The August episode of Keep America Growing, NCIS’s monthly podcast, shifts from policy to practice, highlighting how research and education strengthen crop insurance for farmers, insurers, and taxpayers alike.

This month, NCIS President Tom Zacharias is joined by Dean Strasser, NCIS Vice President of Program Analysis, Research, and Regional Services. Strasser and his team lead the industry’s agronomic research and education programs, which include sponsoring agronomic research with land-grant universities and hosting hands-on loss adjustment schools across the country.

In the episode, Strasser discusses how NCIS identifies research priorities – from updating loss adjustment procedures to reflect current agronomic conditions for crops like wheat and sorghum to exploring new crops such as hemp and camelina. These projects ensure crop insurance remains accurate and fair as genetics, production practices, and market demands evolve.

He also explains why NCIS’s loss adjustment schools are vital. Each year, more than 1,000 adjusters receive training that blends classroom learning with in-field exercises. Attendees gain practical skills to assess crop damage accurately and fairly, helping speed assistance to farmers while protecting taxpayer dollars.

“Adjuster schools are like spring training for baseball players,” Strasser notes. “There’s always something new to learn, and you can always improve.”

Tune in to hear more about how NCIS invests in research and education to keep crop insurance strong. Listen to the latest episode of Keep America Growing here.