By Jordan Levine | Published October, 2024

In an increasingly volatile environment, RMC Group has taken the time to listen to those affected in the agricultural sector, recognizing the challenges posed when attempting to navigate a risk or loss. As a result of communicating with carriers and adjusters, our Agriculture Team gives dedicated support to our Consultants and Adjusters as they navigate the challenges posed by natural disasters and operational risks. Our RMC Group Agriculture Team, led by Darren Leins, Director of the North Region, is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive risk management solutions tailored specifically for agricultural businesses. Our team’s expertise is rooted in a blend of personal agricultural backgrounds and extensive experience in the world of agriculture, making us a reliable partner for ranch and agricultural operators alike.

Team Overview

The RMC Group Agriculture Team consists of estimator professionals with extensive knowledge of the agricultural landscape:

  • Darren Leins – Director, North Region
  • Brandon Wirtz – Executive Building Consultant, North Region
  • Justin DeShong – Senior Building Consultant, North Region
  • Jim Schelich – Senior Building Consultant, Midwest Region
  • Clint Jester – Senior Building Consultant, Midwest Region
  • Scott Anderson – Senior Building Consultant, Midwest Region
  • Ben Larkin – Senior Building Consultant, East Region

Each member brings a wealth of experience, having grown up on multi-generational farms and having a personal connection to the agricultural industry. This expertise allows our team to objectively liaison between environmentalist crews, municipalities, and other parties on projects that offer unique challenges faced by our clients in the agricultural sector.

Focus on Agriculture at RMC Group

To maximize the effectiveness of our Agriculture Team, RMC Group is active in fostering strategic partnerships across the agricultural landscape.

  • Estimating Services: Providing accurate and timely assessments to facilitate effective claim management and recovery strategies.
  • Third-Party Scheduling Services: Coordinating with contractors, suppliers, and other fields ranging from engineers to industrial hygienists to ensure timely project execution and resource availability.
  • Project Support Services: Offering expertise in construction, repairs, remediation and mitigation efforts to restore operational capacity as quickly as possible.
  • RMC Group provides unwavering support to insurance carriers, adjusters, and their partners in the face of agricultural disasters.
  • Reducing Down-Time: Apply strategic methods to limit business interruptions such as facility and production downtimes.

 

RMC Group’s Handling Examples Within Past 5 Years

RMC Group has a successful track record of responding effectively to agricultural disasters, showcasing our ability to manage significant claims and providing critical support during times of crisis. Below are notable examples of our disaster response efforts:

  1. Memphis, MO Hail Damage Response, 2023: In Memphis, a significant hail event caused damage to silos and a pole barn for a large farm with over 20 locations. RMC Group swiftly consulted on the hail claim, amounting to $1M in damages. Our prompt response ensured minimal disruption to the farm’s operations, illustrating our dedication to supporting agricultural clients through immediate and effective claims management.
  2. Dodge Center, MN – Comprehensive Claim Management, 2023: A catastrophic incident in Dodge Center resulted in the total loss of three 100,000+ bushel grain bins and wind damage to a tractor painting factory. RMC Group managed a $5M claim, facilitating rapid evaluations and negotiations that led to the swift restoration of critical infrastructure. This experience highlights our ability to handle large-scale claims efficiently, underscoring our role as a key ally in disaster recovery.
  3. Perry, MO – Timely Recovery for Hog Barns, 2023: An estimated $1M in damages occurred at a hog barn farm in Perry due to severe weather. RMC Group conducted in-depth claim processing and loss evaluations, securing necessary funds for timely recovery. Our focus on thorough assessments allowed clients to access vital resources quickly, reinforcing our role as a reliable partner in the recovery process.
  4. Sheboygan Falls, WI – Tornado Recovery, 2022: The devastation from a tornado in Sheboygan Falls led to the total loss of a large cattle barn and damage to over ten additional buildings. RMC Group coordinated a comprehensive disaster assessment and claim management process, accelerating recovery efforts for the affected operations. Our proactive approach ensured that ranch and agricultural operators could return to normal operations as quickly as possible, demonstrating our focus on minimizing operational downtime.
  5. Northfield, MN – Swift Response to Hail Damage, 2022: A hailstorm in Northfield impacted over 20 buildings on a horse ranch. With swift claim adjustments and recovery strategies, RMC Group minimized operational downtime during repairs. This case reinforces our commitment to supporting agricultural businesses during critical moments, helping them regain stability and continue their operations with confidence.
  6. Green Bay, WI – Effective Rebuilding Strategies, 2021: In Green Bay, hail damage affected a dairy operation comprising over 20 buildings up to $3.5M. Our comprehensive damage assessments and expert claim management facilitated effective rebuilding strategies. This incident showcases our ability to provide tailored solutions that cater to the specific needs of our agricultural clients, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
  7. Red Feather Lakes, CO – Equestrian Facility Collapse, 2020: The collapse of an equestrian facility in Red Feather Lakes due to heavy ice and snow in 2020 required meticulous management of total loss claims. RMC Group ensured accurate evaluations and timely assistance, supporting rebuilding efforts and enhancing safety measures for the future. This experience highlights our commitment to not just recovery, but also to improving resilience against future risks.

 

Conclusion

With the leadership of Darren Leins, our RMC Group Agriculture Team is dedicated to quick responses, timely assessment of damages, and timely creation of recovery plans.

Our team’s unique blend of agricultural knowledge and insurance expertise positions us as a trusted partner offering tailored solutions.

You can be assured that each and every assignment goes through a rigorous Quality Assurance process prior to reporting.

Constantly building and strengthening partnerships in the agricultural community, RMC Group remains committed to supporting our clients through our expert-level services.

 

This information is intended for informational purposes only. Each restoration project has unique properties and must be evaluated individually by knowledgeable consultants. RMC Group is not liable for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information

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