Welcome to a great industry! You need to discuss with your "going independent" friend the particulars about that arrangement ( marketing/business plan, compensation, etc.) Going independent is what most folks on this forum would advocate. I'm new here, and not sure why you haven't gotten more feedback by now. I'm in Louisiana and the few people I know here who have worked with Farm Bureau said it's mostly selling personal lines P&C and various cash value life products such as universal life. I think if you and your Farmers/Wanna-be-independent friend can survive and make a go of building an agency, with a preferable exit strategy for you ( if desired), that will be where your long term satisfaction will come from. You need more info from both sides there locally to make your ultimate choice. Remember, You can always shift gears if your first choice doesn't work out. This industry holds plenty enough opportunity for the right person. Hope this helped a little.