Working in agriculture is an inherently dangerous job, increasing the risk for workers’ compensation claims. (Credit: Don Landwehrle/Adobe Stock)

Grain trucks. Tanker trucks. Buses for workers. Farm equipment like combines, self-propelled pesticide sprayers and planters. Expensive vehicles and equipment like these need experienced drivers and operators to keep the critical farming sector running like a well-oiled machine.

Unfortunately, recent trends show an increasing labor crunch that’s raising risk exposures for agricultural companies. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), many experienced commercial drivers are retiring, and fewer young people are choosing an on-the-road career. Fleet owners regularly have been reporting that they can’t find experienced drivers and are having to hire less-skilled drivers.

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Bailey Jackson

Bailey Jackson, AFIS, AINS, CIC, is agribusiness field manager for Westfield Insurance, a commercial, personal and specialty insurance company with farm-coverage roots reaching back to 1848.

Commercial Lines
Auto
Commercial Lines
Corporate Risk