HeartBeat Winter 2012

HeartBeat winter 2012

With farming and flying,

The sky is the limit.

Board of Directors — FCS Financial ACA James Nivens, LaRussell, Chairman

Dan Devlin, Edina

Mark S. Pierce, DeKalb, Vice Chairman

Maurice Glosemeyer, Marthasville

Kenneth Bergmann, Walnut Grove

Daniel Hulse, Hannibal

Bruce Bjornson, Oro Valley, Ariz., Appointed

Sherry Jones, Dawn

Michael L. Bruce, Nevada

David Meneely, Chillicothe, Appointed

Michael L. Cook, Columbia, Appointed

Gene H. Rademacher, Bland

James Davis, West Plains

Rick Rehmeier, Augusta

Mark DeShon, Clarksdale

Office Locations Bolivar 417-326-4016 1-866-326-4016 Cameron 816-632-7265 1-800-225-6949 Chillicothe 660-646-5044 1-800-264-3276 Clinton 660-885-8164 1-866-885-8164 Columbia 573-449-5910 1-800-241-5910 Farmington 573-756-5747 1-800-276-8120 Hannibal 573-221-0273 1-800-798-0273 Harrisonville 816-884-3061 1-800-517-3348 Higginsville 660-584-7181 1-866-584-7181 Jefferson City 573-636-7131 1-800-292-7131 Lebanon 417-588-5828 1-866-588-5828 Macon 660-395-1940 1-800-432-2156

Marshall 660-886-6897 1-800-228-6897 Maryville 660-582-6464 1-800-813-5722 Mexico 573-581-3192 1-800-314-3192 Mt. Vernon 417-466-7101 1-866-466-7101 Neosho 417-451-6084 1-866-451-6084 Nevada 417-667-8206 1-888-667-9681 O’Fallon 636-327-1787 1-800-379-3276 St. Joseph 816-279-2118 1-866-279-2118 Sedalia 660-827-5810 1-800-310-5810 Springfield 417-862-4158 1-866-862-4158 Union 636-583-5400 1-800-583-5480 West Plains 417-256-2298 1-866-256-2298

Publication Information CEO: Daryl Oldvader Editor: Amy Wieberg, amy.wieberg@myfcsfinancial.com HeartBeat is published three times a year by FCS Financial. Please address any comments to FCS Financial, Attn: HeartBeat Editor, 1934 E. Miller St., Jefferson City, MO 65101. For more information about FCS Financial or to access your account online, visit myfcsfinancial.com

Member Cooperative Communicators Association

2

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

Printed with farmer-grown soybean ink on recycled paper.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

Daryl’s Desk

5

Educational Events

6

Member Feature

11 Life is Simple 12 Youth in Ag 20 Dollars & Cents 22 Risk Management 23 News Briefs (Front and l-r) Matthew, Shalyn, Harve and Carolyn Applegate man the fort at Applegate Airport just south of Queen City, Mo. An antique airplane enthusiast, find out how Harve balances his passion with farming.

• • • • • •

New Office Update FFA Video Contest Ag Unlimited Banquet Customer Appreciation Stockholder Notice CEO Honored

27 Nivens’ Notes

Story and photos by Joann Pipkin HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 3

DARYL’S DESK Daryl Oldvader, CEO

One last time…

There is an old adage regarding leadership which states sometimes leadership means knowing when not to lead. For me, that time has arrived. After more than 40 years with the organization and 36 as its CEO, I announced to the staff last fall that I am retiring effective December 31, 2012.

It is hard to quantify in a final summation of this nature the many memories and feelings that come with this experience. I recently had one of my new staff members ask if I had ever attempted to calculate the volume of dollars that I have directly or indirectly loaned during my tenure in Missouri agriculture.

As I gave it some thought I realized that while those dollars may be measured in numbers of pigs and cows or possibly tractors and acres of farmland – the real denominator is people. Missouri agriculture is all about people.

In that regard, throughout the years this organization has subscribed to a philosophy of assisting our member-owners in making sound financial decisions to 4

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

reach their full financial potential.

Hopefully, in some fashion we have accomplished that mission; but more importantly, we continue to do so today and in the future. One of the greatest rewards of my career has been to watch our customers grow and become successful. Today, I still have a number of farmers I financed years ago calling to update on their progress or seek input on various ideas. These folks have also been valuable resources for me as I attempted to keep a pulse on Missouri agriculture. It has been particularly gratifying to encounter younger producers who note that they remember when I helped finance their parents in the family’s farming operation. Two of our current directors can relate to this transition over 30 years ago when I was the Farm Credit loan officer for their families’ operations.

Now they help drive the policies and direction of what was once their parents’ financial cooperative.

Another people purpose which has become embedded in our organization is the outreach to our youth in agriculture. It goes without saying that our youth will be our leaders of tomorrow. In that regard, those of us at FCS Financial have supported our farm youth through sponsorships and involvement in various activities. Personally, I have always enjoyed the adrenalin rush which comes from interacting with some of the brightest and most talented youth on our high school and college campuses. Based on my time and experiences with these groups, I feel assured that the future of Missouri agriculture is in good hands.

Additionally, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with the outstanding people at FCS Financial and within the Farm Credit System. Whether it is strategically planning the direction of the organization with our directors or interacting with staff on the front lines, I hold a tremendous respect for the dedication and work ethic of our folks. I have always felt that the success of FCS Financial lies in the fact that our directors and staff mirror the values of our memberowners. As long as FCS Financial maintains a truly cooperative status – that is, the owners share in the governance of the organization – it will remain relevant to marketplace and provide a valuable service to Missouri agriculture.

Finally, as I write the last chapter in this phase of my career, I cannot help but remain very bullish on agriculture. In 40 years of financing agriculture I have enjoyed the opportunity to experience the rewards and challenges of the industry. As I have watched this evolution in agriculture, I am convinced that as long as there are people to be fed, there will be a need for farmers who are dedicated to the welfare of the next generation.

Perhaps the FFA Creed that I memorized almost 50 years ago says it best: “I believe in the future of farming with a faith born not of words but of deeds…”

Throughout these years I can honestly say that I have maintained the faith; others will judge the deeds.

Thank you for your business.

Godspeed,

EDUCATION EVENT

Make the most of 2013 by attending one of these educational events in February.

Make plans now to attend one of three free seminars featuring Kevin Van Trump and Dr. Pat Guinan sponsored by FCS Financial to help you succeed in 2013 and beyond.

Kevin Van Trump, a leading expert in agricultural marketing and analysis and producer of the award-winning and world-recognized “Van Trump Report,” will present 2013 Farm Outlook: “Profitability vs. Price” - Your Road map to Success.

Pat Guinan, Ph.D., Professor of Climatology at the University of MissouriColumbia, will discuss Historical and Recent Climate Trends in Missouri.

FCS Financial representatives will also provide brief updates on the association and 2013 spring crop insurance provisions.

