Before disaster strikes: How every dairy should prepare with Dan Rice

Before disaster strikes: How every dairy should prepare with Dan Rice

Author: Progressive Dairy editors August 11, 2026 Duration: 40:25

Is your dairy farm prepared for a fire, natural disaster or another type of emergency? Does your team know what to do? Join host Kimmi Devaney and Dan Rice from Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company for a discussion about the first steps a dairy farm should take, how to develop contingency plans, and tips to build proactive relationships with first responders that will save precious minutes when the unthinkable happens.

Episode overview:

  • [~1:25] Another definition of risk management for dairy farms
  • [~1:45] Rice’s background and role at Nationwide
  • [~2:55] Top dairy-related claims
  • [~4:10] Newer risks to keep in mind
  • [~5:30] How many dairy farms have any type of emergency plan in place?
  • [~6:15] First steps when developing an emergency plan
  • [~7:35] What is a contingency plan, and how do producers know what they need a contingency plan for? 
  • [~9:45] What to include on the list of emergency numbers and where to post it
  • [~12:00] How to make an emergency call
  • [~13:00] Tips to build proactive relationships with the fire department and first responders 
  • [~12:15] Who is responsible for the plan/parts of the plan? (Cows, employees, media, first responders, etc.) 
  • [~17:00] Tips for handling media during a crisis
  • [~19:50] Preparing for an emergency
  • [~20:20] Follow-up steps after an emergency
  • [~20:50] Communicating the plan to the team/how to involve them in this process 
  • [~23:20] Other contingency plans
  • [~29:45] More ideas of what to include on the list of emergency numbers
  • [~31:10] Available resources
  • [~31:30] Questions dairy producers should ask their insurance agent related to emergency planning and risk management
  • [~35:45] Rapid-fire questions

For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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