PREPARE
A Letter from Leadership
In the fast-paced and evolving world of agriculture, one thing remains constant—our unwavering commitment to our members.
Farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural residents are more than just our customers; they are the very reason we exist as a cooperative. AgCountry is dedicated to keeping our members at the center of everything we do, ensuring that our services align with your needs and aspirations.
Committed to You
resources, or a rural resident pursuing your passions, we are here for you.
Our team works diligently to ensure all offerings are tailored to meet your unique challenges and goals. From customized financial plans to innovative agricultural solutions, we are focused on empowering you to succeed, because your success is our success.
Evolving Business, Mission Driven
While our business methods may evolve with technology and industry trends, our mission remains steadfast. We continuously adapt to better serve you, leveraging new tools and practices without losing sight of our foundational promise—your needs come first. By staying true to this commitment, we ensure that our decisions are always aligned with enhancing your experience and success.
member experience is paramount, as we seek to always be improving.
We are investing in technology and talent through the Collaboration to provide you with the best possible service. The goal is to streamline processes, reduce barriers, and enhance communication so that you can focus on what you do best— feeding the world and sustaining rural communities.
Maintaining a member-first approach is not just a strategy; it’s our identity. We believe that by prioritizing your needs and aligning our resources accordingly, we can achieve remarkable results together.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your goals, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.
AgCountry’ s mission is clear—serve agriculture and rural America. This commitment guides every decision, every service, and every interaction. Whether you are a farmer looking for financing options, a rancher seeking risk management solutions, an agribusiness needing greater
AgCountry’s commitment encompasses not only providing financial services but also being a trusted resource in your endeavors. We strive to offer insights and support that go beyond transactions, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and mutual success.
The expectations and needs of those we serve are always changing. We are committed to anticipating these changes and staying ahead, ensuring that we remain responsive and relevant through our Collaboration with Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. Our focus on enhancing Greetings,
Thank you for trusting us with your business.
Sincerely,
Marc Knisely EVP AgCountry Business Development 701-499-2559 Marc.Knisely@AgCountry.com
A Customer-Centric AgCountry: What it Means for You
As AgCountry Farm Credit Services continues to evolve, our commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers remains steadfast. We’re seeking to become an even greater customer-centric cooperative. This means putting your needs at the core of everything we do, from the services we offer to how we deliver them.
What does customer-centric mean?
As a customer-centric cooperative, we place the customer at the heart of everything we do. It’s about understanding your specific needs, preferences, and challenges, and tailoring our services to meet you where you are.
Why is this important?
Personalized service:
We’re committed to delivering a more personalized experience. This means understanding the nuances of your operation and providing tailored solutions.
Enhanced convenience:
We’re working to make it easier for you to do business with us when, where, and how you prefer. This may be through our digital channels or in-person interactions.
Timely information:
Access to relevant and timely information is crucial for your business success. We’re investing in tools and resources to ensure you have the insights you need.
What does a customercentric cooperative look like?
Imagine a cooperative where your unique needs are always top of mind. Where you can access information and resources that are relevant to your specific operation. Where you have the flexibility to engage with us based on your preferences. That’s the AgCountry we’re striving to be.
Why is this important?
In today’s fast-paced world, customers expect a seamless experience, regardless of where they choose to interact with a business. By being customer-centric, we’re ensuring you have the tools and resources needed to succeed, whenever and wherever you need them, while ensuring access to affordable credit and patronage dividends on eligible business.
What can you expect?
As we continue to evolve, you may notice some changes. These changes are designed to better serve and provide you with a more personalized experience. For example:
Increased specialization:
We’re focusing on tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of different customer segments based on the type of operation, specific commodities, and crop insurance needs of your location. This means you’ll have access to professionals who can provide you with tailored advice and support.
Improved access to information:
We’re investing in technology and resources to ensure you have access to timely and relevant information. This includes online tools, educational resources, and personalized communication.
Expanded service offerings:
We’re exploring new ways to meet your evolving needs.
Your Feedback Matters
Your input is essential as we continue to shape AgCountry. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Your feedback helps us identify areas where we can improve and better serve your needs.
Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional customer experience. By being a customer-centric organization, we’re taking a proactive approach to ensuring your needs are always met while continuing to be a mission-driven cooperative. We support rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit, and business services. Thank you for your continued patronage.
Your Farm Finance Resource Podcast
Learn about agriculture insurance, loans, government programs, and more, straight from AgCountry teammates. Tune in for smart strategies and resources to navigate the fınancial side of farming and rural living.
Scan the QR code to start streaming! You can also listen to Fielding Questions on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Spotify.