Kevin Van Trump

Lunch will be provided at all seminars. Space is limited and advance reservations are required by February 10.

To reserve your spot, visit myfcsfinancial.com or call your FCS Financial office at 1-800-444-3276.

City

Location

Date

Time

Hannibal

Quality Inn & Suites 120 Lindsey Rd.

February 25

Registration - 9:30 a.m.

Seminar - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Marshall

Martin Community Center February 26 1985 South Odell Avenue

Registration - 9:30 a.m.

Seminar - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

St. Joseph

Stoney Creek Inn 1202 Woodbine Rd.

Registration - 9:30 a.m.

Seminar - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

February 27

Pat Guinan, Ph.D.

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 5

MEMBER FEATURE

So He Can Fly

By Joann Pipkin

6

A little more than a stone’s throw

south of the Iowa line, along quiet

Harve

his

on in memory of Harve and John’s

Highway 63, a small airport stands

brother John on the farm. But the

father, Joe, and his aviation legacy

tall among soybean stubble south

young man would bring with him

flies high just outside Harve’s back

of Queen City. The gently rolling

more than a willingness to reap

door.

farmland to the west soon gives

the harvest they sowed; Harve

way to the fertile bottoms of the

Applegate gleaned his father’s love

ON THE FARM

Chariton River.

of flying.

Applegate Farms consists of about

It is here in Schuyler County

“From the time I could

1,500 owned and rented acres Harve

where years ago a high school boy

remember anything, I was going

and John manage in partnership,

was thrust into farming after the

to do it,” Harve professes. “I was

with nearly 1,200 acres dedicated

untimely death of his father.

going to fly.”

to

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

Then a senior in high school, Applegate

joined

Today, Applegate Airport lives

soybeans.

Their

operation

Left: Farming both upland and river bottoms has helped Harve and John Applegate hedge their bets in farming — if the crop doesn’t make in one location, it usually does in the other. Harve says the biggest revolution in their operation has been Roundup Ready® soybeans, which has made raising the crop more manageable. Above: Daughter Shalyn helps Harve guide one of his antique airplanes from its hangar. In the summer, Harve flies over his fields most every day checking for deficiencies in the crop.

encompasses a 12-15 mile radius

“Personally,

biggest

big time in the Chariton River

of Queen City with farms in both

revolution in my farming operation

bottom. It was a very good year,”

Schuyler and Putnam counties.

in the last several years has been

Harve notes.

“We’ve always planted heavily

Round-up Ready® soybeans,” he

The

in soybeans,” Harve states adding,

explains. “It’s made farming so

though, Harve says the highest

“North Missouri can compete with

much easier. I know we are getting

yields were found on the upland.

anybody in the world growing

some resistance but everything is so

“We figure that if one doesn’t

soybeans but we can’t corn.”

much more manageable now.”

make, the other will.”

Harve attributes that to soil

Farming both in the river

type and notes north Missouri

bottom and upland has helped the

Harve explains that planters are

is always two weeks away from a

Applegates hedge their bets. “In a

more accurate today than in years

drought.

dry year like this year, we scored

past. And with high seed costs,

the

three

previous

years,

A proponent of minimum till,

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 7

precision is everything, although, he says you can go overboard with technology. “I’ve always tried to play it a happy medium. The bottom line is I want to suck every dollar I can out of it.”

Success for the Applegates comes from following their father’s incredible work ethic. “When it was time to get the crop out, you got the crop out,” Harve says. “I’ve always lived hard and fast by that.”

This

seasoned

farmer

has

learned, too, not to run to the implement dealer the first time a new gadget hits the market. He cautions not to “get glassy-eyed at the big farm shows.”

Harve

explains,

“New

equipment eats you alive if you let it. There’s no sin in running old equipment; just keep it nice.”

IN THE AIR

Harve Applegate flew his first airplane solo on his 16th birthday; he earned his pilot’s license at 17.

An aviation fanatic, Harve says while some might consider it an expensive hobby, it’s all in your priorities.

“The

neatest

thing

about

the antique airplanes and being Harve (left) and brother John Applegate raise corn and soybeans on 1500 acres of upland and bottom ground along the Chariton River in Putnam and Schuyler counties. Harve says north Missouri can compete with any place in the world when it comes to raising soybeans.

8

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

involved in aviation is the different

through flying,” Harve admits.

“definitely a project. I got it up to

people you meet and not just from

He shows airplanes at all kinds of

show status and won the show at

the United States,” Harve states.

air shows and fly-ins as well as at

Oshkosh and another one. It sold.

“We have friends in England,

antique air shows, even attending

Then, I got a higher dollar one.”

Canada, all over. Sure, the planes

the largest one in the world at

Harve notes.

draw us together, but it’s (about)

Oshkosh, Wisc. The Antique

the people.”

Airplane

national

an airport has come in handy on

Harve’s entire family shares a

convention is held each year in

the farm for the Applegates, too.

love for aviation. A second grade

Iowa and Harve serves on the

Every day in the summer, Harve

teacher, wife Carolyn, is also a pilot

board of that organization.

climbs in a plane to check his crops.

and together with Harve hosts every

Association

Harrison Ford. John Denver.

Having an airplane and owning

“You can see deficiencies from

August a large fly-in at their farm.

the air that you can’t see from the

Harve even admits forewarning his

ground,” he realizes.

“Play the hand you’re dealt, ... that’s the best philosophy for life in general.”

wife before they got married about his airplane habit. They married despite it.

Oldest daughter Taryn, 24, is married to Ryan Pemberton and lives in Spokane, Wash., with granddaughter Allison. Like dad, she received her pilot’s license at

“All of our chemicals are custom-applied and I’m all the time telling (the applicator) not to mess up, because I’ll find it.”

Harve’s dad, Joe, started the

airport in Queen City back in 1964 both for himself and for friends after the one on the north end of

17 after flying solo on her 16th

town closed.

birthday.

According

to

Harve,

the

Youngest daughter Shalyn, 17,

Paul Harvey. Neil Armstrong.

airport sees a lot of use, especially

isn’t a pilot yet, but loves to fly and

Steve McQueen. Aaron Tippin.

in the agriculture industry in the

says she’ll likely get her license, too.

Astronaut Frank Bormann. Harve

summer. Funeral homes, local

And, despite him being confined

has brushed shoulders with them

businesses, sky diving clubs and

to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy,

all and had extensive conversations

pilot associations use the facility.

son Matthew, 26, is in the air most

with a few of them. “It’s really

A number of tenants store their

every day in the summer alongside

amazing who’s turned on by

planes in the hangars at the airport.

his dad checking the crops.

flying,” he says.

Harve himself owns three

airplanes

as

Harve’s way as a result of his

Joe Applegate had been a long-

antique, one as classic. According to

showing. “I like nice airplanes, but

time customer of FCS Financial,

Harve, planes from 1945 and older

I don’t build them for the trophies,”

beginning when the cooperative

qualify as antique while those from

Harve says. “I just enjoy it.”

was known as Federal Land Bank.

