GreenStone FCS
Summer 2018
Promoting the business success of our customers and the rural community
+S ummer 2018
Market Outlook
+G reenStone
Scholarships
+M AEAP Goal Within Sight
+FARMS FISHEYE Urban Farming pg. 5
SUMMER 18 5 YBSF Feature. Andy Chae left suburban Detroit as a passionate skateboarding kid to pursue a law degree at DePaul University and returned a socially-charged farmer ready to make a difference.
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23 GreenStone Story. We have a longtime mission of providing ongoing learning and development opportunities to our member-owners and its employees.
29 Country Living Feature. For the Oberski family in Bad Axe, Michigan, their farm’s history is punctuated by the homes where the families lived.
36 C rop Insurance. Express Policy team is ready to work with dedicated accounts from centralized locations throughout GreenStone’s territory. 37 Tax Feature. Given the current agricultural economic environment, financial records are more critical than ever to ensure you are maximizing your earnings potential.
3 CEO Comments. President and CEO, Dave Armstrong, considers the ups and downs of the ever-changing agricultural landscape. 9 Market Outlook. Change in global stock levels are creating surprises in supply and demand. 13 Guest Column. Barb Dartt addresses key points related to the next generation’s potential role on the farm. 25 Legislative Matters. With the upcoming Farm Bill proposal and the fact that everybody is sent to Washington to represent the best interests of the population, we are certain of only one thing: Uncertainty 26 PAC Progress. The Federal legislative environment is actively involved in a variety of topics, including agricultural policy. The Farm Bill reauthorization, immigration, and trade, to name a few. Farm Credit remains dedicated to advocating for the interests of our rural communities and agriculture on these issues and more. 27 Directors’ Perspective. Continuing the theme, four directors share what is important to them and why they believe GreenStone is the cooperative to help them accomplish it!
31 Summer Lawn Care. The sun is shining and temperatures are rising. What can be the most anticipated time of year for some is often a burden for your lawn. We dive into the best tips for grooming a beautiful and healthy lawn this summer.
Publisher’s Note:
32 Health and Wellness. Summer road trip destinations seem limitless. Make your summer road trip more special by using a few of these tips.
Continuing on that cooperative theme introduced in this Editor’s Note in the spring issue, I hope you’ll once again find valuable articles and information in this issue of Partners, focused on the value GreenStone strives to bring to you, our members, based on the principles of a cooperative.
39 Ag Leadership. Dive into some of leadership tools at a Disney Park that are applicable for agriculture, today and in the future.
8 Blog Brief 12 MAEAP Update
15 Member News 16 Election Results 17 Scholarships 18 Candid Comments 19 GreenStone Interns 20 Calendar of Events
Amidst a convoy of friends all headed west on a recent vacation, the value of the team became apparent as we relied on the various skills in the group for experienced insight and quick solutions…not to mention the bit of extra fun that came along with it. At the time we didn’t think much more of it; it’s just what friends do. Looking back, I realized that’s exactly what I get to be a part of every day, otherwise defined as a cooperative!
Open and Voluntary Membership: From urban agriculture in Detroit, to country living off the farm in Michigan’s thumb, the members featured represent GreenStone’s diverse 24,000 members. Democratic Control: In true cooperative form, we announce the four members you voted to the board of directors, as well as the nominating committee for next year’s board candidate selection. Education, Training, and Information: The GreenStone Story on page 23 highlights the many opportunities provided to members designed to sharpen your skills and broaden your thinking, including two new Producer Forums scheduled for August. Concern for Community: Our cooperative extends beyond our members, and our employees live that cooperative spirit daily. Follow our weekly community engagement blog posts sharing some of the many ways we get involved. However you define the value of your cooperative, we hope you’ll benefit from the expertise, ideas and solutions provided in this publication; and that like my friends, there’s a bit of fun along the way! – Melissa
21 Behind the Scenes 22 Pause for Applause
33 Commodity Cuisine... Carrot Fries 34 Crop Insurance News 35 Crop Insurance Calendar 38 Tax Calendar 42 Tech Tip
This newsletter is published quarterly for the customers of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Editorial Marisa Kimerer Laura Moser Melissa Rogers
Art & Design William Eva Annah Horak
Partners GreenStone Farm Credit Services 3515 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823 800-444-3276 marketing@greenstonefcs.com
CEO Comments:
With You Every Step CROP YEARS ARE LIKE SNOWFLAKES – NO TWO ARE ALIKE – AND THIS ONE CERTAINLY HAS HAD ITS OWN SET OF UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS. THIS ONE HAS ALREADY ENCAPSULATED MONSOON TYPE RAINS IN MICHIGAN’S LOWER THREE TIERS OF COUNTIES IN MAY AND EARLY JUNE, OVERLY DRY CONDITIONS IN OTHER AREAS, AND LET’S NOT FORGET THAT WE NEVER REALLY HAD “SPRING,” WITH WINTER GOING DIRECTLY INTO SUMMER AROUND THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY. NONETHELESS, CROPS ARE GROWING AND WEATHER PATTERNS MAY BE EVENING OUT…FOR NOW!
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S erving farmers and rural America for over 100 years in good times and bad, with a competitive, dependable, and responsible source of credit and other financial services, has significantly reduced the risks our forefathers faced regarding if or where they could get credit.
No one better understands the inherent risks of our industry like you, our members. If it’s not weather, it’s pests, interest rates, trade issues, regulation, consumer preference, or something else. Yet, one thing remains reliable and consistent – GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Serving farmers and rural America for over 100 years in good times and bad, with a competitive, dependable, and responsible source of credit and other financial services, has significantly reduced the risks our forefathers faced regarding if or where they could get credit. Having a lender you can count on to be there in good times and bad is critical, but providing a competitive value proposition is equally important when margins are especially tight. Patronage is a core cooperative principal by which members of the cooperative share the value created by the cooperative, effectively carrying out the purpose for which it was intended. In order for us to deliver on GreenStone’s value statement, we must offer competitive pricing every day and return profits to our members! While there may be more attractive up front rates out there, your association prices to the market, and works tirelessly to keep loan losses and cost of operations low. This helps to maximize earnings, which is ultimately passed on to you, our member-owners. GreenStone implemented its member patronage program for the first time in 2005. Since then, we have returned $318 million to our members, while maintaining a strong financial position in some difficult financial times. Add to this two being a dependable lender in good times and bad while doing it responsibly, and you’ll find a long-term partner in GreenStone.
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In its never-ending quest to provide outstanding value to its members, GreenStone’s board of directors approved a plan at its April meeting focused on continuing, and increasing, the amount of patronage distributed to eligible members for 2018 and beyond. Tight cost controls, increasing internal efficiencies, and strengthening the product and service portfolio have allowed your cooperative to generate strong returns over the last 15 plus years. These efforts, coupled with forecasts modest for future loan growth and prudent stress testing, support raising the percentage of earnings to be returned as patronage from 30 percent in 2017 to nearly 50 percent in 2018 and beyond. Facing a rising interest rate environment, low commodity prices, and the fourth year of below average net farm income, your board and executive team believe this is the best time to use the financial strength of GreenStone to help sustain its members through difficult times. On average, a GreenStone member with the same loan balance and net interest margin as in 2017 would see 50 percent more patronage from 2018 than they received in 2017, which was 25 percent more than 2016! GreenStone’s members recognize the value of this patronage check – some with tears of appreciation. Still, it’s an honest question when I get asked why GreenStone doesn’t just reduce its interest rates to even lower levels up front and not use patronage as a tool to provide a value to its members. GreenStone, like all Farm Credit System institutions, borrows the funds it lends to its members by selling bonds to investors worldwide. Part of the reason they are willing to accept lower rates of interest on these borrowed funds is the overall safety and soundness of the System and belief in the U.S. agricultural industry. By pricing our loans similarly to our competitors and managing net earnings as favorably as possible, investors find confidence that their investments are safe from default. Once these results are achieved and reported, they support system institutions returning whatever portion of those earnings boards and management believe are prudent, while maintaining enough for future growth and risk bearing capacity. The bottom line is that after patronage, GreenStone’s value proposition is second to none and getting even better. Like always, this year is going to have its ups and downs, but count on GreenStone to be here whichever way the pendulum swings. Thank you for your business. Please reach out to me if I can ever be of assistance.
Dave Armstrong
517-318-4105 dave.armstrong@greenstonefcs.com
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Fisheye Farms U R B A N FA R M I N G
Detroit-Style
GROW
ANDY CHAE LEFT SUBURBAN DETROIT AS A PASSIONATE SKATEBOARDING KID TO PURSUE A LAW DEGREE AT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY AND RETURNED A SOCIALLY-CHARGED FARMER READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CLASSES AT DEPAUL, ALONG WITH EXPERIENCES WORKING WITH URBAN FARMING GROUPS IN CHICAGO, INSPIRED ANDY AND HIS FIANCÉ, AMY ECKERT, TO START A FARM IN DETROIT. ARMED WITH LITTLE MORE THAN A FEW YEARS OF URBAN FARMING EXPERIENCE AND A DREAM, THE TWO SET OUT TO FIND LAND AND START THEIR BUSINESS AMONG THE HOUSES AND VACANT LOTS IN THE DETROIT AREA.
“I was back in the Detroit area over summer break one year and learned about the Hantz Farm and their efforts to help revitalize the area,” Andy says. “Seeing the success of urban farms in the Chicago area, I began planning how we could do something similar in Detroit.” While at DePaul, Andy pursued environmental studies and political science, a combination giving him insights and experiences to take him from the pursuit of a “suit and tie” career to one of gloves and work boots. “There are so many factors to farming that I was drawn to, from helping the environment and providing a local supply of fresh food to the physical activity and being outside, that once I discovered this, it’s where I wanted to be,” Andy says. “Growing up I was into skateboarding. Skateboarders are passionate people; I am now channeling my passion into farming.”
Through his connections with Hantz Farms, Andy reached out to GreenStone to obtain financing through its Young, Beginning and Small Farmer program. Working with Mike Niesyto in the Ann Arbor branch, Andy was able to secure an operating loan. “We closed on the land in September and spent the rest of the year working the land, building beds and getting the area ready to plant in the spring,” Andy says. “This year we have about 10,000 square feet of bed space growing mostly salad greens that we sell to local restaurants. We plant over 120 different varieties in succession so we can make 8-10 cuttings of the greens per bed.” Fisheye Farms markets about 90 percent of their produce directly to 15 restaurants in Detroit. The balance is sold at a weekly farmer’s market.
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here are so many factors to T farming that I was drawn to, from helping the environment and providing a local supply of fresh food to the physical activity and being outside, that once I discovered this, it’s where I wanted to be.
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Andy and Amy started Fisheye Farms on a small plot of land in the Pontiac area given to them by Andy’s uncle, Moon Chae in 2015. The farm name is a nod to a style of photography often used in skateboarding. Soon after starting their farm they realized they would need more land to meet the demands generated from local restaurants interested in purchasing locally-grown produce.
➡ Fisheye Farms raises over 120 different varieties of salad greens sold to 15 restaurants in the Detroit area.
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➡ Andy is renovating an old shipping container into a walk in cooler to store the produce on site.
“We work closely with the chefs so they know what we will have ready each week so they can incorporate it in their menus,” Andy says. “Our routine is to cut and wash on Wednesday and deliver on Thursday and Friday.” Having a presence at the Farmer’s Market gives Andy a chance to meet other farmers and potential wholesale customers. Turning City Land to Farm Land
Converting a vacant lot to ground fertile enough to produce food, is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome with urban farming. Years of residential or commercial use depletes the soil fertility and the tight spaces make it impossible to bring in large equipment. Fill dirt and compost used over time creates inconsistent soil profiles in addition to cement and other debris from housing. “We put in a lot of work to get the land ready to plant,” Andy says. “We use crop rotations and pathway cover crops to increase the organic matter in the soil. We have to be creative in ways to continually build up the soil.” Preparing the farm site also include securing large containers to serve as coolers and setting up a washing station. Andy 7
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hopes to be able to host groups at the farm who might want to learn more about food they are growing. Farming lots, instead of acres, requires more physical labor, which limits expansion and therefore, makes generating more income difficult. Both Andy and Amy hold part-time restaurant jobs along with working full-time on the farm. The offfarm jobs provide benefits and additional income. Andy supplements his experience in Chicago by networking with other farmers in the area including participating in GreenStone’s Farm Forward Mentorship program. Through this program, Andy was connected with Bob Schultz, a vegetable and cash crop farmer in Washtenaw County. Although the size of the two operations was vastly different, Andy gained a great deal of insight from Bob. “He (Bob) would drive down to see what I am doing, offer some tips, but mostly talk about how he got started farming as a first generation farmer,” Andy says. “He helps in intangible ways like learning more about the rural lifestyle and how to be cautious when buying land. Even though we are done with the program, I plan to still call him and keep in touch.”
