"},{"startTime":702.546,"endTime":703.379,"body":"insurance."},{"startTime":704.785,"endTime":708.825,"body":"USDA RMA serves as both a"},{"startTime":704.785,"endTime":708.825,"body":"regulator and a reinsurer."},{"startTime":709.725,"endTime":714.445,"body":"So the private market ,or"},{"startTime":709.725,"endTime":714.445,"body":"private insurance companies,"},{"startTime":714.845,"endTime":718.285,"body":"approved insurance"},{"startTime":714.845,"endTime":718.285,"body":"providers, we call them AIPs,"},{"startTime":718.585,"endTime":722.765,"body":"are the ones who actually sell and"},{"startTime":718.585,"endTime":722.765,"body":"service your crop insurance policy."},{"startTime":723.545,"endTime":727.245,"body":"But RMA writes the rules, the regulation,"},{"startTime":727.385,"endTime":728.645,"body":"the policy documents,"},{"startTime":729.184,"endTime":733.925,"body":"and also subsidizes part of"},{"startTime":729.184,"endTime":733.925,"body":"the farmer's portion of the"},{"startTime":733.926,"endTime":734.705,"body":"premium."},{"startTime":734.705,"endTime":737.045,"body":"And Anna broke the process"},{"startTime":734.705,"endTime":737.045,"body":"down a bit further."},{"startTime":738.335,"endTime":741.515,"body":"So if we take it from RMA,"},{"startTime":741.535,"endTime":744.995,"body":"to the approved insurance"},{"startTime":741.535,"endTime":744.995,"body":"providers, to your insurance agent."},{"startTime":745.595,"endTime":749.475,"body":"RMA will develop the policy"},{"startTime":745.595,"endTime":749.475,"body":"terms, the rates and the prices."},{"startTime":750.615,"endTime":754.115,"body":"The companies, the AIPs, sell and service"},{"startTime":756.565,"endTime":757.595,"body":"those policies."},{"startTime":757.735,"endTime":762.595,"body":"And they employ both the crop"},{"startTime":757.735,"endTime":762.595,"body":"insurance agent and the crop insurance"},{"startTime":762.745,"endTime":763.578,"body":"loss adjuster."},{"startTime":763.765,"endTime":768.595,"body":"Those agents and loss adjuster is"},{"startTime":763.765,"endTime":768.595,"body":"who the farmer works with on a like"},{"startTime":768.825,"endTime":770.075,"body":"year to year basis,"},{"startTime":770.815,"endTime":774.915,"body":"to both understand your coverage,"},{"startTime":775.095,"endTime":778.235,"body":"to sign up for that coverage,"},{"startTime":775.095,"endTime":778.235,"body":"and then if there's a loss,"},{"startTime":778.735,"endTime":782.275,"body":"the loss adjuster would come"},{"startTime":778.735,"endTime":782.275,"body":"out, measure the loss, adjust it,"},{"startTime":783.015,"endTime":785.554,"body":"and then the company would pay the loss."},{"startTime":786.554,"endTime":790.835,"body":"So the whole crop insurance process is"},{"startTime":786.554,"endTime":790.835,"body":"sort of this back and forth between RMA"},{"startTime":790.895,"endTime":791.955,"body":"and the AIPs."},{"startTime":792.345,"endTime":796.675,"body":"Exactly. So then we dove into crop"},{"startTime":792.345,"endTime":796.675,"body":"insurance for organic farmers."},{"startTime":797.255,"endTime":801.554,"body":"And Anna pointed out that crop insurance"},{"startTime":797.255,"endTime":801.554,"body":"has come a long way over the last 10"},{"startTime":801.555,"endTime":803.075,"body":"years in servicing organic farmers."},{"startTime":804.015,"endTime":808.595,"body":"So just for a little context,"},{"startTime":804.015,"endTime":808.595,"body":"in 2013, just 10 crop years ago,"},{"startTime":809.045,"endTime":814.035,"body":"there were only about"},{"startTime":809.045,"endTime":814.035,"body":"5,400 policies nationwide,"},{"startTime":814.415,"endTime":817.434,"body":"and that covered just under 700,000 acres."