Crop Insurance Today August 2016 - 18

provided a first-hand glimpse at what they look for when examining crop samples. The guest speakers walked adjusters through their inspection process and gave them the opportunity to see, touch and smell various crop samples the lab provided for that day. To finish off the first day, representatives from the Billings Risk Management Agency Regional Office reviewed updates to multiple policies and procedures. Before beginning day two, NCIS staff and Montana Regional/State Crop Insurance Committee members recognized the retirement of Dave Wichman, Superintendent of the MSU Central Research Center. Dave has been with the research center for 31 years and has been an integral part of the annual NCIS school for more than 20 of those years "Early on (my role) was to provide training on the crops for adjusters," Dave explained. "And in recent years it's been more or less, providing the resources, and having the various crops planted for adjusters and trainers to use." As Dave reflected on his time with the NCIS Montana School, he said some of his favorite memories involve introducing [adjusters] to new crops, such as peas, lentils, and canola. "Actually working with the adjusters on the new crops is always interesting and exciting," Dave said. "Because if they provide insurance for new crops that means growers will be growing them. And having insurance for the crops is just critical to the growers." Additionally, Dave said that the people he has come to know over the years have also been a great part of his role with the NCIS Schools. "One of the other highlights is getting to know the people," Dave stated. "We have people here from Wyoming, across Montana and then some of the resource people come out of Idaho, Washington, and North Dakota. So getting acquainted with adjusters from all over and learning a little more about what people think from elsewhere has been great." When asked what he plans to do after he retires, Dave said he's still deciding on exactly what he'll be doing in the next chapter of his life. "I'm going to take some time to decide what I want to do," Dave concluded. "This job has rarely been less than 60 hours a week 18 AUGUST2016 Representatives from the Montana State Grain Lab showed attendees how to tell if a crop sample will receive a good or bad rating. and sometimes we're up to almost 100 hours a week. Running that speed for 31 years now, I just kind of need to take a break and figure out what I want to do in the next ten years or so." After presenting Dave with an NCIS memento and thank you for his time and dedication, adjusters were split into four groups for a day of field rotations. Each rotation provided adjusters with educational seminars and hands-on experience on canola, chick peas, dry peas, and lentils. They also received a pest and disease overview from MSU Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathology Specialist, Mary Burrows. This session helped attendees distinguish the difference between hail and disease damage on crops. As participants gear up for future loss adjustments, they can go into the field prepared with the knowledge and experience they gained while attending this year's NCIS school. And no matter which city or what crops each school showcases, NCIS continuously strives for that readiness each adjuster feels upon completing one of our sessions. Each school is made possible with the help of NCIS Regional/State Crop Insurance Committees, and designated research centers and facilities, which we can't thank enough for their commitment to the educational process and in providing their time and energy to ensure each school is successful. Dave Wichman (left) expressed his thoughts and appreciation after Bob McPherson (right) thanked him for his 20 years of dedication to the NCIS schools.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Crop Insurance Today August 2016