Transitioning to Rural Farming
Obtaining land in the city to farm requires timing, patience and knowledge. In the few years Andy and Amy have been farming, they have made connections and worked through some of the processes to obtain more land, but they believe it will always be a limitation, along with other obstacles involved in urban farming. Given that, they hope to someday move to a more rural setting to farm more land with more machinery or add more land to the current farm. “We gross about $9 per every square foot on the land we farm,” Andy says. “We continually look for new land, but the city is selective in who they sell to. We are starting to look more toward a rural area where we can farm more acres.” In the meantime, Andy and Amy will continue to make the land they do have as productive and profitable as they can. “We are really enjoying our lives,” Andy says. “It may not be where I thought I was headed when I went to college, but I have a very rewarding life.” ■
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AGRICULTURE – OPEN FIELDS BLOG BRIEF GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com/openfieldsblog. New Law Protects Ag Sales and Tax Exemptions The signing of House Bills 4561 and 4564 – protecting agriculture’s sales and tax exemptions – by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley in late April inspired this blog post. GreenStone staff and members were instrumental in creating the language and amplifying the conversation in local communities and with legislative representatives during the decision-making time regarding the bills. When Will the Pendulum Swing for Milk Producers? Milk producers are into their fourth year of low profit, or unprofitable production, prompting many to question when will the pendulum swing? However, there appears to be some relief in sight. Read the full outlook on the dairy industry in this blog post. Understanding Interest Rate Calculations If you are in the market for a new home or vacant land loan, you have a number of considerations to make when choosing the right lender. For many buyers, interest rates and loan fees drive the selection process. Understanding how interest rates are calculated and the factors used in determining them may help to comfort you as you make your decision. Sam Schafer, a financial services officer at GreenStone, shares tips on how to understand interest rate calculations in this blog post.
Series: Dr. Dave Kohl Articles We are excited to feature regular comments from Dr. Dave Kohl, professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Kohl has traveled over 8 million miles throughout his professional career and has conducted more than 6,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups such as bankers, Farm Credit, FSA, and regulators, as well as producer and agribusiness groups. Series: Meet the 2018 Summer Interns This year’s class of student interns are well underway in their summer projects at GreenStone. We share their stories and unique perspectives in our intern blog series. Follow along as we feature all of GreenStone’s interns throughout the summer. Series: GreenStone in the Community Engaging in local activities is one way GreenStone gives back to places where we work and live. Our employees carry out our passion for community engagement through a variety of activities both as GreenStone representatives and as volunteers, watch for more community engagement blogs each week. ■
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Summer 2018
MARKET OUTLOOK By Bob Utterback
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THE 2018 MARKETING YEAR HAS NOT FAILED TO HAVE ITS SHARE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND SURPRISES. AS WE STARTED THE YEAR SOME SOUTH AMERICAN GROWING REGIONS HAD WEATHER CONCERNS. ARGENTINA’S SOYBEAN AND CORN CROPS WERE HURT WITH DRY WEATHER THAT WAS FINALLY CONFIRMED IN THE JUNE USDA SUPPLY & DEMAND REPORTS. BRAZIL’S SOYBEAN CROP WAS OK, BUT ITS CORN CROP CAME UNDER SOME WEATHER STRESS. THIS, WHEN DOVETAILED WITH THE CHINESE REDUCTION OF DOMESTIC CORN STOCKS DUE TO THEIR INCREASED USE OF ETHANOL AND SOME DOMESTIC WEATHER STRESS, HAS CREATED SOME CONCERNS ABOUT GLOBAL STOCK LEVELS. IN FACT, THE JUNE USDA SUPPLY & DEMAND REPORTS REDUCED THE U.S. CORN CARRYOVER FROM 2.102 THIS YEAR TO 1.577 NEXT YEAR, SOYBEANS WENT FROM 505 TO 385, AND WHEAT WENT FROM 1080 TO 946 MILLION BUSHELS.
These global stocks reductions now have the world corn reserves falling from this year’s adequate 192.6 million metric tons to a possible 154.7 million metric tons. While this number alone is still big, when you compare the total bushels to the total usage (stocks-to-use ratio), it implies a much more robust picture. Essentially, the corn stocks-to-use ratio will fall to a level not seen since the early 70’s. The soybean global stocks reserves [at 87 million metric tons] also create an environment of potential price events for the 2019 season as well. The potential for corn and soybean price improvement in the future is high as long as the stocks numbers are correct and global export demand (as suggested by the USDA) is confirmed. So I have listed some of the questions that one must ask: 1. Do you believe the 2018 corn and soybean yields suggested in late June (possible 180 U.S. average corn yield and 50 bushel average soybean yield) will be confirmed?
While this was the fear leading up to the long liquidation going into mid-June, one must realize there still is a lot of growing season left. I have to believe the crop conditions will seasonally deteriorate, but how much? If we conclude in August/ September that the U.S. corn and soybean yields will exceed those of 2017, one has to be prepared for seasonal price weakens all the way into September and October. The worst case is the December 2018 corn contract would be between $3.50 and $3.60, while November 2018 soybeans should find it difficult getting below $9.20. 2. How do you believe the lateness of planting in the northern production regions of the U.S. will affect prices?
Since it’s a fact that a lot of corn and soybeans were planted late, I believe we must assume that some concerns will develop from late August to early September. This, combined with the long-term positive outlook on tighter global stocks, would suggest that the fall lows will be higher than one would normally expect. This suggests looking for pre-harvest lows. With any type of negative local basis, this should result in many producers selling below the cost of production. Since many expect the trade will be talking a lot about a 2019 positive demand outlook, I expect many producers will be extremely reluctant to sell unpriced inventory off the combine below breakeven. Bottom Line: Be very wary of extreme downside price targets for fall lows. 3. In the spring and early summer of 2018 I believed a lot of new crop soybean inventory was forward priced for fall cash movement done primarily because of cash flow and storage restrictions.
Long-term, if the global stocks of 383 is truly realized, this makes the price recovery of soybeans from harvest lows to the spring of 2019 a serious possibility. Subsequently, producers should definitely look at reownership of soybeans before corn from September on. 4. What does a producer do if he has unpriced 2018 inventory in the bins? This is an annual question about this time of year. The problem is, if weather
problems have not arrived by mid-July, time is working against the bull. My answer is simple: Either sell now and reown this fall or fill up the bins and hold it clear to next summer and hope that the demand argument is confirmed and adverse weather shows up someplace other than your farm. My gut tells me that more corn will be held forward than soybeans, which implies the soybean market will be the first to react to South American weather problems. Then corn will have to eat through inventory before it can react to a spring/summer weather event. Price immediately or build bins and get an understanding banker to loan you more money.
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My gut tells me that more corn will be held forward than soybeans, which implies the soybean market will be the first to react to South American weather problems. Then corn will have to eat through inventory before it can react to a spring/summer weather event. Price immediately or build bins and get an understanding banker to loan you more money.
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5. What should a producer do about getting prepared for possible market uncertainty in 2019?
S ince the start of the corn ethanol and Chinese buying spree [that started in early 2000], there have been several opportunities to sell some level of weather scare markets between April and July. I believe that overall a producers’ ability to sell these weather market rallies has been poor. Why will next year be any different? The big risk now is, since many producers missed out on selling 2018, they may be inclined [due to financial pressure] to sell earlier than normal and not take on the risk for higher prices. My gut tells me there is a big risk sellers could get caught next year. There is a solution: One must have flexibility in their marketing plan. Rather
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than selling cash or selling the futures and having a firm price, I strongly suggest buying out-of-the-money September 2019 corn calls and November 2019 soybean calls on harvest weakness this fall to insulate one’s ability to sell cash or futures in the spring and summer of 2019. Otherwise, in the spring of 2019 buy deep-in-the-money puts and roll up to maintain flexibility until the crop is known. Both of these selling strategies require commitment and cash flow; now is the time to talk to your banker and marketing advisor to make plans that will be implemented. In regard to the meat sector, 2018 has overall been a disappointment as far as profit potential. There has been adequate supply, while there has been a lot of demand uncertainty with regard to our ability to export due to NAFTA and Chinese buying uneasiness. The good news is, once the dairy herd liquidation concludes, the beef sector supply side should tighten up. Because of this, along with the expectation that export demand will be growing in 2019, I see the possibility of better beef and pork prices going into 2019. Subsequently, I would only want seasonal coverage from August to October using put positions at breakeven. In fact, most of your efforts should be on cost containment which strongly implies being very aggressive on locking up all feed costs on any September to October price pressure. Overall, as we proceed into 2019, look to only have floors below the market with the flexibility to react to upside price potential. This implies keeping out-of-the-money puts at breakeven, not cash or future sales. ■
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob Utterback is the President of Utterback Marketing in New Richmond, IN. Call Bob for strategy updates at 877-898-4324. Email comments on Outlook to utterback@utterbackmarketing.com.
The opinions stated herein are not necessarily those of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
This material has been prepared by a sales or trading employee or agent of Utterback Marketing Services, Inc. and is, or is in the nature of a solicitation. This material is not a research report prepared by Utterback Marketing Services, Inc. By accepting this communication, you agree that you are an experienced user of the futures markets, capable of making independent trading decisions, and agree that you are not, and will not, rely solely on this communication in making trading decisions. Distribution in some jurisdictions may be prohibited or restricted by law. Persons in possession of this communication indirectly should inform themselves about and observe any such prohibition or restrictions. To the extent that you have received this communication indirectly and solicitations are prohibited in your jurisdiction without registration, the market commentary in this communication should not be considered a solicitation. The risk of loss in trading futures and/or options is substantial and each investor and/ or trader must consider whether this is a suitable investment. Past performance, whether actual or indicated by simulated historical tests of strategies, is not indicative of future results. Trading advice is based on information taken from trades and statistical services and other sources that Utterback Marketing Services, Inc. believes are reliable. We do not guarantee that such information is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. Trading advice reflects our good faith judgment at a specific time and is subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that the advice we give will result in profitable trades
MAEAP GOAL WITHIN SIGHT WHEN GOVERNOR SNYDER TOOK OFFICE IN 2011, THE FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION HE SIGNED INTO LAW WAS THE MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAEAP). THIS IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR MAEAP GAVE MICHIGAN FARMERS AN ENHANCED TOOL IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. NOW, AS SNYDER’S TERM COMES TO CLOSE AT THE END OF 2018, THE PROGRAM HOPES TO REACH THE GOAL HE ESTABLISHED AT THE TIME OF SIGNING: 5,000 VERIFICATIONS. “When Governor Snyder challenged us to reach 5,000 verifications we knew it was a lofty goal, and one we would have to work hard, with our partners, to achieve,” says Joe Kelpinski, MAEAP manager. “We are now within 400 verifications of the goal and excited to celebrate this milestone with all the people that helped make it happen.” Narrowing in on the 5,000th verification is particularly rewarding given the humble beginnings of what is now a leading environmental program in the country. Beginning with a group of concerned farmers and industry leaders in the late1990’s looking for a way to create a farmer-driven, voluntary program to address environmental concerns, MAEAP has evolved to a comprehensive program tailored to four systems: Farmstead, Livestock, Cropping, and Forest, Wetlands and Habitat. “The ‘90s were a very interesting time for agriculture,” Kelpinski says. “The livestock industry was under a lot of pressure as consumers became more concerned about where their food comes from and how it is grown or raised. At the same time, farmers were struggling with a way to
tell their story and explain modern farming practices to people who are two and three generations removed from the farm.” With the Snyder-backed legislation, MAEAP gained more traction within the industry, and more importantly, the resources to implement a more consistent program. “Although the program has evolved and gained more resources, it is still a voluntary, farmer-driven program. It was developed by farmers to provide them a means of showing the efforts they put forth in being good stewards of the environment to their neighbors and their community. This continues today with our industry advisory committee who provide input and oversight to the program. Working with industry as a whole, as well as conservation districts and state and federal agencies, the program has gained credibility as a leading environmental assurance program. The hybrid group of representatives on the advisory committee assure that both the farmers’ needs and resources as well as environmental stewardship are taken into consideration as the standards are written.
