EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC
10-Q, 1997-08-14
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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                               UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C.  20549

                                 FORM 10-Q

              Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                      Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

(x) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JUNE 30, 1997                         
                               ----------------------------------------
                                       OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                  to                     
                              ------------------  ---------------------

Commission File Number: 0-10956     
                       

                          EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.               
          --------------------------------------------------------
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Iowa                                            42-6234555
- -------------------------------                          ------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)


717 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, Iowa                            50309     
- ---------------------------------------                  ------------------
(Address of principal executive office)                       (Zip Code)


                               (515) 280-2581                   
            ----------------------------------------------------
            (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  X    No    
                                              -----    -----               

     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                  Class                      Outstanding at July 31, 1997  
                  -----                      -------------------------------
     Common stock, $1.00 par value                       11,204,287
                                                         ----------

Total pages   17  
            ------
                                     
<PAGE>  
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements 



                     EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                            Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                      June 30,   December 31,
                                                       1997          1996    
                                                   ------------- ------------
                                                    (Unaudited)
ASSETS

Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
      (Fair value $185,830,167 and $194,655,256)   $180,737,547  $188,385,721
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
      (amortized cost $161,052,960 and
      $146,794,158) ..............................  164,577,471   150,038,644
  Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair
    value (cost $22,029,068 and $21,236,281) .....   28,818,092    24,040,381
  Short-term investments, at cost ................   16,369,057    17,553,606
                                                   ------------  ------------
           Total investments .....................  390,502,167   380,018,352

Cash .............................................    1,630,100     3,500,629
Indebtedness of related party ....................    1,236,777             -
Accrued investment income ........................    5,732,755     6,567,186
Accounts receivable ..............................      938,875       740,736
Deferred policy acquisition costs ................   10,158,673     9,021,863
Deferred income taxes ............................    9,988,235    10,974,425
Intangible assets, including goodwill, at cost
  less accumulated amortization of $2,010,926
  and $1,943,669 .................................    1,546,895     1,614,151
Reinsurance receivables ..........................   15,065,275    14,735,786
Prepaid reinsurance premiums .....................    1,944,945     1,516,972
Other assets .....................................    1,560,007     1,637,473
                                                   ------------  ------------
           Total assets .......................... $440,304,704  $430,327,573
                                                   ============  ============

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                      
<PAGE>  
                     EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                            Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                     June 30,    December 31,
                                                       1997          1996    
                                                   ------------ -------------
                                                    (Unaudited)
LIABILITIES

Losses and settlement expenses ................... $215,464,263  $202,502,986
Unearned premiums ................................   52,357,939    47,908,954
Other policyholders' funds .......................    3,078,849     3,467,449
Indebtedness to related party ....................            -     7,000,482
Income taxes payable .............................      358,000     2,942,000
Postretirement benefits ..........................    5,180,313     4,932,834
Deferred income ..................................      549,639       665,550
Other liabilities ................................   10,242,239    12,178,290
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities ............................  287,231,242   281,598,545
                                                  
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 20,000,000
  shares; issued and outstanding, 11,201,783
  shares in 1997 and 11,084,461 shares in 1996 ...   11,201,783    11,084,461
Additional paid-in capital .......................   64,072,090    62,762,613
Unrealized holding gains on fixed maturity           
  securities available-for-sale, net of tax ......    2,326,178     2,141,361
Unrealized holding gains on equity securities
  available-for-sale, net of tax .................    4,480,756     1,850,706
Retained earnings ................................   70,992,655    70,889,887
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Total stockholders' equity ...................  153,073,462   148,729,028
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ... $440,304,704  $430,327,573
                                                   ============  ============

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                      
<PAGE>
                     EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                         Consolidated Statements of Income
                                 (Unaudited)

