“It’s a lot of inventory to keep in order,” Halie said. “I’ve worked in customer service, but I’ve never owned a business. What I realized is that you have to be six months ahead of everyone else, because you need to order supplies. It might be spring, but you’re focusing on fall.” Relationships
Johnny Thompson, financial services officer in GreenStone’s Bay City branch, admires the Schultzes’ entrepreneurial spirit and attention to diversification. “We have a really good relationship,” Johnny said. “First of all, we both have beef cattle, and if you get two guys talking about beef cattle they usually don’t stop – myself included. But really, I like the way they have diversified and market their crops. Not only did they open up the storefront, but they worked with a lot of other gas stations, meat markets, and local businesses to sell their products. This way, they’re not as subject to the market value for commodity prices. It’s really made them successful.” Johnny also thinks they have done a great job growing their business.
i 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. Commodity Update: Greenhouse industry cautiously optimistic For 2022, many greenhouse owners have coined the term "cautiously optimistic" according to Emelee Rajzer, senior financial services officer for GreenStone.
“Max has worked his way up and made his own way,” Johnny said. “He lives in a place where dirt is expensive, and it’s impressive the way he’s been able to do what he does in that area without the head start of already owning land. Because of the difference in the way he markets his products, he’s been able to vertically integrate in an effective way.” The Schultzes have had a good experience working with GreenStone, and Johnny in particular. “Johnny’s great,” Max said. “He answers every phone call, and he wastes no time in getting everything done. He’s awesome.” Overall, the Schultzes enjoy the farming part of their job, plus the challenge of owning an agricultural business. “We’re young, and we’re customer-based people, and pretty much everything is grown and raised locally,” Max said. “We have lots of support from friends and family, and we’ve had the same customers for the last five years. Plus, it builds every day.” ■
CultivateGrowth: A Refreshed Approach for Young, Beginning, and Small farmers GreenStone Farm Credit Services has expanded their support for young, small, and beginning farmers – a refreshed program named CultivateGrowth. Dollars & Sense: Starting the year off right! As we look at the busy year ahead, it might be time to consider utilizing accounting reports to help guide your farming operation. Up to date records allow you to: manage your business operation effectively, manage your tax liabilities effectively (and with less stress), and make family living budget decisions more easily. ■
➡T op Left: The Schultzes' australian shepherd, Miles. ➡B ottom Left: GreenStone financial services officer, Johnny Thompson, featured with Max and Halie Schultz
Partners — Spring 2022
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