The Rural Scene Winter 2021

Rural Scene

THE

THE EISELES' JOURNEY TO TAKE OVER THE 131-YEAR OLD OARK GENERAL STORE.

WINT E R 2021

Enriching rural life.TM

Rural Scene

THE

PUBLISHED BY

Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is a customer-owned financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, agribusinesses and

ON THE COVER

timber producers in 41 western Arkansas counties.

Brian and Reagan Eisele make the switch from political careers in D.C. to small business owners in rural Arkansas.

Arkansas is a member of the 105-year-old Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions

IN THIS ISSUE

providing more than $317 billion in loans to rural America.

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Young and Beginning Farmer Conference Taking applications now – FREE event Director Scene Election results Choosing the Rural Lifestyle Leaving the big city for country living

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Photo Contest Results

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Community Scene Supporting rural western Arkansas

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Western Scene Employee updates

OFFICE LOCATIONS AND LOAN OFFICERS

With a loan volume of $1.5 billion, Farm Credit of Western Alma 641 Hwy 71 N, Ste. 102 (479) 430–7287 James Crabtree, Joyce Ridenour, Paul Bennett Arkadelphia 2858 Walnut (870) 246–8061 Rachael Godwin Benton 15227 1-30 South (501) 860–6391 Kevin Barham Bentonville 3600 SW Regional Airport Blvd. Suite 16 (479) 273–3311 Darla Larson, Dilynn Dodd Clarksville 1007 Interstate Dr. (479) 754–2876 Sherry Boen Danville 302 E 5th St. (479) 495–2711 Lora Briggs De Queen 800 E Magnolia Ave. (870) 584–3113 Jordan Icenhower Fort Smith 12907 Hwy 71 South (479) 434–4040 Andrea Leding, James Crabtree, Joyce Ridenour, Paul Bennett

Mena 1607 Hwy 71 North (479) 394–1027 Rex Dollar Morrilton 1329 Hwy 9 (501) 354–2377 Hank DeSalvo Nashville 302 W Bishop (870) 845–2221 Denise Sweat Ozark 1808 Farm Credit Dr. (479) 667–3855 Tom White Paris 3772 W Hwy 22 (479) 963–2841 Kathy Schluterman Prairie Grove 1181 E Heritage Pkwy (Hwy 62) (479) 400–6160 Daniel Keeton, Catherine Goodwin Russellville 2797 E Parkway (479) 968–5030 Anna Lester, Baxter Wallis

Glenwood 131 Hwy 70 East (870) 356–2023 Adam Baker

Siloam Springs 4970 Hwy 412 East (479) 524–6754 Savannah Dickinson

Greenbrier 89C N Broadview St. (501) 679–5464 Josh Dunlap

Texarkana 2305 Trinity Blvd.

(870) 772–1882 Jonathan Shumate, Jennifer Hooper

Harrison 129 W Industrial Park Rd. (870) 741–2020 Brad Matlock, Brady Willis Hope 1722 E 3rd St. (870) 777–6704 Clay Lance

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Magnolia 1703 Pittman St. (870) 234–8611 Caleigh Watlington

Huntsville 14238 Hwy 412 (479) 738–6622 Darla Larson

Tontitown 1091 W Henri De Tonti Blvd.

(479) 717–6740 Misty Eastep Waldron 502 Frankie Matthew Dr. (479) 637–2087 Rex Dollar

LETTER FROM THE CEO

We’re proud of the success we’re seeing this year, despite a few continued economic, ag-industry and Covid-related challenges. Management, the board, and employees are working hard on your behalf and Farm Credit of Western Arkansas continues to march forward.

Looking forward, the association will undoubtedly encounter some strong headwinds soon. We anticipate possible business stress from things like increasing fuel costs, increasing input costs, possible supply chain disruptions, and more.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On a positive note, the flip side of facing challenges is the chance to consider new business opportunities. Our Farm Credit is doing just that. We are focusing on ways

Chair Cody Jones, Mansfield

Julie Lively, Fulton

Vice Chair Steve Burke, Prescott

Kenny Martin, De Queen

Renny Chesshir, Alma

Allen Moore, Lincoln

Pam Faulkner-Moore, Casa

Elizabeth Walker, Horatio

Kim Hogan, Ozark

Mark Wilcox, Greenbrier

Ron Hubbard, London

Steve Young, Paris

President and CEO Brandon Haberer

to improve efficiencies with new loan and accounting technology in 2022. We are also actively investigating new home loan platforms that will allow us to offer the lowest interest rates with some of the best in-house loan terms available in our area.

Building valuable lending relationships and adding loan volume in the agribusiness sector is another association goal next year. Market research data indicates there are significant financing opportunities with western Arkansas agribusinesses. We are actively marketing to this sector and offering lending tools tailored to their unique needs.

