America. Land of the free, home of the brave, and for over a century, U.S. agriculture has been a quiet colossus — feeding the world while policymakers argued over whose steak was medium-rare.

But this month (It’s October 26th, while I write this), the export engine that powered rural prosperity has seized up.

Every now and then, the Plan needs to make sure our records reflect real life. People move, families grow, coverage changes. That’s why you recently received a short form asking you to confirm or update your insurance status — for you, and for any dependents you cover.

December 31st at 12 PM—the ghostly hour that has haunted newsletters and the Fund website for the past five months, and, not to be dramatic, the SPDs for what feels like six full revolutions of the sun. Ooooooooooo! Very spooky.

To the habitual meeting-avoiders, mail and newsletter-ignorers: we see you.

Change can feel complicated—especially when it comes to something as personal as your health care. But here’s the simple truth: your coverage isn’t being reduced or taken away. The benefits you rely on remain fully intact, protected under the same laws that allow your retiree plan to exist in the first place.

Well, it seems we may have accidentally created... a thing. Last month’s “mailbag” experiment — where we answered real questions sent to the Fund Office — has, rather alarmingly, sparked a bit of momentum.

Now, whether this is a stroke of genius or the administrative equivalent of poking a hornet’s nest is anyone’s guess.