CEO & Board Chair Messages

A Letter From

The CEO

The summer months are a time of growth within our industry. Whether it is the crops or livestock you produce, watching things grow and develop can lead to a sense of optimism among farmers and ranchers. I can’t help but feel the same here at AgCountry Farm Credit Services. We, too, are experiencing growth in different aspects of our business.

In the past, I have talked about the importance of having a growth mindset. We all have room to grow. Embracing change and expanding the way we think can lead to personal transformation. But changing the way we think and approach our lives each day can be a challenge. There are times when we will want to revert back to what we know and are comfortable with. However, you can’t move forward by standing still.

When it comes to our AgCountry team, we are also experiencing tremendous growth. Our objective is to provide an exceptional customer experience and an exceptional work environment for staff. After evaluating the needs of our office locations, we determined that more help is needed. Over the past few months, we have posted over 25 jobs, many of which are new positions. New team members are being added to further solidify our ability to better serve rural America. I am excited about the depth of skill and knowledge that we’re adding.

Our team expansion also shows a commitment to the local communities we serve. Almost three-quarters of our current 38 office locations are found in communities of less than 10,000 people. Each new job is an opportunity to either keep a family in a rural setting or introduce someone new. It is our hope that this leads to greater economic benefits for local businesses.

The ag industry has had a rough go of it for much of the last seven or so years. For some, commodity prices and current market conditions are lifting spirits once again. Hopefully soon we will find that equilibrium that supports both crop and livestock producers. Now let’s keep our fingers crossed that we see adequate moisture throughout the summer and fall.

As always, thank you for your continued patronage of our cooperative.

Sincerely,

Marc Knisely, CEO

A Letter From

The Board Chair

In the world of agriculture, opportunities often present themselves at different times. Like the farmers and ranchers we serve, cooperatives like ours also are met with opportunity. Recently, a memorandum of understanding to pursue a merger was agreed upon by the Boards of Directors of AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Services of North Dakota. Through initial conversations between the two boards, we have identified several areas in which we believe greater value can be delivered to our customer-owners if we come together. These areas are currently being explored.

It is important to note that we are currently in the exploratory phase. If both boards complete their due diligence and find the conditions acceptable, and we receive approval from AgriBank and the Farm Credit Administration, customerowners will be able to vote on the proposed merger later this year. If approved, the merger would take effect no earlier than January 1, 2022.

Active communication and transparency are important to us. Be assured that we will further communicate all future decisions regarding this matter in a timely manner and will be provided to our customer-owners prior to a potential vote.

The Board understands the importance of the recommendations such as this and approach each opportunity with diligent consideration. Thank you for your continued patronage of AgCountry Farm Credit Services.

Sincerely,

Ed Hegland, AgCountry Board Chair

REMINDER!

The 2021 Annual Meeting is Fast Approaching!

The 2021 Annual Meeting will be a hybrid event to offer members the option of attending either in-person or virtually. Additional details, including a link to the virtual event, will be made available soon.

Marshfield, WI July 29, 2021 1:30 PM