Additionally, we continue to utilize input from current members as we plan for the coming years. Thank you to those who most recently responded to the Advisory Committee Member questionnaire. Valuable member input helps shape association business decisions and direction.

I am confident that our talented employees, valuable member collaborations, and our cooperative spirit will help our association win the day, regardless of whatever obstacles may come our way. That trait is indicative of a strong association, and we are a strong association.

Sincerely,

Brandon Haberer President and CEO

ABOUT THE RURAL SCENE

Thanks in large part to our loyal customers and hardworking employees, we are having another successful year with great results. As this issue reaches you in early December, we’re on track to finish the year strong. Strong business results translate into Brandon Haberer strong patronage for members – which we know is on your mind this time of year. Patronage Cash will be set by the Board of Directors in late December and distributed in February to qualifying members.

The Rural Scene is produced for members and friends of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

Address comments and story ideas to: Editor, The Rural Scene Farm Credit of Western Arkansas 3115 W. 2nd Court • Russellville, AR 72801 Editor Jill Robertson • Jill.Robertson@myaglender.com Contributing Writer & Photographer Lindsey Holtzclaw • Lindsey.Holtzclaw@myaglender.com myaglender.com Article quotes have been edited for content and appropriateness.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Member of the Cooperative Communicators Association.

Find us at “Farm Credit of Western Arkansas” on Facebook, and @FarmCreditWEAR on Twitter and Instagram.

© 2021 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

3 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

DIRE C TO R SC E N E

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR I’m honored to have been selected by fellow directors to take the baton from Kenny Brixey and serve as the next Board Chair. The board was happy to resume our regular in-person meetings in October and it’s an exciting time for our association. The board is committed to continued association success.

Cody Jones Association success is aided by valuable member feedback. We regularly solicit member opinion through an Advisory Committee Member questionnaire and Customer Satisfaction Survey, in alternating years.

In late October, an online questionnaire went to participating Advisory Committee Members via email. The short survey asked for input regarding a few specific business practices as well as thoughts on possible business endeavors benefiting members.

The senior management team and directors take these measurement tools seriously. It was clear from the 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey that members wanted the association to promote Referral Rewards more intentionally.

To that end, the marketing team reviewed the program to ensure it’s as robust as possible, within the limitations of current compliance regulations. The Referral Rewards budget was increased, and the topic will be highlighted at Customer Appreciation Dinners. Plans have also been made to promote the program with new members.

This is just one example of how we’ve listened and applied member feedback. Thank you for offering your perspective when invited to participate in these surveys.

Cody Jones Chair, Board of Directors Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

Voluntary Membership Democratic Member Control

Future Legacy

Members’ Economic Participation Autonomy and Independence Education, Training, and Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community

Statewide Farm Credit YOUNG & BEGINNING FARMER CONFERENCE

Education, Training & Information

FREE Conference | FEBRUARY 22-23, 2022 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock Network with fellow young farmers from across the state at this FREE two-day learning event facilitated by Dr. David Kohl.

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.

Dr. Kohl’s knowledge and ability to connect with young farmers makes him a highly sought-after national speaker and conference leader. Known for his entertaining and engaging style, Dr. Kohl sends participants home armed with information and skills that can be immediately applied to any ag operation.

Designed for...

• Ages 18-40, any farming experience welcome • Any size farming operation • Both full-time and part-time farmers • Couples are invited to attend together • Open to all (no need to be a Farm Credit customer)

Apply at myaglender.com by December 15 Questions? Call Jill Robertson at 479.567.4548 *The conference, one night’s hotel stay, all food, and evening activity are provided at no charge. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the conference site in North Little Rock.

C O O P E RAT IVE SC E N E

2022

7 Cooperative Principles

An opportunity to...

• Network with young, beginning farmers from an array of ag sectors • Better understand economic factors impacting Arkansas producers • Learn skills to better position your operation for success

DIRE C TO R SC E N E

2021 Director Election Results Members electing fellow members to serve as directors is an integral part of our cooperative business structure.

Ralph "Allen" Moore (Washington County)

Area #1 – Representing Benton, Washington and Crawford Counties Term 2021-2025 Allen has owned and operated Moore Valley Farms, a row crop, hay, trucking and cattle operation, since 2008. A native of Lincoln, he has served on the NWA Farmer’s Co-Op Board, the Washington County Farm Bureau Board, the Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, and the Washington County Fair Board.

Mark E. Wilcox (Faulkner County)

Area #4 – Representing Boone, Marion, Baxter, Searcy, Van Buren, Conway, Faulkner and Perry Counties Term 2021-2025 A director since 2013, Mark has been elected to a third term. Mark has farmed for 42 years and currently owns and operates Mark Wilcox Farms, a cow-calf operation in Wooster.

