Press Release

Registration Is Now Open for 2020 IRMI AgriCon, Focused on Agribusiness Risk Management and Insurance

Dallas, TX, November 20, 2019—International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI), has opened registration for the 2020 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conferences (AgriCon). These three regional Conferences are focused on the unique exposures faced by farms and other agribusinesses and how to best construct the insurance programs that cover them.

The 2020 AgriCon locations and dates are as follows.

• Sacramento, California—March 8–10
• Richmond, Virginia—June 16–17
• Des Moines, Iowa—September 15–16

"Through the Agribusiness Conferences, Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS^®) certification program, a new comprehensive online reference—Agribusiness Risk and Insurance (ARI), and our recently launched free e-newsletter, IRMI AgriRisk, we are committed to continuing development and enhancement of educational content and resources that address the unique exposures and risk management challenges faced by farms, ranches, and other agribusinesses," said IRMI President and CEO Jack P. Gibson. "Participating in IRMI AgriCon is a great way for agents, brokers, underwriters, and insurance buyers to discover best practices for agribusiness risk management and stay ahead of new exposures."

A highlight of this year’s Conferences will be keynote addresses from top-ranking government officials who will present an overview of their state’s current agribusiness climate. The following dignitaries are currently scheduled to speak.

• Sacramento—Secretary Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture
• Richmond—Commissioner Jewel Bronaugh, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Des Moines—Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Another featured event will be "Market and Cultural Pressures," a lunch panel discussion and open forum addressing issues faced by the farming community and how they impact insurance coverage. Wayne Holt, Nationwide director of farm underwriting; "Rudy" Rudolph, AFIS instructor and rancher; and Dr. Cie Freeman, immediate past president of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, will share insights on the trials of farmers and ranchers in the current climate and political environment, stress they cause, insurance implications, and available resources to address these challenges.

Each Conference will also feature multiple sessions covering hot-button topics such as climate change, wildfires, and agribusiness claims. Featured speakers and sessions include the following.

• Best-selling author Rob Galbraith, CPCU, will present on blockchain, agribusiness technology, and InsurTech.
• Camille Dixon, statewide program manager and cannabis insurance external affairs director for the California Department of Insurance, will provide attendees with a "Cannabis and Hemp State of the Market Update."
• John Talley, J.D., Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance captive program manager, will review the use of captive insurance as it relates to agriculture.

Attendees can also choose to take classes that lead to obtaining and maintaining the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS^®) certification, the foremost continuing education program for specialists in agricultural and farm risk management and insurance. Find the full agendas for each Conference at IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference.

Providing fun entertainment and a chance for attendees to have a good laugh will be Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers. Known for hilarious and entertaining award-winning videos and songs about farm life that have racked up over 50 million views on YouTube, Mr. Peterson will share his unique outlook on family farms and the future of the agricultural industry.

To learn more or to register, visit IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference or call (800) 827–4242.