These standards, unique to each system, provide a framework for MAEAP technicians working with farmers seeking verification. Using the standards, MAEAP technicians work with the farmers to identify areas or practices to manage more effectively to meet the MAEAP standards. Throughout the process, the farm’s information and evaluation is kept confidential.
program and standards has generated a new system forest, wetlands and habitat - and tools such as LivestockA-Syst and Crop-A-Syst to help farmers meet their goals. “Our partner network is extremely important in keeping MAEAP standards current,” Kelpinski says. “We have several organizations and individuals providing resources and technical expertise that is vitally important to the program.”
“Farmers’ confidentiality is guaranteed by law,” Kelpinski says. “MAEAP provides a structure allowing Michigan farmers assurance they are effectively following approved standards. These standards are consistent with the identified Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Through MAEAP, farmers demonstrate to their neighbors they are working to comply with state and federal environmental laws specific to each system of the program.”
With the 5,000 verification now in sight, Kelpinski and the rest of the MAEAP team are looking forward to recognizing the accomplishment with all those that made it happen. A celebration for MAEAP farms and partners is planned for March 2019.
MAEAP standards are continually evaluated by the advisory committee to include any new practices or to refine existing ones. The ongoing review and evaluation of the
“When MAEAP first started, we didn’t think we would get 500 verifications,” Kelpinski says. “It is exciting that we are about to reach our 5,000th verification. It is really a testament to what farmers and the industry can do when they work together toward a common goal.” For more information on MAEAP visit maeap.org. ■
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Next Gens: Are you “right” for the family business? Is the family business “right” for you?
By Barb Dartt, DVM, MS
I LOVE BUTTER PECAN ICE CREAM. I’VE LOVED IT EVER SINCE I WAS THE AGE WHERE I SHOULD HAVE LOVED SUPERMAN. I GUESS MY FONDNESS FOR BUTTER-FOCUSED FOOD STARTED VERY EARLY. DESPITE THIS LONG-TIME ALLEGIANCE, I SOMETIMES BRANCH OUT WHEN FACED WITH A CASE FULL OF FANCY NEW ICE CREAM FLAVORS. LAST SUMMER, I WAS A PRETTY FAITHFUL CONSUMER OF HAYMAKER – A CARMEL-CHOCOLATE VARIETY. IT WAS AMAZING. AND WHEN I TRIED IT THIS SPRING, IT HAD LOST ITS ZING. I’M BACK TO BUTTER PECAN. AND WONDERING WHY I EVER WENT AWAY. NOW, PART OF THE REASON I KNOW THAT I “BELONG” TO BUTTER PECAN IS BECAUSE I’VE TRIED OTHER VARIETIES. (NOT SUPERMAN, FOR THE RECORD.) CHECKING OUT COOKIE DOUGH, CHOCOLATE ALMOND OR EVEN ORANGE SHERBET FROM TIME-TO-TIME GIVES ME CONTEXT, OR A COMPARISON. REALLY, HOW GOOD IS THAT BUTTER PECAN? YOU CAN’T TRULY KNOW UNLESS YOU’VE TRIED OTHER OPTIONS.
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My butter pecan story is pretty simple. The consequences of choosing a “bad” ice cream flavor are short-lived and pretty low-risk – a few empty calories, really. The stakes are much higher when you choose to work in your family’s business. The Stakes
When you’re employed in your family business, the role impacts (at least) three fundamental areas of your life. • It’s how you make a living, ideally resulting in personal (and maybe your immediate family’s) financial security. • It may have to do with your personal identity. Do you consider yourself a “farmer”? Or a dairyperson? Or a member of the “Smith” family business? Your job within an agricultural and/or long-term family business ideally results in a feeling of purpose and pride in your profession. • It could contribute to strong family relationships. Ideally, the opportunity to work hard and successfully together deepens family relationships. The stakes here are a little more impactful than your ice cream choice. When working in a family business goes well, it can provide a tremendous source of fulfillment. And when it isn’t a good fit, it can threaten every aspect of your adult life – your financial security, your identity as a professional and your family ties. For these long-term, life changing reasons, the choice to enter your family business as an employee should not be taken lightly. Your Choice
Unfortunately, I have observed many next gens don’t make a conscious choice to work in the business – it’s something they “fall” into (there’s enough work and they’re comfortable there…so they stay) or something they’re “sucked” into (the senior generation makes it clear the business requires their work…so even though they have outside interests, they stay). I have talked to many successful next gen family business leaders who have made a significant impact on the performance of their family businesses. Those who never worked outside the business suffer a crisis of confidence sometime in their 40s – really at the peak of their professional lives. They wonder…am I here because I belong? Or because I couldn’t have cut it anywhere else? Even successful family employees can feel the pressure of making the right life choices.
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Challenge yourself to experience another boss, organization or industry, as well as to gain specialized skills and experiences before you make a choice.
Unfortunately, I’ve also talked to many next gen family business employees who are unhappy and unfulfilled. They feel loyal – and don’t know how to reconcile caring about their family and leaving their employment in the family business. They feel stuck – and don’t know how they can still contribute to the industry and legacy they love while enduring family relationships that are at best constantly stressful and at worst, downright damaging. The Resolution
At the risk of going back to the simplicity of the ice cream example, the solution actually IS pretty straightforward: before you make the choice to work inside your family business, work outside your family’s business. Full-time. For at least two years. Here’s the logic: 1. Having context helps in making good choices. • If you’ve never had anything but butter pecan, how do you know that butter pecan is the best flavor? • If you’ve never had a boss besides Dad or Uncle or Grandma, how do you grow and learn about different work styles? If you’ve never worked at another business or industry, how do you know that this one is the right one for you? Even if the outside work does nothing more than cement your belief that your family’s industry is the one for you, imagine the comfort and confidence you’ll have in your career choice. 2. Today’s next gens (ages 18-30) will work for 45 to 60 years. Spending 2-4 years working elsewhere means you’re spending 3-9 percent of your career somewhere besides the family business. It’s not much time, but at the beginning of your career, it can be rich and very meaningful in experience and long-term direction. 3. Research supports it. • Dr. Stephen Miller researched the factors that influence the development of next generation leadership talent.1
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He found having appropriate levels of responsibility and decision-making authority helps next gens gain early leadership experience. And experiencing the responsibility and decision-making authority outside the family business was positively (and significantly) associated with next gens being successful leaders when they returned to their family businesses. • Working outside the business in a meaningful role (not just flipping burgers) builds confidence and skills that a next gen can bring back and apply to their family business. Senior gen folks…this part of the article is for you. If you include business continuation and family legacy among your goals, require your next gens to work outside the family business. Full time. For at least two years. I know it can be hard to push some next gens out of the nest – but it’s critical to achieving those goals. Next gens…be deliberate in your choice to join the family business as an employee. Don’t “fall” in or allow yourself to be “sucked” in. Challenge yourself to experience another boss, organization or industry, as well as to gain specialized skills and experiences before you make a choice. Try some other ice cream flavors before you decide that you belong to butter pecan! 1. Next-generation leadership development in family businesses: the critical roles of shared vision and family climate. Stephen P Miller. Front Psychol. 2014; 5: 1335. Accessible online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC4255618/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barb is a consultant with the Family Business Consulting Group, working with families and management teams to help them keep their business healthy and the people happy. Barb can be reached at 269-382-0539 or dartt@thefbcg.com
The opinions stated herein are not necessarily those of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Partners — Summer 2018
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CONNECT
NEWS: SHARING THE COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES Without education, cooperatives are simply one generation away from extinction. Many of the unique activities GreenStone participates in are driven by the fact we operate under a cooperative business structure. Being a cooperative means our focus extends far beyond the bottom line of the association, and touches the individual needs and concerns of our 24,000 members, exhibited each year in the return of patronage to members. Additionally, as a cooperative, our values include the continual education, awareness and appreciation of the cooperative system and its principles both locally and globally. Through relationships GreenStone members have built in Eastern Africa and Michigan State University (MSU), GreenStone has been engaged in educating both farmers and government leaders about what a farmer owned credit cooperative might achieve in a developing country. This past spring, GreenStone had the opportunity to participate in a MSU Professional Fellows program, hosting Eudine Asara Awuzu, a young professional woman from Uganda. Eudine graduated in 2014 with honors in Bachelor of commerce from Makerere University Kampala. Currently, she is a student with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda to become a CPA. “Working alongside our Michigan farmers who are helping to improve agricultural practices in Africa, combined with Eudine’s fellowship at GreenStone, has been a wonderful experience for our cooperative,” says Pete Lemmer, GreenStone’s chief legal counsel. The mutual exchange of information between Eudine and the GreenStone staff was enlightening for both parties. For Eudine, the exposure to the GreenStone business model opened her eyes to the tremendous opportunity a lender like Farm Credit could be in her home territory. Before returning to Africa, we asked Eudine about her experience and learnings at GreenStone. 15
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Q: Tell us about your experience and background in Uganda and how it brought you to GreenStone: A: In Uganda, I work as a project accountant with Numa Feeds, a grain processing company. We work with local women to source the grain that is used for human and animal food. I work personally with rural farmer groups to help them learn basic bookkeeping and to produce the high-quality grain we need. I was selected from my region to join the Fellows program as a way to bring back information to our company and our farmers. Q: What was the most impactful thing you learned and hope to share with your farmers? A: I spent a lot of time meeting with people at GreenStone learning the details of the Farm Credit System and how it works. Credit is the biggest thing holding our farmers back. Our farmers don’t trust the big banks because they charge high interest and you can go to prison or have all your assets taken away if you fail to pay them back. Our farmers work together, like a cooperative, pooling their money together to help each other out, but it is never enough. Our farmers could really benefit from a system like Farm Credit. Making adjustments for farmers like making loan payments due at harvest would make a big difference. I had a different project in mind when I came here, but now I really hope to bring the Farm Credit concept to our company to see how we could use it to help our farmers get access to credit. Our farmers are openminded people and want to do more, but
without access to credit they can’t buy the things important to the crop, like fertilizers. I hope to keep communicating with the people I met at GreenStone and continue to build from what I learned. Q: You had a chance to visit a couple farms in Michigan. Tell us about your experience. A: I was amazed at the technology used at the dairy farm. The experience was mind-blowing. The way they diversified the farm, selling the cows and genetics and not just milk. It makes me appreciate the technology and made me realize cows can give you more if you invest in them. (The Fellows group toured Jorgensen’s dairy farm in Webberville and had the opportunity to learn about breeding technologies.) Q: What was the biggest cultural difference between Uganda and the States? A: Shopping! Everything is so big and organized – it is overwhelming. We went to the store with just shoes (DSW) and Meijer is unbelievable! I couldn’t believe they use machines to take your money. Everything is so automated and so many choices. The Professional Fellows Program Advancing Young Women Agribusiness Entrepreneurs and Innovators: A KenyaTanzania-Uganda-US partnership is a four-week program including a professional internship with Michigan organizations focused on agriculture, innovation, agro-entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
GreenStone Remains in a Strong Financial Position in 2018 GreenStone Farm Credit Services recently released its first quarter stockholder report, detailing earnings of $45.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Comparatively, net income was $38.0 million for the same period last year. Owned and managed loan volume totaled $8.3 billion at March 31, 2018. “Increasing business activity coupled with internal efficiencies allows us to continue to post strong earnings,” said Travis Jones, GreenStone’s chief financial officer. “Maintaining a strong financial position allows us to better serve our members in challenging times. As a memberowned cooperative, it is vital we remain in a solid position to better serve our members. This was
highlighted in March when we returned $50 million in patronage dividends to our memberowners.” Other numbers of note from this quarter’s stockholder report include: • GreenStone received a one-time refund from the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation of $4.8 million. • Operating expenses remained well-controlled as our efficiency ratio was 34.9 percent.
GRAND OPENING – Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center After years of planning, fundraising and building, the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center will open its doors on July 28 featuring guests from Manitowoc County and the State of Wisconsin. The discovery center is an interactive educational attraction focusing on the diversity of Wisconsin agriculture within a framework of sustainable and responsible farming practices.
• Acceptable loan credit quality remained unchanged from December 31, 2017 at 94.1 percent.