Shape the Future of YOUR COOPERATIVE
AgCountry is currently accepting candidate applications for the Nominating Committee and Board of Directors! Serving on AgCountry’s Board of Directors or Nominating Committee offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our Association. These roles help establish the strategic direction and governance of AgCountry, ensuring we remain a reliable resource for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural residents. Learn about the process, requirements, and benefits of getting involved, and consider joining us in leading AgCountry forward.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The AgCountry Board of Directors (the Board) is responsible for general control and direction of the Association. The Farm Credit Administration requires the Board to oversee the Association’s safe and sound operation for the benefit of its member-owners. In doing so, the Board’s responsibilities fall within the following categories:
• Establishing policies; Providing strategic direction;
• Hiring the CEO and providing a plan of succession;
• Overseeing Association leadership and organizational performance; and
• Ensuring that disclosures to stockholders and Farm Credit System investors are accurate and reliable.
Director Requirements
Director Nomination Areas
Candidates interested in pursuing Board service must meet all bylaw, regulatory, and policy qualification requirements for service on the Board, which includes:
• Being a voting stockholder with loans in good standing.
• Having a majority of their operations or reside within the Association’s chartered territory. Being less than 70 years of age at the time of election to the Board.
• Not having served more than 16 consecutive years on AgCountry’s Board of Directors.
Directors typically meet 20 to 25 days per year. Board meetings are conducted in person. Board members receive a compensation package that includes a monthly retainer, a per diem for travel and attendance at Board and Board Committee meetings, shareholder events, training and development opportunities, and related travel expenses. Each director is also provided with annual training opportunities to advance their skill level.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Voting stockholders will elect fellow voting stockholders to serve on the next Nominating Committee. They are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and nominating candidates for the Board and the future Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee is independent from the influence of the Board and management. Their responsibilities are critical to the success of our cooperative and preservation of stockholder control.
Eligible candidates:
• Serve one-year terms and can serve up to four consecutive terms.
Nominating Committee Nomination Areas
• Must reside or have a majority of their agricultural operations within a nomination area.
• Must be less than 70 years of age at the time of election.
• The Nominating Committee will consist of four positions nominated from Area 1, five positions nominated from Area 2, and two positions nominated from Area 3.
Nominating Committee member terms are one year. The Nominating Committee generally will have four meetings per year. Committee members receive compensation for meetings attended and are reimbursed for travel expenses.
INTERESTED IN SERVING?
AgCountry is always looking for qualified individuals to run for the Board, and/or serve on the Nominating Committee.
If you are interested in serving, scan the QR code or go to https://agcountry.directnominations.net and complete an application for the Board of Directors and/or the Nominating Committee.
Written by:
Bill Roiger, Sr Insurance and Marketing Education Specialist
There is risk in raising livestock. Farmers and ranchers who do so may be unaware that insurance policies exist to mitigate against challenges they face. Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) is an option that all growers and raisers should explore for its potential benefits.
Livestock insurance does not grab headlines like crop policies. Crop insurance specialists have historically centered discussions around corn, soybeans, small grains, and the like. This is not based on individual bias as much as federal crop insurance product development, availability of products, and the rollout of crop insurance products over time.
This is where LRP comes in. Although not exactly accurate, LRP can be framed as revenue protection for your livestock. Think of it as where livestock marketing meets federal crop insurance. This product allows you to set a price floor on the value of the animal while keeping the top side open. The premium subsidy through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation also makes it a more affordable option.
The types of operations eligible for LRP include swine finishing, cow/calf, cattle backgrounding, and fed cattle finishing operations. AgCountry can show you the numbers and timeframes that could provide major benefit to your bottom line if you operate in any of these capacities.
To further understand what this plan is and how it works, let us compare LRP to row crop MPCI revenue
protection—a plan that many of us are quite familiar with. (see Figure 1.)
It is important to also examine the fine print details before making any decisions. Here are a few things LRP does not do:
• LRP is not a speculative marketing tool. For example, let us say a cow/calf operator’s calf crop of steers generally weigh an average of 600 pounds at weaning. The farmer is unable to secure LRP coverage for the value of 900-pound steers.
• The dates should generally align. Let us use the same operator as above. The farmer’s calves are born in the spring and are sold off the ranch on September 15 each fall. The farmer should not pick coverage expiring November 15. The coverage should expire closer to September 15 to match the ranching practice and schedule.
• For finishing swine and fed cattle: Within 60 days on either side of the coverage endorsement expiring, the finished animals must be delivered to slaughter. If not, the farmer pays the premium cost yet forfeits any indemnity due to them.