},{"startTime":818.625,"endTime":820.515,"body":"Last crop year, 2022,"},{"startTime":820.975,"endTime":825.315,"body":"we insured over 11,100"},{"startTime":826.035,"endTime":829.795,"body":"policies, which covered"},{"startTime":826.035,"endTime":829.795,"body":"nearly 2 million acres."},{"startTime":830.695,"endTime":835.035,"body":"So we've seen the program grow alongside,"},{"startTime":835.815,"endTime":839.635,"body":"you know, consumer demand"},{"startTime":835.815,"endTime":839.635,"body":"for organic products,"},{"startTime":839.934,"endTime":844.915,"body":"and farmers out there transitioning"},{"startTime":839.934,"endTime":844.915,"body":"and moving to certified organic"},{"startTime":844.916,"endTime":845.915,"body":"farming practices."},{"startTime":847.225,"endTime":847.526,"body":"You know,"},{"startTime":847.526,"endTime":852.165,"body":"something I think is interesting is"},{"startTime":847.526,"endTime":852.165,"body":"that part of the idea behind organic and"},{"startTime":852.166,"endTime":857.045,"body":"sustainable practices is to ensure"},{"startTime":852.166,"endTime":857.045,"body":"that the crops in the soil are healthy"},{"startTime":857.065,"endTime":861.525,"body":"and less susceptible to many of the issues"},{"startTime":857.065,"endTime":861.525,"body":"that have plagued farms over history"},{"startTime":861.595,"endTime":864.005,"body":"like pests and disease"},{"startTime":861.595,"endTime":864.005,"body":"and fertility problems."},{"startTime":865.065,"endTime":870.045,"body":"It seems to me like RMA would want to"},{"startTime":865.065,"endTime":870.045,"body":"incentivize sustainable practices as much"},{"startTime":870.065,"endTime":870.898,"body":"as possible,"},{"startTime":871.425,"endTime":875.405,"body":"almost as an insurance policy against"},{"startTime":871.425,"endTime":875.405,"body":"farmers needing to file claims."},{"startTime":876.725,"endTime":877.558,"body":"You know, Mallory,"},{"startTime":877.625,"endTime":881.545,"body":"I feel like you could just be getting"},{"startTime":877.625,"endTime":881.545,"body":"on stage right now and having a call and"},{"startTime":881.745,"endTime":885.505,"body":"response with a big old group of farmers"},{"startTime":881.745,"endTime":885.505,"body":"saying, organic is good crop insurance,"},{"startTime":885.505,"endTime":889.145,"body":"and they would be calling"},{"startTime":885.505,"endTime":889.145,"body":"back, Amen sister."},{"startTime":889.925,"endTime":894.525,"body":"And so Sarah spoke to some RMA programs"},{"startTime":889.925,"endTime":894.525,"body":"that are designed to encourage different"},{"startTime":894.526,"endTime":896.445,"body":"types of sustainable practices."},{"startTime":897.585,"endTime":902.415,"body":"There are a few resources that you can"},{"startTime":897.585,"endTime":902.415,"body":"go to to find more about these programs."},{"startTime":903.395,"endTime":906.215,"body":"On the USDA website farmers.gov,"},{"startTime":907.855,"endTime":911.095,"body":"if you go under the conservation tab,"},{"startTime":911.465,"endTime":915.255,"body":"there is a climate smart"},{"startTime":911.465,"endTime":915.255,"body":"agriculture and forestry initiative."},{"startTime":915.875,"endTime":917.935,"body":"For a deeper dive into crop insurance,"},{"startTime":918.975,"endTime":923.105,"body":"RMA has also a conservation page"},{"startTime":923.765,"endTime":924.825,"body":"on the RMA website."},{"startTime":925.245,"endTime":928.945,"body":"And we have a few programs"},{"startTime":925.245,"endTime":928.945,"body":"that are pretty exciting."