GreenStone Story. Since the first Patronage Day 20 years ago, total dividends returned to GreenStone members will hit $1 billion dollars this coming March.
Connect
GreenStone Story. Explore the path to getting involved in your cooperative’s Nominating Committee this year.
Live
Country Living Customer Feature. Tanner and Mariah Sharp fell in love with a five-acre hobby farm, on the outskirts of the small town of Rosebush, Michigan.
Learn
Crop Insurance Customer Feature. For Boyd and the Endsley family, ECO is more than just an insurance option—it’s a way to ensure the resilience and success of their farm for generations to come.
This newsletter is published quarterly for the customers of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
Editorial
Linnea Jones
Emma Moore
Melissa Rogers
Dakota Spink
Kate Thiel
Grow
CultivateGrowth Customer Feature. What does it mean to be a fourth-generation farmer in today’s agricultural climate? For Tyler Baudhuin of Baudhuin Farms based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, it means having the drive, passion, and determination to continue to grow and prosper what those who came before you started.
Art & Design
William Eva
Olivia Gallt
Partners
GreenStone Farm Credit Services
3515 West Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
800-444-3276
marketing@greenstonefcs.com
3 CEO Comments.
President and CEO Travis Jones dives into a 2024 recap and shares his predictions for 2025.
11 Market Outlook.
Take a dive into the 2025 economic forecast and review recent market observations.
23 Directors’ Perspective.
In this Directors’ Perspective, board members take the opportunity to share their perspective of what that $1.08 billion means to them!
25 Legislative Matters.
As we contemplate another year of agriculture production focused on our individual and collective roles as part of the food system, our preparation, planning and planting is heavy on our minds.
30 Snowmobile Safety Tips.
Snowmobile riding is a big piece of the winter fun for many, and here are a few tips to make sure all the fun stays safe.
31 Guest Column.
Jordan Browne, Associate Producer, Michigan Out-ofDoors TV takes note of the highs and lows of the 2024 hunting season.
33 Family Resolutions. Consider 2025 family resolutions – these could focus on quality time, kindness, acts of service, or anything specific your family sees as a need for the new year.
39 Tax & Accounting.
Starting on February 21, 2025, every Michigan employer, regardless of size, must provide their employees with up to 72 hours of sick leave annually under Michigan’s new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA).
41 Tech Tip.
As we kick off the new year, it’s important to refresh ourselves on the cybersecurity topics we’ve explored over the last yeartopics we hope provide you with practical, actionable advice to keep your family, finances, and operations safe.
8 Agriculture Blog Brief
9 CultivateGrowth Resources
14 Member News
16 Candid Comments
20 Calendar of Events
21 Behind the Scenes
22 Pause for Applause
32 Country Living Blog Brief 34 Commodity Cuisine... Softest Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crop Insurance News
Crop Insurance Calendar
Tax Calendar
Publisher’s Note:
Welcome to 2025 – a fresh and new start to the year. It’s also the first issue of Partners when we’re rolling out our refreshed brand – you’ll see new colors, fresh graphics, and engaging messaging not only in Partners, but among all your interactions with GreenStone.
It’s an evolution of your cooperative visually showcasing its experience, reliability and focus – the characteristics you rely on at GreenStone. For me, it’s also an opportunity to showcase the work of my team, one of the many teams who work behind the scenes each day to not only inform and support our existing customers, but also promote the value of your cooperative to those not yet a customer. I’m excited because it’s something we’ve worked double time on for many months to bring to fruition, and because it’s a refreshed design and tone that would rival the work of any marketing team.
Projects and advancement like this brand refresh project are as important to us as the family and business decisions each of you make, just like the customer stories you’ll read in the magazine. It’s like the plan being finalized for the new dairy barn and parlor at Baudhuin Farms on page 5, or the life-changing year for the Sharp family on page 27, and the decision and reward of expanding their risk management plan by the Endsley’s on page 35. Each of these customer stories represent the time, focus, planning and worry that goes into every business and family decision and accomplishment, just like those at GreenStone. And when we work together and achieve success, we share in that success – don’t miss the Patronage announcement on page 17!
On behalf of my team, I hope you enjoy both our refreshed brand and reading through this issue of Partners as much as I enjoy working with a team dedicated to advancing your cooperative and growing with our members.
Happy reading, and happy new year!
Melissa
CEO comments
New Years Update
It’s been an interesting start to winter with temperatures and precipitation coming in at all sides. I was blessed with the opportunity to get away for a bit just before the holidays and enjoyed some great family time with my wife, adult children and granddaughter. It’s my hope that each of you found many moments to pause and enjoy those around you to bring a renewed energy into the new year! Happy 2025!
Recap
The cooperative ended 2024 with results that should support a positive outlook for what’s ahead. Although the final numbers won’t be in until just after this magazine gets mailed, our net income is looking strong at about $300 million, which would be a record! But as you’ve hopefully come to expect from GreenStone – income is only one piece of the puzzle. As a cooperative, it’s also important to be efficient and good stewards of your capital – the good news that you’ll read more about in our annual report later this year is the cooperative is running efficiently while making prudent investments in people and technology. GreenStone’s credit quality also remains strong as we head into what some expect to be a bit rougher waters for some agricultural commodities. GreenStone is well positioned to work with members with solid capital to fund expected challenges in 2025 while keeping our total Patronage paid out at high levels to help support our members.
Announcements
Speaking of Patronage – we’ve got a BIG payment ahead of us. The board of directors approved another $120 million to be returned to our members on March 20, 2025! While that number alone is an impactful value for members that truly makes a difference in your business and family, what’s even more significant is this payment will make the 20-year total returned to members
$1.08 BILLION. You read that right: BILLION.
On March 20th we’ll hand out checks to our members for the 20th year, all together totaling over one billion dollars returned over those 20 years. I joined GreenStone as the Chief Financial Officer in September of 2007, our third year of paying Patronage. That year we paid a total of $15 million in cash patronage. In 2008 and 2009, we actually paid slightly lower amounts of $13.5 million and $12 million, respectively. I am not sure any members of management or our board of directors pictured the day we would pay $120 million on Patronage Day and that the 20-year total would exceed $1 billion. I could not be prouder of the success our cooperative has had.
There’s more on Patronage Day later in this magazine, but what I really want to convey is that Patronage represents so much more than the dollars. The dollars make an important financial benefit to our cooperative members, but to get those dollars there’s been thousands and thousands of smiles, hellos, handshakes, conversations, questions, worries, relationships built, miles driven, customer visits and memories.– I could go on, but I think you get my point.
Our cooperative is about far more than the bottom line. Yes, we must remain financially strong in order to continue to serve our members, provide these returns, and support you through all your dreams and challenges – but we value being a part of your community, providing reliable experience, being focused with you on both today and tomorrow, and offering a friendly face along the way.
To help ensure we’re conveying those characteristics at every interaction with GreenStone, we’re also excited to release our “refreshed” brand. What’s that mean?
Thank you for being an important part of a strong 2024. As we work to execute our business initiatives for the year ahead, I sincerely wish you a year of achievement in whatever form is most important to you!
Good question (I had to ask too when our team first started talking about it). We’re still GreenStone Farm Credit Services, our name and logo aren’t going anywhere, nor are our products and services or the way we work with customers – that’s who we are and what makes our cooperative special. But the visual way you see us in our advertising, in materials you receive from GreenStone – even in this Partners magazine – there’s a refreshed design, and a more personal message style being adopted to help us stay relevant and relatable to our members, and consistent in the experience you get no matter when or where you interact with GreenStone. This is just one more example of all the big and little details your cooperative is doing to progress with our members and be prepared to advance with and for you.
Future
I started out talking about 2025, so let me close with a few thoughts on our view of the future which brings both opportunities and challenges. Like other industries, agriculture is cyclical and it’s entering what is referred to as a correction phase as margins tighten for many. With that in mind, that’s why you’ll hear us emphasize the importance of our members being prepared, being adaptable, and being communicative.
As a relationship-based lender, we’re here to partner with our members to help you in your decision-making process, providing financial options that not only align with your individual situation, but that also balance the financial strength of the cooperative and the membership as a whole. Communication is key in all scenarios – the more transparent and proactive members are, the more options there will be to consider together.
On the interest rate front, the Federal Reserve dropped rates in 2024 to benefit borrowers, although future considerations may come with an even more cautious approach as we watch the inflation and employment rate trajectories. Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a “time will tell” situation.
Wishes for 2025
Your GreenStone cooperative is focused on partnering with customers, achieving growth to sustain financial stability, and remaining committed to our mission of helping our customers achieve success. Thank you for being an important part of a strong 2024. As we work to execute our business initiatives for the year ahead, I sincerely wish you a year of achievement in whatever form is most important to you!
Please reach out to me any time I can be of assistance. Thank you for your membership and business!
Travis D. Jones 517-318-4144 travis.jones@greenstonefcs.com
Lifting a Legacy Baudhuin Farms
What does it mean to be a fourthgeneration farmer in today’s agricultural climate? For Tyler Baudhuin of Baudhuin Farms based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, it means having the drive, passion, and determination to continue to grow and prosper what those who came before you started.
“I knew this is what I wanted to do since I was eight years old”, says Tyler. “I’ll never forget the day I missed baling hay with my dad because my mom had to take me in for a doctor’s appointment. I was so upset I missed it. I truly have felt like this has been my calling ever since I can remember.”
The Start of a Family Legacy Baudhuin Farms was originally purchased by Tyler’s great-grandfather in the 1940’s. He bought it on a foreclosure deal from a Sturgeon Bay bank, with the original property spanning only 120 acres. The farm has remained in the family ever since, and alongside his father David, Tyler has helped grow Baudhuin Farms into the successful operation it is today.
“We currently farm over 900 tillable acres, and are milking around 200 cows every day,” says Tyler. The farm also produces cash crops such as winter wheat and beans, and raises a number of angus beef every year to sell.
