Brittany Foster

My name is Brittany and I currently process and underwrite Crop Insurance with American Farm Bureau Insurance Services. Our regional office services 6 different Farm Bureau states and our home office services 12 Midwestern states. Crop insurance is important because it provides a safe guard for farmers in the events of weather, low production and other perils. For some of these farmers, the added security of insurance for their crops provides them the ability to care for their families without worrying about losing all the income poured into their farming operation. In result, a lot of the Insurance agents we deal with have personal relationships with these farmers so when we talk with them, we talk with the farmer. Being a Resident Assistant in college helped me hone my skills for dealing with individuals when it comes to matters that may be personal or important to them. This is such a crucial skill in our field as we provide a service that can impact an individual’s livelihood. I look back at all the one on one conversations I had with my residents and I am always amazed to see how those techniques still apply to my role today.
 
If there was one thing I would want anyone to know about going into a field similar to mine is that when it comes to something so personal like their livelihood, a little kindness goes a long way. A lot of time you come in contact with agents that are struggling with paperwork or don't understand the process of a claim and taking the time to be patient and kind with them helps make that phone call productive and pleasant. Kindness is something that you can bring into any field. So don't be afraid to lend a helping hand or offer a smile. You never know what that may mean to someone.

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