For eight generations, Marcella and the Huber family have operated on the same homestead; growing a 40-acre plot into a 700-acre agritourism destination. Even after expanding to include a distillery and event center, the family maintains a farmers-first philosophy centered on land stewardship.
A Buffer Against the Elements
Huber’s Orchard and Winery has diversified into winemaking, a distillery and a family farm park to stabilize revenue, but their orchards remain the heart of the operation.
“Our primary risk mitigation strategy has been diversification,” Marcella shared. “As any farmer knows, so much of our livelihood depends on the whims of Mother Nature. By expanding into multiple lines of business, we’ve not only reduced our exposure to weather and crop-related risks but created more opportunities.”
When diversification isn’t enough to combat an unexpected frost, crop insurance can be a primary line of defense for many operations. Huber’s has carried policies on their apples and peaches for decades, viewing it as a foundational pillar of their financial planning, rather than an optional expense.
The Fifty-Year Freeze
Marcella and the family have a fresh market Actual Production History (APH) policy. It’s a multi-peril policy that helps ensure that future yields stay in line with past yields. The true value of this protection was tested in 2020. That year, the farm faced a double weather event; an early freeze wiped out the peach crop, followed by a late freeze that destroyed the apples. It was a catastrophic event the family described as a “fifty-year freeze,” the likes of which hadn’t been seen on the homestead since the 1960s.
We were grateful for the protection provided by our crop insurance with Farm Credit Mid-America. Having that coverage in place has helped keep our operation strong and resilient during difficult seasons.
Even in a devastating year, the family remained resilient both in spirit and in their operation. “We were grateful for the protection provided by our crop insurance with Farm Credit Mid-America,” Marcella said. “Having that coverage in place has helped keep our operation strong and resilient during a difficult season.”
Expertise in the Orchard
Because orchards represent a specialized niche in the agricultural world, the family emphasizes the importance of working with experts who understand the nuances of fruit production. They credit their relationship with their crop insurance officer and the Farm Credit Mid-America team for providing a level of expertise that other insurance agents can’t match.
Because orchards are more specialized and less common in the crop insurance world, it’s especially reassuring to work with someone who understands the unique risks we face.
“Because orchards are more specialized and less common, it’s especially reassuring to work with someone who understands the unique risks we face,” Marcella said. “Our insurance officer’s expertise gives our family peace of mind, knowing we’re properly covered if disaster strikes.”
Future-Proofing the 9th Generation
As the Hubers plan for the future, crop insurance remains central to their succession planning. By mitigating the financial volatility of total crop loss, they’re ensuring the farm stays family-owned.
“I absolutely love that I can just go outside and get some fresh air. I literally see the fruits of our labor,” Marcella said. Through a combination of modern insurance and a farm first mentality, those fruits — and the 182-year-old legacy behind them — are protected for generations to come.
Learn more about our insurance policies and how Farm Credit Mid-America can help secure your operation’s future.
