As America marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, the latest episode of Keep America Growing takes listeners on a journey through the nation’s agricultural history, and the remarkable role risk management has played along the way.

Hosted by NCIS President Tom Zacharias, this special Independence Day episode reflects on the deep connection between agriculture and the American experiment. From the agricultural symbolism woven throughout the U.S. Capitol to the words of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the episode explores why the Founding Fathers viewed farming as fundamental to the nation’s prosperity.

The conversation then turns to one of history’s lesser-known stories: Benjamin Franklin’s early vision for agricultural insurance. Long before modern crop insurance existed, Franklin recognized that farmers needed a way to manage the risks posed by storms, insects, and other natural disasters. His ideas helped lay the groundwork for the risk-sharing principles that continue to guide crop insurance today.

The episode also highlights how today’s crop insurance system protects more than 560 million acres and nearly $160 billion worth of crops by providing farmers with certainty before disaster strikes. It’s a system built on planning ahead, allowing producers to manage risk with confidence while helping strengthen the nation’s food, fiber, and fuel supply.

As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, this episode offers a timely reminder that while agriculture has evolved dramatically over the centuries, its importance to America has never changed.

Listen to this special Independence Day edition of Keep America Growing wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to check out the timeline of crop insurance’s modern history here.