The $13 million project began in 2010 as the brainchild of a group of professionals in the agriculture industry. GreenStone and other Farm Credit associations, as well as numerous other industry supporters, made financial contributions to the project. The tourist attraction will feature interactive exhibits, farm tours and a birthing barn. The Discovery Center estimates it will attract 100,000 visitors annually, including school groups and bus tours. Grand opening celebration for the Wisconsin Tour the New Discovery Center is Saturday, July 28, and Sunday July 29, 2018. ■
• The total capital ratio was 17.0 percent. The complete first quarter stockholder report can be viewed online by visiting: www.greenstonefcs.com. ■
GREENSTONE MEMBERS ELECT DIRECTORS TO SERVE RURAL COMMUNITIES AND AGRICULTURE
The members of GreenStone Farm Credit Services have elected four individuals to the cooperative’s board of directors, including two new board members: Michael Timmer and Jed Welder.
members in the association’s Region 5. Welder and his family operate Trinity Farms, a cash crop farm raising corn, soybeans and oats along with a custom harvesting business.
Michael Timmer, Allegan County, was elected to a four-year term on the board representing the members in the association’s Region 4. He operates a diversified farming business raising replacement heifers and growing corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat.
“My wife and I are proud to be associated with GreenStone,” Welder says. “In my experience, this group’s vision for agriculture and concern for its members set it apart. I look forward to giving back to a group that assisted me in getting my start. As one of the only veteran farmers in my area, I believe I can be an advocate for Farm Credit Services members transitioning from their military service to both farming and rural living.”
“I have been involved in agriculture for over 26 years and know the importance of having a financial institution that understands agriculture like GreenStone Farm Credit Services,” Timmer says. “GreenStone has been with my family’s business through many changes, so I have seen firsthand the importance of having a lender who understands your business and helps you reach your goals.” Timmer replaces retiring board member Darl Evers. Jed Welder, Montcalm County, was elected to a four-year term representing
Welder replaces Christine Crumbaugh who transitioned to the AgriBank board of directors. The two incumbents re-elected to four-year terms include: • Region 4: Edward Reed, Cass County • Region5: Aaron (Andy) Snider, Oceana County
Additionally, GreenStone’s members elected 16 individuals to serve on the cooperative’s 2018 nominating committee. The nominating committee is comprised of GreenStone members from throughout the organization’s territory who are tasked with recruiting candidates for the next year’s board elections and nominating committee. The 2018 nominating committee includes: Region 1: Eugene Meylan, Bay County; Donald Morse, Saginaw County; Region 2: Richard Lauwers, Lapeer County; Ryan Ruggles, Sanilac County; Region 3: Roger Pitts, Hillsdale County; William Uphaus, Washtenaw County; Region 4: Edward Kretchman, Jr., Berrien County; Dale Robson, Berrien County; Region 5: Abraham Pasch, Isabella County; Brent Skinner, Gratiot County; Region 6: Duane Bowns, Shiawassee County; Matthew Keilen, Clinton County, Leroy Schafer, Clinton County; Region 7: Todd Augustian, Kewaunee County; Beverly Wolf, Oconto County; Jamie Zeamer, Brown County. ■
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2018 SCHOLARSHIPS INVESTING IN YOUNG INDIVIDUALS ASPIRING TO ENHANCE THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IS ESSENTIAL IN SUSTAINING THE INDUSTRY’S SUCCESS. GREENSTONE IS DOING ITS’ PART BY SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITING GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS. As part of GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ scholarship program, the cooperative recently selected 22 students to receive either a $2,000 or $1,000 award to assist with education costs. Since 2010, GreenStone has presented more than $175,000 in undergraduate college scholarships to students planning to make a positive impact on the agricultural industry. “These awardees are examples of the type of individuals who may someday lead the agricultural industry,” said Dave Armstrong, GreenStone President and CEO, “GreenStone is committed to supporting young professionals in agriculture by assisting them in furthering their education.” The 2018 scholarship awardees are: Alayna Ackley Mears, MI Parents: Amy and Calvin Ackley Future major: Biology at Cedarville University Interesting fact: I was on my school’s state championship team. Dream job: A marine biologist and dolphin trainer at SeaWorld Jared Baudhuin Brussels, WI Parents: Noel and Christina Baudhuin Future major: Dairy science at University of Wisconsin – Madison Interesting fact: I am a firefighter on the local fire department. Dream job: Registered Holstein breeder 17
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Jessica Childs Davison, MI Parents: Delmar and Cindy Childs Future major: Animal science at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I am a member of the Michigan High School Rodeo. Dream job: Veterinarian Joel Doepke Three Oaks, MI Parents: Scott and Susan Doepker Future major: Agriculture and natural resources at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I passionately love the outdoors. Dream job: Owning a nursery and turf farm
Alexis Gale Mears, MI Parent: Kelly Gale Future major: Fruit and vegetable crop management at West Shore Community College Interesting fact: I own ducks and run a small duck egg business. Dream job: Being paid to travel around the world Jennifer Gibbs Almont, MI Parents: Kevin and Brenda Gibbs Future major: Animal science at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I have a fraternal twin sister. Dream job: An inspector at the United States Department of Agriculture
Rhiannon Grenier Green Bay, WI Parents: Steven and Melissa Grenier Future major: Agricultural Education at University of Wisconsin – River Falls Interesting fact: I enjoy spending time with my friends and attending conventions. Dream job: Agriscience teacher and FFA advisor Caitlin Henne Eaton Rapids, MI Parents: Patrick and Rebecca Henne Future major: Animal science and agribusiness at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I am a 2018 United States Presidential Scholar Dream job: Animal nutritionist Taylor Koltz Greenleaf, WI Parents: Geoff and Michelle Koltz Future major: Agribusiness at Fox Valley Technical College
Emily Kropf Lowell, MI Parents: Chris and Kim Kropf Future major: Agribusiness at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I am the 2018 Michigan Apple Queen. Dream job: A position on the Michigan Apple Committee or United States Apple Association
Grace Platte Portland, MI Parents: Ted and Betsy Platte Future major: Agriculture industries at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I am a Michigan FFA state officer. Dream job: Agricultural educator or agricultural politician
Kelsey Maurer Newton, WI Parents: Rick and Julie Maurer Future major: Dairy science at University of Wisconsin – Madison Interesting fact: Cows are by far my favorite animal. Dream job: A dairy farmer
Laken Polega Unionville, MI Parents: Brad and Laken Polega Future major: Animal science at the University of Findlay Interesting fact: I am scared of anything smaller than a large dog. Dream job: Working at the Purina Animal Nutrition Research Farm
Megan Norris Hesperia, MI Parents: Scott and Rhonda Norris Future major: Agribusiness management at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I love playing piano and watching Game of Thrones Dream job: Teaching people in third world countries sustainable farming practices
Shayna Schmidt Standish, MI Parents: Allen and Kisha Schmidt Future major: Agricultural operations at Delta College Interesting fact: I love lifted trucks with big mud tires, the higher the better! Dream job: Owning a business and traveling to different cities and states promoting it.
Bennett Rabach Sturgeon Bay, WI Parents: Annie Rabach Future major: Biochemistry at University of Wisconsin – Madison Kelly Ratajczak Munger, MI Parents: Chris and Karla Ratajczak Future major: Agricultural operations at Delta College Interesting fact: I have three brothers and three sisters. Dream job: Farmer
Maxwell TeBos Allendale, MI Parents: Daniel and Jill TeBos Future major: Agribusiness management at Michigan State University Interesting fact: I run a blueberry patch in the summer. Dream job: President of the United States Rachael Valeria Pulaski, WI Parents: Scott and Paula Valeria Future major: Fisheries and water resources management at University of Wisconsin –Stevens Point Interesting fact: I volunteer with the DNR doing aquatic surveys and stocking. Dream job: Freshwater fishery biologist
Derek Vander Hoff Hillsdale, MI Parents: John and Lee Anne Vander Hoff Future major: Agribusiness Management Interesting fact: I have a collection of Legos. Dream job: Working in the dairy industry Kimberly Van Donsel Luxemburg, WI Parents: Chad and Renee Van Donsel Future major: Animal science at University of Wisconsin – Platteville Interesting fact: I was the 2017 Wisconsin State Fair Premier Goat Exhibitor Dream job: Operating a feed store where I can also run my animal nutrition business Colin Wussow Cecil, WI Parents: Ron and Nicolle Wussow Future major: Agribusiness at University of Wisconsin – River Falls Interesting fact: I show dairy cows Dream job: Owning dairy cattle and operating a custom harvesting business ■
Visit us on Facebook for photos and more scholarship info.
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Thank you for taking the time to attend the 90th Michigan FFA State Convention! Your support of our organization is greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing and working with you in the future!
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—The Michigan FFA State Officer Team
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—Wisconsin FFA Foundation
Thank you for supporting Michigan State University National Agri-Marketing Association (MSU NAMA) with your generous donation! We look forward to representing Michigan agriculture as we compete with our marketing plan in the national contest. Thanks again! —MSU NAMA, Student chapter
Over 3,500 FFA members, advisors and advocates attended [the 89th Wisconsin FFA Convention] and the halls were filled with excitement and blue jackets. Your partnership made this event possible and we value your support of the Wisconsin FFA!
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...Candid Comments
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GREENSTONE INTERNS GREENSTONE’S SUMMER INTERNS ARE WELL UNDERWAY IN THEIR POSITIONS ACROSS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. A GROUP OF 14 STUDENT INTERNS JOINED GREENSTONE’S TEAM FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS COVERING A VARIETY OF DEPARTMENTS. AS A GREENSTONE INTERN, STUDENTS GAIN EXPOSURE TO REAL-WORLD PROJECTS AND EXPERIENCE ALIGNING WITH THEIR CAREER GOALS. INTERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMER WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE PROFESSIONALS IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS, WHILE ALSO PARTICIPATING IN JOB SHADOWS, BRANCH VISITS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. GET TO KNOW THIS SUMMER’S CLASS OF INTERNS BELOW.
GREENSTONE INTERNS GREENSTONE’S SUMMER INTERNS ARE WELL UNDERWAY IN THEIR POSITIONS ACROSS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. A GROUP OF 14 STUDENT INTERNS JOINED GREENSTONE’S TEAM FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS COVERING A VARIETY OF DEPARTMENTS. AS A GREENSTONE INTERN, STUDENTS GAIN EXPOSURE TO PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS AND EXPERIENCES ALIGNING WITH THEIR CAREER GOALS. INTERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMER WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE PROFESSIONALS IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS, WHILE ALSO PARTICIPATING IN JOB SHADOWS, BRANCH VISITS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. GET TO KNOW THIS SUMMER’S CLASS OF INTERNS BELOW.