He is also a member of the Faulkner County Farm Bureau and served as Arkansas Land Commissioner from 2002-2010.

Elizabeth Walker (Sevier County)

Area #6 – Representing Sevier, Little River, Miller, Lafayette, Nevada, Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun and Union Counties Term 2021-2025 A chemical engineer, Elizabeth worked at a paper mill in Ashdown while simultaneously growing the family farm in Horatio with husband Brian. She transitioned to farming full-time in 2009. The Walkers own and operate Lucky 13 Land and Cattle, a poultry and a cow-calf operation. Elizabeth is currently president of the Horatio School Board, serves on the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture Advisory Board, is a member of the Arkansas Rural Development Commission and Sevier County Farm Service Agency, and is the previous chair of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee.

Another way your vote counts!

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$6,990 will be split equally between the Arkansas FFA Foundation and the Arkansas 4-H Foundation ($3,495/each) in appreciation for members participating in the 2020 election process. Every eligible ballot earned a $10 donation toward supporting tomorrow’s ag leaders.

All serve a one-year term and are responsible for slating candidates for the 2022 director election.

● Bentonville

Siloam Springs ●

Boone

Carroll

Benton

● Tonitown Madison

● Huntsville

Washington

Newton

● Prairie Grove

AREA 1A

Chad E. Amos • Benton

Franklin

Crawford

Searcy

Johnson

Van Buren

● Ozark

AREA 1B

Ronnie T. Horn • Washington

AREA 2A

Justin "Taylor" Gattis • Franklin

AREA 2B

Mary "Jeana" Sing • Franklin

Baxter

Marion

● Harrison

Pope

● Clarksville ● Fort Smith

Conway

Russellville

Logan Sebastian

DIRE C TO R SC E N E

2022 Nominating Committee Members

Faulkner

● Paris

● Greenbrier

● Morrilton Yell

● Danville

Perry

● Waldron Scott

AREA 3A

Allen L. Johnson • Logan

AREA 3B

Casey T. Cotton • Logan

AREA 4A

Jerry L. Hartwick • Faulkner

AREA 4B

Fred Nutt • Perry

Saline Polk

Garland

Montgomery

● Mena

Pike

● De Queen Sevier

AREA 5A

AREA 6A

Jonathan "Johnny" Dooley •Sevier

Clark

Dallas

Hempstead Nevada

Little River

Danielle M. Kitchens • Howard

Grant

● Arkadelphia

● Nashville

Randy W. Peck • Hempstead

AREA 5B

Hot Spring

● Glenwood

Howard

● Benton

● Hope

Ouachita

Calhoun

● Texarkana Columbia

Miller

● Magnolia

AREA 6B

Jacob Hooper • Sevier

Union

Lafayette

Election result totals are available to stockholders upon request. Contact Ginger Tippit at ginger.tippit@myaglender.com or 479-968-1434 (ext. 5119). Or, write to: Ginger Tippit, 3115 W. 2nd Ct., Russellville, AR 72801.

The Board of Directors

The board includes both member-elected directors and board-appointed directors, as dictated by association bylaws.

All serve a four-year term.

• Membership directly elects up to 12 board positions. Terms are staggered and three directors are up for re-election annually.

• The board selects and appoints one stockholder.

• The board selects and appoints two non-stockholders.

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M E M B E R SC E N E

FROM

CAPITOL HILL TO

Country livinG One couple’s choice to trade Washington, D.C. careers for the opportunity to run the historic Oark General Store and restaurant and, perhaps most importantly, raise their family in rural Arkansas.

The Oark General Store sits off picturesque Arkansas 215 and is open Wednesday-Monday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks is a place where time seems to turn a little slower.

The Oark General Store opened in 1890 and has since become a destination for visitors from across the world. The store started as a grocery stop for a town with limited resources, but has evolved into a spot for those who want to step back in time to enjoy a burger and a slice of pie.

What may be more surprising than the store itself and its 131-year tenure is its owners, Brian and Reagan Eisele.

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The Eiseles are the opposite of what you might expect for typical restaurant owners, especially in a town with a population of less than 100. Brian and Reagan met while both working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Brian served as a military

“It’s about survivability,” Brian said. “I know many people want it to stay exactly the same, but I would rather make a few small changes to help the store last 131 more years rather than be resistant to change and cause it to dissolve.”

The couple fell in love and soon began talking about their future together. While they both enjoyed the six years spent in D.C., neither wanted to raise a family in the hustle and bustle of the city. Knowing small towns have little need for legislative consultants, the two began looking at business opportunities near their hometowns – Brian from rural South Carolina and Reagan from Johnson County, Arkansas. Being the sixth generation raised in Johnson County, Reagan remembers visiting the Oark General Store as a child.

