Dennis J OPKs wrote: There is a Beacon Insurance Group in Mt. Vernon, IL which is an agency.  That's only half of the equation-they will be representing one or more companies who actually provide the coverage.

Correct. That is the group I'm referring about. Thank you. I did more due diligence online searching about them. The AMBest insurance company ratings is interesting. Seems Nationwide Mutual, Columbus OH is one of Beacon Insurance Group's (Mt Vernon, IL) insurance company? During that search, I stumbled onto an interesting online explanation about agent vs broker when it comes to purchasing insurance policies. If I understand it correctly, I (customer) could purchase my own insurance policy direct from an insurance company. That is,,, if I know exactly what I need/want for coverage. If I don't know or want the hassle of figuring out what I need from different policies, then I could go thru an agent or broker whom both become middle man cause they get paid a commission by insurance co to pick / choose / sign-up customer for different coverage policies. Agent works exclusively for a specific insurance co.  Broker is independent and can approach several insurance companies & price shop for best deal, so to speak.  

So where is this going? I am currently seeking to lower my annual policy's premium to what I consider a more reasonable coverage(catastrophe scenario), thus accepting most/more "hearsay" day-in day-out risks / expenditures. So in doing that, if my current policies are held by agent/broker, then their commission per policy is probably lowered along with it's proposed premium??  Is that correct?  And if so, then that helps explain their unwillingness to accommodate my acceptance of increased risks / expenditures. 

So...  I know want I need & want for my farm insurance basic coverage. Question becomes, are there any insurance companies that will offer me direct farm policies without an agent / broker within my state of Illinois?  Or, am I dreaming?

You are correct, their income is commission based on premium paid so if you raise your deductibles or lower premium-their income goes down.  You obviously have to be cautious in what you try & self-insure and have funds set aside for that unexpected event.  I see these combine fires and places hit by wind/tornadoes.  That can be disastrous no matter how good your insurance is.  Good Luck in studying this subject and a lot depends on your confidence/relationship with the agent.  If that is not a good one, it makes it more difficult.