                               Three months ended        Six months ended    
                                   June 30,                  June 30,        
                            ------------------------ -----------------------
                                1997         1996        1997       1996    
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
REVENUES:
  Premiums earned ..........$ 44,143,379 $40,433,259 $86,601,722 $80,913,385
  Investment income, net ...   5,895,256   5,916,176  11,639,992  11,685,151
  Realized investment gains        9,417      36,545      66,722      50,686
  Other income .............      56,226      70,295     115,911     144,914
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
                              50,104,278  46,456,275  98,424,347  92,794,136
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
LOSSES AND EXPENSES:
  Losses and settlement 
    expenses ...............  33,547,594  31,693,828  65,197,480  59,554,518
  Dividends to policyholders     631,985     969,492   1,381,046   1,846,661
  Amortization of deferred
    policy acquisition costs   8,924,070   8,067,797  17,096,772  15,640,483
  Other underwriting 
    expenses ...............   5,077,725   4,242,259  10,755,593   9,895,701
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
                              48,181,374  44,973,379  94,430,891  86,937,363
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
   Income before income
     taxes .................   1,922,904   1,482,899   3,993,456   5,856,773
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME TAXES:
  Current ..................     354,350     147,515   1,017,847   1,275,515
  Deferred .................    (123,049)   (135,819)   (463,893)   (222,410)
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
                                 231,301      11,696     553,954   1,053,105
                            ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
        Net income .........$  1,691,603 $ 1,471,203 $ 3,439,502 $ 4,803,668
                            ============ =========== =========== ===========

Earnings per share .........        $.15        $.13        $.31        $.44
                            ============ =========== =========== ===========

Dividend per share .........        $.15        $.14        $.30        $.28
                            ============ =========== =========== ===========

Average number of shares
  outstanding ..............  11,156,307  10,905,112  11,125,519  10,871,760
                            ============ =========== =========== ===========

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      
<PAGE>
                     EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                        Six months ended
                                                            June 30,        
                                                  --------------------------
                                                      1997          1996    
                                                  ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income .................................... $  3,439,502  $  4,803,668
                                                  ------------  ------------
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
     cash provided by operating activities:
      Losses and settlement expenses ............    7,043,180     7,865,680
      Unearned premiums .........................    1,625,919      (907,415)
      Other policyholders' funds ................     (388,600)       78,656 
      Deferred policy acquisition costs .........   (1,136,810)     (277,826)
      Indebtedness of related party .............   (8,237,259)      (81,724)
      Accrued investment income .................      834,431       162,110
      Accrued income taxes:
        Current .................................   (2,584,000)   (2,264,000)
        Deferred ................................     (463,893)     (222,411)
      Provision for amortization ................       26,784       (21,946)
      Realized investment gains .................      (66,722)      (50,686)
      Postretirement benefits ...................      247,479       228,517
      Reinsurance receivables ...................     (329,489)   (4,737,849)
      Prepaid reinsurance premiums ..............     (427,973)       62,275 
      Amortization of deferred income ...........     (115,911)     (144,914)
      Other, net ................................   (2,056,730)      239,977 
                                                  ------------   -----------
                                                    (6,029,594)      (71,556)
      Cash provided by the change in the
        property and casualty insurance
        subsidiaries' pooling agreement (note 3)     5,674,458             -

      Cash provided by the change in the
        reinsurance subsidiary's quota share
        agreement (note 3) ......................    3,066,705             -
                                                  ------------  ------------

  Net cash provided by operating activities ..... $  6,151,071  $  4,732,112
                                                  ------------  ------------
<PAGE>
                      EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                        Six months ended
                                                            June 30,        
                                                  --------------------------
                                                      1997          1996        
                                                  ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of fixed maturity securities
    held-to-maturity ............................ $ (5,999,070) $(11,959,263)
  Maturities of fixed maturity securities
    held-to-maturity ............................   13,688,421    12,596,869
  Purchases of fixed maturity securities
    available-for-sale ..........................  (25,962,387)  (12,427,911)
  Maturities of fixed maturity securities
    available-for-sale ..........................   11,769,610    11,263,023
  Purchases of equity securities 
    available-for-sale ..........................     (792,787)            -
  Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments    1,184,548    (2,865,403)
                                                  ------------  ------------
    Net cash used in investing activities .......   (6,111,665)   (3,392,685)
                                                  ------------  ------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Issuance of common stock ......................    1,426,799     1,822,038
  Dividends paid to stockholders ................   (3,336,734)   (3,044,267)
  Purchase of treasury stock, net (note 2) ......            -       100,421 
                                                  ------------  ------------
      Net cash used in financing activities .....   (1,909,935)   (1,121,808)
                                                  ------------  ------------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH .................   (1,870,529)      217,619
Cash at beginning of year .......................    3,500,629     1,198,436
                                                  ------------  ------------
Cash at end of quarter .......................... $  1,630,100  $  1,416,055
                                                  ============  ============
Income taxes paid ............................... $  3,601,847  $  3,541,000

Interest paid ................................... $     84,709  $          -

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

                              
  
<PAGE>
             EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

        Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
                           (Unaudited)
                     
                          June 30, 1997     
                                             

Note 1
- ------
The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.  The
information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the 
interim periods.