Like most restaurants and small businesses around the country, the Oark General Store struggled when the pandemic hit Arkansas in early 2020. Suddenly, the Eiseles were faced with capacity and dining restrictions, leaving them unable to accommodate any customers in addition to their staff inside the small store.

“The store wasn’t like it is now, but I grew up trailing our horses and riding four-wheelers up there to get a candy bar and coke,” she said. “I didn’t visit the store much when I was older, but it’s a cool place to take out-of-towners. So, when Brian came to meet my family when we were dating, that was something we did.”

Fast forward and the couple became engaged and were in the middle of wedding planning when Reagan’s brothers told her the Oark General Store was for sale.

“I jokingly said to Brian, ‘We could buy that little café we visited and live in the Ozarks.’” Reagan remembers.

M E M B E R SC E N E

legislative assistant for a South Carolina congressman and Reagan was working as a legislative assistant for Senator John Boozman of Arkansas. Neither had experience in the restaurant industry or small business ownership.

Brian quickly realized in order to survive, change was inevitable.

With the help of locals, they swiftly built an outdoor seating pavilion and transitioned to taking orders from a window with servers bringing the food outside.

“Brian was an absolute trooper when it came to finding ways to pivot to keep the store running,” Reagan said. “If something like the pandemic had happened in the early years, it probably would have been really bad, but having the confidence of almost 10 years’ experience at that point made us realize we can make it through.

“While a lot of places were struggling, our business was completely steady which was a huge blessing.

So much was unknown, but people kept coming because they had a place to go where it was comfortable,” she added.

To her surprise, Brian jumped at the idea.

The couple married in April 2012 and three weeks later, Reagan was signing closing papers on the store as Brian was busy moving his belongings from South Carolina to Arkansas.

Brian is a natural at serving and interacting with visitors at the Oark General Store. Reagan jokes that he can almost guess what customers will order before they say a word.

A young couple buying the store with zero experience was met with skepticism from the locals, but also a lot of support. Brian said many of the locals consider it to be their store, identifying the store as big of a part of the community as the school.

In the beginning, the couple kept the store the same as its previous owners, choosing to sit back and observe what worked and what didn’t. Almost 10 years later, the store is still true to its historic roots, but the couple has implemented a few changes to help it run more efficiently.

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M E M B E R SC E N E

Although indoor dining is back in full swing, some of the changes can still be seen in the store. Outdoor seating is a popular choice and the traffic flow inside the building has been streamlined. Visitors place their order in front (often with Brian) and find a seat before their food is served.

Reagan visits with a customer at the store.

“We found the new workflow works really well for us,” Brian said. “Now the front of the house shares tips with the back. Waitresses and kitchen staff all come together. We’re a team.”

Brian and Reagan are an essential part of the team atmosphere among the Oark General Store staff. While they are the owners, they’re also handson in the day-to-day duties of the store. Walk in the store during business hours and you’ll find the Eiseles stocking shelves, taking orders, answering the phone, flipping burgers or baking pies.

Pies and burgers are two of the most requested items from the menu.

“We can do anything at the store. We just can’t do everything ourselves,” Brian said, sharing his gratitude for the eight employees who help the store run like a well-oiled machine.

The couple has also learned to identify each other’s strengths as they have grown together as business owners.

“I think what I’m most proud of is not going under,” Reagan said with a laugh. “We literally mortgaged the farm to finance the store. Brian’s parents helped us with the down payment and my parents had to cosign the loan. Failure was not an option.”

Reagan said they originally underestimated the amount of work they were taking on when purchasing the store, but after years of pressure and hustling together, they’ve reached a sweet spot where they’re more comfortable in their roles as store owners.

“When it comes to working as husband and wife, we don’t know any better. We were married in April and then three weeks later bought the store, so this is it for us,” Reagan said. “We did make a decision early on if owning the store ever got to the point where we were deciding to throw in the towel on our marriage, we would sell the store first. We were not going to let it split our family up.

Fortunately, we’ve never come close to that.”

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“This is our livelihood,” Brian added. “Work doesn’t just stop when the sign says closed. We’ll do business some nights at the kitchen table.”

Brian points to one of the many stickers lining the windows of the Oark General Store, telling the story of its visitors from the TransAmerica Trail and other outdoors groups.

While their lives and careers in Oark are starkly different than their time spent in the city, the couple has translated skills from their former political careers into their roles today.

“People are people. They want someone to listen to them and feel like they care about what they have to say,” Reagan said. “That translates whether someone is calling to complain about legislation they don’t like or if they’re wanting to tell you a story about how their grandpa grew up in Oark.

The Eiseles have 5 books complete with signatures of visitors from across the globe.