1945-56 are considered classic.

The airplane has been a

A contemporary class includes

stepping-stone of sorts for Harve.

FCS after my mother passed away,”

aircrafts from 1956 to the present.

He says the first one he bought

Harve explains, noting that’s when

was a good, solid plane, but it was

he and John took total control of

—two

classified

“I’ve met a lot of dignitaries

A few awards have even come

AS A CUSTOMER

“I really became involved with

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 9

the farming operation. In 1995,

EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE

get young people involved and the

Harve and John bought out their

From being thrust into farming as a

earning potential there is huge.

other brothers and sisters.

senior in high school to failed crops

Over the years, Applegate Farms

to parenting a special needs child,

to get their hands dirty in life if

has turned to FCS Financial for real

Harve Applegate has learned to

they are going to get ahead,” Harve

estate and operating loans as well as

embrace the challenges of farming

realizes.

for some equipment financing.

—and life in general.

“You just roll with the punches,”

is unsure whether there will be a

Harve says, “and they have a staff of

he advises noting the weather is by

family member to continue the

really nice people. It’s good to have

far the greatest obstacle facing any

legacy his father and grandfather

all of our finance needs under one

farmer.

sowed in the fertile north Missouri

roof.”

soil.

According to FCS Financial’s

Harve continues. “Always play the

Debbie Ragsdale, “Harve makes it

hand out the best you can; that’s the

turned aviator is content living hard

easy. He and John are an example

best philosophy for life in general.”

and fast when it’s time to get the

of the type of customer we have at

crop out.

FCS Financial. They have a strong

more young people involved in

farm operation and we are lucky to

farming. He notes specifically that

can fly.”

work with them.”

in the ag flying industry, it’s hard to

“FCS is geared toward farmers,”

“Play the hand you’re dealt,”

Harve sees a need in getting

“Everybody is going to have

As for Applegate Farms, Harve

For now, though, the farmer

Harve concludes, “I farm so I

The Applegates are long-time customers of FCS Financial on real estate, operating and equipment loans. FCS Financial’s Debbie Ragsdale (left) and Jessica Hamill discuss this year’s harvest with Harve and John.

10

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

We are pleased to offer Jerry Crownover’s “Life is Simple” column. Jerry is a graduate of the University of Missouri. He and his wife, Judy, own and operate a ranch west of Springfield and are FCS Financial members.

We hope you enjoy Jerry’s Ozark humor and wisdom.

“Life is Simple” Copyright 2012, Jerry Crownover

The sales rep suggested that

to move in the last remaining bales

I might want to try a new option

from one of their hay fields. They

in the wireless, remote control. His

both raced to back into bales about

pitch pointed out that the little

twenty feet apart. As the older

gadget would allow me to work

farmer began to back toward his first

from outside the truck whenever

bale, the hydraulic arms of his new

I needed to use the arms of the

piece of equipment began to rise

unroller to pull fence posts, load the

upward and then down toward the

fuel transfer tank, or a multitude of

approaching bale. Since he hadn’t

other tasks to which it lends itself.

even touched the wireless control,

“Is it simple to operate?” I

he could only assume that the bale

asked.

bed had some sort of sensing device

He assured me that it operated

similar to what he had seen on TV

exactly like my old control, only

with some of the newer modeled

with no wires attached.

cars that can park themselves. As he

“Have you had any problems

got close to centering the bale with

with ones you have sold already?” I

the pretty, red spinners, the arms

quizzed further.

began to squeeze inward, so he

had to hurry to get the truck into

“You’re just buying one, right?”

He inquired.

position. When the arms squeezed

I am reluctant to embrace change—

I assured him that I had no

the bale and loaded in onto his

especially if it involves technology.

need for more than one hydraulic

truck without the father ever even

Heck, I still marvel at the pocket

bale bed, but I was curious as to

touching the controls, it left the

calculator

why he had asked such a question.

older gentleman impressed. But,

by the remote control on my

As it turned out, he had

when the son arrived at the bale

television. I guess that’s why I was

encountered one problem when he

yard and began unloading while

a little skeptical when my trusted

had sold a pair of new bale beds to a

Dad waited at the gate to the yard,

machinery salesman suggested I

father/son farming team. The father

the old man was just as shocked

“upgrade” on a purchase I made last

was like me and wanted to continue

when his bed began unloading and

week.

using the tried and true control

spreading the arms automatically.

I had traded trucks and needed

attached to ten feet of wiring cable.

It seems that the wireless controller

to buy a new hydraulic bale bed for

His tech-savvy son had convinced

operated both beds when they were

the new rig. I’ve had three different

him that they should both upgrade

within fifty feet of each other!

ones over the past eighteen years.

at the same time and switch

Every one of them has been the

over to the wireless control box.

since I only have one truck and

same brand and model, and each

Reluctantly, the father gave in and

bed, but I can’t wait to have a little

has been set up with the same

the new beds were installed on their

fun with a certain neighbor who

options—two tool boxes, two work

new trucks.

has recently purchased one just like

lights, and one hard-wired control.

mine. Don’t park behind him at the

I’ve been pleased with each of them.

beds, both father and son prepared

and

am

amazed

Eager to try out their new bale

LIFE IS SIMPLE

I shouldn’t have any problem

coffee shop.

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 11

YOUTH IN AG

FIVE YEARS LATER...

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 2007 FCS Financial Scholarship Recipients Since its inception, FCS Financial’s Scholarship Program has awarded 289 scholarships totaling $289,000. Developed in 2004, the FCS Financial board of directors implemented the program to encourage and support higher education for relatives of FCS Financial members. Up to 35 scholarships of $1,000 each are offered each year.

FCS Financial is committed to supporting the agricultural youth of Missouri. As a cooperative, this scholarship is one of the ways FCS Financial gives back to its members and supports communities. Visit myfcsfinancial. com for details on the 2013 FCS Financial Scholarship. Deadline is March 1, 2013.

2012 marks the ninth year for the FCS Financial scholarship program and here’s an inside look at what some of the 2007 recipients are doing now – five years later.

Melinda Breshears Grant “Mindy” graduated from Missouri State University (MSU) with a bachelor’s in cell and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry.

She is now in nursing school at Cox College in Springfield and anticipates graduation in May 2013. Once she receives her bachelor’s in nursing, Mindy hopes to focus on labor and delivery or critical care.

In 2009, Mindy was on a month-long volunteer mission in New Zealand where she helped reestablish natural ecosystems and traveled.

She was also part of Centennial Leaders, a scholarship and leadership program through honors organization Phi Eta Sigma at MSU. Married to Payne Grant, the couple lives on the family farm in Goodson, Mo., raising cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry. They also market all-natural meat to local consumers.

