TOWN AND COUNTRY INSURANCE

Click to view a version of our new equine insurance brochure

Attention to state's equine industry expanding

Farm Bureau has always supported the equine industry in an agricultural sense. After all, horses and mules are considered livestock. Don't forget that the Missouri mule earned a place in history by being crowned the "State Animal."

Three years ago the state's largest farm organization began taking a more active and aggressive role in promoting the industry.

A state equine advisory committee was formed of 10 members directly involved in breeding, raising or boarding horses. The purpose of the committee is to ensure equine interests are addressed in Farm Bureau's policy development process. Several equine concerns supporting different aspects of the industry are now official Farm Bureau policy and the committee continues to adjust and propose new resolutions as the industry grows in the state.

Another landmark in 2002 was the introduction of the first official statistical survey conducted specifically for Missouri equine. Based on 2001 data, the survey was conducted by the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service with the support of several organizations, including Farm Bureau.

The results gave the Show Me state a ranking of third among all states in equine numbers, with 200,000 head. Only Texas and California had more equine numbers. The value of all of those horses and mules was estimated at $420 million. Only the Missouri cattle industry had a larger value among all other livestock at $2.9 billion. The survey results confirmed Farm Bureau's commitment to become more involved in this segment of agriculture. With the help of the equine committee, Farm Bureau published "Missouri Equine Issues: Critical Information for Horsemen in 2005." Available upon request by calling (573) 893-1417, this comprehensive magazine includes information on riding trails, education and controlling the disease equine infectious anemia. Advertisers that support the publication also give readers ideas on where to find horses, equipment and supplies.

Farm Bureau is considering printing this popular magazine on an annual basis.

New Equine Insurance Products Available

Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance Services has also stepped into the arena with a new line of equine insurance coverages launched May 1. This wide variety of insurance products is designed to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The new insurance covers a host of situations:

• Liability of owned and leased horses
• Horse sales of owned horses
• Educational and special clinics
• Owned tack on and off premise
• Pony and carriage rides
• Personal liability for volunteering services for clubs or organizations
• Full mortality and/or specified perils coverage on horses
• Care, custody and control of non-owned horses
• Horse breeding operations
• Officiating and judging
• Horse training facility
• Equine professional liability
• Riding lesson instructors
• Riding arena
• Rodeo, horse shows, trail rides and special events
• Horse in transit coverage
• Major medical, loss of use and stallion infertility

For more information on Farm Bureau insurance products contact your local Farm Bureau agent.

If you would like to become more involved in Farm Bureau's equine efforts, contact Kelly Smith, director of marketing and commodities, at kesmith@mofb.com, or by phone at (573) 893-1416.

The statements of coverage are subject to certain exclusions and conditions. Only the policy form contains the actual insurance contract.