Note 2
- ------
Effective June 30, 1996, the use of treasury stock was discontinued and 
all treasury shares held at that time were retired.  All shares of the
Company's common stock repurchased after June 30, 1996 have been retired.


Note 3
- ------
Effective January 1, 1997, a new affiliate of Employers Mutual Casualty
Company (Employers Mutual) began participating in the pooling agreement. 
In connection with this change in the pooling agreement, the Company's
liabilities increased $6,393,063 and invested assets increased $5,674,458. 
The Company reimbursed Employers Mutual $794,074 for commissions incurred
to generate this business and Employers Mutual paid the Company $75,469 in
interest income as the actual cash transfer did not occur until the
affiliation was approved by Hamilton Mutual's policyholders and the Ohio
Department of Insurance at the end of March.

Effective January 1, 1997, the reinsurance subsidiary's quota share
participation was increased from 95 percent to 100 percent.  In connection
with this change in the quota share agreement, the Company's liabilities
increased $3,173,647 and invested assets increased $3,066,705.  The Company
reimbursed Employers Mutual $106,942 for commissions incurred to generate
this business.  


Note 4
- ------
The Company will adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 128,
"Earnings Per Share" in the fourth quarter of 1997.  Adoption of this
statement is not expected to have any impact on the financial statements of
the Company.


Note 5
- ------
In reviewing these financial statements, reference should be made to the
Company's 1996 Form 10-K or the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders for more
detailed footnote information.



<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
          
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations                
                                (Unaudited)

OVERVIEW

     EMC Insurance Group Inc. (the "Company"), an approximately 67 percent
owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual),
is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty
insurance, reinsurance, nonstandard risk automobile insurance and an excess
and surplus lines insurance agency.  Property and casualty insurance is the
most significant segment, representing 75.5 percent of consolidated premium
income.

     The three property and casualty insurance subsidiaries of the Company
are parties to reinsurance pooling agreements with Employers Mutual and
several of its subsidiaries (collectively the "pooling agreement"). 
Effective January 1, 1997, a new affiliate of Employers Mutual, The
Hamilton Mutual Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio (Hamilton Mutual),
began participating in the pooling agreement.  In connection with this
change in the pooling agreement, the Company's liabilities increased
$6,393,063 and invested assets increased $5,674,458.  The Company
reimbursed Employers Mutual $794,074 for commissions incurred to generate
this business and Employers Mutual paid the Company $75,469 in
interest income as the actual cash transfer did not occur until the
affiliation was approved by Hamilton Mutual's policyholders and the Ohio
Department of Insurance at the end of March.  Under the terms of the
pooling agreement, each company cedes to Employers Mutual all of its
insurance business and assumes from Employers Mutual an amount equal to its
participation in the pool.  All losses, settlement expenses and other
underwriting and administrative expenses, excluding the voluntary
reinsurance business assumed by Employers Mutual and Hamilton Mutual from
unaffiliated insurance companies, are prorated among the parties on the
basis of participation in the pool.  The aggregate participation of the
Company's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries in the pool is 22
percent.  Operations of the pool give rise to intercompany balances with
Employers Mutual, which are settled on a quarterly basis.  The investment
activities and income tax liabilities of the pool participants are not
subject to the pooling agreement.

     The purpose of the pooling agreement is to spread the risk of an
exposure insured by any of the pool participants among all the companies. 
The pooling agreement produces a more uniform and stable underwriting
result from year to year for all companies in the pool than might be
experienced individually.  In addition, each company benefits from the
capacity of the entire pool, rather than being limited to policy exposures
of a size commensurate with its own assets, and from the wide range of
policy forms, lines of insurance written, rate filings and commission plans
offered by each of the companies.  A single set of reinsurance treaties is
maintained for the protection of all seven companies in the pool.  
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