Ashley Clarkson Haer One might say Ashley Clarkson Haer has the best of both worlds —she gets to work out of a home office on the family farm and raise a family at the same time.

A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in animal science, minor in commercial agriculture, Ashley was on the school’s equestrian team. She also participated in the rodeo club and collegiate FFA. At Northwest, Ashley took indepth classes specifically focusing on animals in ag production—from pork production, nutrition, genetics and breeding to meat processing, anatomy and physiology. She also completed certification in artificial insemination. Focus of her family’s farm shifted to cattle when Ashley was about five years old after raising hogs for a number of years, so she naturally expected her career would be geared toward cattle production.

“At a career fair I found a company called Niman Ranch that was looking for a pork field manager near La Plata, my home town,” Ashley explains.

As she learned more about the position, she discovered she already knew many of the producers in the area and it was a perfect opportunity for her to move back to the family farm.

For about a year, Ashley worked for Niman Ranch — an all natural, antibiotic-free, pasture or deeplybedded-pen hog company —before being offered a field manager position with Cargill Pork.

“With Cargill, I am involved in ensuring our pigs are housed, fed and watered properly,” Ashley

explains. “I routinely walk the pens Curt White of the barns with my producers to Having received his associate’s ensure everything is being done degree from Crowder College, according to the standards Cargill Curt went on to earn a bachelor’s requires.” in elementary education from Ashley works closely with the MSU. Curt was on the dean’s list Cargill veterinary team to make with a 3.85 grade point average. certain the health of pigs is at its best While at MSU, he student taught and she trains producers in proper production practices and certifies them in Pork Quality Assurance (PQA).

“Another task I perform is calling in market hog numbers to sell hogs out of each contract grower’s facility at the required weight for the market,” Ashley notes. “When I have time, I enjoy working side-by-side with the As a field manager for Cargill Pork, Ashley Haer producers to vaccinate works as the ‘bridge’ between the company and the pigs, load market hogs, producer that grows the company’s product. She works or unload newly weaned closely with the Cargill veterinary team to ensure pig pigs at arrival.” health and also helps train producers in Pork Quality All in all, Ashley Assurance. says she is the bridge between the company and the at Wheaton schools and the district producer that grows the company’s was so pleased with his work they product. offered Curt a full-time position “Days when I am available while he was there. He’s now in his to volunteer to work with the second year of teaching first grade animals and producer all day are at Wheaton. Curt and his wife, my favorite,” Ashley explains. “The Britney, live in Stella, Mo. most beneficial part of my job is that I have an in-home office and Emily Shaw work out of my home. This allows Emily Shaw knows first-hand how me to have the flexibility I need important medical advancements living on a family farm and raising are to patient care. She’s seen the a family.” other side.

Ashley is married to Andrew While in college earning her Haer and the couple has a ninebachelor’s in nursing from Truman month-old son, Jaxson. They live on State University, Emily traveled with her family’s farm near La Plata, Mo. 11 other Truman nursing students HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 13

(Left) A visit to a Leprosarium during a study abroad trip to the Philippines was an amazing experience for Emily Shaw. Now a nurse at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, she says her journey was a “life-changing” experience. (Right) Emily’s study abroad experience in the Philippines also took her to an obstetrics department where she performed routine baby care. The Truman State University graduate was awed by the differences in medical advancements in the Philippines and the U.S.

to the Philippines. The group was in Manilla for a week, staying at the Shalom Center and working at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center While the students were required to be in the nursery and obstetrics ward for a day, they could also choose what departments they wanted to work in for their remaining days. Emily opted for the major and minor operating rooms.

“It was fantastic to see the differences in techniques and equipment used for each surgery,” Emily explains. “A hernia was repaired using a tiny scope while a surgeon repairing a hip used a bone hammer to place rods.”

She describes her experience in the minor operating room. “It was cyst day because every patient there had some type of mass under their skin needing to be removed. There was one room with three surgery tables. There were no curtains and the patients were moved in and out very quickly.”

With no recovery room, Emily says patients were sewn up and free to leave once the surgeon was finished. Unlike in the U.S., these patients wait until the last possible minute to get treatment resulting in 14

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

major infections, she notes. “Now that I’ve been a working nurse for a year and a half I can truly appreciate the medical advancements we have here in the U.S. that I always took for granted.”

Emily’s experience in the OB department put her doing routine baby care like bathing, taking measurements and giving immunizations and eye drops.

“Most families are so poor that they don’t have clothes for the babies so we brought baby outfits,” she explains. “The hospital doesn’t provide diapers so unless the family had brought some we couldn’t even change dirty diapers.”

Infants were always crying and most were hungry, Emily says. “We couldn’t feed them like they needed so we just held them and tried to comfort them.”

Difficult to endure at times, Emily says we here in the U.S. take for granted every time we come to the hospital we are not only going to get the necessary items like mediations and treatments but all of our comfort items regardless of our financial status. “Do we really need lip balm and three to four pillows?” she questions. “Should we really complain about a room

being too cold when places like the Philippines don’t even have air conditioning?”

Emily notes that a huge difference between the Filipino and American cultures is that families perform most of the patient personal care like bathing and feeding whereas in the U.S. this is viewed as part of the nurse’s job. “The nurse to patient ratio (in the Philippines) is much higher and sometimes one RN could be in charge of an entire ward consisting of 30+ beds,” she explains.

“Sometimes we complain about being understaffed at our hospitals here in the U.S.,” Emily continues, “but I don’t think anyone can imagine taking care of that many patients. Luckily, there are a lot of training nursing students and med students around to help.”

According to Emily, an amazing experience during her journey to the Philippines was in visiting a Leprosarium. She says leprosy is completely curable after medication has been started and after the first month on medication the disease is no longer contagious.

“Unfortunately, most people don’t get treatment quick enough leaving them with permanent deformities

like loss of limbs, eyesight and even the use of their hands.”

She goes on to note that despite those conditions, every man and woman she met was so grateful to have a place to live and medical treatment.

A particularly favorite day for Emily during her journey was when she visited a Philippine community.

“It was interesting to see how healthy people lived outside of the city,” Emily notes. “It’s amazing to see how happy people can be when they have so little supplies and resources, where here (in the U.S.) we think a flip phone is terrible.”

Emily calls her journey to the Philippines a “life-changing” experience. Today, she has put her nursing degree to work at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She has plans to become a nurse specialist but is still contemplating a specific area in which to specialize. While at Truman she was also a recipient of the Norma Jean Watson Caring Nursing Award.

Austin Baker From Maryville, Mo., Austin Baker received associate of arts and associate of applied science technology degrees from North Central Missouri College in Trenton. He also was certified in industrial management at Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe. Austin was recently promoted to second shift maintenance supervisor at Kawasaki Motors Corporation in Maryville. In his role there, Austin is over maintenance and maintenance personnel for the entire plant during second shift.

