AgCountry Farm Credit Services
P R E PA R E
DECEMBER 2021
The Value of a Common
MISSION
AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
A Letter From
The CEO Greetings,
A company’s mission and vision matters. Solid business decisions stem from a clear and meaningful mission and vision. Without them, it is easy for an organization to become disorganized, disoriented, and disconnected. A mission and vision can serve to bring people together and fulfill a sense of purpose. When a common goal is shared, people work in collaboration towards the same direction. The mission of AgCountry Farm Credit Services is to serve agriculture and rural America. Our vision is to be your destination for success. These two statements act as our guide as we navigate the agricultural and business landscapes. Furthermore, we put our mission and vision into practice by way of our core values: 1. We are responsible to each other and for our cooperative. 2. We care for agriculture and rural America.
provide a wide array of financing and financial solutions to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural homeowners. No matter the size of the operation, the commodity that is grown, or the animal that is raised and cared for, we are here to provide the resources necessary to perform this important work. Our support, though, is more than just direct financing; we give back to numerous organizations, school programs, community efforts, and individuals in need. Our employees represent the best of AgCountry, which is demonstrated by countless hours of community service performed throughout the year.
direction of our association. It is you who elect AgCountry’s board of directors. It is you who has the final say in any potential merger. You have the ability to make your voice heard whether it be participating as a director, serving on the nominating committee, or simply casting a vote. Each of these actions help demonstrate what sets cooperatives apart.
As we prepare for 2022, consider what you want to accomplish and how it fits into your long-term goals. If your farm or ranch doesn’t currently have a mission or vision statement created, I encourage you to consider creating one. This simple act could make a major Soon, we will be welcoming difference in the way you view and additional team members to handle your business. AgCountry as we merge with Farm Credit Services of North Dakota. I Thank you for being a part of our am thrilled to add a talented group cooperative. I wish each of you a of people who share a common blessed and joyous holiday season. mission in meeting the needs of our member-owners. Together, Sincerely, we are a stronger cooperative. I look forward to making these connections and moving forward as one unified organization.
3. We advocate for our customers. Our recent merger vote stands Marc Knisely, CEO as an example of the power that Our service to agriculture and rural our member-owners hold in America comes in many forms. We helping us to determine the future 2
A Member-Owned Cooperative
AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
Table of Contents 4-5
6-7
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MERGER UPDATE: A LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
PREPARING FOR 2022
WINTER FORUMS
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10-11
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AGCOUNTRY MARKETING DAY
2022 CROP INSURANCE AND BEYOND
13 ONLINE SERVICES
14-15
ABERLE TESTIFIES AT HOUSE AG SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING
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FARM CREDIT FLY-IN 2021 BRINGING MORE TO THE TABLE
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GRAIN BIN RESCUE PROGRAM ENTERS ITS FIFTH YEAR
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
THANK YOU! Thank you to Carolyn and Jonathan Olson (in foreground) of Olson Organics for helping supply AgCountry’s featured product at this year’s Farm Credit Fly-In. We are proud to be able to work with such wonderful member-owners.
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
Merger Update:
A Letter From
The Board Chair When the boards of AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Services of North Dakota originally sat down to discuss the idea of a potential merger, we quickly realized that the two associations shared many common goals. Since that day, we have worked under the belief that we could better serve our members as one association. On Thursday, November 18th, shareholders of each association reaffirmed this notion by voting to approve a merger. As your democratically-elected board, we would like to thank every shareholder who participated in the voting process. Your voice matters in this cooperative. With the vote behind us, we now officially begin the process of becoming one association. This is certainly an exciting time, but we recognize that change is not always easy for everyone. Please know we are committed to providing the same great service that you have come to expect from Farm Credit. We are confident that members will realize the benefits of this merger in due time. On behalf of the AgCountry Board of Directors, it is our pleasure in representing you. We take our positions very seriously, and will always seek to put our members first.