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Colton Vrable Hometown: Chesaning, Mich. Title: Appraisal Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Michigan State University Major: Economics Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys traveling, hiking and the outdoors
Kaylyn Turland Hometown: Otisville, Mich. Title: Crop Insurance Intern Branch: Little Chute College: Kansas State University Major: Agricultural economics, specializing in Agronomy Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys fishing, hunting, camping and anything outdoors
Devon Davidson Hometown: Shepherd, Mich. Title: Legal Auditor Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Michigan State University Major: Statistics, minoring in actuarial science and economics Hobby or Fun Fact: Plays the trombone in the Michigan State University Marching Band
Haley Chapleski Hometown: Au Gres, Mich. Title: Human Resources Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Michigan State University Major: Human Resource Management Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys living on a lake and loves to travel
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Benjamin Littlejohn Hometown: Sanarac, Mich. Title: Commercial Lending Unit Credit Analyst Intern Branch: Grand Rapids College: Michigan State University Major: Finance Hobby or Fun Fact: Has a goal of visiting and hiking all the national parks Justin Webster Hometown: Elsie, Mich. Title: Commercial Lending Unit Credit Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Michigan State University Major: Accounting Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys traveling with his grandparents and golfing
Rebekah Wilbert Hometown: Freedom, Wis. Title: Credit Intern Branch: Little Chute College: Associate’s degree from Fox Valley Tech in Agri-business and Science Technologies, currently attending St. Norbert College Major: Business Management Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys horseback riding Brandon Tanner Hometown: Springport, Mich. Title: Country Living Credit Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Central Michigan University Major: Business Administration Economics Hobby or Fun Fact: Currently teaching himself to play blues music on the harmonica Robert Heinbokel Hometown: Petoskey, Mich. Title: Application Developer Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Ferris State University Major: Computer Information Systems Hobby or Fun Fact: Spent four years in Los Angeles working in audio and music
Marisa Kimerer Hometown: Britton, Mich. Title: Communications Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Michigan State University Major: Communication, minoring in Sales Leadership Hobby or Fun Fact: Loves spending time with her family and trying out cool restaurants Eric Washkovick Hometown: Princeton, Wis. Title: Appraisal Intern Branch: Little Chute College: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Major: Business Management, with an emphasis in Project Management Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys woodworking Joseph Murray Hometown: Sheboygan, Wis. Title: Tax and Accounting Intern Branch: Little Chute College: University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Major: Accounting Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys traveling and learning new things Emily Harke Hometown: Adrian, Mich. Title: Credit Intern Branch: East Lansing College: Iowa State University Major: Agricultural Business, minoring in Animal Science Hobby or Fun Fact: Loves spending time with friends and family at her family’s lake house, and can twirl three ice cream cones in one hand at a time Gowan Baldwin Hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich. Title: Credit Intern Branch: Grand Rapids College: Valparaiso University Major: Finance and Economics Hobby or Fun Fact: Enjoys closely following financial markets ■
Mark Your Calendar... JULY
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Farmers Market at the Capitol State Capitol Building, Lansing, MI
AUGUST
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Wisconsin State Fair (2-12) Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
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GreenStone Producer Forum Franklin Inn, Bad Axe, MI
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National Blueberry Festival (9-12) South Haven, MI
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Agro Expo (14-15) Saint Johns, MI
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GreenStone Producer Forum The Pinnacle Center, Hudsonville, MI
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Farmers Market at the Capitol State Capitol Building, Lansing, MI
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Breakfast on the Farm Event Paw Paw, Michigan
SEPTEMBER
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GreenStone Offices Closed In honor of Labor Day
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Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo (6-8) Oshkosh, WI
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Breakfast on the Farm Event Michigan State University Beef Research Farm, East Lansing, MI
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Farmers Market at the Capitol State Capital Building, Lansing, MI
OCTOBER
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World Dairy Expo (2-6) Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI
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BEHIND THE SCENES– GreenStone Human Resources Department GreenStone employees over 525 people throughout the association. Helping each employee with their individual employment and benefit needs, as well as personal and professional development, is the role of the Human Resource Department. Here we highlight two individuals bringing a variety of services to our employees.
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Rachel Wood Human Resources Generalist Years of service: 2 East Lansing, Michigan Describe how your role carries out the GreenStone mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture: In my role, I support GreenStone’s mission by bringing in and supporting top talent who align to our culture of putting the customer first, delivering quality, getting involved, and doing the right thing. The HR team fully believes in treating employees the best way possible so they in turn can provide our customers with the best service. What do you enjoy most about your role at GreenStone? I most enjoy the people I work with, both in HR as well as all our employees. As an HR team, we are really passionate about the work experience. We are constantly looking at best practices and ways to innovate employment policies to keep up with the desires of the current workforce.
What changes have been incorporated in your role to meet evolving customer needs? With the current demand for talent, focus has been on staying current with the evolving needs of employees in order to retain our top talent. Having the right people at GreenStone is crucial to exceeding our customer’s needs. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? In my free time, I spend time with my husband and our two children. We enjoy family-friendly activities like visiting a zoo, swimming at a waterpark, or watching a movie! Lindsey Bliss Learning and Development Specialist Years of service: 4 East Lansing, Michigan Describe how your role carries out the GreenStone mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture. As a Learning and Development Specialist, my role is to help onboard new employees and
support programs that equip our staff with the tools they need to ensure the success of our customers. For example, we are getting ready to launch a new class of our Financial and Credit Analysis of Farm Businesses program. It is a 19-week program for new staff in credit and sales to get an overview of the highlyspecialized business needs of our farm customers. What do you enjoy most about your role at GreenStone? I love getting to meet the new employees at GreenStone. Part of my job includes conducting new hire orientation and credit and sales onboarding, so getting to know our new staff is an integral part of my day-to-day job.
and on-demand options for our staff, who are working across 36 branches and two states. These e-learning courses reduce classroom time and are accessible to the employee anytime, anywhere, and provide essential background knowledge to help make the time spent in person with an instructor more meaningful. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I really enjoy cooking, reading and knitting. My husband and I also see a new movie almost every Friday night – either out at the cinema or in our home theatre. We could practically write our own movie review column! ■
What changes have been incorporated in your role to meet evolving customer needs? I consider GreenStone staff to be my customers, and as a Learning and Development Team, we are looking to become more agile in the way we deliver training. This means offering more e-learning
Pause for Applause...
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES Help GreenStone congratulate and thank these staff who are celebrating an employment milestone. From five to 40, the years represent the dedication and service all employees provide our members.
July: William Maddix (40) Andrew Kudwa (15) Diana Bower (10) Michael Hagerty (10) Anne Howard (10) Brandon Leep (10) Brent Voss (10) Jennifer Bemke (5) Beth Haupt (5) Robert Hindy (5) Alexander Van Wert (5)
August: Janet Brugger (10) Peter Lemmer (10) Wayne Sevilla (10) Mackenzie Jandernoa (5) Heidi Krueger (5) Stacey Mason (5)
September: Barbara Blahnik (25) Talli Bode (10) Dawn Ness (10) Jane Thelen (10)
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The GreenStone Story:
A Culture of Learning FARMING IS AN EVER-CHANGING AND DYNAMIC BUSINESS – AND AS SUCH, THE PEOPLE WORKING WITH FARMERS MUST ALSO CHANGE AND EVOLVE. AS A LEADER IN THE AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY, WE HAVE A LONG-TIME MISSION OF PROVIDING ONGOING LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR MEMBER-OWNERS AND ITS EMPLOYEES. HELPING BOTH GROUPS SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS AND BROADEN THEIR THINKING KEEPS OUR CUSTOMERS ON THE LEADING EDGE.
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Learning opportunities provided to our member-owners are delivered in a number of different ways, from one-on-one conversations with a GreenStone team member to large group seminars. We also offer peer and mentoring opportunities for more focused and individualized opportunities. Farm Forward Mentorship:
Because experience often times is the best teacher, our Farm Forward Mentorship program helps the next generation learn from the experience of others. Through this program, young, beginning and small farmers partner with experienced mentors, generating an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge. Professional business coaches and mentoring consultants facilitate the 18 month-long program. The program begins with a day of training and includes several coordinated conversations and site visits to mentor and mentee farms throughout the year. Some key areas of focus include: creating an effective business plan, managing risk, utilizing resources and overseeing day-to-day operations. Though these relationships will last long after, the official program concludes with a group celebration event at the end of the program. We are actively seeking customers - both mentees and mentors - to participate in the next session beginning later this year. If you are interested in participating, contact your local branch. Educational Forums:
Several times throughout the year, GreenStone participates in industry conferences and events to share information or to provide sponsorship support. Joining these conferences gives us the opportunity to hear first-hand information beneficial to our customers. It also grants us the chance to meet with our members and discuss current opportunities and challenges. In addition to participation in other conferences, we also provide our own educational forums tailored to current events and market activity. In the spring, we hosted two logging forums, bringing in local specialists to discuss current happenings in the timber industry. Those conferences also provided opportunities for participants to earn SFI credits.
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We have also made available GreenStone’s Grow Forward Grant program. It provides up to $40,000 in grants to help offset young, beginning and small farmers’ cost of participating in these programs and services.
New this year are the GreenStone Producer Forums. These events bring in speakers to discuss innovations, market outlooks and updates on issues affecting the agriculture industry. There are two forums planned yet this summer, along with final forum after harvest. Topics will include: - Using precision planting in acreage reporting - Risk management tools in a tough economy - Preparing a succession plan for your farm - Farm labor procurement and management - The next generation of robotic milking systems LOCATIONS AND DATES: • August 8, 2018 at the Franklin Inn, Bad Axe • August 15, 2018 at the Pinnacle Center, Hudsonville • December 12, 2018 at the Comfort Inn, Mt Pleasant To RSVP, please visit GreenStoneFCS.com/ProducerForum
Grow Forward Grant Program:
Participating in educational events and working with other professionals helps expand your knowledge and strengthen your business. That is why GreenStone hosts our own events as well as supporting other organizations doing the same. GreenStone’s Grow Forward Grant program provides up to $40,000 in grants to help offset young, beginning and small farmers’ cost of participating in these programs and services. Current customers are eligible for up to $1,000, while non-customers are
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eligible for up to a $500 reimbursement. Eligibility: • Young, beginning or small farmers (YBSF) in GreenStone’s territory -18-35 years of age, or - Farming for less than 10 years, or - Sustain annual gross sales from agricultural production of less than $250,000 Intended grant use must fall within one of the following categories: • Agricultural programs/events benefiting YBSF agricultural business: educational course/program, conference fees, etc. • GreenStone resources (first time use): accounting and tax services, technology support, etc. • Non-GreenStone services: business and farm consultants, etc. Interested in applying? Grants are currently available! Find further details and apply at: www.greenstonefcs.com/growforwardgrant. Resources:
In addition to participating in formal events and presentations, we provide ongoing resources through various means including our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin), the Open Fields blog on our website, as well as brochures and handouts available at our branches. We encourage you to follow us on social media and/or visit our website frequently for current information. If you have ideas, topics or communication strategies you would like us to consider, please let us know by emailing marketing@ greenstonefcs.com. ■
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• Young people actively involved in agricultural youth organizations needing financial assistance for income-producing, educational, agricultural projects • Urban farmers and roof-top producers • Operations using alternative farming methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farming and freight container farming
Legislative Matters:
AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE 2018 FARM BILL THERE ARE SOME THINGS ALL SMART-MINDED AGRICULTURE PROFESSIONALS COULD AGREE WITH AND LIKELY MOST PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF AGRICULTURE BUSINESSES WOULD AGREE WITH AS WELL. WITH THE UPCOMING FARM BILL, PROPOSAL AND THE FACT THAT EVERYBODY SENT TO WASHINGTON TO REPRESENT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE POPULATION, WE ARE CERTAIN OF ONLY ONE THING: UNCERTAINTY. THERE IS NO CERTAINTY THAT FARM BILL WILL PASS, AND NO CERTAINTY AS TO WHAT IT WILL CONTAIN. Despite the uncertainty, there are multiple aspects to the Farm Bill worthy of attention. As Farm Credit fulfills its mission to its members and the agriculture and rural communities, the association remains mindful of the entire Bill to be a source of knowledge and support for the diversified agriculture industry the association supports. Of particular interest are the USDA FSA Farm Loan Programs that provide some unique access to credit and offer opportunities to farmers and ranchers. The FSA Farm Loan Programs focus on real and emerging needs in the marketplace to meet some of the
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following market demands. These programs help farmers and ranchers become stronger and more viable to meet traditional credit standards, and in many cases support the next generation of farmers. The FSA programs offer support on the following: • Start, improve, expand, transition, market, and strengthen family farming and ranching operations • Beginning farmers, racial and ethnic minority farmers and women producers • Value-added, direct sale, organic, and specialty crop operations
A major component of these programs for Farm Credit is the FSA “Beginning Farmer” direct and guaranteed loan programs. These loans intend to provide access to land and capital, operating loans, open doors to new market opportunities, diversify operations and more. You will discover many activities Farm Credit promotes inspires young and beginning farmers through numerous associations, like GreenStone’s mentorship, grant and scholarship programs, as well as grass roots efforts at local FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, and county fairs. These activities create the sparks for the creation of our future agriculture and rural community leaders. The USDA programs, together with the Farm Credit leadership and implementation planning, maintain strong advocacy and involvement in promoting these activities and programs as the lifeblood to a future for the United States and beyond. All these activities and programs find their path to grow further for a strong future and create the reason for maintaining strong legislation contained in the Farm Bill. Farm Credit supported the amendment to increase the current limitation on the Farm Service Agency (FSA) guaranteed loan program from $1.39 million to $2.5 million. Many legislators received the information regarding the fact FSA programs are already underfunded and increasing the limit too greatly could cause the funding to be used up by fewer, larger farmers, preventing small and beginning farmers from accessing the program. The amendment was adopted and the final bill will reflect the $1.75 million limit. This should increase access for the next generation of American farmers. ■
PAC Progress:
THE ELECTION YEAR IS RAMPING UP and the support team for agriculture is proactively working to raise awareness of agriculture policy issues. The Federal legislative environment is actively involved in a variety of topics, including agricultural policy. The Farm Bill reauthorization, immigration, and trade, to name a few. Farm Credit remains dedicated to advocating for the interests of our rural communities and agriculture on these issues and more. As congress continues working, we remain hopeful of workable solutions in the future. The success of the MI GreenStone PAC patronage campaign was followed by deliberation on the recommendations for MI GreenStone PAC disbursements. It was completed in April by the board of directors with perspective from Kelley Cawthorne and the legislative outreach team at GreenStone. In all, 35 individuals were identified to be recipients of funds based on their agriculture background, commitment to growing Michigan’s agriculture economy and rural communities, and leadership in the Michigan legislature. Delivery of the funds has begun and some of the MI GreenStone PAC checks will be delivered in the branch offices to help establish in-district relationships. In Wisconsin, the second year of the WI Farm Credit PAC contribution drive showed continued support from members.
