🌾 Why Kansas Farmers Need More Than Basic Liability Insurance
- Michael Goodman
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Farming in Kansas Comes with Big Risks — Your Insurance Should Match It
Since 2017, Goodman Insurance Solutions has helped Kansas farmers protect what they’ve built — their land, equipment, and peace of mind.
From Dodge City to Garden City, Liberal to Ulysses, and Sublette to Hugoton, farmers across Southwest Kansas face the same challenge: rising repair costs, unpredictable storms, and policies that don’t always keep up.
Too many operations still rely on basic farm liability coverage — the kind that might’ve worked years ago but doesn’t match the realities of today’s farming.
Why Basic Liability Isn’t Enough Anymore
A “one-size-fits-all” policy may look fine on paper, but when real losses happen — whether it’s a pivot collapse near Cimarron or spray drift in Meade County — that basic coverage can leave big gaps.
Here’s where most farmers find themselves underinsured:
Chemical drift damaging a neighbor’s field
Center pivots destroyed by hail or wind
Off-premise ATV or farm truck accidents
Custom harvesting or spraying on someone else’s land
Injuries to hired help or family working the operation
Each of those situations needs more than a checkbox on a standard policy — they need endorsements that fit your real operation.
1️⃣ Chemical Drift & Spray Liability
In Kansas, a small drift can create big losses. If herbicide touches a neighbor’s field, you could be looking at tens of thousands in damage.
Most standard policies don’t include chemical drift liability — it has to be added on.
That’s why every grower from Lakin to Satanta and Hugoton to Plains should check that endorsement line.
2️⃣ Off-Premise ATV and Vehicle Coverage
If your UTV or ATV crosses onto property you don’t own — for custom work, checking pivots, or moving equipment — your regular policy may not follow you.
I’ve seen this issue across Grant, Haskell, and Gray Counties — one off-premise accident can mean you’re paying out of pocket. Adding an off-premise liability endorsement protects you wherever you work.
3️⃣ Center Pivot & Irrigation Equipment Coverage
Your pivots are major investments, but not every policy treats them that way.
Wind, hail, or even theft can cause huge repair bills. Some insurers only pay partial value or limit coverage by age.
Here in Finney and Ford Counties, I make sure clients have replacement cost coverage — not depreciated payouts.
4️⃣ Custom Work, Side Jobs, and Farm Services
A lot of Kansas farmers do side work — spraying, harvesting, or baling — for neighbors. That’s income, but it’s also a different liability exposure.
If you’re doing custom work near Hutchinson, Newton, or McPherson, make sure your policy reflects it. Otherwise, you could face denied claims for work not listed in your coverage.
5️⃣ Employees, Family, and Farm Help
Many farms run on family labor, part-time help, or seasonal employees.
If someone gets hurt while working, standard liability may not cover it.
That’s where farm employer’s liability or workers comp for ag operations can protect you from massive lawsuits.
I’ve seen too many good operations — from Great Bend to Pratt — get hit hard because the wrong box wasn’t checked years ago.
The Kansas Weather Factor
If you’ve farmed here long, you know how fast the wind changes.
A single storm near Liberal or Garden City can destroy a shed, pivot, or roof overnight.
And with weather-related claims rising across Finney, Ford, Meade, and Seward Counties, many insurers are tightening rules. That’s why underinsuring just to save money rarely pays off.
Storms don’t care about policy limits — but you’ll be glad you worked with someone who does.
Serving All of Kansas Farmers
While Goodman Insurance Solutions is based in Southwest Kansas, we work with farmers across the state — from Dodge City, Ulysses, and Sublette, all the way east to Hutchinson, Newton, McPherson, Olathe, Paola, and Kansas City.
Whether it’s a small family farm near Cimarron, a large operation around Great Bend, or an ag business near Kansas City, the goal’s the same — protect your equipment, property, and future with the right coverage.
How We Do Things Differently
When I review a farm policy, I’m not just quoting a number.
I’m looking at your operation, equipment, land, and goals — the whole picture.
✅ Match liability to real exposure
✅ Review every endorsement (no fine print surprises)
✅ Explain coverage clearly
✅ Help your policy grow as your operation does
It’s not about selling you insurance — it’s about keeping your farm running, no matter what Kansas throws your way.
Key Takeaways
Basic liability isn’t enough for modern Kansas farming
Add endorsements for pivots, ATVs, chemical drift, and custom work
Review your policy yearly
Independent agents like me can shop multiple carriers for better coverage and value
FAQs About Kansas Farm Insurance
❓ Does standard farm insurance cover chemical drift?
Not automatically — it requires a chemical drift endorsement.
❓ Will my policy cover pivots and irrigation systems?
Only if they’re specifically listed. Replacement cost coverage is best.
❓ What about off-premise ATV accidents?
You’ll need off-premise liability coverage if you operate beyond your property.
❓ Does Goodman Insurance help across Kansas?
Yes. We serve farms from Dodge City to Hutchinson and Newton to Kansas City.
Final Thoughts
Cheap coverage might keep you legal — but it won’t keep you safe.
Kansas farming is changing fast, and your insurance should change with it.
If it’s been more than a year since your last review, or if you’ve added new land, pivots, or custom work, let’s take a fresh look at your coverage.
📞 Contact Goodman Insurance Solutions
Michael Goodman
Goodman Insurance Solutions
📍 Serving Farmers Across Kansas Since 2017
📞 620-531-0261
Proudly serving Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Sublette, Ulysses, Hugoton, Meade, Cimarron, Lakin, Satanta, Montezuma, Hutchinson, Newton, McPherson, Great Bend, Olathe, Paola, and Kansas City, KS.
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