NATIONAL CROP INSURANCE SERVICES
8900 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 600
Overland Park, KS 66210

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2009

For more information contact Laurie Langstraat at (913) 685-2767

Ruth Gerdes Awarded the Crop Insurance Industry Outstanding Service Award

OVERLAND PARK, Kan — Ruth Gerdes, Auburn Agency, is the recipient of the Crop Insurance Industry Outstanding Service Award in recognition for outstanding service and outreach to small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Randy Tronnes, Chairman of the National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) Board of Directors, and Robert Parkerson, President of NCIS, presented the award at the 2009 Crop Insurance Industry Annual Convention.

Mrs. Gerdes began her crop insurance career in an agency located in Auburn, Nebraska, and worked her way to becoming a partner in the agency. She is known throughout southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa as one of the most knowledgeable insurance agents specializing in multiple-peril crop insurance, and services policies throughout this region. Mrs. Gerdes provides an annual one-day seminar to producers to educate and provide them with critical knowledge for quality decision making.

In addition to her agency in Auburn, Mrs. Gerdes works closely with an agent in Marysville, Missouri, and also an agent in Hillsboro, Ohio. She assists in marketing seminars for their producers and provides processing services for the policies and acreage reports.

Mrs. Gerdes has been very active in the political arena over the year, developing strong relationships with political staffs and members of congress. Mrs. Gerdes' relationship with Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska was vital in gaining approval of Crop Revenue Coverage. Without the senator's strong advocacy and relationship with Mrs. Gerdes, the product may not have been approved by FCIC. She also served several terms on the National Corn Growers Board, which was a strong partner in the approval of CRC. In addition, she has been very active in industry committees sponsored both by the private industry and FCIC.

Mrs. Gerdes and her husband, Myron, live on and operate a large farming operation near Auburn, which has included cattle, hogs and program crops.

Photo Caption: Accepting the award on behalf of Mrs. Gerdes who was unable to attend the convention was Joanie Grimes of the Auburn Agency of Ohio (center). Presenting the award was (left) Robert Parkerson, President of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS), and, Randy Tronnes (right), Rural Community Insurance Services and Chairman of the NCIS Board of Directors.