Austin Baker is climbing the ladder quickly in his role at Kawasaki Motors in Maryville.

He was recently promoted to 2nd shift maintenance supervisor, his second promotion after being with the company for just 16 months.

He’s been with the company for 16 months.

Delta Tau Alpha, an agricultural honors society.

Cody Johnson A former college football player at Northwest Missouri State University, Cody Johnson now lives in Bentonville, Ark., where he works for Wal-Mart in its home office. With a degree in sociology and a minor in criminal justice, Cody is in the hiring process with both the Oklahoma and Missouri highway patrol.

Nathan Bunse With a degree in ag business, minor in precision agriculture, from Northwest Missouri State University, Nathan farms with his dad in Cosby, Mo., raising row crops and hay as well as beef and dairy cattle. Nathan and his wife, Rachel, also sell outdoor wood stoves in addition to farming.

Daniel Wisner Having received his degree in agriculture finance, minor in accounting, from MSU, Daniel now lives in Osceola with his wife Shelby. While at MSU, he interned at St. Clair County State Bank and now works there as a loan officer in addition to helping out on the family’s beef, hog and row crop farm. Daniel was involved with Collegiate Farm Bureau, serving as chapter president. He was also president of his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, and was active in

Robert Williams Robert received an associate of science degree in agriculture and natural resources from North Central Missouri College in Trenton and is now back living in Richmond, Mo., where he works in the family’s corn, soybean and wheat operation. He has a threeyear-old son, Parker.

William Gorrell William earned his degree in ag science, minor in precision agriculture, from Northwest Missouri State University. While HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 15

(Left) A first-year vet student at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Brenda Arnold was named one of MU’s top 10 Animal Science Seniors in 2011. She hopes to eventually own her own veterinary practice and serve both large and small animals.

(Right) Jason Riechert, in front of the Franz Joseph Glacier in New Zealand, took a three-week study abroad journey to the country as part of a course in international agriculture during college at the University of Missouri. Jason also took part in the John Brown and John Dickinson Scholars Programs and is now the ag management solutions specialist at Heartland Farm & Lawn in Warrensburg.

at Northwest, he was in Alpha Gamma Rho and graduated cum laude. William is now back home in Marshall, Mo., working with his dad in the family’s beef and row crop operation and is engaged to Jamie Hartman.

Brenda Arnold Brenda graduated from the MU with a bachelor’s in animal science, minor in agricultural economics.

She is currently a first-year veterinary student at MU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and hopes to graduate in May 2016.

While at MU, Brenda was named one of the 2011 Top 10 Animal Science Seniors and received the Bullock Award for her leadership in Collegiate Farm Bureau.

In addition, Brenda took part in a study abroad program to England with the Agricultural Systems Management Club. While there, Brenda toured farms and several universities such as Harper Adams, Oxford and Cranfield. The group also visited factories such as JCB, Jaguar, Land Rover and Cadbury Chocolate.

16

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

“The trip to England really opened my eyes to the differences in the cultures and the agricultural practices between our country and theirs,” Brenda explains.

Following vet school, Brenda hopes to work in a clinic serving both large and small animals and eventually she would like to open her own practice.

Rebecca Stephen Growing up and working on her family’s farm, Rebecca Stephen developed a passion for agriculture and knew she wanted to work in the industry from a young age.

Rebecca attended the University of Missouri (MU) where she majored in ag journalism and minored in ag economics and political science.

“I decided to go the journalism route because I enjoy writing and talking with people,” Rebecca explains.

A past Missouri State FFA officer, Rebecca’s emphasis in the School of Journalism was in radio and TV broadcasting. She interned at WDAF-TV in Kansas City and was a reporter and editor at KMOX

Radio in Jefferson City before becoming a reporter and anchor at KOMU-TV in Columbia.

“Working at a TV station was a great experience,” Rebecca explains.

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes and it is much harder than it looks on television. Ultimately, I discovered that I didn’t want to go into broadcasting for my career, but I learned many valuable lessons that help me every day.”

After college at MU, Rebecca interned at Osborn & Barr, a public relations firm in St. Louis. There, she assisted agricultural clients like the United Soybean Board. Following the internship, she worked at Osborn & Barr full time until September 2012 when she accepted a position with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) in Washington, D.C. At NCFC, Rebecca assists with communication efforts and works to build the organization’s web and social media presence. “I also work on our member relations and serve as a contact for our farmer co-op members,” she notes.

A charter member of Sigma

Sigma Sigma sorority, Rebecca was also an Agriculture Future of America Scholar.

In the future, she hopes to continue working in the industry and telling agriculture’s story to the world.

“I feel very blessed to be where I’m at in my career right now,” Rebecca says. “I’ve had a lot of great experiences thus far and am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in my field.”

Jason Reichert Jason graduated from MU with a bachelor’s degree in ag business management and a minor in plant science and international agriculture. At MU Jason studied abroad for three weeks in New Zealand as part of a course in international agriculture. Jason served on the MU Alumni Association Student Board, was a member of Greek Week Sweet 16 Royalty and took part in the John Brown and Gary Dickinson Scholars Programs. Additionally, he interned with Helena Chemical and at Monsanto.

Currently, Jason is employed as ag management solutions specialist with Heartland Farm & Lawn in Warrensburg, Mo., where he instructs farmers on precision agriculture and how to implement the industry’s latest technology for two of the company’s five dealerships.

Devin Heid Devin graduated from MSU in December 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in history, minor in

Rebecca Stephen was a reporter and anchor at KOMU-TV in Columbia. She’s now assisting with communication efforts and helping to build social media presence for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in Washington, D.C.

information technology service management.

Currently living and working in Springfield, Devin says he was lucky to get a job at Sunrise Media Partners doing basic computer support before he graduated. Since April 2012 he has worked at the company as data manager and dialer analyst.

Devin anticipates moving back to Kansas City to open a call center utilizing the unique synergies provided by Google’s new fiber network currently being installed there.

“Having a degree opens many doors and is increasingly becoming a necessary standard in today’s job market,” Devin explains. “I think that scholarship opportunities provided by members of the business community are especially important and help to showcase the value put in education by businesses such as FCS Financial.”

He concludes, “Education is among the best gifts and most powerful tools you can offer someone.”

Heidi Varner’s study abroad trip through the University of Missouri’s College of Business opened her eyes to different cultures and business practices. Pictured here on a day trip to Paris, Heidi is now a legal assistant at Langdon and Emison Law Firm in Lexington.

Heidi Varner Heidi received her bachelor’s degree in journalism, minor in business, in May 2011 from MU. While at MU, Heidi was a member of Kappa Delta sorority where she served on the homecoming and recruitment committees among others. She also had the opportunity to study abroad through the College of Business and spent time in Brussels, Belgium and Amsterdam, and The Netherlands touring various businesses and exploring cities.

