New initiative helps farmers prepare for disruption risks and build resilience
Farmers today are facing growing uncertainty due to changing markets, weather conditions, global tensions, and supply chain disruptions. To help address these challenges, Nationwide has introduced a new initiative called Farm Risk Ready, designed to support farmers in building stronger and more resilient operations.
“Farmers today face disruption risks that are more complex and unpredictable than ever before,” said Devin Fuhrman, Nationwide’s Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer. “The new Farm Risk Ready tools and resources are designed to help farmers move from a wait-and-see approach to a predict and prevent mindset. By understanding emerging risks and building an actionable plan, farmers can strengthen their operations and position themselves for long-term success.”
New research from Nationwide shows that many farmers are not fully prepared for unexpected disruptions. According to the study, 65% of farmers do not have a formal resiliency or risk management plan for their farm business. This gap highlights the need for better planning and tools to help farmers prepare for future challenges.
The research also revealed that farmers rated their readiness to manage disruptions at an average of five out of ten, suggesting that many producers feel only moderately prepared. Nearly 47% of farmers said they take a wait-and-see approach, believing they can respond to risks only when they occur.
Industry experts say that the risks facing agriculture today are becoming more complex. In addition to traditional concerns like weather and crop production, farmers now must consider regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, disease outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, and market access issues. These challenges can affect farm income, reputation, and long-term stability.
To help farmers address these risks, Nationwide developed the Farm Risk Ready initiative, which provides practical tools and resources for risk planning. The program aims to help farmers move from reacting to problems toward preparing them in advance.
Farm Risk Ready includes several key resources. Farmers can use an interactive risk assessment tool to evaluate their current level of preparedness and identify areas where improvements may be needed. A plan builder tool helps farmers create a customized resiliency plan tailored to their specific farm operation.
The program also offers learning materials and online resources designed to make risk planning easier to understand and implement. In the future, Nationwide plans to provide hands-on workshops, allowing farmers to receive expert guidance and share ideas with other producers.
Experts say that building resilience is becoming essential in modern agriculture. A clear plan can help farms anticipate risks, adapt to change, and recover more quickly from unexpected events.
Farmers interested in strengthening their operations can begin developing their own resiliency plan through Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready program and take steps toward protecting the long-term success of their farm businesses.
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