Fall Meetings Set!

Hello all,
We needed a getaway and took a mid-week break to Seattle for a couple of days with the grandsons on an educational experience - aquarium, baseball and science center were the intended venues. Mission accomplished, education received - our vehicle was broken into during the night of our arrival putting a wrench in all plans. Because this was not a 'required priority response' it took nearly 9 hours for the police to finally arrive to complete a report. Please understand I'm not bashing Seattle's finest or law enforcement, merely stating they're so busy (perhaps under-staffed is a better description) that responding to a burglary must be prioritized into their already heavy workload. This was classified as a burglary vs theft as we were in the 'secure parking' garage of the hotel vs on the street or open air parking lot. What we lost was very minor and easily replaced: prescription sunglasses, a light weight jacket, $5 - $10 worth of loose change, vehicle insurance card and registration, and an activity bag for each 3 year old while traveling ...leaving a pair of used shoes and the 2 car seats. I continue to ask myself what was gained by the perpetrators to be worth the effort required? Certainly wasn't my sunglasses, which had the greatest individual value...go figure.

We have the same carrier for both our auto coverage and home owners; our provider will waive the auto deductible and cover all sustained losses under our home owner policy (vehicle glass & paint repair plus personal items). If you happen to have a different carrier for autos and home, I would speculate each would maintain their respective deductibles when settling the claim and ultimately be of a higher out of pocket cost to you. We still managed to enjoy our quick trip, although the cloud of being violated still hangs above - knowing that 'someone' purposely has my home address is also a bit unsettling.

2017 Harvest Prices - We've captured 61% of the discovery period to date, meaning prices are firm and will only migrate slightly in the direction of market movement.

2018 Projected Prices - This week initiated the Discovery Period for 2018 Projected Harvest Prices, here's where the averages are a few sessions in:

2017 Crop Tour - The 25th annual corn tour kicks off tomorrow on the edges of the Corn Belt in Ohio and South Dakota. The scouts work their way toward the middle at tour's end on Thursday, with final numbers released on Friday. Will they find the 170 bu/a average that USDA proposed last week or yields that reflect various weather concerns throughout the growing season, including significant acreage that was replanted this spring. I remain in the under camp for this year's corn crop - notice how the western half of Iowa has gotten progressively worse over the past several weeks...

Grower meetings - We will again host grower meetings during the coming weeks, beginning with Lacrosse this Thursday - 7am at the cafe. All are invited to attend a meeting closest to you or that best fits your schedule. Topics of discussion include ARC/PLC, markets, weather and of course an update on changes related to crop insurance for 2018. I hope to see you at one of our updates.

I wish all continued safety as harvest rolls on.

Until next time...
“Never let yesterday take up too much of today.”  ~Tex Schramm

Curtis Evanenko
McGregor Risk Management Services, LLC
Cell - 509.540.2632
Office - 509.843.2599
Fax - 509.843.2583

Posted in Risk Management; Posted August 22, 2017 by Curtis Evanenko