2022
ANNUAL MEETING
INFORMATION STATEMENT
July 2022
2
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
2022
ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION DATE & TIME
must state if he or she accepts the nomination.
NOTICE REGARDING ANNUAL REPORT
To be considered, floor nominees must provide in writing all disclosures currently required by Farm Credit Administration regulations. A list of required disclosures can be obtained from the corporate office in Fargo, ND by calling Jessica Fyre, AgCountry General Counsel, (701) 282-9494 or (800) 450-8933.
The AgCountry Farm Credit Services, ACA annual shareholders meeting will convene at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the Willmar branch office of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, at 4401 Highway 71 South, Willmar, MN 56201 . The 2022 annual report is published on the Association’s website: AgCountry.com > Financials.
THE AGENDA
In addition to highlighting information contained in the 2021 annual report, the business meeting will include the following: • Call to Order - Chairperson • Nomination of candidates for election to Board of Directors and Nominating Committee • Candidate Statements - All candidates, including floor-nominees • Board and management discussion
VOTING SHAREHOLDERS
AgCountry Farm Credit Services, ACA had 22,880 shareholders entitled to vote as of June 30, 2022, which was the record date used to determine the shareholders entitled to vote following the Annual Meeting. All shareholders holding Class B Common Stock, whether held jointly or individually, are entitled to vote. As a result, all owners and joint owners of Class B Common Stock, including the primary, co-borrower and any other co-makers signing promissory notes, would count as a Voting Shareholder and will be provided a ballot and the right to vote in the Association election. Members holding Class E Participation Certificates are not entitled to vote.
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
BALLOTS: Vote By Mail or Electronically
You may vote for each open director position as well as next year’s Nominating Committee by mail or electronic ballot. Written instructions on voting and ballots will be mailed to all voting shareholders following the Annual Meeting. Feel free to contact the nominees with any questions you might have prior to voting. Ballots, both mail and electronic, must be received by the independent tabulator no later than close of business on the 15th business day following the date the ballots are mailed, at which time the polls will close. Once received by the independent tabulator, all ballots are final and cannot be revoked. The independent tabulator will validate, open and tally the votes cast by mail and electronic ballot when the polls close.
EMAIL SAFE SENDER LIST
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or email applications (such as Gmail or Outlook) use filters to send certain emails to spam, junk, or promotion folders. Sometimes, they add warning messages to those emails or may even delete them entirely. To prevent this from happening to email from AgCountry, please add AgCountry.com to your safe sender list, as well as noreply@ directvote.net so you don’t miss your opportunity to vote.
All director candidates, including floor-nominees, will be provided the opportunity to receive travel reimbursement for those traveling to the Willmar branch office in Willmar, MN, for the Annual Meeting on August 4, 2022.
Check these rules in your email settings, preferences, or address book. This keeps important emails - such as those from AgCountry - at the top of your inbox and out of the junk folder.
FLOOR NOMINATION
AgCountry has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems to administer the 2022 AgCountry Election.
Nominations from the floor, or other business requiring membership vote may be made at the annual shareholders meeting. Nominations from the floor for director candidates are restricted to those specific geographic regions to be filled, and such nominees must have the majority of their farming operation in that region and meet the eligibility requirements for the director position. The nominator need only be a Voting Shareholder of the Association. After receiving a floor nomination, the floor-nominee
CERTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR NOMINEES
AgCountry Farm Credit Services, ACA had loans outstanding during the last full fiscal year to date to nominees, their immediate family members, and organizations with which such nominees are affiliated, that:
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement 1. Were made in the ordinary course of business; 2. Were made on the same terms, including interest rate, amortization schedule, and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons; and 3. Did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability. Nominees further certify that they are not presently involved in any legal proceedings and that during the past five years they: 1. Have not filed any petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency laws; 2. Have not been convicted in a criminal proceeding or are a named party in a pending criminal proceeding; and 3. Are not the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated by any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining or otherwise limiting such persons from engaging in any type of business practice.