According to Heidi, her journey abroad helped her to HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 17

(Top) Katlyn Logan saw Brazilian agriculture first hand in the sugar cane fields while on a study abroad trip to the South American country. The trip to Brazil was one of four overseas adventures Katlyn experienced while at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

(Bottom) During a study abroad trip to New Zealand, Katlyn bungee jumped off Nevis. The jump is the second highest in the world and the tallest in New Zealand, located 134 meters about the rugged Nevis River. In all, Katlyn’s been to 10 foreign countries and is now working on her master’s degree through the University of Kentucky.

experience different cultures and see the similarities and differences of business practices used in other parts of the world in comparison to our own here in the U.S. Currently, she is a legal assistant at Langdon and Emison Law Firm in Lexington, Mo. Cassie Gilland Cassie is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University where she earned a bachelor’s in education and secondary math. Currently living in Moberly, Cassie also obtained her master’s degree in education technology from the University of Central Missouri. She currently teaches high school math and is the assistant high school softball coach at Northeast Randolph County in Cairo.

Robert “Alex” Benoit A graduate of MU with an ag systems management degree, minor in ag economics, Alex graduated with honors. He returned to the family farm in Centralia, Mo., where he works alongside his dad

raising corn and soybeans. Alex is engaged to marry Lauren Dante in March 2013.

Katlyn Logan By the time she had completed her undergraduate degree, Katlyn Logan had been in 10 foreign countries.

Having attended college at MU, the Sheldon, Mo., native graduated in May 2011 as an honors scholar and Cum Laude from the College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources.

At MU, Katlyn attended four different study abroad experiences.

From Ireland the summer following her freshman year to Europe the summer between her sophomore and junior years, she toured and learned different cultures, history and agriculture.

“I spent time in Krakow, Poland, and was able to visit the concentration camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau,” Katlyn explains. “It was a very emotional but rewarding experience.”

Other adventures abroad took Katlyn to New Zealand where she attended classes on the environment, farming, tourism and the wine industry. While in Christ church, Katlyn bungee jumped off Nevis —the second highest bungee jump in the world and the tallest in New Zealand, located 134 meters above the rugged Nevis River.

During winter break of her senior year, Katlyn spent time in Brazil on a traveling program that focused on production agriculture and Brazilian culture. “While there I was able to see coffee and

sugar cane growing in fields for the first time,” she explains. “I ate fresh mangoes straight off the tree and learned more about Brazilian farming practices.”

According to Katlyn, these overseas experiences helped her learn valuable life lessons and grow personally. “While the trips were mainly focused on the agricultural industry, I would almost argue that we learned just as much about

“Having a degree opens many doors ... Education is among the best gifts and most powerful tools you can offer someone.”

- Devin Heid

ourselves as we did about the topics taught in class,” she explains.

“Being in a foreign country for the first time can be a shocking experience for anyone, especially if English is not the primary language, let alone for someone raised in a

rural part of the heartland,” Katlyn continues. “I found studying abroad to be an exhilarating experience and truly enjoyed learning how agriculture is different around the world. I truly believe that my study abroad experiences made me a more well-rounded individual and professional.”

In addition to her overseas adventures, at MU Katlyn was actively involved in Sigma Alpha, Ag Ed Society, CAFNR Week Steering Committee, Ag Ed REPS, Alpha Tau Alpha and Alpha Zeta.

During her senior year, Katlyn was crowned the CAFNR Week Queen while representing Ag Ed Society.

Additionally, she was a delegate for Agriculture Future of America two times and selected to be a Dickinson Scholar her sophomore year.

Now armed with her bachelor’s degree in agriculture education with emphasis in leadership and communications, minors in agricultural economics and international agriculture, Katlyn is in her second year of working toward her Master’s of Science degree through the University of Kentucky. Once completed, Katlyn’s degree will be in community and leadership development with focus on career, technical and leadership education.

“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture and hope to find my fit in the diverse sector that not only feeds but also fuels the world,” Katlyn says about her future. “It is my hope to one day work in the field of agriculture, promoting and protecting the rural lifestyle that I have chosen to stay and work in.”

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 19

DOLLARS & CENTS

The Pulse of the Economy & Business By: Dr. David M. Kohl

Dr. David Kohl energizes agricultural lenders,

producers

and

business

persons with his keen insight into the agricultural industry through extensive

travel,

research,

exposure during his career.

and He is

Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance

and

Small

Business

Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has traveled over 8 million miles in his professional career and conducted over 6,000 workshops and seminars for a variety of agricultural audiences.

Dr. Kohl’s personal

involvement with agriculture and interaction with key industry players provide a unique perspective into the future trends of the agricultural industry and economy.

20

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

A new year is fast approaching, with its share of challenges and uncertainty. If one takes a cup half-full approach, there will be more opportunities for proactive managers to succeed in a global and domestic economic environment that presents volatility in the extremes.

The pulse of the agricultural economy finds two extremes. The supersized super cycle that has lasted for a decade is partially the result of global economic growth generated by emerging nations, with China being the fulcrum. Domestic factors such as the shift to ethanol and biofuels, the emergence of oil, gas and mineral incomes fueled by the low value of the dollar, and low real interest rates, have presented profits and wealth accumulation to many of the 60 million people who reside in rural America.

Specifically, grain, oil seed, and fiber enterprises have experienced long profit windows with minimal and shallow downturns. Specialization and consolidation are being economically rewarded. On the downside, margin compression is being experienced as a result of higher input costs and increased fixed costs for land through cash rents and appreciating land values. High prices for marginal land and outside investors seeking farmland investments are signals that land appreciation is long in the cycle.

Contrasting this to the livestock industry through the super cycle finds short profit windows with extended downturns. There has been a shift of agricultural resources from livestock to grain as producers seek more profitable enterprises that are less labor-intensive as a lifestyle choice. Specialization in the livestock industry has resulted in increased financial risk. Increased regulation on consumer and food issues, as well as environmental and animal welfare issues, has taken the economic glow off this industry. Many in the grain industry are concerned because an economically sustainable livestock industry is an important component that contributes to a viable grain industry.

While weather is not my expertise, moisture and growing degree days in the southern hemisphere in the next four months must be watched.

Moisture this winter and next spring in drought-stricken production belts in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia will be dominant factors in the economic outcomes of both the crop and livestock sectors next year and beyond.

The pulse of the developed countries now finds Europe locked into a major recession. China has changed leaders and is providing stimulus to maintain economic stability. Domestically, the United States is in the

final countdown toward the fiscal cliff or fiscal slope. If the U.S. economy goes over the cliff or slope, it will reduce gross domestic product (GDP) by 2.6 percent to 3.6 percent, placing the U.S. into a recession. The most likely compromise will be similar in nature to the plan proposed by Bowles and Simpson that includes tax increases and budget cuts. However, the economy and businesses are currently being held hostage by politics, suppressing normal investment behavior. Remember, 80% of economics is behavioral. Businesses and the public want clarity in the rules for decision-making.