As the farm has continued to expand, so has their need for improved infrastructure and better cattle management practices. “We were
◀ Fourth generation farmer Tyler Baudhuin says, “farming isn’t just a job for me, or for anyone else who is a farmer. This is a lifestyle.” ▲ Tyler and VP of Lending Toni Sorenson check out the progress of the farm’s new free stall barn that will be completed in spring of 2025.
at the point where we needed to make an investment to improve our everyday practices to become more efficient long term and help our cows reach their full potential,” explained Tyler. “We needed a solution that allowed us to have all of our cattle on site in one location together, and something that would also improve their quality of life.”
A Lifelong Relationship
That’s where GreenStone came in. Now no stranger to working with the Farm Credit association, Tyler laughed as he recalled the first time he met with his financial services officer, now VP of Lending Antonia (Toni) Sorenson, before he was truly committed to the long-term farm business.
“I was about 18 years old at the time and walked into the GreenStone branch in
Sturgeon Bay wanting to buy a piece of equipment. I remember she laughed and told me to come back when I had a plan,” he chuckled. “I knew I wanted to farm, but I wasn’t necessarily married to the idea yet.”
A few years later, David had just taken over the farm full-time from his father (Tyler’s grandfather). “At this point I was committed to farming, and knew it was truly what I wanted to do,” he said. He went back to GreenStone, this time intent on purchasing land for the farm. “Toni worked with me on the purchase of the land, and we’ve pretty much worked together ever since,” he says. Their relationship with GreenStone has only continued to grow over time. “Whenever we need anything, we know we can go to Toni and she has our best interest in mind,” explained Tyler.
We were at the point where we needed to make an investment to improve our everyday practices to become more efficient long term and help our cows reach their full potential.
◀ Tyler and Toni have known each other for over a decade, and over time have built a relationship based on trust and friendship.
Since financing that first plot of land with GreenStone, Tyler and David have trusted GreenStone to support their operation through lending needs, tax and accounting services, and crop insurance, which Tyler advocated for.
“I was the one who brought it up to my dad that this could be a worthwhile investment for us even though we had never really used [crop insurance] before. We looked into it after GreenStone recommended we get coverage, and it has definitely paid off for us. There are some years I look back at and think if we wouldn’t have had the crop insurance coverage, I’m not sure what we would have done. We stick with GreenStone because we know we’re always going to be provided with honest answers about what we do and don’t need,” says Tyler.
Building Towards the Future
Most recently, their construction project for the new free-stall barn and milking parlor is an example of the trust Tyler has
working with Toni to find what the best solution for their farm is going to be - even if it takes some time.
The project first came to light around four years ago, with a vision to get all cattle in one location along with building a more efficient cattle housing and milking facility. At the start, Tyler recalls bringing plans to Toni to figure out realistically what the best option for their needs would be.
“We would look at plans and then have to start over again in order to find what was going to have the most impact on our everyday operations as well as what our return on investment would be on it,” Tyler explained. “It’s been about four years in the works to get this project perfected and underway, but we know this is the right solution that is going to help us continue to grow many years into the future.”
The Baudhuins officially broke ground on their new free-stall 300 cow barn and milking parlor in July of 2024.
“It’s really rewarding to see this project come to life and see Tyler continue to
live out his family’s legacy,” commented Toni. “I’m really proud of what he has accomplished and it’s so exciting to see where the future of their farm is headed. I’m looking forward to watching them continue to grow!”
The new barn and milking parlor are expected to be completed in the spring of 2025. “The completed construction project will allow for better footing to promote cow hoof-health, improved air quality, and an overall larger and more comfortable facility for not only the cows but the Baudhuins and their employees as well,” added Toni. “Being able to support young farmers such as Tyler and help them achieve their dreams is what it’s all about for me.”
A Sustainable Operation for Years to Come
Tyler’s story isn’t one that didn’t come without its own set of challenges. “There were plenty of days that we asked ourselves if all of this was worth it. At the end of the day, this isn’t just a job for me, or for anyone else who is a farmer. This is a lifestyle.”
Tyler has a great amount of gratitude for his family as they have worked to help him achieve this dream. Tyler appreciates his dad always doing anything that is needed on the farm, and he continues to learn from his mom, Sue, who has always been instrumental in great calf care. He feels lucky to have parents who are willing to believe and invest in the future of the operation.
Tyler had some words of advice for other young multi-generational farmers when it comes to facing the challenges of the ever-changing agricultural industry. “Listen and learn as much as you can. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day, continue to persevere, and you will be successful.”
Tyler’s story is a testament to the value of what the right partnership can provide - an open line of communication, trust, and a united vision to continue to grow and prosper a family farm so it can stand for generations to come. ◀
Agriculture – Open Fields Blog
GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com/openfieldsblog.
Taking the Dive
11/22/2024
Despite having her degree in Web Development and Design, Emily Gandara’s passion was for farming. To stick to her goals, she applied and received GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant!
Why Fruit Growers Should Consider ECO
11/7/2024
Cory Blumerick, Crop Insurance Manager
Here’s what you need to know about Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) as a fruit producer to receive more coverage options than ever before.
Connecting with Agriculture
10/25/2024
Five years ago, the Muehlhauser’s began their operation of connecting people to agriculture. As the farm advanced, Kristen wanted to grow her skills in cut flower production and used GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant learn the ins and outs of successful lily production. ◀
CultivateGrowth resources
Grants for the Next Generation!
At GreenStone, we understand farming and logging are about more than just planting and harvesting—they're about growing the next generation of producers. That’s why we’re excited to offer another year of the CultivateGrowth grants, designed for young, beginning, and small farmers, urban producers, and timbermen ready to advance their education and operation.
Whether you're starting fresh or building on a family legacy, we know today’s industry is tough. Our grants provide financial support and access to resources like farm consultations, industry events, and GreenStone’s tax and accounting services to help you make informed decisions and set your operation up for success.
Grant Details:
Since 2018, the cooperative has reimbursed nearly $100,000 of agriculture-related education costs through the grant program. Again in 2025, GreenStone is providing up to $1,000 for GreenStone members and up to $500 for non-members who qualify as a young, beginning or small farmer or timbermen.
Eligibility:
• Young, beginning or small farmer
- 18-35 years of age, or
- Farming for less than 10 years, or
- Sustain annual gross sales from agricultural production of less than $350,000
• Must be eligible to be a member of GreenStone, residing in Michigan or northeast Wisconsin
Intended grant use must fall within one of the following categories:
• Agricultural or timber-related programs/events: educational course/program (on-site or online), conference fees, etc.
• GreenStone resources: first time use of accounting, payroll and tax services.
• Non-GreenStone services: business and farm consultants, etc.
Interested in applying? Dollars are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis so don’t wait to apply. Visit greenstonefcs. com/grants for more information. ◀
Since 2018, the cooperative has reimbursed nearly $100,000 of agriculturerelated education costs through the grant program.
New Year Now What?
BY: THERESE HILL, GreenStone Regional Credit Manager
US Economic Outlook:
With the election over, what can we expect? The Republican party managed a trifecta win and will chart the economic course for the country. If campaign promises come to fruition, tariffs against China will surge, and there will be extensions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, as well as tax cuts on Social Security benefits and overtime income. This could lead to a larger federal deficit, as the income from the new tariffs will lag the projected tax cuts. It will be imperative for additional
action to be taken to achieve a stable fiscal policy and limit expansion of the deficit.
How will the Fed respond to the plans laid out by the new administration regarding future rate cuts and where the target fund rate should settle? Economic stimulation from proposed tax cuts will be buffered by the drag from the additional tariffs, allowing the Fed to continue additional rate cuts, while keeping a close eye on unemployment numbers and inflation. After the December rate cut, a couple of additional
Monetary and fiscal policy, along with global commodity price volatility due to supply disruptions and increasing civil unrest globally, will be the economic drivers heading into 2025.
rate cuts are expected in each of 2025 and 2026.. The Fed is expecting the target fund rate to settle in the 3.25-3.5% range, a substantial reduction from the previous high of 5.2-5.5%.
Economists were nervous in July when the unemployment number jumped to 4.3%. However, in September the unemployment rate dipped back to 4.1%. The softening job market is a continuing trend as both private and government sector employment are growing at a slower pace. Unemployment is projected to continue to rise through the remainder of 2024 and stabilize at 4.4% second quarter of 2025 and the balance of the year.
Monetary and fiscal policy, along with global commodity price volatility due to supply disruptions and increasing civil unrest globally, will be the economic drivers heading into 2025.
Agricultural Economic Outlook – December WASDE and ERS Outlook Report Corn:
The U.S. is coming off a successful growing season with a near record corn crop. The U.S. Grains Council Corn Harvest Report indicates that the quality of the corn crop is extremely high - excellent news for exports. December’s report estimates corn yield at 183.1 bushels per acre and total production at 15.1 billion bushels, unchanged from the previous report as harvest is essentially complete. There is good news as ethanol production has increased throughout the fall months. The Grain Crushing report shows the highest usage of corn for ethanol production from September to November since 2017. In addition, the Outlook for U.S. Agricultural trade released last month by the USDA raised projected corn exports by 200 million bushels.
Higher domestic use and higher exports will lower ending stocks, however the forecasted season average corn price received by producers remains at $4.10 per bushel for 2024/2025.
Soybeans:
This month’s supply and usage report shows the 2024/2025 soybean crop figures unchanged from last month with total production of 4.5 billion bushels. Soybean oil production is projected to increase along with stronger export numbers which will drive ending stocks lower. However, global oilseed production was raised this month by 1.7 million tons to 427.1 million with increases in Argentina, Bolivia, and Canada. This will result in higher global ending stocks and continued negative pressure on US soybean prices. The USDA revised their season average soybean price received for the 2024/2025 crop sixty cents lower, now estimating $10.20 per bushel for soybeans.
Dairy:
Per the USDA milk production report, milk production was up 0.2% from October ’24 compared to October ’23. This increase was primarily driven by a larger U.S. dairy herd, expanding 46,000 head in the past three months, breaking a downward trend in the herd size that started in March ’23. Not coincidentally, the compressing herd trend, coupled with strong demand, has allowed for increased milk prices in the second half of ’24. The average Class III milk price for Q3 jumped to $21.26 compared to $17.97 in Q2 and $15.86 in Q1. The USDA dairy cull cows marketed through US slaughter plants are at the lowest point dating back to September 2007, suggesting dairy producers are keeping their cows longer days in milk or breeding for another lactation. This makes sense due to the smaller overall dairy herd (despite the recent increases) and higher demand for
replacements due to the scarce heifer supply.