“Whether you’re in D.C. in a fancy setting, or you’re just sitting in the store talking to an old-timer – learning how to interact with people to make it meaningful has been useful. We definitely learned how to do that in D.C. and coming back here, it’s an absolute pleasure. We're lucky we have the luxury to sit down and visit every once in a while.”

It’s not just locals who the couple interact with at the store, however. The Oark General Store has over 1,000 visitors a week, traveling from various states and oftentimes, different countries.

As you wrap up your visit at the store and head to the counter to pay, you’ll notice a notebook lined with signatures and notes from visitors. Upon quick glance, locations like Italy, New Zealand, Ecuador and Peru stick out. Brian said he has five books filled with visitors from the past 10 years. His furthest visitor hailing from Reunion Island, a French island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.

Brian credits much of their international traffic to their listing on the TransAmerica Trail (a map detailing a trip from the east to west coast of the United States, only taking dirt roads and two-lane highways).

“10 years ago, having one group from something like the TransAmerica Trail would have made my week.

Now we get three to five every weekend,” Brian said.

The historic nature of the Oark General Store is one of its main attractions. The store still has the original 1890 floors, ceiling and walls.

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M E M B E R SC E N E

Brian Eisele with Ozark Vice President and Branch Manager Tom White.

While the Oark General store has grown into primarily a restaurant, they still offer basic grocery items, fuel and tobacco.

The store also attracts traffic from outdoors groups looking for off-roading and ATV trails and those sightseeing through the Ozarks. Reagan adds that the historic significance of the building and its listing on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places is a draw for crowds as well.

Unlike most traditional lenders, Farm Credit can finance country homes and land together in one loan, regardless of the amount of land attached to the home. Banks often limit the amount of land financed with a home to ensure the home value constitutes the majority of the loan amount.

“Little country stores like this, they just don’t exist anymore. It’s really hard to recreate and find,” she said. “On top of that, you have such a beautiful drive to get here. It’s not convenient, but when you have some extra time, it’s an adventure. I think the store is awesome and the drive to get here is equally awesome.”

Long-term fixed interest rates for both the home and land, in addition to Patronage Cash earned on home loans, can mean significant savings for rural homebuyers.

The sights, sounds and experiences in the Ozarks are ultimately what led the Eiseles to put down roots in rural Arkansas and led them to their relationship with Farm Credit.

“I had a wonderful childhood and Brian did too, but the closer we got to talking about marriage and having children, I think he was a little envious of how I was raised and the freedom to go outside and do things the way little country kids can,” Reagan said.

“We wanted to be able to raise our kids like that.”

When property bordering her parents’ farm in Johnson County became available, the Eiseles reached out to Farm Credit for financing.

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“A traditional banker couldn’t do the acreage with the home,” Brian said. “Additionally, I was looking for long-term fixed rates and Farm Credit was able to make it happen.”

Like many small towns where everyone is connected, Oark and Ozark are no exception. Farm Credit Ozark Vice President Tom White grew up in Ozark and knew Reagan’s dad which led the Eiseles to reach out to Farm Credit.

Tom has many stories detailing his life growing up in Franklin and Johnson Counties and knows just how important the Oark General Store is to the community.

“The Eiseles have done an outstanding job of cleaning up the store and helping it run smoothly without losing any of its historic charm,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve them through their home and land financing and to watch them succeed in their business.”

Brian said local service is a big part of the appeal of working with Tom and the Farm Credit Ozark team.

All loans, including home loans, remain with Farm Credit, locally.

“I love that I know who I will talk to every time instead of getting kicked off to a call center,” he added.

M E M B E R SC E N E

The dreams the Eiseles had of their children growing up and enjoying rural Arkansas are now a reality for their three children –daughter CJ (age 6) and sons Pace (age 4) and Barrett (age 2). Both Brian and Reagan said they don’t take for granted the quality of life their family has living in the Ozarks.

“I love how wonderful the community is in Oark and where we live in southern Johnson County. I feel like my kids have a wonderful group of people they know when it comes to friends and having family close,” Reagan said. “When they visit their cousins in bigger cities, it blows my mind how much freedom our kids have comparably. I can sit on the porch and watch my kids ride their side-by-side in the field in front of me as I control it from my phone to make sure they’re not going too fast. They have so much room to roam.”

Brian is equally grateful for the lives they lead, recognizing others are envious of their slower-paced lifestyle.

“In the 10 years since we purchased the store, vacation rentals and cabins have started surrounding the area,” he said. “On any normal Saturday, we’ll have people from large cities out-of-state asking if we know of any property for sale in the area.

“You can be busy and have all these investments and wealth, but what’s it worth if you can only enjoy it one week out of the year? Living here has made me realize I don’t need to go anywhere else. I’m already in vacationland.”