Sincerely,
Ed Hegland, AgCountry Board Chair
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
AgCountry FCS
5. Vote by shareholders of each association
Merger effective date: January 1, 2022
6. Merger effective date: Jan. 1, 2022
(Completed Fall 2021)
3. AgriBank Approval
4. Farm Credit Administration Approval (Completed Fall 2021)
(Completed Summer 2021)
1. Memorandum of understanding between boards
2. Due Diligence (Completed Spring 2021)
(Completed Spring 2021)
Merger Timeline
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
PREPARING FOR
2022 Written by: Katie Tangen,
Marketing Education Specialist
The winter season is upon us. With it comes preparation for the future. It’s a time to prepare production records for the last year. It’s a time to prepare your books for a visit to the accountant or tax preparer. It’s a time to tie up any other loose ends before the calendar flips to 2022. One item that is often overlooked is drafting an initial marketing plan if you haven’t already started making sales. With so many decisions to make, here are a few reminders about what might need to be done to market your grain most effectively: 1. Before you draft any marketing plan, think about what your shortand long-term goals are for your operation. Do you want to set yourself up to purchase more land? Are you in the process of winding things down to transfer to the next generation? These goals will impact how you approach the next tip. 2. How much risk can you tolerate? Every producer is going to have a different answer to this question. By nature, some people
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have a stronger appetite for risk than others. Younger farmers generally are going to have less tolerance for risk as they develop and grow their balance sheets. Farmers at the height of their career are likely to be more comfortable with more risk. Those looking to retire in the near future may have different goals depending on their transition plan. Once you recognize where you are, you can better pick which tools you want to use in your marketing plan. Some tools you may have used before while others could be a new method. 3. You need to understand the tools available. Just like seed companies come out with new hybrids and chemical companies come out with new products and methods, new grain marketing tools arrive all the time. Next year might be a good time to try something new. But before you do, make sure you understand how the contract works. If you always do cash contracts, try setting the basis or futures first. If you’ve always wondered about options, open an account and try it on a small part of your production this year. In the past few years, various private insurance products have also been offered that can help you ensure a minimum price on a portion of your production. Not every tool is going to be appropriate for every person and every situation, but if it looks like it might be a fit, try it. 4. Post-Harvest Marketing Plan: This is probably one of the most underutilized tools. As long as you’re reporting your production and finalizing bills, now is a good time to figure out what your true break even was for the previous crop year. Take a minute to examine your decisions from this past year. What did you do well and what could be better? Hindsight is always 20/20, and we aren’t
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
suggesting that you rehash decisions that can’t be changed; however, you should take a minute to remember why you made the decisions you did. After that, look at what’s left to sell and consider what you know about the market now. Once you have done so, you could put offers in on the remaining bushels. 5. Pre-Harvest Marketing Plan: Once you get a plan in place for what’s left of the last crop year, start looking at the upcoming year. Chances are you already have a pretty decent idea of what you’ll be planting and where. Look at inputs you’ve already purchased - especially fertilizer. If you haven’t sold any bushels for next year but you have purchased fertilizer, strongly consider making some sales to secure a margin on those purchases. On the other hand, if you’ve sold bushels but have not locked in fertilizer, see what you may be able to do to change that. You can sketch out a rough break even and use it to form a plan for the 2022 crop. Your plan may very well change as the year develops but, having something in writing helps keep you focused on what your goals are. Please keep in mind that insurance doesn’t attach until the crop is planted, so you may not want to sell more than 30% using cash or futures contracts until you’re in the field. If you want to cover more, consider options contracts or any variety of private insurance products. 6. Communication: This is always important as you’re running a business. Your suppliers, your banker, your bookkeeper, your spouse, and your employees all must be on the same page. This year, particularly with the logistical issues and highly volatile input markets, it will pay to have the conversation. Remember, everyone is trying their best and there are going to be situations that are simply out of your hands. Have a few backup plans in place that you can switch to if needed. Every year is so different. The fact is, we never know what the future is, what could happen, or what will happen. The best we can do is draft a plan and have the discipline to carry it out, allowing for some flexibility in methods. Taking the above steps into consideration will allow you to have a solid footprint for your farm as we head into 2022.