},{"startTime":929.795,"endTime":932.465,"body":"There is one on post application,"},{"startTime":933.415,"endTime":935.745,"body":"it's a post application"},{"startTime":933.415,"endTime":935.745,"body":"coverage endorsement."},{"startTime":936.085,"endTime":938.705,"body":"And what that does is it's a program on"},{"startTime":940.755,"endTime":942.785,"body":"split application of nitrogen."},{"startTime":943.325,"endTime":947.665,"body":"So this is a program"},{"startTime":943.325,"endTime":947.665,"body":"for farmers that apply"},{"startTime":947.895,"endTime":948.728,"body":"anhydrous,"},{"startTime":949.125,"endTime":953.345,"body":"two times per year instead of"},{"startTime":949.125,"endTime":953.345,"body":"just one large application."},{"startTime":953.895,"endTime":955.505,"body":"With that split application,"},{"startTime":956.095,"endTime":959.025,"body":"they're really looking into gaining,"},{"startTime":959.325,"endTime":963.345,"body":"the farmers are gaining efficiencies"},{"startTime":959.325,"endTime":963.345,"body":"and reducing cost by supporting that"},{"startTime":963.745,"endTime":964.485,"body":"practice."},{"startTime":964.485,"endTime":969.385,"body":"So then the crop insurance program is"},{"startTime":969.946,"endTime":972.625,"body":"made according to accordingly for that."},{"startTime":973.945,"endTime":978.705,"body":"And another item that we're"},{"startTime":973.945,"endTime":978.705,"body":"pretty excited about is"},{"startTime":978.835,"endTime":979.668,"body":"cover crops."},{"startTime":980.475,"endTime":984.825,"body":"We've taken a few steps"},{"startTime":980.475,"endTime":984.825,"body":"to support cover crops"},{"startTime":985.405,"endTime":988.825,"body":"in crop insurance. And in 2021,"},{"startTime":989.205,"endTime":992.185,"body":"we had the pandemic cover crop program,"},{"startTime":993.045,"endTime":997.705,"body":"and that provided premium support"},{"startTime":993.045,"endTime":997.705,"body":"for producers with crop insurance"},{"startTime":998.175,"endTime":1001.825,"body":"that maintained cover crops"},{"startTime":998.175,"endTime":1001.825,"body":"systems during the pandemic."},{"startTime":1003.165,"endTime":1007.425,"body":"And prior to that we updated our policy,"},{"startTime":1007.765,"endTime":1009.145,"body":"and this is an overarching change,"},{"startTime":1009.146,"endTime":1013.785,"body":"we updated the crop policy"},{"startTime":1009.146,"endTime":1013.785,"body":"for producers to hay"},{"startTime":1014.065,"endTime":1016.305,"body":"graze or chop cover crops at any time,"},{"startTime":1016.805,"endTime":1020.265,"body":"and still receive a hundred percent of"},{"startTime":1016.805,"endTime":1020.265,"body":"the preventive planning payment. Lastly,"},{"startTime":1023.105,"endTime":1026.984,"body":"I want to mention an"},{"startTime":1023.105,"endTime":1026.984,"body":"irrigation efficiency program."},{"startTime":1028.365,"endTime":1033.305,"body":"And this is an alternative irrigation"},{"startTime":1033.306,"endTime":1034.984,"body":"method for rice program."},{"startTime":1036.645,"endTime":1038.425,"body":"And what it does is,"},{"startTime":1039.285,"endTime":1043.825,"body":"it recognizes that"},{"startTime":1039.285,"endTime":1043.825,"body":"agriculture producers can save"},{"startTime":1043.955,"endTime":1048.225,"body":"input costs while conserving"},{"startTime":1043.955,"endTime":1048.225,"body":"water when they use"},{"startTime":1048.815,"endTime":1053.705,"body":"it's an AWD and a furrow"},{"startTime":1048.815,"endTime":1053.705,"body":"irrigation practice on their rice"},{"startTime":1053.955,"endTime":1054.788,"body":"farms."