Story and photos by Lindsey Holtzclaw

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Photo Contest Winners

Grand Prize - $500

Kristin Jones • Harrison

1st Place Adult - $300 Faith Sanders • Centerton

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1st Place Youth - $300 Emily Jones • Dover

2nd Place Adult - $200

2nd Place Youth - $200

Brandon Godin • Marble Falls

Riley Cook • Russellville

3rd Place Adult - $100

3rd Place Youth - $100

John Kopek • Centerton

Pyper Silvy • Harrison

KOHL

-laborations

Commentary, wisdom, and perspectives from globally renowned agricultural economist, Dr. David M. Kohl.

Frontline Insight from Young and Beginning Producers Willie Nelson’s song, “On the Road Again,” is very appropriate for my spring and summertime lecture activities.

After 17 months of conducting more than 200 webcasts, human interaction has been energizing and a blessing easily taken for granted. One of my favorite activities has been lecturing and facilitating young and beginning farmer groups. The objective is threefold: sharing insight on national and global issues; providing tools and techniques that can be used in their business, family, and personal lives; and developing a forum for networking and engagement. These multiple day sessions have not disappointed and led to some interesting perspectives.

What Keeps the Newbies Awake at Night?

No, it is not caffeine from a Red Bull, which I was

Many are also concerned about the availability of

considering on a recent all-night trek from St. Louis

productive labor. This was reinforced on my recent

to central Ohio. Interestingly enough, uncertainty

trip up Interstate 55. It seemed that every billboard

regarding family business transition and overall

had a “Help Wanted” sign, including a Wendy's

succession planning was beginning farmers’ biggest

restaurant where a noticeable shortage of productive

worry. Many communicated it was difficult to get

workers was observed.

parents and other family members to start the process. This often results in a lack of focus and causes

An interesting trend is the large number of individuals

tension when making strategic decisions. Many

who recently returned to the farm after time in other

hoped the potential tax law changes – expected to

occupations. Many feel overwhelmed by the complexity

prompt an acceleration in business transition – would

and change occurring in the agriculture industry.

light a fire under this vintage segment.

Some indicated challenges faced when explaining business decisions to a spouse who does not have

16

Many young producers are carrying large amounts

an agricultural background. Of course, the uncertainty

of debt as a result of recent startup and growth.

in government regulations, agriculture trade, and

Interest rate direction and the overall perspectives

weather were high on the list of what keeps this

on inflation impacting input costs were frequently

aspiring group of agriculture entrepreneurs awake at

mentioned as worrisome.

night as well.

Building the Phoenix

•

Pivoting: Becoming quick and nimble

through working capital discipline can be a key for The next generation in agriculture is analogous to a

success. Key metrics such as a working capital to debt

phoenix, the mythical bird rising to the occasion. What

service ratio of 3:1 to 5:1 provides a cushion for adver-

are some of the principles and practices that will give

sity, while also positioning for opportunity. Maintaining

them a higher probability of being on the positive

four to eight months of household expenses in cash

side of the financial and quality-of-life ledgers?

can assist in the family budget as well.

•

Managing the Controllable Variables: One

•

Profitability: A profit plan is critical in a growing

nugget of wisdom in an economic, political, and

business. The 60-30-10 Rule can provide structure in

social environment of extremes is to manage the

the plan. That is, 60% of the bottom-line profits go

controllable variables and manage around the

toward operational efficiency first, and growth

uncontrollable factors. This often entails planning

second. Discipline in building working capital is

with a team of advisors including crop and livestock

critical, so as much as 30% of profits should be

experts, marketing specialists, accountants, and

allocated to this area. Finally, 10% of profits are

agricultural lenders. This input can provide broad

house money to enjoy yourself.

perspectives to filter into the planning process to establish priorities and focus.

•

The Journey: Circling back to the number

one reason for sleepless nights for the new genera•

Visualization of Outcomes: Analogous to a

tion, a concerted effort toward transition and estate

stellar athlete, mental preparation is just as important

planning is a continuous process in the pathway to

as the physical aspects. In agriculture, developing

passing the torch. One percent of the value of the

cash flow projections – incorporating production,

assets or equity is often needed to fund transition

marketing, finance, and operational efficiencies – can

and estate planning. This journey often requires

be the mental discipline needed for success. In an

multiple years and updates every 5-10 years for all

economic environment of rapid change, constant

generations involved, as well as goal setting and

monitoring and tweaking of financial spreadsheets is

communication in a structured process. If procrasti-

a tool for the decade of the 2020s.

nation occurs, the winners are usually Uncle Sam, lawyers, and accountants who attempt to unravel the mess.

Being on the frontline with the next generation of agriculture producers is inspiring, particularly when they engage in the practices that take them to the next level in business and life.