With production also up as yield increased by 3 lbs. to 1,996 pounds/cow, U.S. butter prices have declined 22% from their peak earlier this summer while CME spot cheddar barrels are down 48% from midSeptember and blocks are 32% lower. Despite this pressure weighing on CME milk futures, it is making U.S. supplies more competitive in the export market. Class III milk futures for 2025 average $18.99 and Class IV milk futures average $20.65. These prices are slightly higher than the averages experienced in 2024, a profitable year for dairy production. Relatively strong basis continues as demand for new processing plants coming online persists. These milk prices, coupled with the drop in feed costs, should provide producers with an opportunity for solid margins into 2025.
HPAI continues to impact the industry as 248 cases have been confirmed in California in the last 30 days leading up to the end of November and 13 new cases in Utah. Since March 2024, 650 cases have been confirmed across fifteen states. Production in California has dropped as output dropped 3.8% year-over-year and total cows declined by 4,000 head in October. The USDA recently announced plans for mandatory animal testing for H5N1.
Pork:
Fourth quarter rallies in pork prices and improved producer margins are always welcomed but are also rare. The first 2 months of Q4 2024 have been unusually good due to a counter-seasonal upswing in the pork cutout, cash prices, and lean hog futures markets, coupled with lower corn and soybean meal prices. Entering December, the outlook for margins over feed for producers for the next four quarters is
stronger than for most periods over the past decade. Producers are increasing hedging activities and purchases of LRP policies to lock in some of these surprising margin opportunities. The Pork Cutout is up 7% vs. a year ago, led by increased ham and belly prices. Retail prices for pork are at the highest levels since Q4 2023 at $4.92/pound at the end of October. Export demand remains solid with volumes up 5% vs. a year ago through September and export values up 7%, with exports to Mexico leading the way. The September USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report showed an increase of 4.3% in heavy weight hogs. However, hog numbers marketed since that report have not matched up. Pork inventories are at a 20-year low for the end of October and down significantly from a year ago. The previously strong demand for bellies is waning, which will negatively impact Cutout price. Disease pressure may further limit supplies as fewer than expected head have been marketed in recent weeks and carcass weights have not increased as much as they often do seasonally. Live hog weights have been below 2023 weights and the 5-year average over the past several weeks. While a stronger finish in 2024 will make for a much better year for producers and provide cautious optimism for 2025, it has still been a challenging year and average returns per hog sold will vary widely based upon herd health, production efficiency, packer contract type, and the timing and degree of price risk protection utilized. ◀
Relatively strong basis continues as demand for new processing plants coming online persists. These milk prices, coupled with the drop in feed costs, should provide producers with an opportunity for solid margins into 2025.
New Look, Same GreenStone!
For over a century, GreenStone has remained dedicated to our mission of helping farmers, agribusinesses, rural homebuyers and land seekers achieve their goals and dreams through tailored lending solutions and financial services.
Our CoreFour Values serve as the guiding principles that shape this mission. Customer First, Deliver Quality, Get Involved, and Do the Right Thing are not just words, they are the foundation upon which we build relationships, make decisions, and
conduct ourselves in every aspect of our work. Our brand characteristics align with these CoreFour Values and determine how we represent ourselves visually and communicate with you, our member-owners.
To effectively represent how we continue to grow and support our members, you will notice some changes in how we portray ourselves visually through our communications, social media presence, and more. Don’t worry, we’re still the same GreenStone you’ve come to know and trust, just
with an updated and refreshed look!
You will see that neither our name nor logo has changed. Rather, updated colors, graphic elements, and messaging are all a part of the brand refresh that kicked off this year. We’re excited for you to engage with our fresh new look, designed to help assure GreenStone maintains a strong relevant presence within the marketplace. We hope you find that GreenStone’s brand refresh illustrates this, and we look forward to continuing to grow with you in 2025 and beyond! ◀
Wisconsin Deer Challenge Results Winners
Congratulations to everyone who harvested a deer this year, and thank you to the over 130 participants who entered our 2024 Deer Challenge! With a record-breaking number of entries this year, we hope a great hunting season was had by all!
Once again, thank you to all who participated and congratulations to our winners! ◀
GreenStone Educational Scholarships Available!
GreenStone is committed to supporting the agriculture industry’s future leaders and is happy to once again award scholarships to both incoming college freshmen and upperclassmen pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field. From farming, to agribusiness, timber, natural resources and more, all students are encouraged to apply now!
Incoming freshman planning to earn a fouryear degree are eligible for a scholarship of $2,000, while incoming freshman attending a two-year college program are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. In addition, GreenStone also offers $5,000 scholarships to current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors pursuing a degree in agriculture, natural resources and timber related fields.
Applications are now being accepted for both programs. For complete program guidelines and applications, visit greenstonefcs.com/scholarships. Application deadline for both scholarships is February 28, 2025. ◀
2025 Farm Women’s Symposium
Recently announced by the Farm Women’s Symposium committee, they will hold the 2025 annual conference on March 4-6, 2025 in Lansing, Michigan. The event provides women opportunities for leadership and development, enhancing communication and management skills, building effective family teams, and developing a network of supportive friendships.
GreenStone will once again provide $150 scholarships toward the cost of registration for our members; be sure to indicate your branch on your registration form. Please visit the Farm Women’s Symposium Facebook page or new website for more details and to register: farmwomenssymposium.org. ◀
Annual Report Notice
The 2025 GreenStone Farm Credit Services annual report will be available for viewing online at www.greenstonefcs. com by Friday, March 14, 2025. In addition, the annual report will be mailed to all stockholders within 90 days of year-end. By regulation, GreenStone is required to send a copy to each stockholder regardless of if it is a duplicate mail or email address. ◀
Welcome
Chris Allsteadt and Michael Frodermann to the Senior Leadership Team
GreenStone is pleased to announce two new members to its capital markets team, Chris Allsteadt and Mike Frodermann!
Chris brings a wealth of knowledge with him to GreenStone, with over 20 years of experience exclusively devoted to the growth of agribusinesses. Before joining GreenStone, he most recently worked as the Director of Credit at CoBank for nearly 15 years covering the Corporate
Agribusiness Division.
Chris is eager to continue to grow and diversify GreenStone’s portfolio and create an even more sustainable business for the benefit of our stakeholders and shareholders. As a memberowned cooperative, the success of our member-owners is our success!
For Chris, bringing out the best in his team is the key to success. “What I enjoy most about my role is supporting our team and bringing out all of their unique skillsets and personalities in a way that contributes towards our overall growth,” says Chris. “I enjoy watching our team grow personally and professionally. To me, it’s the little things that are important. I love what I do and enjoy supporting the mission of Farm Credit and advocating for our associations, industries, and banking partners.”
In what free time he has, Chris stays active and enjoys a variety of hobbies including fitness, golf, snowboarding,
“Thank you for awarding me with a $2,000 scholarship. You have been very supportive to the youth throughout the years. With your support I am able to attend Michigan State University.”
playing chess, and even learning to speak Spanish! Mike joined the GreenStone team in December 2024 in the role of Senior Vice President
– Portfolio Risk Management. He comes to GreenStone with over 27 years of progressive experience in the financial sector, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President – Credit & Operations on the capital markets team at AgCountry CFG. Mike attended the University of Minnesota – Morris where he earned his BA in Economics and Management, then advanced his professional career by having various positions in the leasing, commercial equipment finance, corporate lending, and ABL sectors.
“Thanks to your commitment, we can continue our lobbying efforts at the capitol in Madison, offer scholarships and travel grants for youth in agriculture, facilitate networking and learning opportunities for cattlemen, all while ensuring the success of our industry and its future generations.“
– Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association
Candid Comments...
In his new role as SVP –Portfolio Risk Management Mike is looking forward to continuing to identify emerging eligible market opportunities with a focus on providing sound, constructive, and reliable credit to all eligible customer–owners of our lending cooperative. Mike will be actively involved in the development of strategic direction and the coordination of operational management of association portfolio risk management for all market segments, directing Agribusiness Lending credit activities, and chairing the Executive, Capital Markets, and Agribusiness Lending Credit Committees.
Mike is a Minnesota native and currently lives in suburban Minneapolis with his wife Katie and their three children. When not working or at a sporting event, Mike enjoys travel, fishing, and occasionally going to his parents’ farm to get his hands dirty. ◀
“Kiersten Hooks did a great job of sharing information with the group about GreenStone’s mission and various programs, including the CultivateGrowth Program and assistance for new and beginning farmers. We were so glad to have her join us during the meeting.”
– Michigan Agritourism
story
This March will mark two exciting milestones for GreenStone members on Patronage Day. Not only will it be the 20th consecutive year of sharing our profits with our members, but we will also have returned a total of $1 billion back into your hands throughout those 20 years! That’s a lot of dollars!
Exactly how big is 1 billion you might ask? Well to put it into perspective, we thought we’d share some examples with you:
• 1 billion gallons of milk would fill approximately 1,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• There are just under a billion acres of protected recreational land in the U.S. to get out and enjoy!
• A herd of 1 billion cows would require more land than the entire United States.
• 1 billion trees could build approximately 23 million averagesize houses
But most important are the countless smiles, handshakes, relationships, and dreams we’ve been lucky enough to help make a reality for over a century. The success of our members is the “why” behind what we do, and we are truly grateful to be able to share our earnings with you for the 20th consecutive year.
To celebrate 20 years of Patronage, we’ll be handing out $120 million in Patronage dividend checks to eligible loan customers on March 20, 2025!
Each Patronage-earning member will receive a notification letter in midFebruary outlining the amount of your check. That letter will include a personal invitation to join us for a celebration on March 20 at your local branch. Enjoy refreshments, a celebration of our members, our 20 year and $1 billion milestones, and of course, the opportunity to pick up your check.