},{"startTime":1055.045,"endTime":1059.025,"body":"One thing I do want to note is that the"},{"startTime":1055.045,"endTime":1059.025,"body":"post application coverage endorsement,"},{"startTime":1059.285,"endTime":1063.105,"body":"or PACE, is not currently"},{"startTime":1059.285,"endTime":1063.105,"body":"available for organic producers,"},{"startTime":1063.484,"endTime":1067.825,"body":"but it is aimed at supporting"},{"startTime":1063.484,"endTime":1067.825,"body":"conventional farmers in taking steps into"},{"startTime":1067.826,"endTime":1071.845,"body":"sustainable agriculture. So"},{"startTime":1067.826,"endTime":1071.845,"body":"something I was curious about is,"},{"startTime":1072.125,"endTime":1074.005,"body":"I know farmers struggle with cover crops,"},{"startTime":1074.006,"endTime":1078.325,"body":"because they see the NRCS cover crop"},{"startTime":1074.006,"endTime":1078.325,"body":"termination guidelines chart as set in"},{"startTime":1078.326,"endTime":1081.005,"body":"stone dates that they have to"},{"startTime":1078.326,"endTime":1081.005,"body":"terminate their cover crops by."},{"startTime":1081.625,"endTime":1085.845,"body":"So I asked Sarah and Anna to explain a"},{"startTime":1081.625,"endTime":1085.845,"body":"bit about the termination guidelines and"},{"startTime":1085.846,"endTime":1088.125,"body":"whether there are ways to"},{"startTime":1085.846,"endTime":1088.125,"body":"deviate from those dates."},{"startTime":1089.355,"endTime":1093.815,"body":"So these guidelines, they"},{"startTime":1089.355,"endTime":1093.815,"body":"provide a pre-approved,"},{"startTime":1094.075,"endTime":1098.615,"body":"latest end date to terminate"},{"startTime":1094.075,"endTime":1098.615,"body":"a cover crop from a water"},{"startTime":1098.655,"endTime":1101.734,"body":"availability standpoint for USDA programs."},{"startTime":1102.075,"endTime":1103.855,"body":"So the dates that you see in the map,"},{"startTime":1104.735,"endTime":1109.215,"body":"they vary from region to"},{"startTime":1104.735,"endTime":1109.215,"body":"region from East to West"},{"startTime":1109.355,"endTime":1113.815,"body":"United States. And that is all"},{"startTime":1109.355,"endTime":1113.815,"body":"based on water availability data."},{"startTime":1114.635,"endTime":1116.875,"body":"And these guidelines,"},{"startTime":1117.105,"endTime":1121.315,"body":"they're for an additional level of comfort"},{"startTime":1117.105,"endTime":1121.315,"body":"for producers that may be unfamiliar"},{"startTime":1121.316,"endTime":1122.234,"body":"with cover crops,"},{"startTime":1122.415,"endTime":1126.915,"body":"but want to know up front that"},{"startTime":1122.415,"endTime":1126.915,"body":"if they follow these guidelines,"},{"startTime":1127.234,"endTime":1128.275,"body":"their crop is insured,"},{"startTime":1128.734,"endTime":1133.595,"body":"and their cover crop management decisions"},{"startTime":1128.734,"endTime":1133.595,"body":"can be considered a good farming"},{"startTime":1134.075,"endTime":1135.435,"body":"practice. However,"},{"startTime":1136.175,"endTime":1140.915,"body":"for those folks who are coming up with pro"},{"startTime":1140.984,"endTime":1145.355,"body":"with a system that really works"},{"startTime":1140.984,"endTime":1145.355,"body":"on their farm, and they have"},{"startTime":1146.875,"endTime":1148.875,"body":"extensive experience in cover crops,"},{"startTime":1149.285,"endTime":1153.915,"body":"there is always an"},{"startTime":1149.285,"endTime":1153.915,"body":"opportunity to get a deviation"},{"startTime":1154.025,"endTime":1154.955,"body":"from the guidelines."