CURRENT NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The following list of Voting Shareholders make up the 2022 Nominating Committee: Jacob Amb, Portland, ND Scott Bernardy, Vesta, MN Mark Birdsall, Berthold, ND Brett Blackwelder, Chokio, MN Alan Effertz, Velva, ND Deven Efta, Greenbush, MN Douglas Fjerstad, Fosston, MN Kurt Gartner, Atwater, MN Bruce Gumz, Dorchester, WI Robert W. Hanson, Wimbledon, ND Stacie Heck, Neillsville, WI Dennis Jakobi, Granton, WI Matt Jennen, Fergus Falls, MN Christopher A. Johnson, Wahpeton, ND Matthew Legge, Spiritwood, ND Adam Lund, Dawson, MN Robert W. Schaefer, Glenburn, ND Dean Schoenberg, Mohall, ND Jesse Stuehrenberg, Kent, MN
2023 NOMINATING COMMITTEE CANDIDATES
The following slate of 22 Voting Shareholders was nominated for the 2023 Nominating Committee: You may vote: 1. For the entire slate of candidates; or 2. For the individual candidates you wish to elect
3
The candidates elected will serve a one-year term on the Nominating Committee.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE CANDIDATES: Jacob Amb, Portland, ND Scott Bernardy, Vesta, MN Brett Blackwelder, Chokio, MN Deven Efta, Greenbush, MN Joe Ericson, Wimbledon, MN Douglas Fjerstad, Fosston, MN Kurt Gartner, Atwater, MN Parker Gates, Mohall, ND Bruce Gumz, Dorchester, WI Dennis Jakobi, Granton, WI Matt Jennen, Fergus Falls, MN Christopher A. Johnson, Wahpeton, ND Darwyn Kleven, Minot, ND Adam Lund, Dawson, MN Dustin McGregor, Fairdale, ND Alex Moore, Hallock, MN Ray Melander, Merrill, WI Jeremy Rittenbach, Jamestown, ND Kenneth Schmid, Devils Lake, ND Dean Schoenberg, Mohall, ND Scott Spear, Drake, ND Jesse Stuehrenberg, Kent, MN
OTHER INFORMATION
As of the publishing of the Annual Meeting Information Statement, neither the Board of Directors nor management are aware, to the best of their knowledge, of any matters that will require shareholder votes not normally submitted to shareholders for approval at the Annual Meeting. Other matters to be discussed at the meeting, not requiring shareholder votes, will consist of normal meeting activities such as board and management reports. All director candidate materials were prepared and submitted by the candidate. The information is provided for educational purposes only. By regulation, AgCountry must remain impartial and can neither endorse nor oppose any candidate. The 2021 financial statements of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, ACA are included in its 2021 annual report; the 2021 financial statements of AgriBank, FCB are included in AgriBank, FCB’s 2021 annual report; and all are incorporated herein by reference.
7 4
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
AgCountry’s GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
REGION
For purposes of proportionate director representation, the territory of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, ACA has been divided into seven geographic regions for director candidate nomination as follows:
1
Includes the counties of Cavalier, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Steele, Towner, Traill, and Walsh in the state of North Dakota. There is one director position up for election in Region 1 in 2022.
REGION
2
Includes the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau in the state of Minnesota. There is one director position up for election in Region 2 in 2022.
REGION
3
Includes the counties of Barnes, Cass, Dickey, LaMoure, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, and Stutsman in the state of North Dakota. There is one director position up for election in Region 3 in 2022.
REGION
4
Includes the counties of Becker, Big Stone, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Ottertail, Pope, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, and Wilkin in the state of Minnesota. There are no director positions up for election in Region 4 in 2022.
REGION
5
Includes the counties of Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Meeker, Redwood, Renville, Swift, and Yellow Medicine in the state of Minnesota. There are no director positions up for election in Region 5 in 2022.
REGION
6
Includes the counties of Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Price, Taylor, Vilas, Waushara, and Wood in the state of Wisconsin. There is one director position up for election in Region 6 in 2022.
REGION
7
Includes the counties of Benson, Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry, McKenzie, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Sheridan, Ward, and Wells in the state of North Dakota. There are no director positions up for election in Region 7 in 2022.
The Nominating Committee met and compiled a list of possible candidates for each director position up for election in 2022, and contacted a number of shareholders in an effort to identify at least two nominees for each director position up for election. Nine shareholders in total were nominated to fill three open positions, all of whom have been involved in production agriculture in the past five years. These nominees are listed on the following pages. Additional information can be found at: AgCountry.com/elections. Candidate information will be posted to AgCountry.com/ elections after the completion of the Annual Meeting.
