Crop Insurance Today February 2015 - (Page 30)

Art says, "Every time I visit a field, I have two goals in mind: make the most accurate adjustment; and make sure the farmer feels that he can rely on my judgment." To reach this goal, "It's very important that you clearly explain the procedures and how you came up with the loss adjustment total," describes Art. Presenting these steps provides the farmer with an understanding as to how the loss was determined. Art's appreciation for the producer is repaid with equal gratitude when he takes the extra time to help his clients. From each visit, Art is one-step closer to a stronger relationship with the farmer. This is important to Art, because it is the reason he started adjusting in the first place. "I always enjoyed visiting with my crop adjuster when he came out to my farm. He kept bringing up how he thought I would make a great adjuster," tells Art, "I knew how much he had helped my farm operation, and I wanted to be able to do the same for others. I finally made the call and have loved my job ever since." It is not uncommon to find an adjuster like Art-one who has a passion for helping his community. But what is exceptional about him is, despite the fact that he must cover at least three different states at a time, being able to serve and contribute to agriculture is all Art asks for in return. "Just like any job, there are trying times. But overall I enjoy my job, because I know that I am able to help the farmer," explains Art. Adjusters are the face of crop insurance, and make a direct impact on the perception of the industry. Besides their agent, a client will spend most of their time working with an adjuster when unfortunate weather strikes. It is important to remember, "This is not only a business, but a livelihood. They [farmers] need to be reassured that they won't lose what is very close and personal to them," notes Art. How an adjuster interacts with a client will not go unnoticed or forgotten and that's a crucial point as to why crop insurance will always need adjusters like Art. From developing a dedicated relationship, to mentoring farmers about procedures, Art brings a positive impact on crop insurance every day. 30 FEBRUARY2015 CropInsurance TODAY In Memory Mike Felt Myron Kenneth "Mike" Felt passed away on November 19, 2014. He was born in Wakefield, Nebraska, on Aug. 20, 1928, to Anna Froid Felt and Arthur Felt. He was the youngest in a family of four sons brought up at home in a Christian environment. Raised on a farm, Mike learned from the time he could walk how to work hard. He lived in Nebraska, attended Wakefield High School, and then enlisted and proudly served in the Marine Corps. Mike moved to Great Falls in the early 1950s, while working for the Home Insurance Company. He was introduced to the love of his life, Patty Lou Christensen, in 1955, by her father, a competitor of Mike's in the insurance industry. When Mike finally got his courage up to ask Patty out, they never looked back. Mike and Patty had two beloved children, Stephen Mathew and Nancy Ann, both born in Great Falls. Mike started Crop Hail Management and built it into the largest crop insurance managing general agency in the United States. In the early '80s Mike created National Flood. One of Mike's most notable achievements was to help garner Congressional support for the passage of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980. He led the formation of the American Association of Crop Insurers and served as its first chairman for several years. While living in Great Falls, Mike and Patty discovered Flathead Lake and the village of Bigfork. In 1963, they purchased a house on the East Shore and the dream began. After spending their summers on the lake, they decided to make it their full-time home in 1968. Mike always had the spirit of an entrepreneur and as he drove through the farms on Holt Drive, he envisioned a golf course there. And so, in 1979, he took the first steps to achieving that dream and purchased the land that would later become the first nine holes of Eagle Bend Golf Course. He and Patty taught their children generosity by often participating and contributing to the community of Bigfork. Mike had a sharp business acumen and served on many local and national boards. He was a leader in the community, a mentor to many and known for his giant, healing hugs. Mike and Patty were active members of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork. He loved the lake, hiking and Glacier Park. Mike enjoyed skiing until the year he and Patty both broke their legs on King's Hill. Of course, he was known as a golfer, famous for his holein-one that cost him five shots. Besides being an avid fan, he was an armchair offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Mike adored his children, but his grandchildren filled his life with joy. He made certain they all knew he loved them, and how important each one was to him. All of Mike's children and grandchildren attended Bigfork High School. His family has created a Scholarship Fund in his memory. Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Patty Lou; his daughter Nancy Felt Mahlum, sonin-law Doug Mahlum, grandsons, Bridger Loyd and Colter Paul; his son Stephen Felt, daughter-in-law Jana Felt, granddaughters Sadie Lou and Hadley Kay, grandson Michael Levi Felt, Levi's mother, Mary Felt Revercomb; and his nieces and nephews to whom he was a hero. In addition, he leaves behind many, many friends who will miss him dearly. A memorial service was held on December 5, 2014. Contributions to the MK Felt Scholarship Fund can be sent to Rocky Mountain Bank, P.O. Box 1440, Bigfork, MT 59911, or contact Nancy Felt Mahlum at nancymahlum@yahoo.com.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Crop Insurance Today February 2015

A Work in Progress
Whole-Farm Revenue Protection
2014 A Year of Involvement
NCIS Agricultural Research & Technology Program
Crop Insurance In Action: Art Wiebelhaus, Fordyce, Nebraska
In Memory Mike Felt
In Memory Irl Oaks, Jr.
Insurable Crops Location & Plans
FFA Proficiency Winner

Crop Insurance Today February 2015