Former farm kids — Today's farm insurance experts: Kevin Shock
Kevin Schock's Story
Most people would probably consider someone who majored in agricultural studies and minored in agronomy at Iowa State University to be more than proficient when it comes to farm knowledge. Tack on actual firsthand farming experience, and you have a true expert.
Kevin Schock, Farm & Agribusiness Underwriter, grew up living and working on a 400-acre grain operation run by his parents in Northwest Iowa. They also raised hogs and cattle that Kevin enjoyed showing at the county fair through 4-H.
“Working to get the animals ready for the fair is one of my favorite memories as a kid,” Kevin said. “It was fun to watch all your hard work pay off on show day. And even when it didn’t, you still had all the friendships you made along the way.”
Kevin worked alongside his five siblings to feed livestock, tend to the crops, and all the duties that come along with farm life. Being able to spend time with his family made all the hard work worth it for Kevin and made them a tight-knit group.
Working with his dad and grandpa during the fall harvest was a stressful, but special, time. Up until last year when his dad retired, Kevin would take time off work during harvest season and return to the farm for a few days to help out.
Kevin’s family no longer operates the farm he grew up on, but the farm is still owned by his grandpa who rents the land to a neighbor who is considered more like family.
Farming to farm insurance
Kevin began his career in the insurance industry in 2005 as a farm underwriter in Des Moines, Iowa.
He then had an opportunity to become a field underwriter in Illinois and Indiana. Having moved back to the Des Moines area, Kevin joined the SECURA Farm & Agribusiness team, and he’s excited to work with agents and policyholders to understand them and their farm and agribusiness operations to determine the right insurance products.
Growing up a farm kid gives Kevin a true understanding of the risks farmers face; from spring planting operations, spraying risks, harvesting operations, grain storage, transportation risks, and the overall amount of assets that farms and agribusinesses have on hand. A lot goes into a farm and agribusiness operation and it is important to have the right protection.
“Our policyholders invest a lot of resources in their farm operations,” said Kevin. “Having a true understanding of the level of commitment and work that goes into the day-to-day operations isn’t something someone just knows without experiencing it. I’m glad I can bring that to my role in helping protect their livelihoods.”
This story is part of a new blog series highlighting the stories and experiences of some of the truly “homegrown” members of our Farm-Ag team.