AFSC's claims adjusters play a vital role in Alberta’s agriculture industry.
These dedicated professionals can be found in fields and on farms throughout the province, inspecting hail damage, conducting acceptance inspections and post-harvest reviews, and performing other essential assessments.
Often, they are the first point of contact a producer has with Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) when crops fail to thrive or suffer hail damage.
George Kueber, Claims Adjusting manager at AFSC, believes claim adjusters provide significant value by supporting clients, answering their questions, and guiding them through the claims process. One call, in particular, reinforced this belief.
“I’m going to share a story – 2021 was an extremely dry season and it was devastating in many areas (of the province),” said Kueber, who has been with AFSC for 24 years, adding that areas which aren’t typically dry were also experiencing a significant lack of moisture.
“I had a client call me to have a chat, and (they) mentioned that the most important person on their farm that year was the crop adjuster.
“Not the banker, not the machinery salesman – it was the crop adjuster and that really hit home for me.”
Training the adjusters
From acceptance inspections to post-harvest inspections, AFSC adjusters are trained to assess every stage of the crop year. This is made possible through a specialized training program that combines mentorship, classroom learning and hands-on experience.
Training begins when each new adjuster is paired with a trainer/mentor. Most hires work closely with a trainer throughout their first season, gradually building their skills by observing and participating in inspections, before taking the lead themselves.
“It is really important to build a new team member’s confidence,” said Kueber. “As the new team member hits the field to begin completing inspections alone, they are only a phone call away from assistance.
“Each new team member has a unique skill set and learning can happen at various speeds. The goal is to develop a good, well-rounded adjuster that can handle the majority of inspections and situations.”
Training doesn’t stop there. Each summer, AFSC works with Olds College of Agriculture & Technology to present a specialized adjuster training session. The program blends classroom instruction with plot walks and other hands-on learning opportunities.
“It is kind of unique training,” explained Christine Fulkerth, one of the adjuster training instructors and an instructor
with Olds College’s Werklund School of Agriculture Technology. “I actually really don’t know of any other organization that does this kind of in-depth training for their staff.
“It’s really kind of a full picture of agronomy really. We talk about basic plant structures, we get into basic soil structures, we talk about crops and the common crops that we grow throughout Alberta. We also get into pest management – so weeds, insects, diseases, as well as some typical kind of farming practices.”
AFSC Claims Adjuster Kyle Meunier said that the training gives adjusters knowledge they need in the field and adds credibility to their work.
“You want to be able to talk to the producers when you go on site,” said Meunier. “You want to be able to answer the questions that they have for you.
“Often, they are really difficult questions, but you want to have the background and the confidence to respond to them.”
A career that matters
Being an adjuster means spending most days in the field – conducting inspections, talking with clients, and assessing claims. A professional approach, combined with agronomy knowledge and strong communication skills, helps adjusters fulfill their vital role in Alberta agriculture.
“When I see one of our products supporting and helping a producer,” said Sarah Durling, one of AFSC’s Claims Adjusting supervisors, “I get an overwhelming sense of pride to be part of something that sustains Alberta’s agricultural industry and is so close to home for me, being from a small rural community.”
Meunier and Kueber also find claims adjusting to be a rewarding career. For Meunier, the opportunity to visit a farmer’s field, carry out his work professionally, and reach a fair agreement on a claim brings a deep sense of pride.
“It’s rewarding at the end of the day,” concluded Kueber. “You’re not just part of the AFSC adjusting team … you’re part of the ag industry in Alberta.”