     The Company's reinsurance subsidiary assumes a quota share portion of
Employers Mutual's assumed reinsurance business, exclusive of certain
reinsurance contracts.  In order to take advantage of the reinsurance
subsidiary's current surplus level, the following changes were made to the
quota share agreement effective January 1, 1997: an increase in the quota
share percentage from 95 percent to 100 percent and an increase in the
maximum amount of losses retained per event from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000. 
In connection with this change in the quota share agreement, the Company's
liabilities increased $3,173,647 and invested assets increased $3,066,705. 
The Company reimbursed Employers Mutual $106,942 for commissions incurred
to generate this business.  The reinsurance subsidiary receives all
premiums and assumes all related losses and settlement expenses of this
business, subject to the maximum loss per event noted above.  The
reinsurance subsidiary does not reinsure any of Employers Mutual's direct
insurance business, nor any "involuntary" facility or pool business that
Employers Mutual assumes pursuant to state law.  In addition, the
reinsurance subsidiary is not liable for credit risk in connection with the
insolvency of any reinsurers of Employers Mutual.

     The Company's nonstandard risk automobile insurance subsidiary
specializes in insuring private passenger automobile risks that are found
to be unacceptable in the standard automobile insurance market.

     The excess and surplus lines insurance agency provides insurance
agents access to the excess and surplus lines markets and also functions as
managing underwriter for such lines for Employers Mutual and several of the
pool members.

     The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.  The
information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim
periods.  
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Operating results for the six months and three months ended June 30,
1997 and 1996 are as follows:  

                                       Six months ended  Three months ended
                                           June 30,          June 30,     
                                      -----------------  -----------------
($ in thousands)                        1997     1996      1997     1996
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Premiums earned ..................... $ 86,602 $ 80,913  $ 44,144 $ 40,433
Losses and settlement expenses ......   65,197   59,554    33,548   31,693
Other underwriting expenses .........   29,234   27,383    14,634   13,280
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Underwriting loss ...................   (7,829)  (6,024)   (4,038)  (4,540) 
Net investment income ...............   11,640   11,685     5,895    5,916  
Realized investment gains ...........       67       51        10       37  
Other income ........................      116      145        56       70  
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Operating income before 
     income taxes ................... $  3,994 $  5,857  $  1,923 $  1,483 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Losses and settlement expenses:
  Insured events of current year .... $ 65,787 $ 69,590  $ 32,998 $ 36,301 
  (Decrease) increase in provision  
    for insured events of prior years     (590) (10,036)      550   (4,608)
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
   Total losses and 
     settlement expenses ............ $ 65,197 $ 59,554  $ 33,548 $ 31,693 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Catastrophe and storm losses ........ $  3,101 $  4,771  $  2,138 $  3,625 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
                                          
     Operating income before income taxes decreased 31.9 percent for the
six months and increased 29.7 percent for the three months ended June 30,
1997 from the same periods in 1996.  The decrease for the six months is
primarily due to a decline in the operating results of the nonstandard risk
automobile and property and casualty insurance subsidiaries.  The increase
for the three months reflects an improvement in the operating results of
the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, which reported very poor
loss experience in the second quarter of 1996.    

     Premiums earned increased 7.0 percent for the six months and 9.2
percent for the three months ended June 30, 1997 from the same periods in
1996.  Production increases in the property and casualty insurance and
nonstandard risk automobile insurance subsidiaries were partially offset by
a production decrease in the reinsurance subsidiary.  

     Losses and settlement expenses increased 9.5 percent for the six
months and 5.9 percent for the three months ended June 30, 1997 from the
same periods in 1996.  Loss experience associated with current year losses
improved from the amounts reported for the six months and three months
ended June 30, 1996, but remained at elevated levels.  This improvement,
however, was more than offset by a substantial decrease in the amount of
benefit realized from the actual settlement of claims and changes in
reserves associated with prior year losses.

     Other underwriting expenses increased 6.8 percent for the six months
and 10.2 percent for the three months ended June 30, 1997 from the same
periods in 1996.  These increases are primarily a result of the production
increases experienced in the first six months of 1997.  