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
5
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: REGION 2 JUSTIN DAGEN Incumbent
62 Karlstad, MN 218-686-1734 jdagen@wiktel.com
KEVIN LEISER
57 Fertile, MN 218-289-5742 kdl@gvtel.com
EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: Attended the University of Minnesota. Owned/managed diversified crop farm specializing in certified seed potatoes since 1977.
EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: high school 2 years of college University Minnesota Crookston. Owner operator manager of KL farms and Leiser Bros Inc.
BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: AgCountry director since 2018.
BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: Minnesota wheat research and promotion council. Minnesota wheat growers. Director US wheat associates. Owner operator Kl farms and Leiser Bros. inc.
DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: 140 year old diversified cash crop farm operation; 10 varieties certified seed potatoes as well as sugarbeet, corn, edible beans, wheat and soybean. In partnership with two sons, Brooks and Sander Dagen. Kittson and Marshall County Minnesota. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Enjoyed serving on church board, town board, elevator board, conservation board, extension board, as well as president of the National Potato Council HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? My experience with executive leadership is beneficial when interacting with the CEO and executive leadership team at AgCountry. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? Production agriculture must build relational equity with modern society in order to continue strengthening the fabric of our nation; consumers need to understand how and why farmers do what they do! STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: Married to my first wife Donna, for 35 years; four grown children; four grandchildren. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, sons, and daughters-in-law.
DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: Run two separate farming operations. Consisting of 8000 acre’s Growing corn soybeans wheat sunflowers and black beans. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: no other than above HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? Have had lots of experience meeting with dealing with politicians. Lead Minn wheats fight on nitrogen fertilizer ruling succeeded in dividing state into different regions by geography and soil type. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? To keep interest rates in line during trying times. Maintaining Ag Country as the best farm lending organization. STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: Married to Valerie Leiser have 5 kids Amber Kristina Kora Matthew Alysa The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, mother, and brother.
6
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: REGION 1 JAMES HALVORSON
42 Hunter, ND 701-430-1477 jah74chev@hotmail.com EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: I graduated from MPCG High School in Mayville, ND in 1998. I then went on to attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND and earned a degree in Automotive Technology in 2000. I began farming full time on our family farm in 2008. I also have worked as an apprentice electrician and HVAC technician, for a local contracting business. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: The sole business interest I currently hold is part owner/operator in Halvorson Farms, Galesburg, ND. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: Our farm is a third-generation family farming operation that was started by my grandfather in the 1950’s. We currently grow corn and soybeans near Galesburg, ND. I was able to return home and start farming full time in 2008. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am a member of Nodak Mutual Insurance Company and both North Dakota Corn and Soybean Growers Associations. I currently serve on the Galesburg housing committee and am a member of Stordahl Lutheran Church. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? My 7 years as a service technician/manager, I gained a lot of knowledge working with the general public, problem solving and critical thinking skills. I also have 10 years of experience working as an electrician and HVAC technician during the winter months. I am confident that my diverse work experience and my ambitious work ethic could bring new and fresh ideas to this role of board of directors. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? I feel one of the greatest challenges to Agcounty in this technological world we live in would be the potential for a cyberattack. Cyberattacks hit businesses every day and ensuring that AgCountry and their customers are protected from any data breach should be a high priority. When trying to prevent an attack, security is only as strong as the weakest link. Addressing these issues by using software in conjunction with education to protect against the threat of any type of cyberattack. STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: I currently reside on a farm outside of Galesburg, ND with my wife, Melissa and two young daughters, Stella (13) and Sophia (9). Other than farming, my interests include traveling, spending time at the lake with my family and ice fishing with friends. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, father, mother, and uncle.