Speaking of decision-making, the following are a few simple proactive practices to jump start next year for your business.

• First, it is important for each business partner to establish written goals, including business, family and personal goals, as well as mental, physical and spiritual goals.

• Second, make an appointment with your lender to review your financials. Being conservative on debt with a debt to asset ratio below 50 percent, and having strong liquidity, with working capital of at least 33% of revenue, are proactive practices of the times. Check all partners’ credit scores, also; ideally, they should be above 700.

• Finally, develop financial budgets based on the past three years, and shock test up to a 25 percent increase in costs and decrease in prices.

Opportunities in agriculture abound, but failure can result despite the great super cycle if one does not focus on the basics of goal setting and financial management with a trusted advisor.

THE 30-DAY VS. 15-YEAR FARM CREDIT BOND chart below illustrates that 30 day issues continue to stay at historically low levels through November 30, 2012. Movement in the gap between long-term and short-term rates remains steady. Ask your FCS Financial expert about conversion options and locking in historically low, fixed rates on real estate loan or other term loans.

30-Day vs 15-Year Farm Credit Bond 8.00

15-Year Farm Credit

30-Day Farm Credit

Fed Funds Target

7.00

6.00

All-in cost

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00

Date

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 21

RISK MANAGEMENT

High-Risk Alternate Coverage Don’t gamble with your claim.

DATES TO Endorsement (HR-ACE) REMEMBER offered for 2013 Spring Crops All Approved Insurance Providers (AIP’s) are not required to offer the HRACE. AIP’s that decide to offer the HR-ACE must offer it to all eligible insureds in the approved areas. The HR-ACE is available where the premium rates and other actuarial materials for HR-ACE are included in the actuarial documents for the county. HR-ACE is available for land located in highrisk areas and for 2013 spring crops of corn, soybeans and grain sorghum in state and counties specified on the actuarial documents. HR-ACE must be elected on or before the applicable sales closing date (March 15th) by crop and policy.

FCS Financial continues to write MPCI crop policies through four

of the top-rated AIP’s in the country. Contact one of our offices today and our crop insurance specialist would be glad to discuss this new product with you.

CLAIMS…CLAIMS…CLAIMS… Record levels of claims are being filed with the insurance companies. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience during this time while working with the insurance company adjustors. Our own insurance companies are doing a good job in processing claims as fast as possible. If you have a concern about your claim please contact your agent for a status update.

HELPFUL HINTS • Turning in your 2012 spring crop production early will help give you the most accurate quote for your 2013 policy coverage options.

• Thinking about adding additional acres, breaking new sod, or need a written agreement on your policy? Don’t wait until March 14th.

Contact your agent today with the information.

• Your crop policy needs to be carried in the same legal entity or exactly the same as you file with FSA. • Did you have the correct policy in 2012 for your marketing plans?

What changes would you make for 2013? Ask your agent about how a hail policy in addition to your MPCI policy can provide you with added coverage and reduce risk in your operation.

22

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

December 10 MPCI coverage ends on 2012 spring crops December 15 Final MPCI acreage reporting date for wheat and barley crops December 25 Last day to report production and revenue losses March 15 Last day to sign up for MPCI crop insurance coverage on 2013 Spring crops March 15 Last day to make any changes to an existing MPCI policy for your 2013 Spring crop policy.

March 15 All written agreements on crops need to be completed prior to this date for submission to RMA. April 29 Last date to turn in production reports for 2012 Spring crops

NEWS BRIEFS

NEW OFFICE TO OPEN FEBRUARY 19 Located on the west edge of town near the USDA offices and the Springfield Livestock Auction, the new FCS Financial office in Springfield will open Tuesday, February 19. At that time, the current Bolivar and Springfield offices will be consolidated into the new building. To accomodate 500 South State Hwy. B Springfield, MO 417-862-4158 866-862-4158

the move, the current Bolivar and Springfield offices will close on Friday, February 15 and Monday February 18. Additionally, the Bolivar office will retain part-time office hours on Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.

- 4 p.m. or by appointment.

An Open House is being planned for March 19 in conjunction with FCS Financial’s annual Customer Appreciation Day. Details will be mailed to Springfield and Bolivar

north

customers closer to the date.

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012 23

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS: In accordance with Farm Credit Administration regulations, FCS Financial will publish a copy of its 2012 Annual Report on our website (myfcsfinancial. com) by March 15, 2013.

In addition, by March 31, 2013, FCS Financial will mail a copy of the 2012 Annual Report to all shareholders of record as of December 31, 2012.

Unlimited2013 Ag

cAFnR

BAnqUET

&

FUnDRAiSing AUcTionS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

FCS Financial wishes you a

You’re invited to a Mardi Gras party filled with great food, fellowship and fun at the CAFNR Ag Unlimited 2013 Banquet and Auctions. Join your fellow Tigers as we raise money for scholarships and student programs for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Merry Christmas

Social Hour and Silent Auction 5:00 p.m.

and

Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Happy New Year!

24

Holiday Inn Select – Expo Center, Columbia, Mo.

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

Live Auction 7:30 p.m.

If you have questions or would like to donate auction items, contact Dana Brown Haynes at 573-999-5749, Dana Rogge at 573-864-2329 or Mike Johanning at 913-660-2974.

For more information, visit cafnr.missouri.edu.

Missouri’s major agriculture organizations are teaming up to sponsor the 2012-2013 video contest encouraging FFA chapters to create a video or auto-play slide show with audio that conveys a positive message about the value of Missouri agriculture.

Earn from $500 to $2,000 for your FFA Chapter!

CONTEST GUIDELINES N Entries should clearly show FFA student involvement and participation.

N The target audience should be consumers with limited knowledge of today’s agriculture.

N Three positive messages to keep in mind are: (1) farmers create safe, wholesome food for everyone to enjoy; (2) farmers work hard to care for their animals; and (3) farmers are good stewards of the environment. However, not all three themes need to be addressed in your entry.

N Each FFA district is eligible to have at least one winner that will receive $500.

N The district winners will compete for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place overall and will be announced at the 2012 FFA state convention.

N Prizes include: 1st = $1,500; 2nd = $1,000; 3rd = $500 N Length of each entry must be a minimum of three minutes and a maximum of five minutes.

N Copy onto a DVD or CD as a movie file using such formats as WMV, MOV, AVI, MPEG or MP4.

N All participants in the video are required to sign a release form which must be included with the submitted entry.

N Entries must be postmarked by March 22, 2013.

N Only Missouri FFA Chapters are eligible to enter. One entry per FFA chapter.

N The sponsoring organizations claim the rights to all videos submitted (the right to publish, televise, and retain all broadcasts.)** N The committee reserves the right to disqualify any submission.

** By submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the sponsoring organizations from and against any claim, expense or liability arising from or related to submission, participation in the contest, and appearance on the program and/or acceptance of any prize.