This is allows the Wisconsin Farm Credit associations to collaborate and decide what legislators to support with PAC funds. Focus has been placed on legislators who have led policy efforts that are priorities for the Wisconsin Farm Credit legislative committee and understand the needs of our Wisconsin rural communities. Most of the check deliveries will take place in branch offices and we look forward to inviting members to participate. The Farm Credit PAC has also been delivering contributions to federally elected legislators both state-side and in Washington, D.C. GreenStone continues to be recognized as a leader in its efforts to support elected officials with information and connections, and it has resulted in strong and positive recognitions of Michigan and Wisconsin agriculture and Farm Credit. We look forward to another successful year in relationship building. But, without your support, we would not be able to have as positive of an impact. We commend you for your initiative and thank you for being a champion of rural communities and agriculture. ■
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Directors’ Perspective– Summer 2018
Being a member of GreenStone can mean something different to each customer. Introduced at Patronage Day, we have been providing members the opportunity to share their personal perspective by selecting a word bubble most relevant to them. If you follow GreenStone on Facebook or other social media channels, you likely saw the wide variety of choices as photos have been shared throughout the year. GreenStone’s board members are no different; they too find the benefit of their GreenStone partnership means so much. Continuing the theme, four additional directors share what is important to them and why they believe GreenStone is the cooperative to help them accomplish it!
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Matt Berge: Proud
Ron Lucas: Family
Proud. A seemingly simple five letter word that says so much about how I feel about my life and career. Proud of my family. Proud of my parents, their life spent in agriculture and their passion for dairy. Proud of my children and all that they have been able to accomplish so far in their lives, and pride in the goals they have set for themselves in the future.
Our family legacy is continuing with the aid of GreenStone, especially during the past three years of diminished farm economy.
I wake every morning proud to go to work and spend my day helping to produce food for the world. I am proud to be a part of an industry that continues to do more with less, finding ways to improve the environmental sustainability of dairy while still providing a nutritionally superior food for our communities at an affordable price. I am proud to be a member of GreenStone and to be entrusted with being a voice for my fellow members in the board room. I am proud of the strength and stability of GreenStone and the cooperative spirit that is integral to GreenStone’s success, which can then be shared with all borrowers through patronage. I am proud of the GreenStone employees who work hard every day to do their part in meeting the credit needs of their customers. Ultimately, I am proud that all of this effort keeps GreenStone as a partner for rural America by providing reliable credit through good times and bad.
GreenStone staff have assisted my family with the financial challenges presented to our small family dairy farm. Operational changes have been necessary that were never anticipated, but necessary to continue in today’s agriculture era. Our future is hopeful with the continued assistance provided by GreenStone. I am optimistic Lucas Dairy Farms, LLC will have a future for the next generation of Lucas family members. The ending line of our farm statement is “Our commitment isn’t just to bring in this year’s crop but to make sure there is something left as a stake for the next generation.” Peter Maxwell: Family
When I think of agriculture in America, I envision many things… lush green crops growing across a wide expanse; an orchard in the fall with branches drooping, full of bright red fruit; a picturesque dairy with well-kept buildings filled with happy cows; or even perhaps a small parcel of land with a few horses.
Gene College: Faith
From a biblical standpoint, the definition of faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” My faith is very important to me. Hope in this context is not a wish, but rather a certainty of something that currently cannot be seen but will have wonderful future results. Faith is also a word that resonates with me when I think of GreenStone. The employees and directors have provided me the hope (certainty) of the passion to serve. They strongly desire the future success of our members, which might not be fully seen now, but will hopefully have great future impact. GreenStone seems unique to me in that most employees consider their work as a privilege rather than a job. The organization operates in a manner to ensure strong future viability, but its main focus is on the members. As an appointed director, I don’t have a loan with GreenStone but have heard several stories of how employees not only met the financial needs of members, but also showed genuine interest in their life events and future aspirations. These are the stories that provide me the faith (certainty) that GreenStone will see long-term success.
Whatever your image may be, I believe we would concur there is a very common thread throughout all of agriculture: FAMILY. Family is what ties us to rural America, it’s why we all dream to live an honest life with open spaces. Personally, it has always been my dream to raise my family on a farm, just like I was and my father was. I was blessed to grow up on a family farm where I was able to work with my parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends. The triumphs and tribulations on our farm have all been shared with family, and these experiences have galvanized us and tied us together forever. I am never certain what the future may bring, but we will always have a family heritage that will tie us to the land we’ve been entrusted to care for…hopefully for generations to come. Whether it’s six or 600 acres, GreenStone has been there to back its shareholders and facilitate growth and a strong, reliable foundation for families to build on. GreenStone and the Farm Credit System have been there for every generation of my family since my grandfather pursued his dream of raising his family on 80 acres in Hope Township. GreenStone has allowed Allyson and I to make sound decisions to grow our business and raise our family in agriculture. With greater than 95 percent of farms in the United States being family owned, I am certain we can agree family is why we are here and do what we do. ■
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LIVE
Returning Home Often times a family farm’s legacy is preserved in the homes the families are raised in. Along with new barns, additional acreage and new machinery, farm successions may include new homes. For the Oberski family in Bad Axe, Michigan, the farm’s history is punctuated by the homes where the families lived, eventually returning to the place of the original farmstead. When Mark and Teresa Oberski married in 1980, they joined his parents on the family dairy farm and moved into the farmhouse where Mark was raised. His parents then moved to another home a quarter-mile down the road. The Oberski’s dairy farm evolved over two decades from a 20-cow stanchion barn to a 150-cow freestall farm. During this time, the Oberskis also started a family, raising four children on the farm. In 2001, they took a critical look at their current farm and what they wanted to be doing in the future. Working with a GreenStone team of financial services officers and tax accountants, they began transitioning from dairy to a cash crop farm. “They helped us with business planning and forecasting, giving us the confidence to see that we could make a living on the crops instead of the cows,” Mark says. “They walked us through the transition and helped us see what we could expect.” Through the transition, the Obeski’s son, Jeff, joined the family business. When Jeff and his wife joined the farm, the families again shuffled houses, with Mark and Teresa moving to his parent’s house and Jeff and his wife, Ashley, moving to the house on the farm. Today, the Oberskis farm 1,500 acres with the bulk of their crops going into feed for neighboring dairy farms. Mark provides corn, soybeans and haylage to a feed distributor who supplies the dairies. 29
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➡ Above: Mark and Teresa Oberski returned to the site of their family’s original farmstead to build their dream home. ➡ Opposite page: Using inspiration from online sources, Teresa decorated their home with timeless charm, reflecting the farm’s rich heritage.
With the next generation on the farm, Mark and Teresa decided they had one more move to make: building their dream home. Looking across the land they owned and previous homes they lived in, they decided to return to the original homestead where Mark’s grandparents first lived. They took down the old farmhouse and began designing a new house in the same location. New Home with Old Traditions
The Oberskis are fortunate their son-in-law, Jon Herzog, owns Herzog Construction, a home construction business. Working with Jon, they designed a home big enough to host their growing family, yet the right size for Mark and Teresa. Together, they designed a 2,100 square foot, three-bedroom ranch home with a walk-out basement. The layout includes an open first floor with plenty of kitchen and dining space to host family dinners. The basement has two large bedrooms for grandchildren sleepovers and overnight guests. “There is enough space for everyone when they come,” Teresa says. “This past Christmas was so nice, not to have everyone crowded into the kitchen, yet we were all together.” Working with Jon, the Oberskis purchased most of their materials before they started to build. Having the materials in place and most of the decision-making out of the way, enabled the construction crew to stay on schedule and finish in about six months.
Timeless Charm
For Teresa, the real excitement of a new home was the decorating. She relied on Jon’s expertise in the overall construction and layout and then turned to Pinterest for decorating ideas. “I wanted a timeless feel in our home,” Teresa says. “It is a new house, but it is built where the first farmhouse was, so we wanted to incorporate that.” Teresa chose neutral colors of grey and white on the walls and woodwork and brown flooring throughout much of the house. She uses accent pieces in each room to add color where needed. With this approach, she will easily be able to change colors with seasons or personal preference. “This will be our last home so we wanted to include all the things we wanted and may need,” Teresa says. “The bathrooms have wide doors, the walk-in shower is easily accessible and everything we need is on the first floor.” Transitioning with GreenStone
When the Oberskis first started on the dairy almost 40 years ago, they reached out to Farm Credit (GreenStone) to help with the financing. Through their growth in the dairy industry and transition to cash cropping, they continued working with Farm Credit for financing needs. However, when it came to a home construction
loan, they did not think about GreenStone initially. “We have always used GreenStone for the farm, and love working with them,” Mark says. “We just didn’t think about them as a place for a construction loan. We were looking at local banks when Les (Karr, GreenStone financial services officer) suggested we work with them.” Working with Les and Wanda Skinner, a financial services officer focused on country living financing at the Bad Axe office, the Oberski’s secured a construction loan for the building process that converted to a mortgage at the end of the construction. “Meeting with Mark and Teresa it was evident they had spent a great deal of time planning each and every detail of their dream home in how organized and well prepared they were,” Wanda says. “It truly is an honor being a part of helping their dream become a reality.” “It was all very easy for us,” Mark says. “We have worked with GreenStone since we started farming and it has always been a good relationship. We may have gotten a lower rate at a bank, but we liked the flexibility with GreenStone and knew the process would go smoothly. We were glad we were able to do our home financing through them, too.” ■
“We trusted Jon to keep everything on track,” Mark says. “He set the schedule with the contractors, so once they got started they just kept going. It also helped that we didn’t make any changes once they began.” Building a new home, rather than retrofitting an existing home allowed the Oberskis to add in new energy saving details, including a heat pump that acts as an air conditioner and a heating unit. They also installed a variable speed well that keeps their water pressure at a constant rate. “It is amazing how much more efficient things are,” Mark says. “The new windows are so air-tight they are pressure tested. No more watching the curtains blow around the windows!”
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SUMMER LAWN CARE TIPS THE SUN IS SHINING AND TEMPERATURES ARE RISING. WHAT CAN BE THE MOST ANTICIPATED TIME OF YEAR FOR SOME IS OFTEN A BURDEN FOR YOUR LAWN. KEEP READING AS WE DIVE INTO THE BEST TIPS FOR GROOMING A BEAUTIFUL AND HEALTHY LAWN THIS SUMMER! Water heavily, but not too often
No weeds, no problems
The way you water the grass makes a huge difference in the way it looks. You might think since the weather is hot and sometimes dry, you should water the grass frequently. This is often untrue! Watering heavily, but not often is the best way of ensuring your lawn looks healthy and beautifully green. It is also encouraged to water during the morning or evening, so the directsunlight will not steal the moisture.
Unfortunately, weeds are inevitable. In fact, they are nature’s semi-unwanted gift to us all due to the fact nature so kindly provides us weeds to areas that are often plant-less. What is even more unfortunate, they steal the nutrients right from under the grip of the plants you work so hard to nurture. This is why it is important to make an effort of ridding the weeds in your lawn and landscaping. Doing so will eliminate the spread of more weeds and bring the life back to the plants you want. Be sure not to over-weed, however. Yes, there is such thing. It is often seen as beneficial to churn up ground with lots of weeds, seemingly ridding the area of the leafy pests. However, weed seeds are absolutely everywhere in soil, and churning up the ground will only bring the deeper seeds to the surface allowing them to get more nutrients from sunshine. ■
Just a little off the top, not too short on the sides This phrase applies to more than men’s haircuts, it applies to mowing the lawn as well. Many think the best mowing practice means cutting it short, so you do not have to mow as often. This is also false! Cutting the grass too short allows the sun to more easily take moisture from the soil, making both the soil and grass less healthy. Longer blades of grass also create more opportunity for light absorption, making for healthier soil, roots and consequently healthier grass.
