Field of collard greens
Photo credit: Wendy Jo O’Barr

I have had my Farm Bureau membership and insurance for over 30 years now, actually before I started my Farm Bureau Insurance career. I was raised in the big city, and I must say that I didn’t think a lot about agriculture when I was growing up. My only exposure came from visiting my grandparents on their farms in Eastern North Carolina. I also must admit that I did not pay careful attention when my Farm Bureau agent was reviewing the membership benefits. I just knew membership was required to get the insurance.

See more: Serving Our Members

As part of my agent training at the home office in Raleigh, there was a session on “The Farm Bureau Story.” I learned the history of the Federation being formed in 1936, the volunteer programs, the discount programs and how the North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Company was formed in 1953.

One thing that stood out to me in that session was when the instructor spoke about the U.S. having the world’s most abundant and safest food supply and one of the reasons why – the mission of the Farm Bureau. The organization was formed to advocate for farms and rural families, and that mission, along with Farm Bureau programs, are what keep agriculture a very viable industry in North Carolina as well as nationally and internationally.

Membership Matters

Even after hearing about all the discount programs and the ability to save more than they pay in the $25 a year fee, there are those who still don’t want to pay the membership dues to purchase insurance. Well, we all eat and many of us like going to local farmers markets, buying direct from a local farm or the convenience of going to a local store for groceries.

See more: North Carolina Farm Bureau Membership Has Its Privileges

In other words, because North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation is the voice of agriculture and promotes the industry, is involved in creating policies and laws, offers educational programs, and develops present and future agriculture leaders, we can all continue to enjoy our safe and vast food supply.

So, even if someone chooses not to be insured by our company, which offers competitive rates and award-winning customer service from a local team of insurance professionals who live in and support their communities, they should still be a Farm Bureau member and enjoy the benefits that come with paying that $25.

Learn more or find a local agent near you by visiting ncfbins.com/find-agent.

About the author: Allan Williams is director of training and marketing for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Inc. 

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North Carolina Field & Family Spring 2026
Flip through the pages of the Spring 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, impress your guests with creative yet easy spring holiday recipes, learn how farmers face challenges planning the future of their farmland, meet some North Carolina beef producers raising the steaks, start your engines with eight reasons to visit Richmond County, get crabby with Sheri Castle’s Deviled Crab recipe and much more.

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