RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION VIDEOS
Farming in New Hampshire presents some unique challenges. To be as successful as possible, farmers need to know the risks they face and what ways they can mitigate those risks. In this video series, produced by New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation in cooperation with UNH Cooperative Extension with funding from USDA Risk Management Agency, NHFB members discuss the various ways they manage risks in production, employment, and on the business side of their operations.
Part of the NH Farm Bureau’s mission is to promote and educate farmers on services vital to their success. As New Hampshire’s farmers are traditionally undeserved by the Federal crop insurance program, the creation of this educational video series is aimed at raising awareness of the various ways that farmers can protect their investments with options like crop insurance.
Apple Hill Farm - Concord New Hampshire
Chuck Souther, who along with his wife, Diane, own Apple Hill Farm in Concord, New Hampshire, explores how changes in the wholesale market over the years have driven his farm to diversify in order to manage risk. He also discusses the unique challenges to farming in New Hampshire and how crop insurance is an integral part of protecting his family's investment. Succeeding in agriculture takes more than just great farming practices; Chuck explains how business management, marketing, and even legislation have played a role in Apple Hill Farm's growth over the years.
Brookdale Fruit Farm – Hollis, NH
Trevor Hardy of Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, New Hampshire discusses how the same risk management strategies, like crop insurance, can be effective for farms of various sizes. Brookdale cultivates hundreds of acres of various fruits and vegetable but, according to Trevor, the same principles can be applied to small-scale farm operations as well. From labor availability to water rights, New Hampshire farms face numerous challenges and Trevor explains how those challenges are best met with help and advice from industry organizations that advocate for agriculture.
Highway View Farm – Boscawen, NH
Highway View Farm is a 200 head dairy operation in Boscawen, New Hampshire. Growing most of the farm's feed in the form of 700 acres of corn, hay, and alfalfa, owner Adam Crete explains how he mitigates risks, like fluctuating milk prices and extreme weather, by utilizing all of the resources available to him, including UNH Cooperative Extension expertise, help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and crop insurance.
J & F Farms – Derry, NH
Labor, weather, and finding a market for your products are all issues farmers have to face in the granite state. Phil Ferdinando, owner of J & F Farms in Derry, New Hampshire, explores what strategies he uses to deal with those challenges and manage risk on the farm. Diversified in fruits and vegetables as well as beef cattle, Phil utilizes the right tools for the job on both the horticulture and business sides of his operation.
Sunnycrest Farms – Londonderry, NH
For Dan Hicks, owner of Sunnycrest Farms in Londonderry, New Hampshire, crop insurance is a must. That lesson was learned the hard way, years ago, when a hail storm cost the farm significant income loss. Through crop insurance and other risk management strategies, Dan has kept the farm and the business growing. Encouraging young farmers to get involved and invested in agriculture, according to Dan, is another component of sustaining agriculture for years to come.