},{"startTime":1155.935,"endTime":1160.795,"body":"And really there's three"},{"startTime":1155.935,"endTime":1160.795,"body":"ways that a producer can"},{"startTime":1160.796,"endTime":1163.195,"body":"know that their cover crop practice,"},{"startTime":1163.445,"endTime":1167.795,"body":"their cover crop management"},{"startTime":1163.445,"endTime":1167.795,"body":"decision is a GFP. So one,"},{"startTime":1167.945,"endTime":1172.115,"body":"they can follow these generalized"},{"startTime":1167.945,"endTime":1172.115,"body":"zonal guidance here in the guidelines,"},{"startTime":1173.535,"endTime":1178.475,"body":"or they can utilize"},{"startTime":1173.535,"endTime":1178.475,"body":"published materials from ag"},{"startTime":1178.476,"endTime":1179.309,"body":"experts."},{"startTime":1179.535,"endTime":1183.515,"body":"So if they have published material"},{"startTime":1179.535,"endTime":1183.515,"body":"that's applicable for their area,"},{"startTime":1184.185,"endTime":1187.755,"body":"then that can be provided to their agent,"},{"startTime":1188.175,"endTime":1191.835,"body":"and given as support"},{"startTime":1188.175,"endTime":1191.835,"body":"for a GFP determination,"},{"startTime":1192.275,"endTime":1195.994,"body":"a Good Farming Practice"},{"startTime":1192.275,"endTime":1195.994,"body":"determination. So lastly,"},{"startTime":1196.565,"endTime":1200.075,"body":"let's say the first two options"},{"startTime":1196.565,"endTime":1200.075,"body":"don't work for a producer,"},{"startTime":1200.975,"endTime":1205.915,"body":"and it doesn't cover the specific"},{"startTime":1200.975,"endTime":1205.915,"body":"cover crop management system they're"},{"startTime":1205.916,"endTime":1210.275,"body":"using. They can request an"},{"startTime":1205.916,"endTime":1210.275,"body":"exception to the guidelines,"},{"startTime":1211.255,"endTime":1215.875,"body":"and receive some additional"},{"startTime":1211.255,"endTime":1215.875,"body":"ag expert support in"},{"startTime":1215.905,"endTime":1219.835,"body":"writing in accordance with the"},{"startTime":1215.905,"endTime":1219.835,"body":"Good Farming Practice handbook."},{"startTime":1220.175,"endTime":1221.715,"body":"So there are definitely other options."},{"startTime":1222.625,"endTime":1226.484,"body":"So it sounds like RMA has incorporated"},{"startTime":1222.625,"endTime":1226.484,"body":"flexibility when it comes to the systems"},{"startTime":1226.485,"endTime":1231.405,"body":"farmers are using, as long as they can"},{"startTime":1226.485,"endTime":1231.405,"body":"prove that it is a good farming practice."},{"startTime":1232.075,"endTime":1236.775,"body":"The good farming practice concept is"},{"startTime":1232.075,"endTime":1236.775,"body":"definitely not a precisely defined thing,"},{"startTime":1237.315,"endTime":1241.615,"body":"but following good farming practices"},{"startTime":1237.315,"endTime":1241.615,"body":"means that you're doing your due diligence"},{"startTime":1241.855,"endTime":1245.255,"body":"in taking care of the crop, and also"},{"startTime":1241.855,"endTime":1245.255,"body":"following your organic system plan."},{"startTime":1246.255,"endTime":1250.244,"body":"Claims can be denied if it is determined"},{"startTime":1246.255,"endTime":1250.244,"body":"you did not follow good farming"},{"startTime":1250.565,"endTime":1254.325,"body":"practices or in other words, you abandoned"},{"startTime":1250.565,"endTime":1254.325,"body":"the crop during the growing season."