Patronage is a partnership. Our ability to give back to you, our memberowners, is the direct result of your success and your relationship and trust in GreenStone. ◀
Since the first Patronage Day 20 years ago, total dividends returned to GreenStone members will hit $1 billion dollars this coming March. $1 Billion
2025 GreenStone Events
3/11 & 3/23
2025 SFI Points for Loggers
GreenStone recognizes the importance of the timber industry and the continued education of the loggers in the industry. In a continued effort to support timber professionals and provide opportunities for them to expand their knowledge while completing their essential Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) trainings, GreenStone is once again hosting logging forums in March 2024!
These free trainings will cover forestry programs and mass timber construction, mental health, legislative
update, and other timer industry updates to fulfill SFI training requirements.
• Tuesday, March 11 at Island Resort and Casino in Harris, MI
• Thursday, March 23 at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI
Running from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST, both forums will include complimentary breakfast and lunch.
There is no cost to attend, however registration is required. For more details, visit www.greenstonefcs. com/timberforums.
2025 Home Construction Seminars
Building your dream home starts with creating a plan – and with so many construction options and the quickly-changing housing market pricing, it’s important to know where to begin.
To help you get started, GreenStone is hosting both in-person and virtual Construction Seminars to help you understand the building process and determine which plan works best for you.
Hear from your local construction loan experts about various loan options, qualifications, the payment draw process and the difference between do-ityourself and contracted projects. There are multiple seminar options available to best fit your schedule, with both online and in-person options to choose from during February and March. Construction Seminars are free to attend but registration is required. To register for the seminar that best fits your schedule, visit www.greenstonefcs.com/ constructionseminar. ◀
The Path to Getting Involved in Your Cooperative
If you’re interested in furthering GreenStone’s role as an industry leader for agriculture and our rural communities, serving on the Nominating Committee might be a great opportunity for you!
As a cooperative, GreenStone is owned by its member stockholders and governed by an elected Board of Directors representing all areas of our territory. Our board meets throughout the year to provide direction and leadership oversight to our organization.
Before a member can be elected to the board, our Nominating Committee identifies, evaluates, and nominates a qualified slate of member candidates for stockholder election. The Nominating Committee holds a very pivotal role in determining who provides leadership to our association.
If you’re interested in furthering GreenStone’s role as an industry leader for agriculture and our rural communities, serving on the Nominating Committee might be a great opportunity for you!
Who Can Apply for the Nominating Committee?
The main duty of the Nominating Committee is to seek out and identify qualified individuals who are willing to serve as directors or nominating committee members. Those interested in serving on the Committee must:
• Be a voting GreenStone stockholder
• Have an outstanding loan balance with GreenStone
• Not be a current candidate for the Board of Directors
• Reside or have a headquarters within GreenStone’s chartered territory
What Makes a Good Candidate
The most important quality of a Nominating Committee member is your eagerness to get involved and advance the association forward. By putting the right people in place, GreenStone and our members both experience long-term growth that makes an impact.
Are you a GreenStone member who’s passionate about finding the right people to represent our organization? Scan the QR code below to learn more about applying for the Nominating Committee and submit your application to be considered! ◀
January
DBA Dairy Strong Conference (15-16) Green Bay, WI
GreenStone Offices Closed in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Winter Potato Conference (28-30) East Lansing, MI
Great Lakes Crop Summit (29-30) Mount Pleasant, MI
February
GreenStone CultivateGrowth Mentorship Kick Off – Lansing, MI
GreenStone CultivateGrowth (3-4) Conference – Lansing, MI
Great Lakes Regional Dairy (6-7) Conference – Mount Pleasant, MI
GreenStone Offices Closed in honor of Presidents’ Day
Outdoorama (20-23) Novi, MI
GreenStone Construction Seminars (2/20-3/6) – Various Locations
March
Farm Women’s Symposium (4-6) Lansing, MI
GreenStone Logging Forum Harris, MI
GreenStone Logging Forum Gaylord, MI
Ultimate Sports Show (13-16) Grand Rapids, MI
GreenStone Patronage Day All
Behind the Scenes:
Get to know a few of the members of GreenStone’s hard working crop insurance team! Learn more about what they enjoy most about their roles and how they support farmers to mitigate risk.
Mark Klett, Senior Crop Insurance Specialist, 15 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I really enjoy visiting and getting to know my customers. Over time I really get to know their operation, and in many cases the individual crop fields that are on their minds. I enjoy taking the time to help them understand how crop insurance works so we can work together to find the right solution for their unique operation.
What made you interested in pursuing a career in crop insurance?
My entire career has been dedicated to helping farmers grow and their operations thrive. Through my experience
working in crop insurance, I’m able to put my knowledge to work to help farmers succeed.
How does your role support GreenStone’s mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture?
My role directly helps farmers protect their investment in their operations. Providing a risk management solution that is unique to each farm or operation helps ensure their success and longevity.
What is one thing people may not know about crop insurance?
One thing I think most people would be surprised to learn is that a large majority of the fields you drive by each day are insured. The way that we determine coverage levels for crops has also become very sophisticated in order to help make an accurate calculation of the level of coverage that would suit your operation best.
Scott Schmidt, Crop Insurance Manager, 12 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My favorite part of my role is getting to meet and talk to local farmers. Farmers love to talk, and so do I! I find there’s no shortage of knowledge they have to share.
What made you interested in pursuing a career in crop insurance?
I grew up on a cash crop farm in Kawkawlin, MI. Growing up I spent my spring, summer, and fall playing sports rather than helping my dad on the farm. I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for our agricultural community and this opportunity was a great way
for me to get involved. Now I spend a couple weeks every fall helping my dad and brother during harvest time. I like to think I am getting the best of both worlds!
How does your role support GreenStone’s mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture?
By providing farmers individualized risk management solutions, we have the ability to help give them peace of mind throughout the year so they can focus on the task at hand and running a successful operation. I enjoy helping them find a solution, so they don’t have to worry about what would happen if they experienced a crop failure, hailstorm, or damage to their property.
What is one thing people may not know about crop insurance?
Crop insurance was first introduced in the 1930’s! It’s a tried-and-true financial tool to help mitigate the sometimesunavoidable risk that comes with farming.
David Moll, Crop Insurance Manager, 12 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I know, even when the worst weather or market events happen, that because of the decisions a farmer has made on their crop insurance policy I will be able to help them and their family continue farming and reaching their goals. Over the years, it has been very
rewarding helping so many farmers lift some of the stress of not knowing what would happen if they didn’t have crop insurance.
What made you interested in pursuing a career in crop insurance?
I was very interested in helping producers with risk management decisions. It’s a very rewarding experience.
How does your role support GreenStone’s mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture?
With GreenStone’s exclusive Optimum crop insurance tool, producers can make data driven decisions for their operation. When bad weather or market swings cause losses, we are able to help
Pause for Applause
The Adamski family has recently been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. The Leopold Award honors agriculturalists who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. Congratulations to the Adamski family on this achievement!
Being a Master Farmer is about strong agricultural practices, creative innovation, and leadership within local communities. Congratulations to the following for being named 2025 Master Farmers: Lee and Marilyn Thelen, James and Laurie Isley, and Scott Miller. Thank you for your impact on the agriculture industry as well as your communities!
Congratulations to the 2025 Master Farmer Award Winners!
farmers financially, so they can continue to do what they do best: produce food to feed the world.
What is one thing people may not know about crop insurance?
Grain marketing plans and crop insurance are best when used together. Talk to your crop insurance specialist about when to use them to add net revenue to your bottom line. ◀
Interested in an Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) for your crop insurance policy but not sure where to begin? Tune into Farm Service Radio with Terry Henne every Tuesday in January at 11:30 am E.T. or visit wsgw.com to catch the episode at a later time. GreenStone’s Senior Crop Insurance Mark Klett will be providing more insight on ECO coverage and what options are available for producers in 2025.
Staff Anniversaries
Please join us in celebrating and thanking these staff who are marking an employment milestone. From five to 30 years, this time represents the dedication and attention all employees provide our members.
January
Lynn Bross 5
Darci Fabus 5
Leigh Hauxwell 5
Megan Peters 5
Eric Krummen 10
Ann Allen 15
Amanda Ruggles 15
Matt Poland 20
Mark Strebel 30
February
Devon Davidson 5
Trevor Gernaat 5
Melissa Cole 10
Jeni Olson 15
Gina Siegrist 15
March
Katie Baroun 5
Carson Karol 5
Andrew Schendel 5
Colleen McDonough 10
David Nissen 15
Shane Prichard 15
Eric Thompson 15
Molly Graham 20
Kimberly Rosinski 25
$1,000,000,000
$1,000,000,000
What’s a billion worth?
$1,000,000,000
$1,000,000,000
$ $ $ $ $
Directors’ perspective
It’s Patronage time for GreenStone’s cooperative members, and the members elected to the Board of Directors are pleased to approve another $120 million back. For 20 years GreenStone has returned profits back to members through the Patronage program, and this year’s return will bring the total to more than $1 billion back in member’s hands. This billion means more than the dollars returned, and your board members took the opportunity to share their perspective of what that $1.08 billion means to them!
Gene College, Appointed Director
A billion dollars - if every employee conversation about how to serve our customers more effectively was worth $1,000, that makes one million thoughtful dialogues!
Michael Feight, Lenawee County, MI
A billion dollars of Patronage. A true sign of how a cooperative was designed to work. The staff at GreenStone is doing their part to help you realize your goals that move from generation to generation.
Terri Hawbaker, Clinton County, MI
GreenStone’s ability to distribute a record setting billion plus dollars in Patronage simply validates their efficiency, and the program’s procedure by keeping the cooperative healthy first then maintaining competitive rates to its members. The Patronage program ensures GreenStone will be there for many generations to come!
For 20 years GreenStone has returned profits back to members through the Patronage program, and this year’s return will bring the total to more than $1 billion back in member’s hands.
Trent Hilding, Montcalm County, MI
GreenStone creates a lot of opportunities in providing the money it loans and returns to its customers. It is hard to grasp a billion dollars has been returned to borrower members, but I am grateful for the opportunity to participate.