     Net investment income decreased 0.4 percent for both the six months
and three months ended June 30, 1997 from the same periods in 1996.  These
decreases primarily reflect a lower average rate of return on bonds and
short-term investments.  
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

SEGMENT RESULTS 

Property and Casualty Insurance

     Operating results for the six months and three months ended June 30,
1997 and 1996 are as follows:  

                                       Six months ended  Three months ended
                                           June 30,           June 30,    
                                      -----------------  -----------------
($ in thousands)                        1997     1996      1997     1996
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Premiums earned ..................... $ 65,380 $ 58,985  $ 33,406 $ 29,462
Losses and settlement expenses ......   49,356   44,108    26,234   23,642
Other underwriting expenses .........   22,514   20,635    11,284   10,393
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Underwriting loss ...................   (6,490)  (5,758)   (4,112)  (4,573) 
Net investment income ...............    7,678    7,725     3,915    3,892  
Realized investment gains ...........       48       28         3       19  
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Operating income (loss) before 
     income taxes ................... $  1,236 $  1,995  $   (194)$   (662)
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Losses and settlement expenses:
  Insured events of current year .... $ 49,779 $ 51,991  $ 25,202 $ 26,806 
  (Decrease) increase in provision  
    for insured events of prior years     (423)  (7,883)    1,032   (3,164)
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
   Total losses and 
     settlement expenses ............ $ 49,356 $ 44,108  $ 26,234 $ 23,642 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Catastrophe and storm losses ........ $  2,384 $  3,030  $  1,924 $  2,509 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========

     Premiums earned increased substantially for the six months and three
months ended June 30, 1997 from the same periods in 1996.  These increases
reflect growth in both personal and commercial lines of business from the
existing branch office structure as well as the increase in the size of the
pool with the addition of Hamilton Mutual on January 1, 1997.  Growth in
the commercial lines of business continues to be concentrated in the
property products offered under the Medallion series.  The workers'
compensation line of business continues to be hampered by rate reductions
in several states.  
   
     Underwriting results for the six months ended June 30, 1997 declined
from the same period in 1996, while underwriting results for the second
quarter of 1997 improved from the substandard results reported for the
second quarter of 1996.  Loss experience associated with current year
losses improved from the amounts reported for the six months and three
months ended June 30, 1996, but remained at elevated levels.  This
improvement, however, was more than offset by a substantial decrease in the
amount of benefit realized from the actual settlement of claims and changes
in reserves associated with prior year losses.  The property and casualty
insurance subsidiaries have historically experienced favorable development
in their reserves and current reserving practices have not been relaxed;
however, as previously reported, the level of favorable development
experienced in prior years was not expected to continue.  The growth in
other underwriting expenses reflects the increase in the size of the pool
with the addition of Hamilton Mutual and a slight increase in commission
rates.  
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

Reinsurance
      
     Operating results for the six months and three months ended June 30,
1997 and 1996 are as follows:

                                       Six months ended  Three months ended
                                           June 30,           June 30,    
                                      -----------------  -----------------
($ in thousands)                        1997     1996      1997     1996
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Premiums earned ..................... $ 16,377 $ 17,308  $  8,236 $  8,629
Losses and settlement expenses ......   11,062   11,738     5,229    6,029
Other underwriting expenses .........    5,221    5,425     2,540    2,149
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Underwriting gain ...................       94      145       467      451  
Net investment income ...............    3,202    3,150     1,621    1,613  
Realized investment gains ...........       13       17         5       12  
Other income ........................      116      145        56       70  
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Operating income before 
     income taxes ................... $  3,425 $  3,457  $  2,149 $  2,146 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Losses and settlement expenses:
  Insured events of current year .... $ 11,509 $ 13,372  $  5,949 $  7,495 
  Decrease in provision for 
    insured events of prior years ...     (447)  (1,634)     (720)  (1,466)
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
   Total losses and 
     settlement expenses ............ $ 11,062 $ 11,738  $  5,229 $  6,029 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Catastrophe losses .................. $    717 $  1,741  $    214 $  1,116 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========

     Premiums earned decreased for the six months and three months ended
June 30, 1997 from the same periods in 1996.  These decreases are primarily
attributable to competitive market conditions and a general decline in rate
levels for catastrophe coverage.  The company is addressing these market
conditions by accepting larger lines on desirable programs and
strengthening its relationships with reinsurance intermediaries. 