},{"startTime":1255.265,"endTime":1259.605,"body":"I'm wondering if you brought up Brent's"},{"startTime":1255.265,"endTime":1259.605,"body":"case where he can't get crop insurance"},{"startTime":1259.665,"endTime":1261.645,"body":"for what he believes is"},{"startTime":1259.665,"endTime":1261.645,"body":"a good farming practice."},{"startTime":1262.355,"endTime":1266.315,"body":"I did talk to Sarah and Anna about this"},{"startTime":1262.355,"endTime":1266.315,"body":"and they brought up what I thought was a"},{"startTime":1266.316,"endTime":1270.115,"body":"really good point. At the end"},{"startTime":1266.316,"endTime":1270.115,"body":"of the day, RMA is an insurer,"},{"startTime":1270.375,"endTime":1273.595,"body":"and that means that despite wanting"},{"startTime":1270.375,"endTime":1273.595,"body":"to support innovative practices,"},{"startTime":1273.905,"endTime":1276.715,"body":"they can't insure every"},{"startTime":1273.905,"endTime":1276.715,"body":"individual experiment."},{"startTime":1277.465,"endTime":1280.875,"body":"It's really hard to insure an experiment,"},{"startTime":1281.145,"endTime":1284.635,"body":"whether it's conventional"},{"startTime":1281.145,"endTime":1284.635,"body":"or organic. You know,"},{"startTime":1284.785,"endTime":1287.315,"body":"it's that safety net to make sure that you"},{"startTime":1288.956,"endTime":1291.835,"body":"have the cashflow to"},{"startTime":1288.956,"endTime":1291.835,"body":"get a crop in next year,"},{"startTime":1292.025,"endTime":1295.595,"body":"even if everything fails this year."},{"startTime":1292.025,"endTime":1295.595,"body":"It's kind of more of the hard truth."},{"startTime":1296.625,"endTime":1300.595,"body":"Like I know it's innovative, and"},{"startTime":1296.625,"endTime":1300.595,"body":"I think it's really exciting,"},{"startTime":1300.975,"endTime":1305.395,"body":"and that's how farms last,"},{"startTime":1300.975,"endTime":1305.395,"body":"is by innovating. You know,"},{"startTime":1305.835,"endTime":1308.955,"body":"I am talking to you from my family farm."},{"startTime":1309.175,"endTime":1313.635,"body":"We started here in 1929, which"},{"startTime":1309.175,"endTime":1313.635,"body":"for Montana is pretty old,"},{"startTime":1314.494,"endTime":1318.355,"body":"and you know, it was a potato"},{"startTime":1314.494,"endTime":1318.355,"body":"farm. It's been a dairy farm."},{"startTime":1318.356,"endTime":1321.994,"body":"It's been an alfalfa farm."},{"startTime":1318.356,"endTime":1321.994,"body":"Now we're raising barley,"},{"startTime":1321.994,"endTime":1325.115,"body":"and have a certified organic greenhouse,"},{"startTime":1325.385,"endTime":1329.515,"body":"like farms have to change."},{"startTime":1325.385,"endTime":1329.515,"body":"And innovation is important,"},{"startTime":1330.215,"endTime":1334.635,"body":"but sometimes we can't"},{"startTime":1330.215,"endTime":1334.635,"body":"always underwrite every cool"},{"startTime":1334.636,"endTime":1335.469,"body":"experiment."},{"startTime":1336.385,"endTime":1336.676,"body":"Well,"},{"startTime":1336.676,"endTime":1341.355,"body":"and that's why in the cover crops you"},{"startTime":1336.676,"endTime":1341.355,"body":"have to have supporting written material"},{"startTime":1341.984,"endTime":1346.835,"body":"from an ag expert to help you"},{"startTime":1341.984,"endTime":1346.835,"body":"get that deviation from the"},{"startTime":1346.836,"endTime":1350.255,"body":"guidelines. So that we're not, you know,"},{"startTime":1350.725,"endTime":1352.175,"body":"putting some risk out there,"},{"startTime":1352.176,"endTime":1356.255,"body":"and then there's a huge loss in because"},{"startTime":1357.665,"endTime":1361.975,"body":"there was a cover crop that"},{"startTime":1357.665,"endTime":1361.975,"body":"wasn't grown correctly and"},{"startTime":1363.015,"endTime":1363.848,"body":"maintained."