
Farming isn’t just a job. It’s a way of life. Early mornings, long days, and years of hard work go into building and maintaining a farm. At Van Gilder Insurance in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, we understand that your farm is both your home and your livelihood. That’s why having the right Farm Insurance matters.
Farm Insurance is designed to help protect your property, equipment, animals, and income. Whether you run a small family farm or a larger operation, coverage can be tailored to fit how you work and what you rely on every day.
What Is Farm Insurance?
Farm Insurance is a type of policy that blends parts of Homeowners Insurance and Business Insurance. It recognizes that farms are unique. You don’t just have a house—you have land, buildings, machinery, and often livestock.
A Farm Insurance policy can be built to reflect your operation. This may include:
- Your farmhouse and personal property
- Barns, sheds, and other structures
- Tractors and equipment
- Livestock
- Liability for injuries or damage
- Loss of income due to covered events
Because every farm is different, coverage can vary depending on your size, type of farming, and daily activities.
Why Farm Insurance Matters
Farms face risks that many other properties don’t. Weather, equipment breakdowns, and accidents can all impact your operation.
Here are a few common situations where Farm Insurance may help:
- A windstorm damages your barn or outbuildings
- A tractor is damaged in an accident
- Livestock is lost due to a covered event
- A visitor is injured on your property
- Equipment theft disrupts your ability to work
Without the right coverage, these events could lead to significant out-of-pocket costs. Farm Insurance helps reduce that risk and keeps your operation moving forward.
What Farm Insurance Typically Includes
Farm Property Coverage
This may help protect buildings like barns, silos, and machine sheds from damage due to events like fire, storms, or vandalism.
Equipment Coverage
Tractors, combines, and other machinery are essential to your operation. Coverage can help repair or replace equipment damaged due to a covered loss.
Livestock Coverage
Depending on the policy, coverage may apply to livestock losses caused by certain events like fire or weather-related incidents.
Liability Coverage
Farms often have visitors, workers, or deliveries. Liability coverage may help with costs if someone is injured or property is damaged due to your farm operations.
Farm Personal Property
This includes tools, supplies, and other items used in your day-to-day work.
Loss of Income
If a covered event interrupts your ability to operate, some policies may help with lost income while you recover.
Coverage That Fits Your Operation
No two farms are the same. A dairy farm has different needs than a crop farm or a hobby farm. That’s why it’s important to build a policy that reflects how you use your land and equipment.
At Van Gilder Insurance, we take the time to ask the right questions:
- What type of farming do you do?
- How many acres do you manage?
- What equipment do you rely on?
- Do you sell products directly to customers?
- Do you have employees or seasonal help?
These details help shape a policy that fits your real-world needs.
Independent Agency Advantage
Van Gilder Insurance is an independent agency. That means we’re not tied to just one insurance company. Instead, we can compare options from multiple carriers to help you find coverage that fits your farm and your budget.
This flexibility can be especially helpful for farms, since coverage needs can be more complex than standard home policies.
Local Knowledge Matters
Farming in northern Wisconsin comes with its own set of challenges. From harsh winters to changing seasons, local conditions can impact your operation.
Being based in Rice Lake, we understand the environment you work in. We’re familiar with the types of farms in this area and the risks that come with them.
And if you prefer to talk things through in person, you can stop in anytime. We welcome walk-ins and are always happy to sit down and go over your coverage.
Who Needs Farm Insurance?
Farm Insurance may be a good fit if you:
- Own and operate a working farm
- Have livestock or crops for income
- Use large equipment regularly
- Sell products from your property
- Have multiple structures beyond your home
Even smaller or part-time farms may benefit from coverage designed specifically for agricultural use.
Why Choose Van Gilder Insurance?
We’re a local agency that values relationships. When you work with Van Gilder Insurance, you’re working with people who understand your community and take the time to listen.
You can expect:
- Friendly, straightforward conversations
- Coverage explained in plain language
- Walk-in service when you need it
- Options from multiple insurance companies
Let’s Talk About Your Farm
Whether you’ve been farming for decades or are just getting started, it’s worth taking a closer look at your coverage. A quick review may help identify gaps or opportunities to better protect what you’ve built.
Stop by our Rice Lake office or give us a call—we’re here to help.
Because in the end, having the right insurance coverage means that the things in life—your memories, your milestones, your future—can continue for years to come.