Bruce Lewis, Hillsdale County, MI
A billion dollars of Patronage returned to our members in twenty years. What a wonderful event. What a great organization we have that not only is there daily to help with our needs but also there to give back year after year.
Ron Lucas, Alpena County, MI
As you meet your fellow shareholders on Patronage Day, they are all appreciative to get a Patronage check back. Most can’t believe we’ve given back that much!
Peter Maxwell, Midland County, MI
I reflect on one billion dollars and think of a popular fastfood chain that used to say millions served, then posted over one billion served and eventually used the line, billions and billions served. I look forward to our future when we can say billions and billions returned. I certainly know the returns we send directly back to our shareholders are impactful and am personally grateful!
Dave McConnachie, Sanilac County, MI
Owners of the cooperative know what a billion dollars in Patronage returns means to their farms. As a director, I know it’s a direct response of the health of GreenStone. And I’m confident the next twenty years will be even better.
Dennis Muchmore, Appointed Director
Over the twenty years I’ve been fortunate enough to be included on the GreenStone Board, I‘ve seen first-hand what a billion dollars of Patronage can mean to our members and our agricultural community at large. This exceptional co-op has created a billion dollars of reinvestment, a billion dollars of leadership and with apologies to the original lyricist for a slight alteration in an old song, “Greenstone has walked a billion miles for your smiles.”
Ed Reed, Cass County, MI
The last 20 years have been successful in a billion ways. I can think of a billion reasons to be part of the GreenStone family. What has a billion dollars meant to the 28,000 GreenStone cooperative members? About 100 basis points – 1% - returned to them as cash Patronage. Go GreenStone!
Scott Roggenbuck, Huron County, MI
A billion is a large number. A billion seconds is 32 years. It took around 20 years to reach the milestone of a billion dollars of Patronage paid out to our members. However, at the current pace we could reach the second billion before half that time expires. Patronage, just one more thing that sets GreenStone apart from the competition.
Troy Sellen, Oconto County, WI
For 20 years GreenStone has given us cash to put back into our homes, communities and businesses. Patronage is more than a bonus check. It’s a billion different examples that prove the cooperative structure of Farm Credit lending works.
Marilyn Thelen, Clinton County, MI
The billion dollars returned to customers over 20 years is an indication that GreenStone is doing well and when they do well, they share this back with the members. This is a “thank you” to the members. It takes good members working with GreenStone to be successful. Farmers big and small will be very appreciative of the check this March.
Mike Timmer, Allegan County, MI
While GreenStone appreciates the relationships it has with our shareholders, nothing says, “thank you, we have been successful together,” like Patronage. One billion over 20 years... Wow!
Dale Wagner, Manitowoc County, WI
Returning a billion dollars of Patronage to our members is an impressive milestone. However, to me what’s even more important is the effort put in by every employee and member borrower to do their job well, to operate their business efficiently and to work together as a team so we all can be successful. This is why, as a GreenStone director, I would like to offer a billion Thank Yous.
Jed Welder, Montcalm County, MI
I always appreciate the timing of Patronage. It’s well after the harvest but before our large expenditures during planting season. It’s also a time to reflect on our profession before we get too busy to consider anything other than the placement of the seeds going into the ground! ◀
Is Agriculture being Prevented? Or just Changing?
As we contemplate another year of agriculture production focused on our individual and collective roles as part of the food system, our preparation, planning and planting is heavy on our minds. Will we all win together in this critical profession of agriculture? What are the dependencies we have that will make a difference in our outcomes? These questions have to be part of our thinking. Defining the “win” will likely be difficult and different for each of us, yet we all must work together.
One critical dependency is agriculture public policy. While we finished 2024 without the completion of the Farm Bill that many hoped would have addressed significant public policy issues and modernize
aspects of what producers require and provide some level of certainty in the marketplace, all hope is not lost. We get to try again in 2025 to develop sound policy to advance our common mission with a new Farm Bill. Bob Seger said it best in his 1982 song “Roll Me Away” with his lyric: “Gotta keep rollin’, got to keep ridin’, keep searchin’ till I find what’s right. And as the sunset faded I spoke to the faintest first starlight and said ‘next time we’ll get it right.’” Sooner or later we all come to realize this truth: we are in this together, and together we can get it right. Education and communication are premium attributes to accomplish agriculture togetherness.
There have been some critical gaps in the education and communication which have reached some bubbling points recently. The permitting of animal
Educating leading policy makers is crucial toward that overall outcome as a bridge to agriculture togetherness. Standing together with diverse agriculture interests strengthens the mission and will halt the prevention of advancing agriculture.
agriculture operation, the science of anaerobic digesters, understanding the real costs of labor, and environmental policy on water usage has been the centerpiece of this gap, to name a few. This has created a level of uncertainty in how professional agriculture producers may be sustained or grow their farms to serve the needs of consumers. When contemplating these issues, it feels as if agriculture is getting prevented.
Reflecting on where we are and how we got here provokes a diversity of opinions based upon individual experiences, your roll in the agriculture industry or how you view the political discourse. An individual opinion may have at their root a strong and reasoned based view from real life experiences. These opinions could be the start of divisions among agriculture interests and could lead to conflict. The conflict could be unintended, but nonetheless a sticking point. The whole pile of diversity of opinions demands a level of leadership that can balance the topics to land on
efforts in the education and communication process to preserve and advance the cooperative mission to be the first choice for financial services for its members and the communities we serve as part of the Farm Credit System mandates. It can be tricky at times because of the wide diversity of opinions. However, the focus is always on building agriculture togetherness for the overall win for the industry.
and communicate to provide a better chance than the recent past.
the best overall outcome.
Educating leading policy makers is crucial toward that overall outcome as a bridge to agriculture togetherness. Standing together with diverse agriculture interests strengthens the mission and will halt the prevention of advancing agriculture. This may be the change that is called for as agriculture practices, and the demands upon farming, change as well. Science and technology advance for agriculture and while farmers may embrace these changes to meet the business challenges, if policy makers do not engage, listen and learn, agricultural will stagnate. The above centerpieces of this gap have demonstratively damaged economic aspects of agriculture. Overcoming these economic damages takes a change in the manner industry engages in educating and communicating. Alternative action would be to accept the decisions of policy makers without engagement.
The GreenStone team does its best to balance its
We do this through our voluntary political action committees (PAC) engagements with a regular drumbeat of communication activities. Sometimes we may define a win as making it to next year, and we’re going to make it to next year. That is not enough for long term survival. There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty now with what’s going on, and there certainly is uncertainty with a new administration and new USDA. Now will be the time to rally in our efforts to educate
For example, President Trump in his second term has suggested taking a path toward streamlining regulations that have been a burden to farmers and address the immigration issue. While this second term will be just beginning, there does not appear to be any interest in shying away from tough issues. Educating and communicating on these tough issues, including those mentioned above (animal agriculture, anaerobic digestors, labor and water), on both federal and state levels, will be crucial. The PACs that GreenStone has in place are key tools toward advancement.
Participation by all GreenStone supporters will be critical to advance agriculture in this rapidly changing environment in both fields of planting crops and public policy. That would be a win for agriculture. We got to keep rolling. ◀
The MI GreenStone PAC and WI Farm Credit PAC Drives are going on now! Be involved in supporting the future of rural communities and agriculture. Send your voluntary Patronage pledge before Jan. 31 to direct dollars from your Patronage check to the PAC; or you can make a direct contribution to the PAC at any time by credit card. Join hundreds of your fellow members in strengthening the recognition of agriculture as a key component to a thriving economy.
MI PAC Donation Patronage Pledge
Country Living customer feature
FINDING A FOREVER HOME
For Tanner and Mariah Sharp, 2024 was a lifechanging year. In November, the couple officially adopted their two daughters, Ella and LeeAnn, completing their dream of becoming a family of four.
With this milestone celebrated, they were eager to move out of town and begin a new chapter in the countryside. They envisioned their daughters growing up on a property with plenty of room to run around and play outside.
On the outskirts of the small town of Rosebush, Mchigan, the Sharps fell in love with a five-acre hobby farm, complete with a mid-1920s stone farmhouse, a
pole barn and of course, plenty of space for the girls to explore and play.
The property was perfect, but just as they approached the finish line in the home-buying process, their previous lender unexpectedly backed out of the deal. The reason? A windmill lease tied to the property. The news came just days before closing, leaving the Sharps discouraged and scrambling to find a solution.
“We found out two or three days before closing that our lender wasn’t going to finish the loan,” Tanner Sharp said. “It was pretty disheartening.”
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Turning to GreenStone for Help
With limited options and a fast-approaching deadline, the Sharps turned to GreenStone. Both Tanner Sharp’s parents and his brother and sister-in-law were GreenStone customers and had positive experiences working with the team. Encouraged by their recommendations, he reached out to Financial Services Officer Jordan Hendrian.
“I got Jordan’s contact information from my sister-inlaw, and I explained the situation to him,” Tanner Sharp recalled. “Jordan said, ‘Let’s talk over the details and see how fast we can turn this around.’ From that point, everything moved quickly.”
A Race Against Time
GreenStone’s team immediately got to work to make sure the Sharps got into their dream home. Typically, closing a home loan takes about 30-35 days, but the Sharps didn’t have that kind of time. They were set to sell their current home in a few days, and without a solution, they faced the very real possibility of being left without a place to live.
GreenStone turned a stressful situation into a seamless experience...They were the reason we were able to close so quickly and start this new life on the farm. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.
“Everyone—from the appraisal team to the loan processors—worked on all cylinders to make this happen,” Hendrian explained. “We knew this was a priority, not just to get the deal done, but to ensure the Sharps had a place to call home for their family.”
In just 17 days, GreenStone closed on the loan. To make it happen, the team coordinated with the title company to transfer the necessary documents into GreenStone’s name and successfully transferred an existing appraisal to save the Sharps time and money.
“Jordan was on the ball,” Tanner recalled. “He told us exactly what he needed, and we got it to him right away. GreenStone’s communication was by far superior to anything we’d experienced before. They kept us informed every step of the way.”
The team even worked with the seller’s realtor to allow the Sharps to rent the property while the loan was being finalized, ensuring they could move in right after selling their previous home.