},{"startTime":1364.335,"endTime":1368.115,"body":"We know we need to find this"},{"startTime":1364.335,"endTime":1368.115,"body":"balance out there, because organic"},{"startTime":1369.715,"endTime":1373.395,"body":"producers, and a lot of conventional"},{"startTime":1369.715,"endTime":1373.395,"body":"producers are pushing the boat forward in,"},{"startTime":1374.795,"endTime":1378.795,"body":"you know, sustainable farming"},{"startTime":1374.795,"endTime":1378.795,"body":"practices, and, you know,"},{"startTime":1378.796,"endTime":1383.635,"body":"working together to move agriculture"},{"startTime":1378.796,"endTime":1383.635,"body":"forward into the, you know,"},{"startTime":1383.744,"endTime":1386.915,"body":"into the next century. So we"},{"startTime":1383.744,"endTime":1386.915,"body":"have to all move together."},{"startTime":1387.895,"endTime":1390.455,"body":"I can see RMAs point. As an insurer,"},{"startTime":1390.456,"endTime":1392.335,"body":"they have to put some parameters"},{"startTime":1390.456,"endTime":1392.335,"body":"around what they can cover."},{"startTime":1392.805,"endTime":1397.695,"body":"Yeah. And Sarah recognizes there is room"},{"startTime":1392.805,"endTime":1397.695,"body":"to improve crop insurance for organics,"},{"startTime":1397.955,"endTime":1402.175,"body":"and had some suggestions for what farmers"},{"startTime":1397.955,"endTime":1402.175,"body":"can do to help advance organic crop"},{"startTime":1402.176,"endTime":1402.915,"body":"insurance."},{"startTime":1402.915,"endTime":1407.775,"body":"So a lot of what I hear is some"},{"startTime":1407.955,"endTime":1411.775,"body":"of the publications on"},{"startTime":1407.955,"endTime":1411.775,"body":"organic practices are"},{"startTime":1413.115,"endTime":1416.255,"body":"few and far between, their data is slim,"},{"startTime":1416.955,"endTime":1421.895,"body":"and some of those publications by"},{"startTime":1416.955,"endTime":1421.895,"body":"universities and other ag experts can"},{"startTime":1421.896,"endTime":1422.729,"body":"be outdated."},{"startTime":1423.035,"endTime":1426.925,"body":"So I think one of the best"},{"startTime":1423.035,"endTime":1426.925,"body":"things a farmer can do,"},{"startTime":1427.265,"endTime":1430.325,"body":"is they can work with their ag advisor,"},{"startTime":1427.265,"endTime":1430.325,"body":"and they can work with universities,"},{"startTime":1430.326,"endTime":1435.045,"body":"they can work with people who"},{"startTime":1430.326,"endTime":1435.045,"body":"are studying organic systems"},{"startTime":1435.625,"endTime":1440.484,"body":"to create more publications"},{"startTime":1435.625,"endTime":1440.484,"body":"that can be used as a Good"},{"startTime":1440.485,"endTime":1445.325,"body":"Farming Practice resource"},{"startTime":1440.485,"endTime":1445.325,"body":"and an agriculture expert"},{"startTime":1445.685,"endTime":1446.465,"body":"resource."},{"startTime":1446.465,"endTime":1451.445,"body":"So then more of those cutting edge"},{"startTime":1446.465,"endTime":1451.445,"body":"practices that farmers are using"},{"startTime":1451.945,"endTime":1456.725,"body":"can be recognized, and then that can be"},{"startTime":1451.945,"endTime":1456.725,"body":"also supported through crop insurance."},{"startTime":1457.805,"endTime":1462.325,"body":"And RMA is an active partner in making"},{"startTime":1457.805,"endTime":1462.325,"body":"crop insurance work better for organic"},{"startTime":1462.326,"endTime":1463.159,"body":"farmers."