• The insured must have ownership in the cattle or swine to purchase LRP. Again, this is not a speculative tool.
It is important to further discuss how an LRP policy would work on your operation. Please note that your initial application can be signed at any time. This does not obligate you to spend a dime. The obligation is that if you do decide to lock in a coverage endorsement on this product, it must be under the active application.
Keep an eye on the market. Contact AgCountry periodically to discuss if the time is right to take some risk off the table and place it onto a coverage endorsement through LRP. Remember, you do not need to insure all your livestock. You can try LRP on a handful of head, or a group, to learn the possibilities.
Case Study: Finding the Right Financing for a Young and Beginning Farmer
Austin Johnson was born to be a farmer. Growing up on a diversified crop and livestock operation, he has always loved riding in machinery and helping turn cattle loose into new paddocks full of fresh grass. His parents cannot recall a single time Austin complained when having to venture into the frigid winter weather to help open a frozen watering station as the cold winds whipped around him.
An Opportunity Arises
Situated next to Austin’s family farm is his uncle Troy. Austin’s dad and his older brother Troy have farmed separately for much of their lives but have shared equipment on occasion. Troy never married and has no children.
One day Austin’s phone started to ring. It was Troy calling.
“Austin, I know you’re looking to farm,” said his uncle. “My body is telling me it’s time to step away. I’d like to give you first chance at my land.”
A thrill of excitement jolted through Austin. “Thank you, Troy!” Austin enthusiastically said. “What did you have in mind?”
“Well, based on recent land sales I think I could get $5,000 per acre if I put it on the market,” said Troy. “I’d like to get at least $3,500 per acre if you are interested in buying it today. I would also be open to renting it to you, but I plan to have it sold in the next five years.”
Austin thanked his uncle again and told him he’d think it over. After the initial excitement passed, his mind started to consider his situation. “How am I going to make this financially work,” he thought?
It has been Austin’s life-long goal to take over and continue his family’s legacy as a fifth-generation farmer. He has prepared himself well by attending college and earning an agribusiness management degree. He followed the advice of his professors and participated in multiple internships during his time away from the farm. This experience opened a door for Austin to work at a seed dealership in a town near his family home while he waits for his chance to return.
Looking for Direction
Even with a discount, Austin is looking at a large purchase. Troy owns 200 acres with roughly half being
better suited for pasture. At $3,500 an acre, Austin would need to lean heavily on financing.
At a family meeting, his parents state they want him to take over someday, but they plan to continue farming for another 10 years. This offer would also require Austin to maintain an off-the-farm job for the foreseeable future. However, the opportunity to buy land next to their farm may only occur once in a generation. If Austin rents or purchases his uncle’s land, he plans to run cattle on the pastureland while planting the rest in row crops.
The Johnson’s are long-time Farm Credit customers, and decide they need to consult with a lender to consider options and position Austin for success.
Options for Austin
Written by: Wyatt Wardner, VP Loan Officer
What a great opportunity for Austin to start pursuing his dream of farming. It can be very intimidating on what to do or how to get started. It is important to bring in a trusted advisor that can lead you in the right direction or provide an alternative perspective on different options. AgCountry wants to be your trusted advisor and help the next generation of farmers succeed.
For Austin, there are many moving pieces and considerations to keep in mind as he considers the opportunity. First, we need to start with a business plan and set goals. In creating a business plan, it is very important to make sure everyone included in your plan is on board and knows what the goals are. The shortterm goal for Austin is to take over his Uncle Troy’s operation and the long-term goal is to have Austin take over his parents’ farm. It can be easy to put on the blinders for long-term goals to make the short-term goals work, but it is important to keep everything in consideration when making an investment like this.
There are many paths Austin can take to reach these goals, but what is most feasible to set him up for long-
term success? Austin has a goal of taking over Troy’s farm, but Troy also has a goal to have it sold in the next five years and that needs to be considered as well. It might make sense to rent the land for a few years and then purchase it in five years. It could also make sense to purchase it all right now. Or he could rent part of the land and buy the rest right now. Having a good, wellcommunicated plan with his Uncle Troy can set both up for accomplishing their goals.
Another thing to consider is that Austin’s parents will be farming for another 10 years but eventually want Austin to take over the farm. Is there a way for Austin to start transitioning into their farm over the next few years? This could allow time for Austin to get established while allowing his parents to efficiently exit the operation. This also could help Austin in the shortterm take over Troy’s operation.