Dr. Kohl is Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

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R E F E R R AL R EWAR D S PR OG R A M

Thank you for spreading the word about Farm Credit!

Our members are the best advertising tool we have.

Potential new members are quick to trust a friend or family member who shares their own, personal Farm Credit story. Personal referrals are much more effective than advertising.

Do you know someone who might benefit from Farm Credit's advantages?

• Long-term, fixed interest rates & flexible terms.

• Financing homes on any size acreage in the country (loans stay with Farm Credit).

• Special discounts for military veterans, young/beginning farmers and even small producers selling direct to consumers.

Refer as many people as you like... you’ll be helping your Farm Credit grow!

• Patronage Cash. Members share in the profits when the association has a good year.

• Local service from folks you can trust.

• Employees who understand agriculture and are involved in your local community.

How It Works It's simple.

1. Encourage a friend to talk to Farm Credit about their financing needs.

2. When they close a loan with us, we ask who referred them.

3. Pick the gift you'd like and either drop by to pick it up, or we'll ship it to your home.

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Camo Knife

BBQ Tools

Beach Towel

2021 Farm Families of the Year Farm Credit of Western Arkansas members earn honors Farm Credit proudly sponsors the Farm Family of the Year program through the Arkansas Farm Bureau organization. Congratulations to Western Arkansas members who have earned district and county honors for exceptional farm management and community leadership.

A luncheon in Little Rock on December 9 will honor the eight district winners and reveal the state Farm Family of the Year winner. The Arkansas state winner will then compete in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition.

Members named

District Winners Northwest District

Southwest District

Kaleb & Chrisie Smith of Gentry Benton County

Cody & Ashlee Askew of Hope Hempstead County

Members named

County Winners Baxter Cody & Hannah Walker family Henderson

Crawford Scott & Tanya Rogers Alma

Franklin Mark & Becky Campbell Ozark

Garland Roger & Linda Hutter Pearcy

Hot Spring Kyle & Stacy Whitley and Kevin & Angie Whitley Malvern

Howard

Pope

Newton & Merles Cheatham Family Mineral Springs

Jason & Becky Smith Atkins

Johnson

Woody & Amanda Hester Hartford

Chris & Brooklyn Heiser Lamar

Miller Patsy & Troy Rushing Fouke

Montgomery Perry & Paula Sing Pencil Bluff

Sebastian

Sevier Will Pickering family De Queen

Washington Darrell, Kevin & Darian Froud family Springdale

Nevada Leslie & Debbie Bullock family Prescott

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C O M M U N IT Y SC E N E

2021 School Garden Contest Winners The Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas sponsor the annual Arkansas School Garden Contest administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The contest was expanded this year and $6,000 in total awards were made in six categories.

$500

Best Overall School Garden Cedarville Elementary School (Cedarville)

Best Harvest Partnership School Garden The Delta School (Wilson) First Friends Preschool (Rogers)

$500

Best Community Collaboration School Garden Retta Brown ABC (El Dorado) Ozark Junior High School (Ozark)

Best Education-Based School Garden Ouachita Elementary School (Donaldson) Sheridan Elementary School (Sheridan)

$500

Best Start-Up School Garden Blevins High School (Blevins) Quitman Elementary School (Quitman)

$1000

Champion of School Garden Sustainability Forest Park Elementary School (Little Rock)

$1000 $500

Benton County FFA & 4-H Support Our Bentonville and Siloam Springs branch offices supplied prizes for Benton County FFA chapters and 4-H clubs fundraising raffle again this year. Chapters and clubs sell as many tickets as they like and keep 100% of the proceeds. More than $2,800 was raised by participating groups. Trent Meredith’s winning ticket from Rogers FFA earned him a new Blackstone Griddle.

New Start for Children and Families – Crawford County Fort Smith Crisis Intervention Center Regional Vice President Andrea Leding of the Fort Smith branch volunteers her time to support the Fort Smith Crisis Intervention Center and currently serves as president of the organization.

Andrea and the Fort Smith branch sponsored an employee appreciation meal during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

$5,300 Beef Project Donation

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The Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas donated $5,300 this year to The Beef Project administered by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. The Beef Project supplies protein donations to hungry Arkansans (especially the elderly) via the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s established network of regional food banks.

As an active volunteer with the Leadership Crawford County group, Fort Smith/Alma Financial Services Specialist Suzanne Scowden assisted with upgrading facilities for New Start, a non-profit group placing foster children with families and/or their biological parents. The Farm Credit Fort Smith branch donated paint and materials.

C O M M U N IT Y SC E N E

Saving Grace – Community Project Annually, a group of employees sponsors a community project. This fall, the group collected personal care items and backpacks for Saving Grace, an organization that provides hope and transformation to young women who are lacking critical support. The organization’s goal is to provide relationships, skills and resources to empower generational change for women ages 18-25 who have aged out of the foster system.