BRAD THYKESON
61 Portland, ND 701-238-0790 bthykeson@gmail.com EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: I received my high school diploma from Finley-Sharon High School and have a BS Degree in Secondary Education from Mayville State College, Mayville, ND. I have farmed in Steele county since 1983, today I farm in Steele and Barnes counties with my 2 sons. In November of 2017, I was appointed North Dakota Farm Service Agency Executive Director and served until January 2021. I am currently back farming with my 2 sons. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: Besides farming, my sons and I have a small commercial trucking business that haul agriculture products in the upper Midwest. I have served an various boards such as: North Dakota Grain Growers, National Association of Wheat Growers, Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher, Elevator board, township, Church, and Mayville Airport Authority. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: I farm with my wife (Karla) and two sons (Greg and Ross-and their wives) raising corn, soybeans, wheat, dry edible beans, alfalfa, and grand kids! We farm in Steele and Barnes county in eastern North Dakota. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am currently chairman of Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. I’m serving as a director of a local elderly care facility. I’m Sec/Treas. of the Mayville Airport Authority board. I’m a life time member of the FFA. I have been a member Farm Bureau for more than 40 years. I’m a member and past director of North Dakota Grains and member of ND Corn and Soybean associations. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? Heading up the North Dakota Farm Service Agency that employs around 300 people and touch most producers at some time during the production cycle, has given me first hand training how to handle various issues. I had to deal with a government shut down and pandemic---none of which was in the hand book when I started. We administered millions of dollars to the ag community and had to do it correctly and timely. I understand the stresses that come with financial responsibilities and how we need to be partners to the producers during tough times and times of growth. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? As the average age of farmers/ranchers get higher, we need to look at the next generation that will be operating and holding the large assets that are needed to raise the food that feeds the world. The dollars that are involved in this transition get larger every year and risks will be greater. We need to be financially sound and willing to stand by these producers so we do not have a repeat of the 1980’s. Being able to see the big picture, will help us be a great team member for an ag producer, and only help the association in the long run. We need to recognize the lack of uncertainty that exists working in the natural environment and how it presents challenges to ‘all’ entities that are involved. STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: I coached and taught for 14 years at the high school level and understand the importance of a team or a classroom. I feel that I’m a good teammate and also understand the importance of a common goal and the mechanics that is takes to get there. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, sons, and daughters-in-law.
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: REGION 1 DALE ZAHRADKA Incumbent
58 Lankin, ND 701-331-1310 zahradka@polarcomm.com EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: I graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Range Science. I am certified in director training in technology disruption and cyber risk, enterprise and managing risk, strategic leadership and cooperative governance. Zahradka Farms Business plan is integrated into our operation so that transition to our next generation is understood and obtainable. My responsibility is to ensure that our family farm is viable for generations to come, work with our legislative leaders, create strategic direction, enterprise risk and merger integration. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: Currently I serve as the chairman of AgCountry’s Strategic and Governance Committee, Committee Chairman for the merger with Farm Credit Service of ND and AgCountry. I serve on the Risk Committee and currently the Vice-Chair of the ND Farm Credit Council. I continue as an AgCountry Board mentor to help new directors navigate through the beginning of their leadership role. Working with AgCountry’s Young & Beginning Farmers has been a great experience. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: I farm with my wife Bonnie, our daughter Nikki Zahradka-Bylin and her husband Scott Bylin. We are a fourth-generation farm that produces malting barley, pinto beans, corn and canola. We operate a family-owned elevator. Zahradka Farms legacy will be to leave the land for the next generation better than we received it. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I have served on the ND Barley Council, an active member in the local Sons of the American Legion, a long history working with and supporting the 4-H program and served on the local dive/rescue team. I received the Monsanto Wheat Grower of Excellence award and our farm has received the Soil Conservation Farm of the Year award. Active member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? AgCountry’s patronage program has returned over 70 million dollars into our communities in 2021. I have advocated for a strong patronage program while maintaining low interest rate margins. This creates long-term viability for YOUR co-op by strategic risk management and stress testing. We collaborate with other financial institutions on products and expanding the options available to our stockholders. My fellow board members and I work diligently to make AgCountry your lender of choice. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? RISK: American agriculture is experiencing volatility at a level not seen before. Risk is inherent in agriculture, however inflation, supply chain, pandemic and production issues have created risks that are increasingly hard to mitigate. AgCountry is a service-based company with technology being the key to its success. AgCountry must continue to evolve on the front side of on-line banking platforms, cyber risk and employee attraction and retention to remain successful. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and political risk are emerging risks that need to be watched. The evolution of the money flow through banks and the strategic consolidation of the Farm Credit System will lead changes in lending and services in the future. Continued governance in these times is critical for long-term success. STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: Take only what you need, keep what you must and return the rest. The responsibility of the cooperative system to be fiscally responsible for YOUR capital is taken very seriously. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, daughter, and son-in-law.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS
A benefit of your AgCountry membership is choosing the leadership that will guide our organization into the future. Make sure your voice is heard during the 2022 election!
