After graduating from Big Sandy High School in 2001, Eryn (Darlington) Nissen enrolled at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Washington. While attending college, she joined the Army and was deployed to Iraq from 2005-2006. When she returned stateside, Nissen enrolled at Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration in 2009.

Upon graduation, Nissen spent approximately ten years working for different non-profit organizations in program management and development. In the process, she acquired skills in community outreach, grant writing, budget development, and resource assessment.

Eventually, Nissen found her way back to Big Sandy, and in 2018, she joined the team at Agri-Prairie Insurance, where she earned her license as a property/casualty agent and developed specialties in crop insurance (multi-peril, crop-hail, PRF). Nissen continues to serve as an agent with Agri-Prairie Insurance.

In January of 2019, after seeing a need and responding to fill that gap, Nissen created Birch Ag Insurance as a one-stop-shop for insurance needs. That business continued to grow, and in June 2021, Birch Ag added additional lines of insurance and an agent in Chinook. In early February 2022, the agency purchased a building on Chinook's main street.

Today, Birch Ag has offices in both Big Sandy and Chinook and specializes in agriculture-based coverages such as crop, hail, farm/ranch, and equestrian. The agency also has access to major carriers for home, auto, business/commercial, renters, and numerous other insurance markets.

With an office located at 223 Indiana Street in the former All Dahl'd Up location, Birch Ag Insurance has a presence where local agent, Laine Jorgensen, will assist consumers with their home, auto, farm, and ranch policies. Licensed in both property and casualty, Jorgensen specializes in ag business, commercial, and personal insurance. She has achieved a designation as an Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist, is Nationwide Farm Certified, and is currently working on attaining her Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist credentials. The daughter of Marty Jorgensen and Patty (Hall) Holmes, Jorgensen was raised in northcentral Montana. For the past ten years, she has been managing a cattle ranch, along with raising performance Quarter Horses. She will be based in Chinook and can be reached at 406-945-1118.

Nissen expressed excitement about opening the office in Chinook. In fact, she was motivated to pursue that goal by area producers. "As a crop insurance agent, I had many requests from current clients to provide farm and ranch packages. As I started to explore that option, I found that many of my friends and family members were interested in additional insurance options from a local agent."

Working in the ag-industry is not new to Nissen, who grew up farming and ranching southeast of Big Sandy. "I think a background in agriculture easily lends itself to providing insurance in rural communities because I understand the exposures and risks that producers will face. My education and military background will help me lead and grow a great team of agents that will serve the community well."

With so many years in the insurance industry, Nissen hasn't been too surprised by business ownership, although she admits to certain challenges. "The greatest challenge has been getting appointed with major carriers in order to provide our insureds with the best coverage at the best price. When you are an independent agent and don't have an 'established' book of business, it can be tough to get the right carriers in place."

Nissen's biggest reward has been the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with independent business ownership. "I thoroughly enjoy working with my clients and helping them make decisions about coverages that protect their way of life," she said.

Ultimately, Nissen hopes to build an insurance agency that not only provides financial peace of mind for her clients but offers "unparalleled" customer service. "I want a business that is community-minded and supports local," she stated.

Anyone seeking ag-based, small business/commercial, or personal insurance coverage is encouraged to call Birch Ag in Big Sandy (406-879-9048) or Chinook (406-945-1118).

When she's not in the office, Nissen will likely be found accompanying her two girls-Genavieve and Camielle-as they pursue their various interests and activities. Coaching basketball, decorating cakes, and working cattle also consume her time.

As far as offering wisdom about business ownership, Nissen shared this tidbit: "Surround yourself with good people, ask lots of questions, and be patient and persistent."