Starting a New Chapter
Now settled into their forever home, the Sharps are loving life in the countryside. They’re enjoying the charm of their historic stone farmhouse and have plans to update the home while preserving its vintage woodwork and character. More importantly, they’re cherishing this time as a family, creating memories with Ella and LeeAnn in a space they can call their own.
“GreenStone turned a stressful situation into a seamless experience,” Tanner remarked. “They were the reason we were able to close so quickly and start this new life on
Tanner and Mariah Sharp stand outside their dream 1920’s stone farmhouse where they look forward to creating countless family memories for years to come.
In just 17 days the Sharps were able to close on their dream country property with the help of the GreenStone team.
the farm. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
For the Sharps, the experience reinforced the importance of working with a lender they could trust.
“Jordan went the extra mile to make sure everything went smoothly,” Tanner added. “He even ensured the appraisal didn’t cost us anything extra. GreenStone proved they were willing to do what it takes to make things work.”
A Team Effort at GreenStone
For Jordan, the Sharps’ story is a testament to what’s possible when everyone works together.
“To pull off a 17-day closing takes dedication on both sides,” he said. “Tanner and Mariah were incredibly responsive, getting everything back to us within minutes. Their realtor was fantastic, and everyone at GreenStone worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Jordan also noted how the collaboration highlighted
GreenStone’s unique ability to navigate unexpected challenges. “It was rewarding to hear the Sharp’s realtor say, ‘I know we can go through GreenStone without any issues.’ That trust in us made a big difference.”
GreenStone’s Commitment to Making Dreams Happen
For GreenStone, the Sharps’ story is more than just a story about a successful loan—it’s a reflection of their mission to support rural families and their dreams.
“This was a win for everyone involved,” Jordan said. “It showed what we can accomplish when we put our heads together and focus on helping families like the Sharps achieve their goals. It’s moments like this that remind us why we do what we do.”
Thanks to GreenStone, the Sharps can look forward to many happy years in the country—creating memories, raising their daughters and living out their country dreams. ◀
▲ Rustic, country details and original finishes are all a part of what makes the Sharp home so special. ▲ GreenStone Financial Services Officer Jordan Hendrian was eager to help make the Sharps’ dream of moving into their farmhouse a reality despite any challenges they faced.
Snowmobile Safety Tips
As winter continues to gear up, snowmobiling across the icy trails of Michigan and Wisconsin is increasingly popular.
Winter is filled with snow, chilly temperatures, and fun memories outside. Snowmobile riding is a big piece of the winter fun for many, and here are a few tips to make sure all the fun stays safe!
Riding Tips
Whether you’re on the trail, road, or hilly terrain, it’s important to understand how to maintain control of your snowmobile throughout your trip. Understanding your path of travel is crucial as it can be hard to steer or stop a sled that is sliding. Keeping a clear path and planning your route will help you ensure safety and keep you heading in the right direction! Shifting your weight from one side to another can help you maintain balance, especially during turns. Slowing down and shifting your weight to the inside of the turn will help you accelerate after and maintain control.
Wearing the Right Gear
All it takes is one wet layer to put a damper on the adventure. Making sure you have the proper underlayers, like thick socks and long sleeves can go a long way. Merino wool is known to be a good material for underlayers because the wool is capable of wicking away moisture from the body, unlike cotton which causes moisture to stick around. Waterproof gear is key, having
the proper coat and boots to keep yourself insulated and dry on top of these underlayers is important. No matter what gear you have or don’t have, the most important piece of a snowmobile is the helmet. Ensuring you have a full-face snowmobile helmet will be the key to safety. A snowmobile helmet has a dual pane system to protect faces from frostbite and prevent fog. This will keep you safe and comfortable for your ride!
Adapt to Changing Conditions
Depending on the weather, the snow can easily change from hard-packed to deep powder throughout the day.
Prepare by monitoring the snow conditions to adjust your route to fit. Driving in deep powder can be challenging when going uphill consistently, preparing for that challenge or adjusting to a more flat route during these conditions may be ideal. Hard-packed snow allows you to easily gain speed and momentum, but it is also much harder to come to a stop. Maintaining control on hard-packed snow may be considerably more difficult, so adjusting your route to take less turns may be beneficial. Using tips like these can help keep your winter memories fun and exciting each time you head out to enjoy the season! ◀
A Dream Season
BY: JORDAN BROWNE,
Associate Producer, Michigan Out-of-Doors TV
As the ice starts to form on the local lakes and frosty mornings become the norm, I try to take some time during the winter months to reflect on the previous year. Part of that process involves looking back on the past hunting season. Every year I make an effort to take note of the highs and lows along with what I did well and what I could have done better. As I reflect on the 2024 hunting season, I can’t help but smile as I remember the year that was.
As a hunter myself and a producer for Michigan Out of Doors TV, life during deer season is pretty chaotic. Regardless of how present I try to be for every day in the field, the days just seem to slip away faster as the years go by. That was especially the case over the past year. In addition to the normal fast paced life of working and parenting, my wife and I were also expecting our third child in December. If that wasn’t enough, we broke ground on our new house a couple of months before the season started. As the hunting season approached, I remember worrying about how much time I would get in the field throughout the fall with everything we had going on in this season of life. As I look back, it’s easy to see why I was concerned.
The archery season actually started out pretty slow. My time was somewhat limited over the first few weeks of October but the weather was warm and windy, which had the deer movement at a minimum. So, I wasn’t too concerned about missing time. As the season progressed, I started getting pretty consistent trail camera pictures of the oldest known buck on our farm. A 5 1/2 yearold eight point that I knew well from the previous two seasons. I hunted him hard throughout October and had multiple encounters with him. I actually had him within range on three different occasions, but never could get an ethical shot.
As November rolled in, he disappeared for about a week only to return again on November 6th. Early that morning, one well placed arrow helped me put a tag on my oldest buck to date. At that point, the season was already a success. Taking any mature buck with a bow and arrow is an accomplishment and I was already completely content with my season. Although
On the night of the 13th, the last night I was able to bow hunt, I decided to take a calculated risk and hunt a new spot in his home area.
this buck didn’t score quite as high as some of the other deer I have taken, the back-andforth during bow season along with the history I had with this buck made for one of the most enjoyable hunting seasons I have ever had. However, around the time I was able to close the chapter on that buck, a bigger buck moved in. A buck that I knew would be my biggest to date. I took a couple days off to get caught up on things around home. However, that was shortlived. With my wife’s blessing, I refocused on the new buck and the chase started all over again. Over the final week of bow season I hunted every day, having multiple encounters with the new buck. Unlike the first buck, I couldn’t seem to figure out how to get within bow range of this deer, or even close to it. Throughout that week, I hunted six different locations, including three new tree stands that I hung specifically for him. He was living in a heavily used bedding area and getting within range of him was difficult. With the high deer densities of southern Michigan, he was constantly surrounded by a harem of does. On the night of the 13th, the last night I was able to bow hunt, I decided to take a calculated risk and hunt a new spot in his home area. Long story short, I ended up sitting on a platform of an old gun blind about 8 feet off of the ground. It wasn’t pretty, but
it was effective. Around 4:30 in the afternoon the buck presented me with a 30 yard shot and I was able to make the most of it. He was indeed my biggest to date and capped off an incredible year in the timber.
Just when I thought my season couldn’t get any better, it did. On the opening day of gun season, November 15th here in Michigan, I was able to take my 88 year-old grandpa out for the morning hunt. He tagged a beautiful eight point to put a bow on what really was a year for the books. As an extra bonus, I was able to capture the entire hunt on camera which made for not only a memorable segment on the show, but a memory I can relive over and over again.
When my wife and I purchased this piece of property a few years back, it was hard not to think about what was to come. A constant battle of being present and also planning for the future. Here we are two years later expanding our family, building a new home, and creating memories we will never forget. This year was not only a dream season from a hunting standpoint, but from a life standpoint. I can’t imagine a time where we will ever be busier than we are now, but it only takes a little time to reflect on what we have to realize that we’re already living the life we always dreamed of. ◀
Country Living –Open Fields Blog
GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com/ openfieldsblog.
Preparing for Land Auctions 11/14/2024
Nathaniel Warman, Financial Services Officer
If you are looking to purchase your vacant land through a land auction, here are some things to think about.
Tips for Buying Group
Hunting Land
10/10/2024
What’s a way to get even more out of your hunting land? Buy it with friends or family!
When deciding to buy your own hunting land, these are a few things to keep in mind. ◀
Family Resolutions
The holidays are a wonderful relaxing time for the whole family to spend time together, celebrate the past year, and look forward to the future. Often when looking forward to the new year, we set individual New Year resolutions. However, these goals tend to be hard to follow for the entire year. After about a month many often lose track of these resolutions and cannot keep them up to the same standard we intended to.
An issue with these resolutions is that they are independent. Keeping track of a busy schedule and new goals by yourself can be hard to navigate. Accountability partners have been shown to provide extra motivation and support to accomplish your goals.
Taking all of this into account, what if we did family resolutions? These could focus on quality time, kindness, acts of service, or anything specific your family sees as a need for the new year. Taking the time to sit down together and hear
everyone’s thoughts on what should be included and how you can accomplish these goals together.
1. What goals or resolutions should you set? A baseline could be one for each member of the family!
2. How will you keep each other accountable? Will you do weekly check ins?
3. What is the timeline for each of the goals? Where do you want to be at this time next year?
Guiding conversation like this could help shape your expectations for these new goals. Taking time together to outline all milestones and expectations up front will provide a clear path to accomplishing each goal you set. Each milestone should serve as a step of progress for all resolutions. At each milestone you can find a different way to celebrate all progress. Something that would interest everyone and encourage the family to finish the goal – perhaps a homemade trophy, candy, or a game night! It’ll also be important to plan what the whole family wants to do in celebration of seeing the resolutions all the way through. Something special to congratulate yourselves on all of the hard work it takes to stay consistent as a unit throughout the year! Consider a picnic at the park, dinner at your favorite restaurant, or homemade sundaes to celebrate your success. Collaborating as a family can help everyone to feel included, on track, and connected to accomplish these goals together.