},{"startTime":1463.595,"endTime":1466.565,"body":"Yeah, RMA is always seeking input,"},{"startTime":1467.035,"endTime":1469.325,"body":"working with producer groups,"},{"startTime":1469.755,"endTime":1474.244,"body":"working within the crop"},{"startTime":1469.755,"endTime":1474.244,"body":"insurance industry to improve"},{"startTime":1474.545,"endTime":1475.845,"body":"the products that are available."},{"startTime":1476.625,"endTime":1480.885,"body":"And a lot of these improvements"},{"startTime":1476.625,"endTime":1480.885,"body":"come through data collection."},{"startTime":1481.425,"endTime":1486.165,"body":"So my best advice to an"},{"startTime":1481.425,"endTime":1486.165,"body":"organic producer is keep on"},{"startTime":1486.166,"endTime":1489.165,"body":"doing what you're doing,"},{"startTime":1486.166,"endTime":1489.165,"body":"and share that information,"},{"startTime":1489.744,"endTime":1491.325,"body":"so we can collect this data,"},{"startTime":1491.945,"endTime":1496.765,"body":"and the program can change"},{"startTime":1491.945,"endTime":1496.765,"body":"and improve based on the"},{"startTime":1496.766,"endTime":1500.205,"body":"data that we've collected."},{"startTime":1496.766,"endTime":1500.205,"body":"So first takeaway,"},{"startTime":1500.915,"endTime":1505.325,"body":"work with your agent. Talk to your"},{"startTime":1500.915,"endTime":1505.325,"body":"agent. Second, share your data."},{"startTime":1512.875,"endTime":1514.725,"body":"This has been the dirt on Organic Farming,"},{"startTime":1515.045,"endTime":1517.525,"body":"a podcast by the Organic"},{"startTime":1515.045,"endTime":1517.525,"body":"Agronomy Training Service."},{"startTime":1518.234,"endTime":1519.965,"body":"OATS provides training to agronomists,"},{"startTime":1519.966,"endTime":1523.484,"body":"advisors and crop consultants so that"},{"startTime":1519.966,"endTime":1523.484,"body":"farmers will have better access to"},{"startTime":1523.725,"endTime":1526.845,"body":"reliable science-based advice"},{"startTime":1523.725,"endTime":1526.845,"body":"for their unique farm operation."},{"startTime":1527.115,"endTime":1531.765,"body":"Special thanks in this episode goes"},{"startTime":1527.115,"endTime":1531.765,"body":"to Brent Schlenker, Sarah Kliethermes,"},{"startTime":1531.905,"endTime":1535.845,"body":"and Anna Parker. This episode"},{"startTime":1531.905,"endTime":1535.845,"body":"was produced by Michaela Elias."},{"startTime":1536.065,"endTime":1539.445,"body":"For more information, go"},{"startTime":1536.065,"endTime":1539.445,"body":"to www.organicagronomy.org."},{"startTime":1541.435,"endTime":1545.325,"body":"OATS is a programmatically independent"},{"startTime":1541.435,"endTime":1545.325,"body":"consortium that is fiscally sponsored by"},{"startTime":1545.326,"endTime":1546.765,"body":"the Organic Trade Association."},{"startTime":1547.395,"endTime":1550.885,"body":"OATS is supported in part with funding"},{"startTime":1547.395,"endTime":1550.885,"body":"from OTAs membership companies."},{"startTime":1551.345,"endTime":1555.205,"body":"Season two of the Dirt on Organic"},{"startTime":1551.345,"endTime":1555.205,"body":"Farming is made possible by a funding"},{"startTime":1555.206,"endTime":1559.484,"body":"partnership with USDA Risk"},{"startTime":1555.206,"endTime":1559.484,"body":"Management Agency under award number"},{"startTime":1559.805,"endTime":1560.638,"body":"RMA22CPT0012393."},{"startTime":1564.385,"endTime":1565.405,"body":"I'm Mallory Krieger."},{"startTime":1565.465,"endTime":1566.685,"body":"And I'm Nate Powell Palm."},{"startTime":1567.325,"endTime":1568.685,"body":"Till next time, thanks for listening."}]}