C r o p I n s u r a n c e VisitWebsite ag-risk.org Pennsylvania Farmers Tell of the Importance of Crop Insurance By Laurie Langstraat, NCIS Billy Smith Third-generation dairy farmer Billy Smith feels deeply connected to his family legacy of farming. "I feel that it's our God-given right here to take care of this land," he says. "I feel that we've been blessed in many ways. You know, it's our livelihood." He's had to file a couple of crop insurance claims. But knowing this valuable federal program exists helps ease the worries that come with farming. By reducing some of the risks that can arise on his farm, crop insurance allows him to better plan for the future. "It's always there to back us up whenever we need it." Billy and his wife are raising their five children, who they hope will be the next generation of Smith family farmers. Farmers talk about the challenges they face raising crops and livestock and the importance of crop insurance. 24 THIRDQUARTER2019http://www.ag-risk.org