Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) members heard directly from the insurance companies involved in the proposed merger between Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho during Friday morning’s general session. Mountain West CEO Jim Geesey and Idaho CEO Todd Argall each underscored the long-standing relationship between the insurance companies and the Farm Bureau organizations they serve—reminding members that the merger’s purpose is stability, strength and a future-focused structure that protects policyholders and Farm Bureau families across the West. 

Geesey spoke candidly about the long history between Mountain West and the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, noting that the company exists because Farm Bureau members once wrote checks on faith to help protect their neighbors. 

“That relationship has been huge,” Geesey said. “I never forget the folks who started us. They did it because they believed in helping one another, and that’s still what we do.” 

Geesey reflected on the challenging insurance environment of recent years, from heavy weather losses to economic headwinds, while emphasizing that the company’s focus has stayed squarely on serving the policyholders who depend on it. 

“We’ve had headwinds—strong ones,” he said. “But the important thing isn’t dwelling on the past. It’s looking forward. That’s what excites me about this merger: the stability it brings and the strength it adds to our future.” 

He reminded members that not all parts of the merger process are in Mountain West’s control, noting the significant regulatory review underway in both Wyoming and Idaho. He stressed  this slow pace was normal and necessary. 

“The regulators are doing their job,” he said. “Their role is to protect policyholders, and we respect that. What we can control, we’re moving forward quickly. What we can’t will take time. But we’ll keep communicating.” 

Geesey also acknowledged two long-time Mountain West board members for their dedicated service—expressing personal thanks, heartfelt appreciation and recalling years of shared work on behalf of Farm Bureau members. 

Following Geesey’s address Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho CEO Todd Argall took the stage to introduce himself and share his thoughts on the upcoming merger. 

Argall opened his remarks by focusing on relationships—the foundation, he said, that has always held Farm Bureau organizations and their insurance companies together. 

“A strong insurance company supports a strong federation,” he said. “And a strong federation supports a strong insurance company. We’re in this together.” 

Argall shared his personal story, from his childhood in rural Wisconsin to his 25-year career with Farm Bureau insurance operations before moving to Idaho to assume the CEO role in 2019. He spoke of the humility and work ethic instilled by his parents, the experiences that shaped him, and the Farm Bureau culture he grew up in. 

“I’m a Farm Bureau guy,” he said. “I believe in the opportunities this organization creates for families, employees and agents. And I believe deeply in the relationship between insurance and the Federation.” 

Argall outlined how the merger came into consideration early this year, when Mountain West approached Idaho about exploring a partnership due to financial pressures tied to storms, weather patterns, and expenses that had reduced Mountain West’s surplus. Idaho’s board, he explained, was willing to consider it—if due diligence showed a sustainable path forward. 

“We looked under the hood,” Argall said. “We asked, ‘Can this work?’ And we concluded that yes, we can be stronger together.” 

Both boards voted to move forward, launching the regulatory and structural phase of the merger currently in place. 

“Idaho is having one of the best years in our history,” he said. “Mountain West is facing storms and challenges. Next year could be the opposite—that’s the nature of insurance. But our risks are uncorrelated. When you put us together, we stabilize each other.” 

Argall noted that the combined entity would operate with approximately $1.1–$1.2 billion in assets and more than $550 million in surplus—offering policyholders long-term confidence. 

“The goal is simple,” he said. “Protect our policyholders. Protect our employees and agents. Protect the relationship with the Federation. And position this organization for a bright future.” 

Both CEOs highlighted that policyholders will see little change and should expect the same local service and agent support they have always had. Agents, they emphasized, remain the face of the company in Wyoming communities. 

“The number one goal,” Argall said, “is minimizing the impact of the transition for policyholders, employees, agents and all stakeholders.” 

He also noted the ongoing integration planning between the companies—a coordinated effort to ensure a smooth transition on day one and a strategic direction for the new organization. 

“We’re working through 15 priorities as we develop our transition plan,” he said. “It’s disciplined work. Disciplined people, disciplined thinking, disciplined action. That’s how you build an organization that lasts.” 

In his closing statement, Argall noted,“Good isn’t good enough if it could be better. Better isn’t good enough if it can be the best. Our job is to build something strong enough to last long after we’re gone—to protect families, agents, employees and the Federation for generations.”