7
8
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: REGION 3 JAY MYERS
55 Colfax, ND 701-640-3654 jmyers@rrt.net EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: 4 year ag economics degree NDSU, 2 year degree Ag Business Management NDSCS. Operate Myers Farms and President of AgroValley Solutions, agronomist services and crop consulting. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: Last 9 years on United Soybean Board and ND soybean council. 5 years as director on board for startup of ND soybean processors soybean crush plant. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: Farm in SE ND with my son Travis and wife Cara raising corn and soybeans & cow calf operation on 4000 acres. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Richland county crop improvement board. Member ND Soybean Growers Association. ND Soybean Council. United Soybean Board. ND Soybean Processors. Member ND Corn growers Association HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? Being on many boards has gained a leadership presence in ag industry and a wide perspective on ways and projects to help make farms more profitable thru advancement in research and overseas promotion of the crops we grow along with value added processing of crops. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? Keeping interest rates at manageable levels so our patrons can continue to grow their operations, continue profitable returns at Ag Country and payment of dividends back to patrons. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse and son.
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: REGION 3 GREG NELSON Incumbent
52 Milnor, ND 701-680-9195 greg.n91@gmail.com EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: I graduated from Milnor High School and then attended NDSU where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. I was also a 4-year member of the NDSU football team. I worked as a design engineer at Bobcat Company in Gwinner, ND until returning full time to the farm. I have completed the Premiere Governance Series director training program. My recent business experience has been operating my 4th generation family farm. I am involved with all aspects of the operation. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: I am currently an elected director for AgCountry. I have served as Chairman of the Board along with serving on the governance and audit committees. I currently serve on the compensation committee. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: I run a 4th-generation family farm, raising mainly corn and soybeans. My wife, 4 children, and my father all help on the farm, along with a seasonal employee. The farm transitioned from dairy and grain, to grain only in 1989. We became a century farm in 2016. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I belong to the corn and soybean commodity groups. I am a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving in various roles over the years. My hobbies include spending time with family, going to the lake, hunting, watching NDSU football games, and golfing. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? I believe my role as a director is to assist with the strategic direction and longterm planning of the organization and to bring a farmer’s perspective to all the discussions. As a farmer owned Co-op, AgCountry needs our insight. My career of running the family farm brings this element to the boardroom. My sports background has provided me skills in leadership, toughness, and teamwork. My engineering background enables me to think through issues and find solutions. My experience and training as a current director are powerful tools that I do, and will, put to good use at AgCountry. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? AgCountry will always be challenged to provide the best solutions for our customers. Currently, the greatest of these stems from the inflationary period we are in. We are seeing high crop prices, but also higher cost on all our inputs. Interest rates are also on the rise, and volatile weather makes planning difficult. The pandemic has changed the dynamics of the workforce, making our talent more difficult to keep. AgCountry can address these by providing the right mix of loan products and financial service guidance to our customers. They can adjust the employee incentives to provide our workforce with the most desirable mix of salary and opportunity that current trends demand. Using technology to interact and conduct business with all our owners and customers will be critical. STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: My wife Jan is from a family farm near Fisher, MN. Our oldest son is a sales agronomist for CHS Dakota Plains. Our younger son is studying Ag Engineering at NDSU. Our 2 daughters are in high school. During my time playing for the NDSU football team, we won the National Championship in 1990 and conference titles in 1991 and 1992. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
9
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: REGION 6 RICHARD PRICE
65 Stanley, WI 715-864-1656
bossmoss700@gmail.com EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: I attended Stanley-Boyd High School and Chippewa Valley College, obtaining an associate degree in Machine Design. I own and operate a 400 acre dairy and crop farm in North Central Wisconsin since 1986. We milk 70 cows and raise replacement heifers. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: I have previously served on the United Farm Credit Services board for 8 years from 2008-2017. I was on the Audit and Compensation committees and served as Board Vice-Chair. I was part of the Merger Study Committee that eventually led to the completion of the merger of AgCountry and United in the spring of 2017. Before the merger took place, I was subsequently elected to AgriBank Board in March and served from 2017-2021. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: My wife, Michele, and I milk cows in Clark County, Wisconsin. Our son, Nathan, comes home on weekends to help with chores. We have a part time herdsman for milking. We enjoy making Maple Syrup in the spring and have 8 grand-children, who like to help on the farm. