Insurance agents come from all walks of life, but many find that having agricultural background helps them hit the ground running. That’s exactly what we learned from Farm Bureau insurance agent Beau Jackson out of Cliff, New Mexico, a former ag teacher. We interviewed Beau to get his thoughts on his agriculture industry experience and history in the industry, the commonalities of the insurance and ag industries and how his ag background helped him make the switch to become an insurance agent.
What Knowledge Were You Able to Bring to Being an Agent From Your Experience in the Agriculture Industry?
Having the basic knowledge of the challenges the agriculture industry faces has been helpful in becoming an insurance agent at Farm Bureau. With an ag background, you can put yourself in the shoes of the client and understand what they deal with on a day-to-day basis as they work their farm or ranch. Having that understanding helps and makes it easier to ensure they’re being protected and covered properly. My background helped make the transition to becoming an insurance agent a smooth one since I’ve been around ag all my life. Having that ag background helps instill trust with my clients that I understand where they’re coming from and know best how to help serve their needs for their farms, ranches, equipment and more.
What was Your History in the Agriculture Industry?
I grew up on a small livestock farm where we raised sheep, pigs and chickens. It was in high school that I became involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and became passionate about ag. I would even say that I bleed FFA blue and gold and couldn’t imagine not working in ag someday.
After high school, I went on to college at New Mexico State University and obtained a degree in Agriculture Education. After college, I became a teacher for the next 15 years and taught ag to inspire kids to get involved in the agriculture industry. After teaching, it was a natural fit to transition to the opportunity of becoming an insurance agent at Farm Bureau with my background and deep knowledge of the industry. Ag is something I am truly passionate about, and I was glad to find the opportunity to become an insurance agent to put my background, education and years of teaching knowledge to use.
In Your Experience, What Does Ag and the Insurance Industry Have in Common?
The agriculture industry, in my opinion, is the most important industry in the world. The ag industry feeds millions of people that depend on our farmers and ranchers every day, and all of the other industries that support it are very important to fulfill that task. Insurance agents with Farm Bureau are there to help support farmers and ranchers along the way.
How Did Being in the Ag Industry Prepare You for Being a Farm Bureau Agent?
My favorite aspect about being an insurance agent at Farm Bureau would be my relationships with my clients. It’s fulfilling to get to know my clients on a personal level and help serve their insurance needs and build relationships with those in my community. Growing up on a farm and being an ag teacher for many years has allowed me to gain the trust of clients to best serve their needs. I take pride in knowing that I get up each morning and go to work each day and help make a difference in people’s lives.
What Made You Make the Switch to Becoming an Insurance Agent at Farm Bureau?
What matters most to me is my faith, family and my community. I knew what was important to me was to be able to have a work-life balance to be able to spend time with those who mean the most to me and becoming an insurance agent at Farm Bureau allowed me that opportunity. I was ready to look for another opportunity where I can use my ag background, knowledge and education and put it to use in an opportunity that allowed me to be home to spend time with my family.
Farm Bureau Agents Come from Many Different Backgrounds
Just like Beau experienced, those with a background in ag or in the ag profession can hit the ground running as they become insurance agents. Farm Bureau insurance agents come from a variety of professions, but those with an ag background or from an ag professional are well-equipped to become successful insurance agents at Farm Bureau. They serve their communities with pride knowing they get up each day to build relationships with clients and help serve their needs while making a great living for themselves and their families.
Farm Bureau Products that Support Farmers and Ranchers
Farm Bureau has a long history of supporting farmers and ranchers. Afterall, that’s where we got our start! As an insurance agent, you have the opportunity to help support ranchers and farmers with insurance products including property, liability, farm vehicle, crop, livestock, business succession and more.
Learn How to Become an Insurance Agent at Farm Bureau
At Farm Bureau, you can utilize your ag industry knowledge to help those in your community protect their livelihoods and futures with unlimited earning potential. And, if you have at least three years of experience or history with an agriculture related company or operation you could earn up to $25,000 in bonuses. ¹
To help you get started, you’ll begin with the Developing Agent Program where you kick start your own new business. Here you’ll learn if being a Farm Bureau Agent is the exciting opportunity you’ve been looking for. Click Get Started to learn more today!
¹ Additional criteria applies. The District Manager can provide additional information on the criteria that applies. The final determination of bonus eligibility is at the discretion of the Vice President of Agencies.