Glenwood Cattle Clinic The Glenwood branch staff sponsored and fed Steirwalt Cattle Clinic participants in August. Young cattle showmen learned clipping, hoof trimming, show-day dressing, showmanship, feeding and general cattle care skills.

Community Connections We value the contributions our employees make through volunteer work and leadership in their local communities. To foster these connections and honor employee commitment, we donate up to $500/employee annually, to qualifying non-profit organizations.

$1,500 - Habitat for Humanity Pope County (Russellville, AR) Habitat for Humanity is benefiting three-fold from our Community Involvement Program. $1,500 has been donated this year in honor of the work of three employees. Project Manager Lori Grace, Portfolio Monitoring Analyst Breana Brewer and IT Analyst Jared Qualls all have volunteer leadership roles that assist the organization. Habitat prides itself on its mission that families receiving homes meet the criteria of need, ability to pay, are able to partner with Habitat to build their home, and take classes for becoming a home owner. (Lori Grace is pictured, second from left.)

$300 – Springdale Riding Club (Springdale, AR) Vice President and Branch Manager Dilynn Dodd is an active volunteer with the Springdale Riding Club – Arkansas High School Rodeo Scholarship Committee. She also assists with the Arkansas High School Rodeo held in Springdale that draws participants from neighboring states.

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W E ST E RN SC E N E

New Faces LACIE CARTE has joined the Farm Credit team as a part-time Financial Services Specialist in the Prairie Grove office. She is completing her master’s degree in Agriculture Business Marketing and Management at the University of Arkansas and will graduate in May 2022. Raised in Cane Hill, she graduated from Lincoln High School. She is a former state and national FFA Poultry Evaluation CDE winner and enjoys art, camping and fishing in her free time.

CARL KIRTLEY joined our team in late October as Vice President/ Relationship Manager – Market Development and works in the Central Office. He attended Arkansas Tech University and completed a marketing degree in FL. He brings 20 years of commercial lending experience to his new role. He and wife, Lori, have two sons – KG, (age 10) and Cale (age 12). He enjoys coaching and volunteering with his sons’ sports teams in his free time.

KEITH VEST joined Farm Credit as a Technical Trainee in our IT Department on November 1. A 2020 Arkansas Tech University graduate with a degree in informational technology, he has worked for the past year as a consultant on a number of association technology projects and is already a valuable asset to our team. He and his wife, Chelsea, live in Ozark and he works in the Paris branch.

Changing Places ANNA LESTER, who most recently served as Vice President and Branch Manager of the Clarksville office, accepted the position of Vice President and Branch Manager of the Russellville office in early October. With more than 10 years of Farm Credit lending experience, Anna earned an undergraduate degree in ag business as well as an MBA from Southern Arkansas University.

BAXTER WALLIS was promoted from Credit Trainee to Loan Officer in the Russellville branch office in October. Originally from Dover, Baxter has an ag business degree from Arkansas Tech University.

Retirements

DAVID SMITH retired on October 15th after 14 years of service to Farm Credit and more than 40 total years in the timber industry.

As Vice President of Sales, Timber/Forestry, David helped grow the association’s timber and forestry loan portfolio. David says he and wife, Martha, will travel and spend more time with family.

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TRACY CRISWELL will retire on December 31st after 10 years of Farm Credit service.

Tracy has served as a Financial Services Specialist, a Regional Financial Services Specialist, and a Financial Services Specialist II for Ozark and Paris branches during her tenure.

Drop by any branch office for your free 2022 calendar featuring some of the best shots from our latest photo contest.

W E ST E RN SC E N E

2022 Calendars are Available!

2022 Scholarships − $1,000 Each

Information about our 2022 scholarships will be available at myaglender.com in early January. We’ll award 20 - $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and current college students.

AR Women in Ag

Check out arwomeninag.org for details on the group’s March 15-16 conference at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Little Rock.

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3115 W. 2nd Court Russellville, AR 72801

Enriching rural life.

TM

Let Farm Credit’s industry-leading knowledge, competitive products, and more than 105 years of agricultural and rural financing experience help you.

• Farms of all sizes • Livestock • Country home and home construction • Land

• Recreational land • Timber tracts • Forestry products and processing

Deadline nearing to apply to attend our FREE statewide young and beginning farmer conference in February.

See page 5 for details.

Holiday Hours Thursday, December 23 Friday, December 24 Monday, January 3

Closed Closed Closed

Payments must be made by NOON on Friday, December 31 to be credited for 2021. On all other business days, payments are due by 3:00 PM. If mailing your payment, please allow a minimum of five business days for delivery.