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Source: https://www.lawncare.org/summer-lawn-care-tips/
MAKE IT A SUPER SUMMER ROAD TRIP SUMMER ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS SEEM LIMITLESS. THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE PLACES WAITING FOR DISCOVERY, BOTH CLOSE TO HOME AND ACROSS STATE LINES. MAKE YOUR SUMMER ROAD TRIP MORE SPECIAL BY USING A FEW OF THESE TIPS! Recreation Passport:
Water Gear:
Never miss the beauty of over 170 state parks in Michigan and Wisconsin by adding a State Park Pass the next time you renew your license plate. The passes for Michigan and Wisconsin residents cost $11 and $28, respectively, and will grant you access to all the beautiful, wooded, beachy and fresh watered parks these two states have to offer. Be prepared for adventure in any of Michigan or Wisconsin’s state parks and trails with a State Park Pass!
It is easy to adore Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes; and in Michigan, you are only ever six miles from an inland lake and 85 miles from a Great Lake. Always be prepared for an aquatic adventure by keeping a bag in your car stocked with water gear! Sunscreen, swimsuits and water shoes are always a good idea for a spontaneous trip to the lake. Charge Those Devices: You never know when a jawdropping sunset or funky art sculpture are going to catch
your eye. A phone, camera, or tablet that is out-ofbattery is always a bummer when these moments arise. Double check you have the right plugs and cords ready to keep you charged. Socialize: The best thing about traveling today is you are not alone. Apps like Foursquare help you connect with others who have visited the places you are interested in and can provide tips. Be sure to check out hashtags like #PureMichigan or #WisconsinLife on social
media sites where you might also find tips and travel guides or blogs. Country Roads, Take Me Home: Slow down time and take a drive through the back roads. It is easy to take a main highway all the way from Point A to Point B, but taking a little detour down a few country roads on the way can easily take you back to a simpler time. ■ Source: https://www. awesomemitten.com/10tips-super-summer-michiganroad-trip/
Get Off the Beaten Path: A small trail branching off the main path in a park. A non-familiar small town on a Great Lake. A side street in a large city covered with beautiful and unique art. A hometown cafe where refills on coffee are free and they treat you like family. You never know what you will find, so take a chance and try something new - sometimes the best memories are made when you take a step off the beaten path and find gems never-before-seen on travel guides.
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Carrot Fries Ingredients:
Instructions:
• 1 lb. (about 5 or 6 large) carrots peeled, cut into 4-in. x ¼-in. sticks • 1 teaspoon corn starch • 1 teaspoon olive oil • cooking spray • 1 packet ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine the carrots together with the olive oil, corn starch and ranch salad dressing mix, and toss until well coated. 2. Using a sheet tray or quarter sheet pan, spray generously with cooking spray. Arrange the carrots in a single layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until crispy. Bake for 35 minutes for extra crispy fries. Source: https://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/carrot-oven-fries
i
Did you know: Michigan and Wisconsin both produce millions of pounds of carrots each year, ranking in the top states in the country for carrot production. With carrot harvest season on the horizon, here is a unique recipe to keep on hand!
Commodity Cuisine...
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LEARN
CROP INSURANCE NEWS: CLAIMS & APPRAISALS Most producers have been there before. No matter what you do during the growing season, sometimes Mother Nature will not cooperate, and you’re anticipating your yields may fall below your guarantee. If you do find yourself in a claims situation, there are some important things to remember that can help the process go more smoothly. Perils The vast majority of naturally-caused perils are included under multiple-peril crop insurance (MPCI) coverage. This includes, but is not limited to: adverse weather, failure of irrigation water supply, fire, insect damage or plant disease (unless you improperly or insufficiently applied pest or disease control measures), and wildlife damage. Those covered under Revenue Protection are also protected from a decline in market price.
Timeframe Insurance coverage generally begins at time of application or time of planting, whichever is later. The end of the insurance period is generally recognized as the earlier of: total destruction of the crop, final harvest of the crop, abandonment of the crop, or the end of the insurance period (which is December 10 for corn insured as grain and soybeans). Insured’s responsibilities For planted crops, the insured must notify the insurance company within 72 hours of the initial discovery of the damage or production loss, but no later than 15 days after the end of the insurance period, even if the crop has not yet been harvested. If you have a revenue protection policy and have a claim based on strictly price, the insurance company must be notified within 45 days of the harvest price announcement for the crop.
Appraisals If you are going to harvest your planted crop in any non-traditional manner, a crop appraisal needs to be completed, otherwise you may lose out on a potential indemnity payment. The most common time an appraisal is needed is when you’re going to chop corn for silage that is insured as grain. If you have a corn policy, any acreage that is not harvested traditionally as dry grain should be appraised. You should contact your agent at least a week in advance of when you are planning on harvesting to arrange for an adjuster to come out and perform the appraisals while the crop is still in the field. In the event you harvest before an adjuster is able to perform appraisals, representative sample strips must be left in the fields so the adjusters can use them for appraisals. The strips must be at least 10 feet wide and run the entire length of the field. If you do not agree with the appraisals you’ve gotten from the adjuster, do not sign them. Call your crop insurance specialist right away to have another adjuster perform a second appraisal. Throughout the whole claims adjustment process, if you ever feel uneasy or unsure, contact your crop insurance specialist as soon as possible. No one wants to have a claim - producing a bumper crop is much more enjoyable than receiving a large claims check. But when a claim is necessary, remembering these key points will help make it a smooth process. If you have questions, please contact your crop insurance specialist. ■
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FRESH APPLE REVIEWS— Please remember your fresh apple policy can be signaled out for a fresh review at any time during the year or at claims time. You will be asked to prove that you have sold your apples as fresh and at what price they were sold at. The requirement is that 50 percent or more were sold as fresh, at a fresh price in at least one out of the last four years. Call us if you need more information regarding what documents can be submitted and what needs to be on those documents. If you cannot prove fresh sales, RMA requires that your apples be changed to processing for the current crop year. ■
IMPORTANT DATE REMINDER! Late fees will be charged on any unpaid premium on October 1. Please make note of this important change as late fees cannot be waived. If you cannot pay your premium before the due date, please contact your crop insurance specialist to make payment arrangements. Payment is due regardless of whether or not you have an outstanding claim. ■ HAIL INSURANCE It is not too late to purchase hail insurance for 2018. Hail is a separate policy from your multi-peril crop insurance coverage. As an added bonus, your hail policy can provide coverage for fire, lightning, vandalism/malicious mischief and transit to the first place of storage. Rates and coverage can vary by crop and county. Keep in mind, hail insurance must be purchased before damage occurs. Contact your GreenStone crop insurance specialist to set up an appointment to review your options. ■ 2018 FALL WHEAT AND FORAGE CLAIMS Appraisals are required when a customer plans to do something with the crop other than harvest in the normal manner. If you do not plan to take your wheat/forage to harvest, we must appraise the acres prior to destruction. ■ FORAGE PRODUCTION If you think you may be facing a forage production loss, make sure to contact your specialist to file a claim. If you didn’t have forage insurance for the 2018 crop year and are interested for 2019, the sales close date is the same as wheat, September 30. ■ CROP INSURANCE ALERT– BEFORE YOU CHOP! Even though it may feel like the corn crop just got planted, it won’t be long until it’s time to fill the bunker silo. Before chopping corn for silage, please call and arrange for an appraisal ahead of time. Every effort will be made to have your crop appraised before you chop. Otherwise, you will be instructed on how to leave samples in your field for later evaluation. ■
Crop Insurance Calendar... JULY
1 15 27
Forage & Fall Wheat Premiums Billing Date Spring Acreage Reports Due & Processing Beans Final Plant Date July LGM Sales Close Date
AUGUST
15
Spring Premium Billing Date
31
August LGM Sales Close Date
SEPTEMBER
28
September LGM Sales Close Date
30
Wheat & Forage Production Sales Close Date
30
End of Insurance Period (loss reporting deadline) – Peach & Blueberry
OCTOBER
15
Forage Underwriting Report Signature Due Date
25
Wheat Final Plant Date*
31
End of Insurance Period (loss reporting deadline) for Fall Crops
31
Final Claim Reporting Date for Dry Beans
*Please note that some dates can vary by county. Please check with your crop insurance specialist for specific dates if you are unsure.
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Additionally, some crop insurance documents are now available through GreenStone’s web-based customer portal, My Access (see information below). To fully benefit from the resources and technology available to you, all customers are encouraged to enroll in My Access, not only allowing access to documents, but also secure communication and document exchange with GreenStone team members. All customers transitioning to the Express Policy team have received notification from your crop insurance specialist. If you are interested in this express process, or learning more about the benefits of My Access, please reach out to your crop insurance specialist. Express Policy team is available through these methods: In Michigan: • Phone: 844-675-0490 • Email: mi.cropinsurance@greenstonefcs.com In Wisconsin: • Phone: 800-657-5702 • Email: wi.cropsinsurance@greenstonefcs.com My Access login: www.greenstonefcs.com My Access Provides 24/7 Access To Your Accounts Continual enhancements to our secure web-based My Access system allows our customers easy access to a variety of online tools granting you the control you would like over your important GreenStone documents.
EXPRESS POLICY TEAM DEVELOPED FOR CROP INSURANCE CUSTOMERS As a leading provider of crop production risk management, we take great pride in offering you the highest quality insurance products from the most reputable companies in the marketplace. We also take great pride in providing you with highly-trained, dedicated team members to help you access the products you need, and are continuously exploring options to be the most effective and efficient in delivering services to our customers. With this in mind, we have designed our new Express Policy team to work with dedicated accounts from centralized locations throughout our territory. Using the advantages of technology, these customers will be served by a specialized team equipped to assist customers with policy renewals and/or changes, and collect all necessary information in an efficient, customer selected way. As was done previously, policy documents will be mailed to customers well in advance of the due dates to provide ample time to review and complete them before returning them to the Express Policy team.
Important features of My Access include: • Online Banking and Account Management • Secure Communication and Document Sharing • Access to Statements and Bills • Customized Alerts and Communication Preferences • Submit and Manage Country Living Online Loan Applications Crop Insurance in My Access New My Access updates allow customers to review, send and receive crop insurance documents electronically. In addition to communicating with your GreenStone crop insurance specialist, My Access provides the ability to save your important crop insurance documents for your records. Future enhancements will provide customers with access to additional forms and reports; today customers can receive the following online: • Schedule of Insurance • Confirmation of Coverage Additional system updates will be shared with customers as more information becomes available. Enrolling in My Access Using your email address, enroll at www.greenstonefcs.com. To unlock all features with My Access, connect to your customer account using: Personal information, such as: • Social Security Number • Date of Birth • Tax ID number • Customer Identification number Additional Information, such as: • Loan number and loan balance • Crop Insurance policy number and premium • Passphrase, provided by GreenStone For more information and to enroll in My Access, visit www.greenstonefcs.com ■
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Using Financial Reports Assists in Guiding Business Decisions By Chad Zagar, VP and Managing Director of Financial Services
Are you wondering what the breakeven cost is on your cattle operation? Are you unsure what market price you need on your crops to cover inputs? Questioning if you should buy that piece of equipment this year or next year to minimize income taxes? Consistently making the right business decisions is very difficult without having accurate financial records and reports. Given the current agricultural economic environment, financial records are more critical than ever to ensure you are maximizing your earnings potential. Financial records – including the balance sheet, the profit and loss statement and the statement of cash 37
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flows, along with projections for the coming season – helps producers understand clearly their operation’s financial position, including costs and profitability. Farmers who are pinching every penny and making necessary sacrifices to maximize their returns, are more likely to succeed. Having strong financial records enables producers to know their operation’s current financial position and where costs can be trimmed or additional revenues are needed to improve financial performance. Another key benefit to having highquality financial records: is they can demonstrate to lenders and suppliers your viability as a customer and
a business, showing how you are remaining profitable or the steps you are taking to maximize your returns. Especially for commodity producers who are price takers, being able to clearly explain your costs per unit of production and how you are making informed choices to minimize them can help attract the capital you need to fund your operation. Developing the discipline to maintain strong records and keep them current can be a challenge for producers, whose real passion and skill usually lies in managing their operations. It is safe to say that most farmers would much prefer to be out on their land or with their herd than in an office. This is one reason some turn to an outside expert to maintain their records, while they spend their limited time and their own expertise where it yields the most benefits: on the farm. An accountant or bookkeeper can serve in this role to provide general bookkeeping and checkbook accounting services,
Tax Calendar... JULY
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• Non-farm employers file Form 941 for the second quarter to report wages paid, and Social Security, Medicare, and income tax withheld from wages, and compute employer matching social security payments. • Form 5500 due for all employers that maintain an employee benefit plan such as a pension plan
SEPT. • Third quarter estimate is due for 2018
17
individuals that pay estimated taxes.