SUbmIT ENTrIES TO

Missouri Farm Bureau Public Affairs Office Attn: FFA Video Submissions P.O. Box 658 Jefferson City, MO 65102 For more information, contact Rebecca French Smith at 573-893-1558 or rsmith@mofb.com.

Visit www.mofb.org/home/ffavideocontest.aspx for complete guidelines, release forms and examples of former winning videos.

SPONSOrING OrGANIZATIONS

FCS Financial Midwest Dairy Association Missouri Corn Merchandising Council Missouri Farm Bureau Missouri Pork Association Missouri Soybean Programs MFA Incorporated

IT’S OUR WAY OF SAYING FOR YOUR BUSINESS Join us March 19 for Customer Appreciation Day Each FCS Financial office will host a Customer Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 19 in conjunction with National Ag Day. Stop by for refreshments and to visit with your FCS Financial team members.

Oldvader Receives Farm Bureau Outstanding Service to Ag Awards Daryl Oldvader, FCS Financial CEO, and three other individuals were honored with the Missouri Farm Bureau Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award December 3. The presentations were made by MFB President Blake Hurst during the annual meeting’s opening session at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The award is the highest honor bestowed to an individual by Missouri Farm Bureau. These individuals have a close working relationship with Farm Bureau and have supported agriculture throughout their careers.

Daryl is retiring at the end of the year after 40 years Blake Hurst, MFB President, (right), presents award to Daryl with FCS Financial. Thirty-six of those years have been as chief executive officer. During that time he has served Oldvader, FCS Financial CEO. on numerous Farm Credit Bank committees and other state and national boards. More notable committees Daryl has been a part of are the Governor’s Task Force on 21st Century Agriculture and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Agriculture. He is currently on the Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Council for the University of Missouri College of Agriculture where he was named Alumnus of the Year in 2002. In 2006, Daryl was recognized by the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers as the outstanding cooperator for his work with FFA and vocational agricultural students. He has received the Honorary American and State FFA degrees.

In addition to Daryl, the others added to this select group of award recipients include: Glen Klippenstein, state representative and cattle farmer; Bill Jackson, Brunswick River Terminal co-owner and Brunswick AGRIServices manager; and Dan Reed, Missouri Farm Bureau videographer.

Congratulations to all and thank you for your service and dedication to agriculture.

26

HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2012

NIVENS’ NOTES

Greetings from the Board Room: I get a warning prior to each

suggestion of a good candidate for

Hea r tBeat about t he genera l

the soon to be open position. Even

contents of the new issue. If you

a couple of positive mentions of the

have read through the magazine,

path that the board has chosen. At

you can imagine what my thoughts

the September board meeting it was

about subject matter have been.

quickly evident that the board didn’t

The first attempt or two seemed to

care to entertain the prospects of a

border more on an obituary than a

merger with another association.

“Greetings from the boardroom.”

As a board, we are more than aware

Finally realized that no one had

of several good candidates within

died, Daryl Oldvader was simply

the ranks of the association’s staff

retiring. And it wasn’t really a

and with the excellent health of the

surprise, everyone knew it was going

association, that Daryl and the staff

to happen – someday.

have enabled, we would expect to

A couple of years ago, Daryl

attract the attention of applicants

mentioned that he was reluctant

not only from within the Farm

to attend district or national farm

Credit System but “outside” also.

credit meetings that didn’t require

The board has enlisted the help of

his participation because the first

Farm Credit Council Services in

question asked of him was “When

the CEO selection process and the

are you retiring?” The Farm Credit

time line that has been developed

community is small enough that

would suggest that we could be

most everyone that attends one of

interviewing applicants before the

these meetings is aware of Daryl’s

end of the year. Hopefully a new

experience and tenure within the

CEO will be on board shortly after

system. I attended a National

the first of the year. Be assured that

Directors Conference in the week

the board intends to take a very

after Daryl announced his pending

measured and thorough approach

retirement and in a very short while,

in the selection process. Should it

I had some sympathy for what he has

take more time than anticipated,

been experiencing. The common

there are members of management

question directed at me was “I hear

that are not interested in the CEO

FCS Financial will be replacing

position and could very capably

Daryl Oldvader”. Soon my response

serve as an interim CEO.

became “No, we may be hiring a

new CEO but we’re making no

been the public face of Farm Credit

attempt to replace Daryl Oldvader.”

and FCS Financial for a number

T he ne x t mo s t c om mon

of years, and has served admirably,

comment was an offer of help or

I think he would be one of the

Though Daryl Oldvader has

James Nivens, Chairman of the Board

first to tell you that it’s not his association. As it has for nearly 100 years, it belongs to the members that it serves. And from the effort I have witnessed Daryl put into this organization, I think it’s his intention that FCS Financial will continue to serve its members long into the future.

Along the lines of the obituary

I mentioned, you can search long and hard and never find a tombstone with the inscription that says “I wish I had spent more time at work”.

I’m certain that if Daryl applies the same skills and management to his retirement as he has in his Farm Credit career, it will be as rewarding and satisfying as his time here. We can’t thank you enough Daryl.

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID JEFFERSON CITY, MO Permit No. 210

account access Simple. Convenient. Secure.

We understand that accessing your financial information should be simple. And because your time is valuable, it should be convenient. But above all, your financial information must be secure. Online account access at FCS Financial is everything it should be and more.

BENEFITS OF ONLINE ACCOUNT ACCESS: • Free 24/7 access to your account information. View your FCS Financial current balances, interest information, transaction history, next payment date and more with one login.

• Simple Navigation. The Home Page features a I would like to quick list of the most commonly used items for your convenience such as make a payment, make a disbursement, add a bank account and pay now.

• Account Summary information is conveniently located on the home page. Highlight an Use the “I would like to” links to make payments on your FCS Financial account and right click to see Account Details. accounts, transfer funds between • Set up your commercial bank information once accounts, move Funds Held from one loan to another and use it to make electronic transactions for payments and disbursements.

• Payments can be recurring or one-time only.

• Disbursements can be made on revolving lines of credit.

• Move Funds Held money from one FCS Financial loan to another FCS Financial loan.

• Customer statements, credit line drafts and 1098/1099 IRS documents can be viewed and printed.

• Most recent billing statement can be viewed and printed. (Last one in the last 60 days.)

• Pay Now allows you to pay your current bill with just a few clicks when there is a payment due.

how to enroll: To enroll and access your accounts online, visit www.myfcsfinancial.com and click on the Create an Account button. You will need the following items for the enrollment process: • Valid e-mail address • Customer number (The Customer Number (CIF) can be found on the top of your statement or billing.)

• Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number • Loan Account Number and Outstanding Principle Balance Amount (These can be found on a current statement.)

need support?

If you have any problems or questions, please email FCSFOLB@myfcsfinancial.com or call 1-866-450-2308 for assistance.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.