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, and a past church council president. I served as a board member and treasure of the Our Lady of Victory Hospital, from 2001-2008. I was a Stanley-Boyd school board member from1997-2000. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? Serving as a director for United-AgCountry and then as a director for AgriBank was a great experience. I learned leadership skills when having to defend decisions that were made in the board room. My people skills were used in relating to management and patience was required when dealing with regulatory issues from FCA. I gained insight on how organizations manage their operations. AgCountry is a great organization. I feel I will be able to contribute in the board room if given this opportunity. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? Every year seems to bring new challenges for all of us. Weather, input costs, interest rates going up. This year is no different. A steady hand on the wheel should help. I think we have that with AgCountry board and the management team. I worry about young farmers and beginning farmers the most. They are the future leaders in agriculture and newest customers of AgCountry. They are the most at risk with the challenges we face ahead of us. My advice to young farmers and for all is this: get good sound financial advice and make sure your future capital needs are going to be met by a strong lender. I believe AgCountry is that lender. It is an organization that understands farmers and ranchers needs and will be there throughout the upturns and downturns in farming. Their mission is to serve agriculture and rural America. STATE ANY OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO PROVIDE: I enjoy conversing with other farmers. Their experiences, practices, and insights pertaining to farming have influenced me to become a better manager. I ask questions and find out why things are done in a certain way to try and make myself more knowledgeable. I feel I have something to offer AgCountry members with my time and experience. I will work to insure that AgCountry’s mission statement is followed to help farmers and ranchers in rural America. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are spouse, daughter, and son-in-law.
MARY KAY VANDERGEEST Incumbent
74 Merrill, WI 715-551-4020 marykay@vandergeestdairy.com EDUCATION & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: I have attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point; received certification for the PGS Series through FCC; participated in various continuing education programs and classes thoughout my terms on the Farm Credit Boards. I now serve in an advisory role at our Dairy, which my husband and I founded in 1969. I bring a lifetime of experience in the agricultural industry, as well as active involvement in various ag-business committees and boards throughout the years. I strongly believe in the sustainability and future of agriculture and its importance not only in our local community, but the world economy. BUSINESS INTERESTS/DIRECTORSHIPS: I have been a Director serving first on the United FCS Board beginning in 2008 and am currently on the AgCountry Board. I have served on the HR Comp committee as well as committee chair. I previously held positions on the North Central Technical College Foundations Board and the NTC Agricultural School of Excellence Board, as well as the Marathon County Partnership for Progressive Agriculture Board. DESCRIBE YOUR FARMING OPERATION: We farm approximately 5,500 acres within a 10-mile radius and milk 3200 head of cattle in a 90 cow Rotary parlor in Central Wisconsin. My Son, Lee oversees the cropping and manure operations, and his partner Jason Mell oversees the milking and calving operation. We grow, corn, alfalfa, wheat and soybeans. STATE ANY OTHER MEMBERSHIPS, AFFILIATIONS, OR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Association, also member of the DBA, PDPW, and Education and Promo for Marathon County Agriculture Committee. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR PRIOR WORK, LEADERSHIP, AND/OR TRAINING EXPERIENCES BEING APPLIED TO YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR FOR AGCOUNTRY? I believe that starting with 17 cows and then to grow to over 3,000 cows and having no employees to now, 65-70 employees, has given me 1st hand experience in the industry. My husband and I started the business together, but when he passed away 22 years ago, I really found out what farming was. I was fortunate enough to have a son interested in cropping and an experienced dairy manager. We all worked together to continue to grow and share in the ups and downs of farming. We also had a partner in Farm Credit, who helped guide us as we grew. I am reminded how important a good lender can be. It also made me realize that all farming operations are important, no matter how large or how small. The experience that I have gained serving on the Farm Credit Board and the educational opportunities that I have participated in while on the Board have also given me continued insight into the system has made me a more informed Director. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING AGCOUNTRY AND HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE ADDRESSED? Continuing to be cognizant of cyber-security, which is a risk we address often as it is extremely important as it can affect AgCountry’s business continuity and of course its reputation. Remaining vigilant and continued training are ways that this is addressed. Credit Risk is also a very important, especially with the ever-changing markets, but by maintaining risk exposure and keeping it within acceptable limits will help mitigate this. Finding qualified employees in all areas are now a risk in all labor markets. Fortunately, or unfortunately paying high wages and offering more benefits may be the key in maintaining a competent workforce. The nominee and members of the nominee’s immediate family have had transactions with AgCountry during the last year. The immediate family members are son and daughter-in-law.