     Underwriting results remained profitable, but deteriorated slightly,
for the six months ended June 30, 1997, while results for the three months
ended June 30, 1997 remained fairly constant compared to the same period in
1996.  Losses associated with the current accident year declined due to a
decrease in catastrophe losses as well as the decrease in premium volume. 
This decrease in current accident year losses was partially offset by a
decline in the amount of benefit realized from the downward development of
the provision for insured events of prior years.  During 1997, other
underwriting expenses fluctuated by quarter while decreasing for the first
six months of 1997 compared to 1996 levels, which were inflated due to the
recognition of additional contingent commissions. 
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

Nonstandard Risk Automobile Insurance

     Operating results for the six months and three months ended June 30,
1997 and 1996 are as follows:  

                                       Six months ended  Three months ended
                                           June 30,           June 30,    
                                      -----------------  -----------------
($ in thousands)                        1997     1996      1997     1996
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Premiums earned ..................... $  4,845 $  4,620  $  2,502 $  2,342
Losses and settlement expenses ......    4,779    3,708     2,085    2,022
Other underwriting expenses .........    1,467    1,329       797      679
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Underwriting loss ...................   (1,401)    (417)     (380)    (359) 
Net investment income ...............      518      559       249      282  
Realized investment gains ...........        5        6         1        6  
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
Operating (loss) income before 
     income taxes ................... $   (878)$    148  $   (130)$    (71)
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========
Losses and settlement expenses:
  Insured events of current year .... $  4,499 $  4,227  $  1,847 $  2,000 
  Increase (decrease) in provision  
    for insured events of prior years      280     (519)      238       22 
                                      -------- --------  -------- --------
   Total losses and 
     settlement expenses ............ $  4,779 $  3,708  $  2,085 $  2,022 
                                      ======== ========  ======== ========

     Premiums earned increased for the six months and three months ended
June 30, 1997 from the same periods in 1996.  This is the second
consecutive quarter the company has experienced an increase in earned
premiums after experiencing premium declines during the last several years. 
These increases reflect rate increases that were implemented in the states
of Iowa and South Dakota in late 1996.  Additionally, the company continues
to appoint new agents and improve its marketing and business relationships
with its existing agency force.

     Underwriting results deteriorated substantially for the six months and
more moderately for the three months ended June 30, 1997 from the same
periods in 1996.  Results for the first six months of 1997 reflect an
increase in both the frequency and severity of losses due to severe winter
driving conditions in the Midwest.  In addition, underwriting results for
both periods were negatively impacted by adverse development in the
provision for insured events of prior years.

Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Agency

     Operating income before income taxes remained constant at $231,000 for
the first six months of 1997, compared to $233,000 for the same period in
1996.  For the three months ended June 30, 1997, operating income before
income taxes increased to $148,000 compared to $75,000 for the same period
in 1996.  The excess and surplus market continues to be very competitive. 
Despite this intense competition, the company has been able to increase its
production levels because of new marketing programs implemented in the
second quarter of 1997.  Additionally, investment income has increased
primarily due to a larger invested asset balance.  
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

Parent Company

     Operating loss before income taxes was $21,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1997 compared to operating income of $24,000 for the same
period in 1996.  For the three months ended June 30, 1997, operating loss
before income taxes was $52,000 compared to an operating loss of $5,000 for
the same period in 1996.  These decreases are primarily due to a decline in
investment income caused by a lower invested asset balance.  

OTHER INFORMATION

     The majority of the Company's assets are invested in fixed maturities. 
These investments provide a substantial amount of income which supplements
underwriting results and contributes to net earnings.  As these investments
mature the proceeds will be reinvested at current rates, which may be
higher or lower than those now being earned; therefore, more or less
investment income may be available to contribute to net earnings depending
on the interest rate level.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The Company maintains a portion of the investment portfolio in
relatively short-term and highly liquid investments to ensure the
availability of funds to meet claims and expenses.  The remainder of the
investment portfolio is invested in securities with maturities that
approximate the anticipated liabilities of the insurance issued.  Net
unrealized holding gains on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
totaled $2,326,000 at June 30, 1997 and $2,141,000 at December 31, 1996. 
Since the Company does not actively trade in the bond market, such
fluctuations in the fair value of these investments are not expected to
have a material impact on the operations of the Company, as forced
liquidations of investments are not anticipated.  The Company closely
monitors the bond market and makes appropriate adjustments in investment
policy as changing conditions warrant.

     Net unrealized holding gains on equity securities totaled $4,481,000
at June 30, 1997 and $1,851,000 at December 31, 1996.  The overall
liquidity position of the Company is not affected by the equity
investments.   

