Company spotlight: NAU Country Insurance Co.

A natural disaster can wipe out a farmer's crop — and profits — in a matter of minutes. For many, federal crop insurance is an important component of the farm safety net because it helps a farmer rebound from a loss and maintain some financial balance.

Federal crop insurance dates to the 1930s when it was first authorized by Congress to help producers recover from the combined effects of the Great Depression and the dust bowl. In 1938, the Federal Crop Insurance Corp. was created to carry out the federal crop insurance program, which focused on major crops in major producing regions. However, high program costs and low participation rates hampered its success.

The availability of federal crop insurance remained limited until the Federal Crop Insurance Act was passed in 1980, expanding it to cover more crops and regions. Congress enhanced the program, including greater subsidy levels, in 1994 and again in 2000 to encourage wider participation.

The changes also expanded the role of the private sector in developing products that would help farmers manage risk. By combining the efficiencies of the private sector with the regulatory and financial support of the federal government, the foundation for an innovative approach to solving a long-standing problem was laid.

Jim Deal, one of NAU's founders, was instrumental in initiating the successful partnership between the government and the private sector. As a result of his efforts, crop insurance has become a widely accepted means of protection for farmers.

Founded in 1981, NAU Country primarily offers coverage through the federally funded Multiple Peril Crop Insurance program today.

“Our main purpose is to serve the American farmer,” says Rebecca Hudson, vice president, regional marketing at NAU Country Insurance. “We provide a safety net, so we can help ensure food security.”

Hudson, who began her career with NAU Country as a claims adjuster in 2013, moved into her current role in 2021. She says the crop insurance industry provides a number of positions associated with helping farmers.

It’s an industry Jessika Tucker hadn’t considered until an internship opportunity presented itself.

“I was pursuing a degree in agribusiness management,” says Tucker, who grew up in Mississippi and is a graduate of Alcorn State University. “I enjoy being outdoors. My adviser also knew I was looking for something different and shared information on the NAU Country Internship Program.”

Chosen for the 10-week summer program in 2021 and again in 2022, Tucker gained practical training, including hands-on, real-world experience across several departments within NAU Country. For example, she spent time with the claims processing team learning how to process replant claims. Tucker was also in the field with claims adjusters learning about loss adjustment procedures.

While being exposed to different facets of insurance made Tucker realize the myriad opportunities available within NAU Country, the area that resonated most was in claims. “It was a more hands-on, physical position that included traveling to several different states,” she says. “I also got to drive a tractor, which was exciting for someone who didn’t grow up around ag.”

As a result of her hard work throughout the internship, Tucker was hired as a claims adjuster and relocated to Arkansas in August 2022. Her duties include evaluating reports of field or crop damage claims filed by a farmer, completing field inspections, and assessing actual damage or loss. Once that information is compiled, she sends it to the insurance agent, so the farmer can be compensated.

When there’s not much to be done in the field, Tucker’s time is spent studying and reeducating herself on policies and standards as they are ever-changing.

“Crop insurance is not just a job,” Hudson says.“We are in this business because we share a passion for agriculture.”