Federal Crop Agency’s founder, Billy Ray, started Federal Crop Agency after WWII where he was a bomber pilot. He had some incredible experiences in the war, and wrote a book about them. We are linking it HERE if you want to read about it!
In the 1980’s, Billy dedicated himself to crop insurance. Billy helped build the foundation of crop insurance to what it is today, by working with policy makers in Washington DC to help create good risk management policies for growers.
In 1995, Billy Ray brought in his son, Chris Ray, to share in the business’ of working hard to help the program be successful for our farmers. Continuing this mission, of helping to provide the best risk management possible was important to Billy, and he passed that same desire and passion on to his son, Chris Ray.
Federal Crop Agency has been around ever since! From the industry changes, to economy changes, not to mention weather! Billy Ray, and then his son, Chris Ray, have dedicated a huge piece of their lives to crop insurance and the customers they served.
Federal Crop Agency, is dedicated to continuing to serve the agriculture community for years to come. In the dedication to this mission, Chris Ray, sold the agency to a long term friend in Crop Insurance, Nicholle Renshaw. She has worked in crop insurance since 2006 and with Federal Crop Agency since 2011 in many different capacities. Nicholle is dedicated to carrying on the passion for agriculture and commitment to customer service that Federal Crop Agency has built its legacy on.
Federal Crop Agency is still here, and we will be…year after year, standing beside you, to weather the storm together!
Nicholle, based in Nebraska, is a dedicated mother to Logan (15) and Everett (13), and engaged to Raimond Wojtalewicz, who brings two wonderful children, Addi (15) and Blake (13), into their blended family.
With nearly 20 years in crop insurance, Nicholle’s journey began with a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, stemming from her early involvement with livestock and graduating from Oklahoma State University with an Ag Business degree.
Nicholle’s career has included roles ranging from adjuster and business development to relationship manager and account executive—culminating in her acquisition of Federal Crop Agency in 2022. A passionate advocate for the crop insurance industry, she is actively involved in CIPA, one of the nation’s leading organizations supporting American agriculture. Nicholle has dedicated her career to keeping our farmers farming and our food grown in America—because at the end of the day, our customers are what it’s all about.
Chris Ray joined Federal Crop Agency in 1995, working alongside his father and founder, Billy Ray, to support farmers through strong risk management solutions. Carrying forward Billy’s commitment to service and agricultural success, Chris dedicated himself to helping producers navigate changing weather, markets, and regulations. In 2022, Chris passed the reins to longtime friend and crop insurance expert Nicholle Renshaw, selling the agency but continuing to serve in a consulting role at the Chappell office. His decades of experience and passion for the industry remain vital to the agency’s legacy.
Hi, my name is Tina. I am located in the Chappell office. I have been with Federal Crop Agency for 5 years. I enjoy when our insureds come in, getting to visit with all of them to see how their crops, livestock, pastures are doing and just getting to know them. I am usually the 1st person they see when our insureds walk in the door, I help the insureds with what they need, I mainly process the sales, acres, production, anything that needs entered into the computer.
Before crop insurance, I worked in a nursing home for 20+ years. I am originally from central Nebraska. I have three wonderful grown children, Tyler, Heather, and Austin, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law, and I have three beautiful granddaughters and am expecting another grandchild!
I enjoy spending time with my family, making memories, going on Cruise Ships, the beach, gardening, vacations, bonfires.
Ben Rand is an agent based in the Chappell office, serving producers across the top corn and cattle states. He often describes himself as a simple guy from Nebraska, but his approach is 100% performance-driven and results-focused.
He specializes in MPCI, private crop insurance products, weather derivatives, parametrics, and tailored P&C solutions for the unique risks of the western Corn Belt. His experience includes irrigation coverage, cattle mortality, day-of-sale protection for breeders, and embryo and fertility insurance.
Ben holds Series 3 and Series 30 licenses and is the Principal of Blue Line Ag Hedge, where he combines risk management and market strategy to help producers protect and grow their operations.
Anne Rexroth has called Cheyenne County home for 20 years. Her extensive background with cattle, being raised in Northeast Colorado on a cow-calf operation of her parents George Kerst and Mary Ann Bledsoe. Ryan comes from deep farming roots in the Gurley area, while continuing his own path as a chemical applicator. Oldest daughter, Josette, is very active on the swine show circuit and Sidney High School Girls Golf. And recently been selected to serve on the 2025 Nebraska Swine Circuit Junior Board. With the youngest of the girls, Libby, starting to build a herd of show goats.
Teresa has been with Federal Crop Agency for 36 years and has built a remarkable career serving the Norfolk community. A lifelong Norfolk resident, she grew up around agriculture and still has family farming in the area today. Teresa’s deep roots in the community and commitment to her customers make her a trusted and dependable agent. She puts her client’s needs first in everything she does and plays a vital role in supporting the Federal Crop Agency team. Her dedication and experience continue to be a key part of the agency’s success.
Sheryl grew up in Aberdeen and now lives in Ipswich with her husband and three boys. She has been a crop insurance agent since 2019, bringing over a decade of prior experience from her time with the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Sheryl is a passionate advocate for her customers, using her deep understanding of government programs to help them navigate the complexities of crop insurance. Her FSA background is a true asset, allowing her to provide knowledgeable, personalized service that her clients can trust.
Jay is based in Aberdeen, SD and is a proud father to Zachary(22), Noah(21), Ashlyn(17) and their Golden Retriever Jax(6). His favorite past times are anything with kids and friends ranging from hunting, attending various sporting events and riding motorcycle.
Jay’s career started with working on his family’s farms which led to his passion for agriculture and obtaining his Ag Business Degree from South Dakota State University.
His roles ranged from Ag Banker, Financial Officer to leading a Crop Insurance region of Agents. Jay has accumulated over 25 years of experience as a Crop Insurance Agent as well as 25 years working in an ag lending capacity. Jay joined the Federal Crop Agency in January of 2023. He is a dedicated advocate for farmers’ overall financial picture and utilizes his diverse experience to add value for our customers on a daily basis.
Jay is committed to serving our customers and securing their futures with crop insurance and tailored risk management solutions that are the best for their bottom line and the future of their operations.
Tim Franklin grew up southeast of Goodland, Kansas, on his family’s corn and wheat farm, raising crops on both irrigated and dryland acres. Today, Tim and his wife, Katherine, are raising their three children, Isaac, Lizzy, and Noah, in the Goodland community they call home.
After graduating from Kansas State University in 2005 with a degree in Milling Science, Tim spent six years with General Mills before returning home in 2011 to join the family farming operation.
Tim remains actively involved in running the farm while bringing his firsthand agricultural experience to his role as a licensed crop insurance agent with Federal Crop Agency. As a producer himself, Tim understands the decisions, challenges, and risks farmers face each season and is passionate about helping other producers protect their operations and plan for the future.
Water conservation is also especially important to Tim. He played an integral role in developing his family’s Water Conservation Area—the first of its kind in Kansas—giving him a unique perspective on protecting the land and resources that sustain agriculture for future generations.
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