Leaders in the Field: Examining Ag Roles

At Farm Bureau, agriculture isn’t just in our name — it’s in our company DNA. From protecting family farms to large-scale ag operations and hiring people that are passionate about farming and ranching, ag is central to who we are. Agriculture insurance is especially important to us, and each agriculture insurance agent on our team is an important part of what we do.

Farmers and ranchers are passionate about their operations, and we’re looking for people who have the same passion, too. Are you interested in working in an ag-related position at Farm Bureau? Keep reading to find out more about what it takes to join our team and help ag businesses thrive.  

A Background in Ag — or Not

Do you need a background in ag to succeed at Farm Bureau? Not necessarily. When Jessi Doke started working at Farm Bureau, she understood insurance. But she didn’t have a lot of experience with agriculture. Now she’s the Ag Business Center Director in Nebraska. So, how did she reach that position?

Jessi says that a key to her success was using every opportunity possible to dig in and learn about the subject matter, from hands-on experience to classroom knowledge. “There are so many people willing to help you by sharing knowledge and insight about the ag industry that it’s helped me get to where I am today,” she says.

In fact, professional development is a big part of the learning culture that Jessi loves at FBFS. “Our team definitely encourages employee development. We encourage people to seek out experience on a variety of teams to really round out their knowledge,” she says. “Every opportunity presents a chance to deepen your ag understanding. No two farms are alike, so the more people you speak to, the better prepared you will be.

”Jessi grew her experience by having conversations and asking her ag connections — specifically the farmers she knew — if she could shadow their day, absorbing details and jotting thoughts down as she went. She asked questions and figured out what’s important to farmers and ranchers. Then, she went back and researched coverages, looking for ways to enhance the relationships. She took classes to expand her knowledge and worked with people at Farm Bureau to deepen her understanding of agriculture.

Certainly, ag-related experience can be diverse and is beneficial at Farm Bureau. But Jessi stresses that it’s not a prerequisite for success. “If you are passionate about helping people, we will help you learn what you need to know to make a difference,” she says.

Eric Kracke worked as an Ag Marketing Underwriter (AMU) and recently moved into an Ag Operations Performance Manager role. He had the opposite challenge: When he started, he understood ag, but he didn’t have a background in insurance. “I was a farmer before starting at Farm Bureau, so I brought a lot of first-hand knowledge with me,” he says. “I know what farmers and ranchers look for to protect their ag operations.”

“Agents and the people in the Home Office appreciate my ag background. They really want to understand my experience,” Eric says. “They want to know what will make a difference to our client and members, and how we can better serve them. I can provide a lot of first-hand insights. Even though I had a lot to learn about insurance when I started, it’s been a good place for me to use my farming experience.”

Stay Connected

Our employees in ag-based roles like Eric and Jessi spend a lot of time working in agent offices or at client/members’ farms and ranches. But when they’re not on site, they work from home. And that requires both self-motivation and the ability to stay in communication with everyone that you work with.

“You’ve got to be self-disciplined when you are working from your home,” says Eric. “There are so many ways to connect with your team, it’s almost like you are in the same room. We connect with regular conference calls, regional meetings and visits to the Home Office. Everyone truly is just a phone call away when you need them.”

Build Relationships

Because so much of Farm Bureau’s work depends on relationships built on knowledge and understanding, it’s important that those who join our team are committed to understanding goals and building confidence with every agent and client. “To be a great AMU, you need to develop the trust of the agent as well as the client or member,” says Eric. “You need to have a thorough understanding of our ag coverages and work together to meet the needs of the farmer or rancher. You really get to know the agent on a deeper level, and we share a common goal. 

”Jessi agrees that partnership is paramount. “I really enjoy working with our agents. We have a very good relationship,” she says. “They will call up and ask a question, and they appreciate when we provide ag-related insight. It helps the agents stay competitive. They’re great about sharing success stories when something goes well.”

Join the Ag Team

Are you passionate about ag? Come check out the opportunities Farm Bureau has to offer. We have a variety of openings supporting agriculture. There has never been a better time to join the #1 ag insurer¹ — the opportunities are endless. Keep an eye out for openings or join our Talent Network today.