We hope your family is able to set and accomplish these resolutions for 2025, teamwork makes your dreams work! ◀
Commodity Cuisine
Sharp Family Softest Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in this classic treat with a Sharp family twist for the most delicious, ooeygooey chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had! Pair with a chilled glass of milk for the perfect cold winter night’s snack. Read more about the Sharp family on page 27.
Total Time: 25 minutes Serves 9-12
INGREDIENTS
• 8 Tbsp salted butter
• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Pre-Heat oven to 350°
2. Melt butter
3. Beat butter with both sugars.
4. Add vanilla and egg; beat on low for 10-15 seconds (not too long, beating the egg too long will make a stiff cookie)
5. Add flour, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips.
6. Mix until crumbles form.
7. Use hands to form dough into ball.
8. Roll into 9- 12 small balls
9. Bake for 9-11 mins (any longer will make them tough) Enjoy! ◀
Managing Risk & Securing Success
For Boyd and the Endsley family, ECO is more than just an insurance option—it’s a way to ensure the resilience and success of their farm for generations to come.
Navigating Risk in Modern Farming
As any farmer knows, managing risk is an essential part of running a successful operation. For Boyd Endsley, a livestock farmer in Barry County, Michigan, balancing
risk and reward has been a constant focus in his family’s multigenerational farming business. When it came to mitigating price volatility in 2023, Boyd turned to GreenStone and an Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) as a part of his crop insurance policy to help secure his farm’s financial stability.
“In 2023, we decided to add ECO coverage because we saw a lot of potential for crop
prices to drop, which could trigger an ECO payment,” Boyd shared. “We wanted to manage that risk, and it ended up being a good decision for us.”
How ECO Provides Protection
ECO, an additional layer of crop insurance, provides coverage from 86% up to 95% of a county’s expected yield or revenue. Unlike traditional crop insurance policies, ECO is designed to protect against countywide yield and revenue losses. With the subsidies for ECO increasing from 44% to 65% in 2025, this highly affordable option is gaining popularity among farmers who are looking to navigate an unpredictable agricultural market.
For the Endsleys’, 2023 demonstrated the value of ECO firsthand. While Barry County’s average yield for corn exceeded expectations at 166.1 bushels per acre—above the projected yield of 161.8—a significant drop in the harvest price, from $5.91 to $4.68 per bushel, triggered an ECO payment. This additional income proved invaluable in a year when commodity prices were down.
“In a year when our income was lower because of declining prices, the ECO payment provided critical support,” Boyd explained.
Trusted Guidance and
Strategic Decisions
Boyd’s decision to adopt ECO came with the guidance of Kristen King, his crop insurance specialist at GreenStone. Kristen has worked closely with the Endsley family for more than a decade, helping them navigate the complexities of crop insurance and other financial tools to support their operation and mitigate risk.
“Kristen is incredibly knowledgeable and always on top of her game,” Boyd said.
“She knows the products inside and out and can explain how they work in different scenarios. She’s great at making sure I have everything turned in on time and keeps me informed about all my options.”
For Kristen, Boyd’s approach to ECO exemplifies strategic risk management.
“Boyd is an intelligent guy who really pays attention to the numbers,” she said. “He’s not someone who’s going to take ECO every year—he evaluates the market and decides based on the potential for price declines. That’s where ECO really shines. It’s highly subsidized and provides great coverage in years when there’s significant price risk.”
◀ Boyd Endsley and Crop Insurance Specialist Kristen King have known each other for years, and with her guidance Boyd added ECO to his crop insurance protection plan. ▲ As a multi-generational farmer, Boyd Endsley knows the importance of managing risk in order to run a successful farm.
Balancing Coverage Across Crops
In 2024, Boyd opted to continue using ECO for his soybean crop, anticipating further price declines in that market, while choosing not to apply it to his corn, which he believed had less downside risk.
“Soybean prices looked like they might continue to decline, so we decided to keep ECO on that crop,” he said. “Corn, on the other hand, didn’t have as much room to drop, so it didn’t make as much sense to use ECO there this year.”
The results of this decision will become clear in June 2025, after all 2024 yield data has been finalized.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Endsley family’s farm is a true legacy operation, with Boyd working alongside his parents, Patricia and Gordon, to grow corn, soybeans and wheat, as well as manage a cattle herd that has been part of the farm since 1955. Boyd’s commitment to thoughtful risk management and strong partnerships has helped him carry on that legacy while adapting to the challenges of the modern agricultural climate.
The Future of ECO and Risk Management
Looking ahead, both Boyd and Kristen see ECO as a valuable tool for farmers who want to protect their operations against market uncertainty.
“With the increased subsidies coming in 2025, ECO will be even more affordable and attractive to farmers who anticipate price volatility,” Kristen said. “It’s a flexible option that can really make a difference in the right conditions.”
Boyd agrees. “For us, ECO provided stability in a year when we needed it,” he said. “With the changing in premium subsidy, we will look at ECO again for 2025 and see if it is an affordable long-term option to insure against loss from a production standpoint for the top 10% of our risk”
As GreenStone continues to offer ECO as part of its comprehensive risk management offerings, Boyd’s story highlights how strategic decisions and trusted partnerships can help farmers weather the ups and downs of the agricultural industry. For Boyd and the Endsley family, ECO is more than just an insurance option—it’s a way to ensure the resilience and success of their farm for generations to come. ◀
Premium Accounting & Billing Update
The temporary interest deferral extension granted by the Risk Management Agency expired December 1, 2023. Late fees will be charged on any unpaid premium beginning on October 1.
After that time, payments are applied as follows: A) any unpaid finance or interest charge, B) unpaid administrative fees, and C) unpaid premiums. Please keep in mind that accrued interest on uncollected
premium is attached, according with the terms of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement, and CANNOT be waived by the agent or AIP. Payment is due regardless of whether or not you have an outstanding claim. If you cannot pay your premium before the March 15 Debt Termination Date, contact the AIP directly to set up a payment plan. Otherwise, you will not be eligible for crop insurance or any other federally subsidized programs. ◀
New Multi Peril Policy Options
The past few years as seen many new options offered that can be added to your multi-peril policy. Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) can be added to your policy to increase your total coverage levels and acre income guarantees. Sometimes at a premium cost that is less than buying up your regular policy coverage level. Your GreenStone crop insurance specialist has the tools to show you what options are available to evaluate the best options to maximize your coverage at a cost that fits your budget. Give them a call to set up an appointment. ◀
ORGANIC CROPS
As a reminder, the USDA RMA now requires all insured organic certified producers to provide a copy of their organic crop plan and organic certificate to their agent before the acreage reporting date. ◀
PP Coverage levels for Dry Beans has been reduced from 60% coverage down to 50%. Prevented planting coverage levels have changed for many other crops in recent years. See your agent for the most current levels and options for PP coverage. ◀
Multi-County Enterprise Units (MCEU):
The Risk Management Agency (RMA) now allows a single Enterprise Unit (EU) structure that covers two adjoining counties. It is only available when authorized on the actuarial documents for crops which Revenue Protection (RP) is available. One county must individually qualify for EU as the primary and the other county must not qualify for EU. MCEU must be elected on or before the sales closing date and electing MCEU does not automatically make the county eligible MCEU. ◀
Early / Late Plant Dates
Early and late plant dates may have changed and vary by location within the state. Be sure to contact your crop insurance specialist to get the specific dates for your area. It is important to note that crop acreage planted before the early plant date is not eligible for replant payments but will still be eligible for insurance coverage. The insurance guarantee is not impacted if producers follow good farming practices. Crops planted after the late plant date during the late plant period will also have reduced coverage. ◀
Power Of Attorney (POA) and Signatures:
Crop insurance documents requiring a signature must be signed by an authorized person. The Crop Insurance Handbook says that for a spouse or others to sign for the insured, they must be authorized by a POA or other legally sufficient document, even if the person is listed as an Substantial Beneficial Interest (SBI) on the application. Signature statements on the Application or Policy Change Form can serve as a legally sufficient document. For specific details, please consult your crop insurance specialist. ◀
Person Types & Identification Numbers
To better accommodate data reconciliation between the Farm Service Agency & RMA, there have been some changes made to the social security number and employer identification reporting requirements for individuals, estates, and trusts. If you have recently made a change in how an entity has been set up, let your crop insurance specialist know and they will make sure your policy is renewed using the correct identifying numbers. These records need to be updated before the March 15 deadline. ◀
Contract Price Addendum
The RMA offers a contract price addendum that would allow a producer who receives a contract price for their crop to receive a crop insurance guarantee that is more reflective of the actual value of the crop.
Under the addendum, insured producers would have the ability (where available and by choice) to use their personal contract price as their price election, or to use the existing crop insurance price election. If you grow specialty crops under contract and are interested in using your contract price to set your crop insurance guarantee, make sure to ask your GreenStone crop insurance specialist about the new contract price addendum.◀
Crop Insurance Calendar
January
Fruit Acreage Reports / Yield Reports & Pre-Acceptance Worksheets Due
March
Final date to sign up or make changes for a spring 2025 crop insurance policy. If you are interested in changing the coverage level, type or need to add a crop, please call your GreenStone crop insurance specialist to review your options. All changes need to be completed by the March 15th deadline! If a signed application is not returned, your policy will automatically renew at the same level you insured at the previous year.
April
Production reporting deadline for fall 2024 harvested crops. Before you get busy in the field this spring, be sure to have your production reports completed, signed, and submitted before April 29th.
* Please note that some dates can vary by County, especially in Wisconsin. Please check with your crop insurance specialist for specific dates if you are unsure.
Category Current PMLA ESTA
Michigan’s Mandatory Earned Sick Time Act Changes
Wisconsin businesses –You can take comfort knowing this change is for Michigan businesses only.