• S Corporations file a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S) if you requested an automatic six-month extension. • Partnerships file a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1065) if you requested an automatic six-month extension. • Corporations deposit the third installment of estimated tax for 2018.
OCT.
15
• Individuals file a 2017 income tax return (Form 1040) if an automatic six-month extension was requested. • Corporations file a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120) if you requested an automatic six-month extension.
31 produce accrual based financial statements, and prepare detailed cost accounting operational financial schedules to assist in business management decisions.
• Non-farm employers file Form 941 for the third quarter to report wages paid, and Social Security, Medicare, and income tax withheld from wages, and compute employer matching social security payments.
In addition to allowing a farmer to focus on farming, experienced financial professionals ensure the accuracy of financial reports so producers can be confident in their numbers and use them to make better decisions. An outside expert brings objectivity to financial records, and holds the farmer accountable to the reality of their situation without emotional attachments.
eventually yield, the right business decision may be to sell the calf. Crop producers can look at the cost to plant and fertilize on a per-acre or per-bushel basis and compare that to their projected yields and price, and make an educated decision about what and how much to plant. Fruit growers can analyze the costs to maintain a new tree over the time until it is productive and decide if planting is a wise financial investment.
Some farmers are hesitant to engage an outside expert because they fear that they will have less understanding of their financial picture if they do not build their financial reports themselves. However, working with an expert who knows the agriculture industry can deliver a clearer financial picture, with meaningful and accurate information on which to base business decisions. For example, when records show that the cost to raise a cow from birth outweighs the income it will
Whether you create your financial records and reports yourself or utilize an outside expert, maintaining records on an ongoing basis, rather than only at year-end, provides real-time information to support educated decisions throughout the year, including tax planning decisions in advance of year-end tax filings. This approach also allows you to compare your actual results against your projections, and to compare your results year-over-year at key points in your season, to further strengthen your decision making.
Depending on the industry, reports should ideally be updated at least quarterly and preferably monthly. Regardless of whether or not your balance sheet and profitability is as strong as you would like, high-quality reports help provide clarity to the business and family living decisions you need to make, demonstrate your commitment to increasing your profitability, and show your history of successful farm management to lenders and other capital providers allowing them to be confident of the accuracy and completeness of your records. If you are interested in learning more about using financial records or you are looking for help in generating reports, contact a local GreenStone branch. GreenStone offers a full array of accounting services for farmers and other business owners. ■ Partners — Summer 2018
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DISNEY AND AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP By Dr. David M. Kohl
While some may wonder how a trip to the Disney complex relates to the management of farms and ranches, there are actually several connections. Recently, I had the opportunity to co-facilitate a behind-the-scenes examination of Disney operations with over 100 agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals. And sharing the program with Lee Cockerell, a former Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World Resort, was a special treat. At one time, he led a team of 40,000 at the Disney Resort after stints at the Marriott and Hilton hotels. Raised on an Oklahoma dairy farm, Lee grew up milking Ayrshire dairy cows. Interestingly, he attributes much of his expertise not to his formal education, but rather to his life and work on the farm. After lectures and some specific assignments, my job was to help participants make connections
between their observations of the park and their own businesses. Obviously, a Disney Resort is quite an operation and one theme that surfaced repeatedly was personal leadership. Let’s explore some of the displays of leadership at the Disney Park that are applicable for agriculture, today and in the future. Don’t let the bottom line compromise your core values. In the recent commodity supercycle, from 2006 to 2012, growth became the top priority for many in agriculture, regardless of cost. Whether it is a farm, ranch or an associated agribusiness, growth is the number-one reason why businesses fail. And in most cases, the failure comes from the accelerated rate of growth, not the actual expansion. Asset purchases, land acquisition, livestock expansion and other types of growth can easily and quickly outpace the ability of management to adjust
and keep up. Thus, any significant change in the management philosophy of business growth must first be tested against the core values and goals of the business stakeholders. Yet, for the aggressive, action-oriented manager, this type of approach is often considered mundane or even inhibitive to growth. At Disney, there have been several recent expansions as well as changes in areas such as infrastructure, management, products, consumer services and increased pricing. Slowly and steadily, Disney leaders like Lee Cockerell planned and assessed opportunities, resources and risks. Today, Disney is in the middle of perhaps their largest expansion, but still right in step with their vision and values. Good leaders keep their focus on core values and goals, and also realize that they will periodically change. Partners — Summer 2018
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It is true that motivated people tend to in turn motivate those around them, which is often called the compounding effect. This contagious nature is one reason why the Disney culture of everything-matters is so successful.
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Clarity in expectations. Whether it is a new employee or family member entering or exiting the business, clarity and transparency in expectations is critical. At Disney, existing employees are involved in hiring decisions and the expectations of excellence are very transparent. Disney will often hire based upon the “GWC” rule, which stands for “do they get it, do they want it, and do they have the capacity?” Of course, the first two attributes are all about attitude, while the latter is aptitude. However, even if some employees lack aptitude, training and development can make the difference. This investment often entails training, and then written and observation testing, and perhaps training again. For example, safety and cleanliness are high priorities at Disney’s parks. As a test, one of our group participants purposely dropped a piece of paper while watching the parade of Disney characters go by. Within 45 seconds, the paper was gone. Goofy picked it up and never missed a step. This was an impressive embodiment of the Disney motto and culture of everything-and-everyone-matters. Of course, this was a great model for each producer to take back to their own business. Whether it is in the details of production, marketing, finance or just overall operational efficiency, everything has an impact. Another concept that came up in the leadership event was the thought that people who have moved from job to job are not motivated and usually do not make good employees. It is true that motivated people tend to in turn motivate those around them, which is often called the compounding effect. This contagious nature is one reason why the Disney culture of everything-matters is so successful. Each 41
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employee feels like an important part of the team, knows what is expected and takes pride in delivering those expectations. So, whether you are interviewing a potential employee or applying for a potential job, be prepared to ask or to answer the question “Why should we hire you?” Burn free fuel. On the myriad flip charts, we recorded pertinent quotes from the Disney experience. In the debriefing session, the acronym A.R.E. was placed on one of the charts. This stood for appreciation, recognition and encouragement. Together, they represent a cost-free, fully sustainable fuel that keeps the engine of the business running smoothly. The agribusiness team interviewed cast members in the park (such as Goofy), and were shocked by some of what they found. Some cast members with 10 to 20 years of employment at the park were being paid slightly over $10 an hour. When asked why they stayed for such modest compensation, the cast members cited reasons such as Disney’s work culture, the family atmosphere, the overall attitude of the Disney team and making a difference in people’s lives. Next, good leaders have a real sense of emotional intelligence. Often, they are authentic and self-aware. They spend meaningful time listening to employees and model their best performance. More specifically, the good leaders of Disney let employees know what they are doing right and take the opportunity to coach them on ways to improve. As good leaders, they embody the A.R.E. principles with everyone, from the person cleaning the rest areas to the new management executive. One of the participating groups offered a great quote about their observations. They said, “The everything-matters motto means having the discipline to do the difficult things, and
empathy to recognize how your actions affect other people. Structure and Culture In today’s economic environment, most in agriculture are experiencing significant losses, or at least lower profits. Often, these situations invite a fair amount of introspection. A new exercise conducted recently asked producers to use a few keywords to define success. Many mentioned the keywords of balance, community, family and health. These producers shared aspirations such as an improved balance between the business and family; enjoying their work; giving back to the community; raising a family; and maintaining good physical, mental and spiritual health. Disney management not only mirrors these priorities, they provide a culture of continued support in these areas such as personal development, education, personal finance, family and personal communication, diet and exercise. In our collection of quotes, one stood out above the others. It read, “Great culture and environment is where everything is on the table and one doesn’t wait too long.” Good leaders evolve their structure on an ongoing basis and are never afraid to break the mold. Cockerell shared that he keeps a checklist, which assists him in knowing when it is time for a change. The following is a good checklist by which to size up one’s business. • Does the business operate fluidly in your absence? •A re there levels of accountability and responsibility that are clear and transparent? • Does information flow smoothly? •A re decisions made efficiently and effectively?
To assess whether one’s work culture is right, add the following to your checklist. • Are roles and responsibilities clear? • I s there wasted time and constant miscommunication? •A re there too many people involved in decisions. •A re the effective workers and family members hiding within the business or culture (a common problem for many farms and ranch businesses)? • Are meetings too frequent or too long? •D o organizational meetings produce results and motivate employees? I once consulted for a business whose culture was more representative of a television soap opera than an operation. The employees continued to come back to work, but only to see the next scene, not to be productive. Finally, the experience at Disney spurred introspection and great thought about what it means to be a successful leader. Observing
and examining a completely foreign industry, these 100 agriculturalists were able to see the business practices that really matter, regardless of the industry or business.
• Take care of yourself. This is why Disney believes in both training and in development. Whether it is work-life balance, exercise or personal education, Disney provides consistent support for each of these attributes for the development of their people.
In closing, let’s look at a few other great concepts generated from the experience. •G reat leaders understand that to get to one’s brain one must go through the heart. • E veryone is in character, building the people brand by their actions. Be a good role model. • E very day you are on stage. Whether working with fellow employees, lenders, suppliers or customers and producers, take care with the little things. • T he tough things are easy to steal. The easy things are tough to steal. Companies spend millions to protect their software, which can still be hacked and stolen. But the Disney smile and customer engagement is very difficult to take.
• T urn off the technology periodically. None of the Disney characters were observed texting or checking their mobile devices. Instead, they were fully engaged with people, making relations more important than technology. While this provides a brief snapshot of our experience at the Disney Park, the 100 producers and agribusiness professionals included in the event were most impressed. Of course, the warm temperatures and sunshine were a welcome change for most, but the culture and character of the Disney Park was even more refreshing. In fact, the Disney experience was just the lift these producers and professionals needed to take their operations to the next level. ■
i THE IMPORTANCE OF PATCHING There is one thing every user can do to greatly improve their security posture, and this one thing is often overlooked or skipped all together – patching. There are all sorts of reasons why people do not patch their computer, it interrupts work, it takes too long, and a favorite is the patch will do more harm than good. Patching your computer is like maintaining your car. It will still run without maintenance, but driving often becomes more dangerous the longer you go on without a checkup. According to Hewlett Packard’s 2015 Cyber Risk report, 44 percent of breaches could be attributed to
patched vulnerabilities that were between two and four years old. Patching your PC and the software installed on it is a must, and it is simple to do – just apply (install) all available updates for the application. Here are a few tips to help minimize down-time and interruptions while keeping your software up-to-date. • For Windows Operating System you should be enabling “automatic updates.” Using automatic updates feature will keep Windows patched. • For third-party applications installed on your computer, such as Adobe Flash Player, Java and Adobe
Reader, download the updates directly from the vendor’s website; some of them even have an option to enable automatic updates. There is also an application, called Patch My PC, that can help simplify keeping those third-party applications updated. It is also important to keep your mobile phone and other Internet connected smart devices continuously patched to help keep you and your information protected. Patch My PC https://patchmypc.net/overview Microsoft Security Update Guide https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/ ■
...Tech Tip
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3515 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823
Summer feature highlight... Often times a family farm’s legacy is preserved in the homes the families are raised in. Along with new barns, additional acreage and new machinery, farm successions may include new homes. For the Oberski family in Bad Axe, Michigan, the farm’s history is punctuated by the homes where the families lived, eventually returning to the place of the original farmstead. Read more on page 29.