In this project, the Center for Rural Affairs connected organic farmers in the Midwest and Great Plains with educational resources about crop insurance options. Our target states were Iowa and Nebraska, but we ultimately reached more than 10 states due to interest.
We held in-depth interviews with 7 organic producers and 7 crop insurance agents. From these, we created an educational guide, "Conversations from the Field". The guide took an innovative, conversational approach to an often content-heavy subject, and was positively received by the organic community.
After publishing the guide in early 2021, we conducted a multi-faceted media campaign to reach as many farmers as possible. This included placing content in local papers, agricultural publications, organic-focused periodicals, radio and podcasts. Announcements about the guide made their way to 44 publications, and event promotion in an additional 22.
We also conducted one-on-one support with 46 individual producers and gave 7 presentations to more than 100 attendees.
Overall, we are proud of this project and what was accomplished alongside farmer and agent collaborators. We produced a robust resource, cultivated a strong media presence, involved dozens of producers, hosted presentations, and heard clear feedback this was a needed and appreciated endeavor.