Starting on February 21, 2025, every Michigan employer, regardless of size, must provide their employees with up to 72 hours of sick leave annually under Michigan’s new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) – this includes agriculture employers and employees! On November 12, 2024, several agricultural organizations, including GreenStone Farm Credit Services, wrote to the Michigan legislature with their concerns related to the ESTA’s impact to the state’s agriculture industry. The letter can be found here: miagbiz.org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/11/MichiganAgriculture-Industry-Letter-onESTA.pdf. Michigan employers have been administering a paid leave law for the last five years under the Michigan Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) – many were not impacted by this law because it only applied to employers with 50+ employees. However, on July 31, 2024 the Michigan Supreme Court reinstated a voter initiative known as the ESTA which drastically changes the landscape for
Michigan employers to provide sick time to employees. The ESTA is the original version of a law adopted by the Michigan legislature that was immediately amended to create the PMLA, a more limited sick leave program applicable to many Michigan employers since 2019. By court order, the ESTA will take effect on February 21, 2025, replacing the PMLA and covering all Michigan employers.
This article provides a summary of the changes under ESTA, highlights answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and outlines some items you should do now to ensure compliance when ESTA takes effect on February 21, 2025. Most of this information presented is taken from the State of Michigan’s Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) website on the ESTA. The website has many resources you should familiarize yourself with – including a link to the act, FAQs, posting requirements, brochures, etc. The website can be found at: www.michigan.gov/leo/bureausagencies/ber/wage-and-hour/ paid-medical-leave-act.
Small Business All Other Employers
Covered 50+ employees Small business = less All employers Employers (anywhere) than 10 employees at any time
Covered Non-exempt All employees All employees Employees employees
Accrual Rate 1 hour for every 1 hour for every 30 1 hour for every 30 35 hours worked hours worked hours worked
Accrual Cap 40 hours/year 40 hours of paid Unlimited cap leave; unlimited cap for unpaid leave
Carryover 40-hour cap No cap - all time No cap - all time carried over carried over
Frontloading Permitted - 40 Permitted; Permitted; carryover hours, no carryover still required carryover required still required
Use 40 hours/year 40 hours of paid 72 hours of paid leave; 32 hours of sick leave unpaid sick leave
Who Is Covered Under the ESTA?
All Michigan employers, except the U.S. government, must adjust or implement policies to comply with ESTA requirements. ESTA applies, regardless of industry, to employers that employ one or more employees in Michigan – employers are split into “Small Business” and “All Other Employers” as defined by the LEO.
All employees are eligible, regardless of classification to receive earned sick time.
What is the accrual rate for earned sick time?
Beginning February 21, 2025, or upon the employee’s start date, whichever is later, employees will accrue 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers may require new employees to wait 90 days after hire to use accrued sick time, but the accrual begins immediately upon hire.
How much earned sick time are employees entitled to?
Small businesses must provide up to 40 hours of paid earned sick
time, with an additional 32 hours unpaid.
All other employees must provide up to 72 hours of paid earned sick time per year.
You should review the LEO website to determine if you are a small business or not.
Does earned sick time carry over?
Yes. All accrued and unused sick time must carry over to the following year. ESTA does not impose a cap on accrual or carryover.
Can employers frontload the earned sick time?
Yes. Employers may frontload the full year’s worth of sick time at the beginning of the benefit year. However, the frontloading method implemented must comply with the ESTA’s accrual, usage, carryover, and other provisions. Does unused earned sick time have to be paid out at the end of a calendar year or employee termination?
No. ESTA does not require employers to payout unused time. Employers should check and confirm their written policies
align with their desired practices concerning payout, as separate written agreements or policies may require employers to pay these amounts out.
As Agricultural Employers –What Should We Do Now?
Although the ESTA is not scheduled to go into effect until February 21, 2025, Michigan agriculture employers can mitigate their risk by taking steps now to make sure they are in compliance with the ESTA come the effective date. At a minimum, the following actions are recommended:
- Become familiar with the ESTA information on Michigan’s LEO website. Additionally, watch for new ESTA guidance and regulations on Michigan’s LEO website: https://www.michigan. gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/ wage-and-hour/paid-medicalleave-act
- Review and revise vacation, sick and other leave-related policies, including onboarding notices, timekeeping, and payroll mechanisms, to comply with the ESTA’s requirements.
- Ensure human resources personnel understand the
Winter Tax Calendar
January
Individuals make a payment of your estimated tax for 2024 if you didn’t pay your income tax for the year through withholding (or didn’t pay in enough tax that way) via Form 1040-ES.
Farmers and fishermen pay your estimated tax for 2024 using Form 1040-ES – if you pay your tax in full, you have until April 15 to file your 2024 income tax return. If you don’t pay your estimated tax by January 15, you must file your 2024 return and pay any tax due by March 3, 2025 to avoid an estimated tax penalty.
Form 1099 due to recipients of certain payments made during 2024 for interest, rent, contract labor, veterinarian services, etc., including the new 1099-NEC Form.
Provide employees copy of Form W-2 for 2024.
Farm employers file Form 943 to report social security and Medicare wages, and withholdings.
Non-farm employers file form 941 for the fourth quarter to report social security and Medicare wages, and withholdings.
Employers file form 940 for federal unemployment tax.
rights and protections afforded to employees under the ESTA, including administration of all vacation, sick and other leave-related policies, notice and posting requirements, and recordkeeping obligations.
- Train all supervisor employees to avoid retaliating against an employee because the employee has exercised a right protected under the ESTA.
- Obtain and timely display copies of the required ESTA posters. ◀
Financial Success in 2025–
Learn more about how you can take proactive steps this year to build a solid foundation to a successful and sustainable farming operation in 2025 and beyond!
March
S Corporations file a 2024 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S). Provide each shareholder with a copy of Schedule K-1. If not able to file, file Form 7004 to request an automatic six-month extension.
Partnerships and LLCs taxed as a partnership file a 2024 calendar year return (Form 1065). Provide each partner with a copy of Schedule K-1. If not able to file, file Form 7004 to request an automatic six-month extension.
April
Individuals file a 2024 income tax return (Form 1040) and pay any tax due. If not able to file, file Form 4868 to request an automatic sixmonth extension. Any tax due must be paid with the extension.
First quarter estimate is due for 2025 for individuals paying estimated taxes.
C Corporations file a 2024 calendar year tax return (Form 1120) and pay any tax due. If not able to file, file Form 7004 to request an automatic six-month extension. Any tax due must be paid with the extension.
C Corporations deposit the first installment of estimated income tax for 2025.
Tech tip
Year in Review: Lessons & Threats
BY MATTHEW COSGROVE, VP and Chief Information Security Officer
As we kick off the new year, it’s important to refresh ourselves on the cybersecurity topics we’ve explored over the last year - topics we hope provide you with practical, actionable advice to keep your family, finances, and operations safe. Cybersecurity can often feel intimidating or overly technical, which is why we provide these tech tips and work to break these subjects down into simple, human terms.
Whether we are discussing emerging threats such as AI-driven deepfakes, providing guidance on identifying financial scams, or shared recommendations on password management and multifactor authentication, the objective has remained the same: to make cybersecurity comprehensible and actionable for everyone.
Over the last 12 months, AI and deepfakes dominated the headlines and for good reason. Just a year ago, most of us were not even talking about deepfakes.
AI and Deepfakes: The Threat Feels Like Science Fiction
Over the last 12 months, AI and deepfakes dominated the headlines and for good reason. Just a year ago, most of us were not even talking about deepfakes. Today? They are everywhere, just take OpenAI and their new tool Sora that can create hyper-realistic videos and audio clips that are so convincing they can fool even the sharpest eye. Imagine receiving a video call from someone who looks exactly like your trusted financial advisor, but it’s not really them.
In the Fall Partners Magazine titled The New Era of Financial Fraud – Deepfakes and AI, we shared, “Threat actors
mail about your mortgage, farm equipment, or property taxes that seemed a little... off? You are not alone. In Summer Partners Magazine, we covered this growing problem in Scammers and Public Information – Be Informed.
The short version?
Cybercriminals are digging through public records—like court filings and property deeds—to send out fraudulent mail that looks incredibly legitimate. It might say you owe money, need to act quickly, or it could even offer tempting deals on equipment or loans.
Here’s what was suggested back then, and yet today: “Public records can be exploited to create mailers that mimic official correspondence, tricking recipients into taking action.”
So, what can you do?
• Trust but verify: Don’t act on any unsolicited mail until you confirm the sender’s identity.
• Shred sensitive documents before tossing them out.
• Use a locked mailbox to protect incoming mail.
access to sensitive information make smartphones a prime target for attackers.”
But do not worry, securing your phone is easier than you think. Start with these basics:
1. Use strong authentication, like fingerprints or facial recognition.
2. Regularly update your phone and apps—updates patch security holes.
3. Be cautious about what you download. If an app looks sketchy, it probably is.
A few small tweaks can go a long way toward keeping your personal and financial information safe.
Looking Ahead throughout 2025
Cybersecurity is not about perfection—it’s about progress. The key is to take small steps, focus on what matters most, and build from there. Here are some recommendations worth starting in the new year:
are using deepfakes and AI-generated content to manipulate communications, impersonate trusted individuals, and trick people into harmful financial decisions.”
It’s a terrifying reality, but there’s good news: you can take steps to protect yourself. Start by enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) on all your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for attackers to gain access, even if they trick you into revealing a password.
Mail Scams and Public Information: Too Real to Ignore
Have you ever received an official-looking letter in the
And remember—if it feels rushed, urgent, or just too good to be true, pause. Scammers often use fear or excitement to push you into making hasty decisions.
Your Smartphone: A Double-Edged Sword
Let’s be honest—our smartphones are indispensable. They help manage farm operations, check finances, keep us connected—and yet, they are a goldmine for cybercriminals. If a bad actor gains access to your phone, they can grab everything: emails, passwords, bank info, you name it.
In the Spring Partners Magazine article, Five Tips to Secure Your Smartphone Now, these risks were explained: “Portability, constant connectivity, and
• Passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for a few key accounts—like email and online banking. Once you get comfortable, a password manager can help you generate and store stronger passwords across more sites.
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Start with your most critical accounts and enable MFA. You’ll be surprised how much protection this simple step adds.
Thank you for continuing to join us on this cybersecurity journey. Our hope is that these tips have made you feel more confident and capable when it comes to protecting yourself. Here’s to staying vigilant—and ready—for whatever 2025 has in store. ◀