     The major ongoing sources of the Company's liquidity are insurance
premium income, investment income and cash provided from maturing or
liquidated investments.  The principal outflows of cash are payments of
claims, commissions, premium taxes, operating expenses, income taxes,
dividends and investment purchases.    

     As of June 30, 1997, the Company had no material commitments for
capital expenditures.   

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

     The Company will adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
128, "Earnings Per Share", in the fourth quarter of 1997.  The adoption of
this statement is not expected to have any impact on the financial
statements of the Company.  
<PAGE>
                  EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations, Continued 
                                (Unaudited)

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     The 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act provides issuers the
opportunity to make cautionary statements regarding forward-looking
statements.  Accordingly, any forward-looking statement contained herein or
in any other oral or written statement by the Company or any of its
officers, directors or employees is qualified by the fact that actual
results of the Company may differ materially from such statement due to the
following important factors, among other risks and uncertainties inherent
in the Company's business: catastrophic events, state insurance
regulations, rate competition, adverse changes in interest rates,
unforeseen losses with respect to loss and settlement expense reserves for
unreported and reported claims, including asbestos and environmental
claims.  
 

<PAGE>

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4.  Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
         ----------------------------------------------------

    (a)  Annual Meeting of Stockholders
         EMC Insurance Group Inc.
         May 20, 1997

    (b)  The following seven persons were elected to serve as               
         directors of the Company for the ensuing year:

         George C. Carpenter III        Elwin H. Creese
         David J. Fisher                Bruce G. Kelley
         George W. Kochheiser           Raymond A. Michel
         Fredrick A. Schiek

    (c)  Items voted upon and number of votes cast:

         1.  Election of directors

                                         Votes          Votes
                     Nominee            Cast for      Withheld 
             -----------------------   ----------    ---------
             George C. Carpenter III   10,238,407      23,782
             Elwin H. Creese           10,238,332      23,857
             David J. Fisher           10,238,173      24,016
             Bruce G. Kelley           10,238,430      23,759
             George W. Kochheiser      10,236,911      25,278
             Raymond A. Michel         10,237,358      24,831
             Fredrick A. Schiek        10,238,430      23,759

         2.  Proposal to amend Employers Mutual Casualty Company's
             1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan to increase the number
             of shares subject thereto:

               For 10,161,014    Against 88,235  Withheld 12,940  
                  ------------          --------         --------
            
         3.  Proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG Peat                
             Marwick LLP as the independent auditors of the Company:

               For 10,249,779    Against 6,390   Withheld 6,020 
                  ------------          -------          -------
             The total number of qualified shares voted by proxy
             is: 10,262,190

    (d)  None.


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         --------------------------------

    (a)  None.

    (b)  No Form 8-K was filed by the registrant during the 
         quarter ended June 30, 1997.
                                                                            
     
<PAGE>
                                 SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                              EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.
                              Registrant



                              /s/  Bruce G. Kelley      
                              ---------------------------
                              Bruce G. Kelley
                              President & Chief Executive Officer



                              /s/  Mark Reese           
                              ----------------------------
                              Mark Reese
                              Chief Accounting Officer

Date: August 14, 1997
<PAGE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 6/30/97
balance sheet and income statement and is qualified in its entirety by
reference.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                       164,577,471
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                      180,737,547
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                        185,830,167
<EQUITIES>                                  28,818,092
<MORTGAGE>                                           0
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                             390,502,167
<CASH>                                       1,630,100
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                          15,065,275
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                      10,158,673
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             440,304,704
<POLICY-LOSSES>                            215,464,263
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                         52,357,939
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                        3,078,849
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                      0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                    11,201,783
<OTHER-SE>                                 141,871,679
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               440,304,704
                                  86,601,722
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         11,639,992
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                              66,722
<OTHER-INCOME>                                 115,911
<BENEFITS>                                  65,197,480
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                 17,096,772
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                        10,755,593
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              3,993,456
<INCOME-TAX>                                   553,954
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          3,439,502
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 3,439,502
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .31
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .31
<RESERVE-OPEN>                             202,502,986
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                         65,776,163
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                            (578,683)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                          19,463,269
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                            32,837,744
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                            215,464,247
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                      (578,683)
        

</TABLE>


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