10
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
DIRECTOR INFORMATION
The Board of Directors of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, ACA is currently comprised of 18 shareholder-elected directors and two outside appointed directors. In accordance with Farm Credit Administration regulations, their ages, terms, and other required disclosures are summarized below and on the next page:
SHAREHOLDER-ELECTED DIRECTORS ELECTED
FIRST
TERM EXPIRES
AGRICULTURAL OPERATION
Kensington, MN
2013
2025
Grain & Dairy
56
Morgan, MN
2015
2023
Grain & Livestock
Leif Aakre
68
Stephen, MN
2011
2023
Small Grains & Soybeans
Bryan Ankenbauer
49
Bowbells, ND
2005
2025
Grain
Justin Dagen
62
Karlstad, MN
2018
2022
Grain, Sugarbeets & Specializing in Certified Seed Potatoes
Kurt Elliott
55
Blanchard, ND
2016
2024
Grain & Livestock
Mark Ellison
62
Elbow Lake, MN
1995
2024
Grain
Ed Hegland
53
Appleton, MN
2012
2025
Grain
Thomas (Tom) Henry
61
Westhope, ND
2010
2024
Grain
James (Jim) Jarvis
71
Wautoma, WI
2008
2023
Grain, Timber & Hay
Karen Kerner
47
Philips, WI
2021
2025
Grain & Livestock
Michael Long
64
Berlin, ND
1997
2025
Grain & Livestock
Greg Nelson
52
Milnor, ND
2008
2022
Grain
Steve Perdue
57
Ray, ND
2009
2026
Grain
Curt Trost
64
Wabasso, MN
2020
2024
Grain
Mary Kay Van Der Geest
74
Merrill, WI
2008
2022
Dairy
Dale Zahradka
58
Lankin, ND
2002
2022
Grain
Mike Zenker
42
Gackle, ND
2015
2023
Grain & Active Seed Dealer
NAME
AGE
Greg Sabolik (Board Chair)
45
Lynn Pietig (Vice Chair)
ADDRESS
2022 Annual Meeting Information Statement
11
APPOINTED DIRECTORS FIRST
TERM
Duluth, MN
2011
2023
New Glarus, WI
2009
2025
NAME
AGE
ADDRESS
Suzanne Allen
57
William (Bill) Oemichen
61
APPOINTED EXPIRES
For the past five years each of the directors listed was involved in production agriculture except Suzanne Allen, who is president of Allen CFO Services, and William Oemichen, who is a senior university research fellow in Food Systems Security, a governance consultant for cooperatives, and a partner in a law firm. All directors attended at least 75% of the regular board and committee meetings in 2021.
CONCLUSION
Your Association’s Annual Meeting Information Statement was prepared to inform you about your organization. If you have any questions about the statement or have other questions, please contact Jessica Fyre, AgCountry general counsel, at the corporate office in Fargo, North Dakota at (701) 282-9494, toll free at (800) 450-8933 or via email at: jessica.fyre@ agcountry.com. The undersigned certify we have reviewed the Association’s Annual Meeting Information Statement, it has been prepared in accordance with all applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, and is financially accurate. The information contained herein is true, accurate, and complete to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Greg Sabolik Chair of the Board
Marcus L. Knisely Chief Executive Officer
Rebecca A. Thibert Chief Finance Officer
P.O. BOX 6020 FARGO, ND 58108