For example, say the best option was to rent the 100 acres of pasture ground and purchase the 100 acres of cropland. Austin could collaborate with his parents and put cattle on the 100 acres of pasture and then purchase the 100 acres of cropland for $350,000 ($3,500 per acre x 100 acres). AgCountry could partner with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) using their Beginning Farmer Down Payment program. This program offers flexible terms with lower rates and only a 5% down payment requirement. AgCountry would lend 50% of the purchase, or $175,000, over 30 years at current rates. FSA would lend 45% of the purchase, or $157,500, over 20 years at their current rate. Austin would then put 5% down, or $17,500. This program allows for 95% financing, which is very beneficial to beginning farmers. Along with setting up the real estate loan, Austin could open an operating loan to help manage cash flow throughout the year and potentially secure a term loan to purchase cattle or equipment if it fits into the business plan and cash flow.
This is one example of the many options AgCountry can provide to young or beginning farmers looking to get their start in agriculture. No two operations or situations are the same. AgCountry is agile when working with young and beginning farmers to understand their goals, operations, and credit needs.
EVENTS
Don’t miss out on AgFocus events in your area!
All AgFocus events provide insight and education to help you and your operation. AgFocus Conferences are held annually at the beginning of the year in Willmar, MN and Fargo, ND—with unique agendas, both conferences provide a distinctive learning experience. AgFocus Meetings are local AgCountry-hosted events across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Local AgCountry teammates will provide insights and explain industry trends to help you make informed decisions. Attend an AgFocus Meeting in your area.
Join AgCountry for an AgFocus Conference or Meeting by scanning the QR code or visit AgCountry.com/Events.
Listen to the leading voices in agriculture by attending a conference in-person or virtually. Join farmers from around our territory for a chance to learn and network.
Willmar, MN | January 15, 2025
9 am - 2 pm | Willmar Conference Center
Matt Roberts Grain, Energy, & Ag Economy
Jim Wiesemeyer Farm Bill/ Washington Update
AgCountry Team Succession and Retirement Integrated with Tax Planning for Your Operation’s Future
Fargo, ND | January 23, 2025
8 am - 5 pm | Holiday Inn Fargo (Virtual experience available)
Shawn Hackett Factors Impacting Ag Markets and Hedging Strategies to Implement
Todd Van Hoose Political Update
Chad Colby Ag Technology Outlook
AgCountry Team
Succession and Retirement Integrated with Tax Planning for Your Operation’s Future
Scholarship Applications Now Open
We believe investing in a young adult’s education today will benefit the agricultural industry and our rural communities in the future. That’s why AgCountry offers scholarship opportunities to students currently enrolled in college and those entering in fall of 2025.
Upperclassmen Scholarships
Students who have completed 69 college or university credits can earn a $1,000 scholarship to put towards their schooling. Ten scholarships will be awarded to students studying in an agribusiness, business, or related field of study; and plan on working in production agricultural lending or related agricultural services. The deadline to apply is June 1.
High School Scholarships
Graduating high school seniors can also earn a $1,000 scholarship towards a future degree when they enter college in the fall of 2025. Applicants must be residents of a county served by AgCountry in Minnesota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin. The deadline to apply is March 1.
See the official requirements and apply for an AgCountry scholarship by visiting AgCountry.com/Scholarships.
Keep your operation moving with customized financing from AgDirect. Buy, lease, or refinance new or used equipment in a simple, fast, and flexible way. Contact AgDirect today to get started.
888-525-9805 | AgDirect.com
A New Home For AgCountry in LaMoure
AgCountry customers in LaMoure, North Dakota will enjoy an improved experience when visiting our new building. The new facility is nearly 3,000 square feet larger than the previous building and features upgraded technology and a community room.
An open house event was held on December 2 that provided attendees an opportunity to tour the office.
AgCountry Photo Contest Winners
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. Over 100 images were submitted this year showcasing the best of agriculture and rural life throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Pick up a copy of our 2025 calendar at your local AgCountry office to see more great images from around our territory!
Do you have pictures? Submit them today for your chance to appear in the 2026 photo calendar. Photos will be accepted until September 1, 2025.
Visit AgCountry.com/Photos to enter.
1st place winner!
2nd place winner!
3rd place winner!
Sharon Watson of Buxton, ND
Sharla Adams of Westby, ND
Alicia Lees of Buchanan, ND
2nd place
3rd place
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
P.O. Box 6020
Fargo, ND 58108
Holiday Office Hours
AgCountry Offices Closed:
December 24, 2024 at Noon
December 25, 2024
January 1, 2025
Transaction cut-off is 3:30 pm on 12/31/2024
Winter Weather Watch!
During inclement weather, please call ahead before visiting an AgCountry office.