Serving Agriculture and Rural America
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
AGCOUNTRY WINTER EVENTS Please scan the code or visit AgCountry.com/Events for more details and to register for online events.
2022 Schedule:
02/01/22
Farmer Meeting
Bottineau, ND
02/01/22
Winter Forum
Marshfield, WI
02/01/22
Winter Forum
Hillsboro, ND
02/02/22
Farmer Meeting
Crosby, ND
02/02/22
Farmer Meeting
Bowbells, ND
02/02/22
Winter Forum
Detroit Lakes, MN
01/05/22
Winter Forum
01/06/22
Virtual Winter Forum - register online
02/03/22
Farmer Meeting
Tioga, ND
01/11/22
Winter Forum
Thief River Falls, MN
02/03/22
Farmer Meeting
Esmond, ND
01/11/22
Winter Forum
Jamestown, ND
02/03/22
Winter Forum
Fargo, ND
01/12/22
Winter Forum
Morris, MN
02/04/22
Farmer Meeting
Williston, ND
01/12/22
Winter Forum
Grand Forks, ND
02/06/22
Winter Forum
Warren, MN
01/13/22
Winter Forum
Alexandria, MN
02/08/22
Farmer Meeting
Willow City, ND
01/18/22
AgCountry Marketing Day
Fargo, ND
02/08/22
Farmer Meeting
Carrington, ND
01/18/22
NextGen Ag Marketing Seminar
Minot, ND
02/08/22
Winter Forum
Olivia, MN
01/19/22
Winter Forum
Fosston, MN
02/09/22
Farmer Meeting
Harvey, ND
01/19/22
Winter Forum
Elbow Lake, MN
02/09/22
Winter Forum
Madison, MN
01/20/22
Winter Forum
Graceville, MN
02/10/22
Farmer Meeting
Rugby, ND
01/24/22
Winter Forum
Willmar, MN
02/10/22
Winter Forum
Fergus Falls, MN
01/25/22
Winter Forum
Graceville, MN
02/15/22
Farmer Meeting
Mohall, ND
01/25/22
Winter Forum
Devils Lake, ND
02/15/22
Winter Forum
Langdon, ND
01/26/22
Winter Forum
LaMoure, ND
02/16/22
Winter Forum
Roseau, MN
01/26/22
Winter Forum
Redwood Falls, MN
02/17/22
Farmer Meeting
Bottineau, ND
01/26/22
Winter Forum
Crookston, MN
02/22/22
Farmer Meeting
Minot, ND
01/27/22
Winter Forum
Cavalier, ND
02/22/22
Winter Forum
Hallock, MN
01/27/22
Winter Forum
Marshall, MN
03/02/22
Virtual Winter Forum - register online
02/01/22
Farmer Meeting
Rolette, ND
03/03/22
Winter Forum
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Nome, ND
*
Schedule subject to change.
Fergus Falls, MN
Experts in Every Field
AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
AgCountry Marketing Day
JANUARY 18, 2022 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
At the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND | 3803 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 Join us for a day of learning and networking as we hear from experts across the ag industry. At Marketing Day 2022, we’ll break down the current state of the U.S. and world ag economy along with global trade, discover how drought conditions could play a role going forward, and explore the outlook for the fertilizer market. Registration will be coming soon at AgCountry.com/Events. Please look for additional event details in the near future.
MATT ROBERTS
US & Ag Economy in 2022 and Beyond DREW LERNER
North American Drought is Not Over - But How will the Northern Plains be Impacted in 2022?
JOSH LINVILLE
North American/World Fertilizer Outlook
GREGG DOUD
Global Trade & Washington DC Update AgCountry.com
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
2022 Crop Insurance AND BEYOND
Written by: Rob Fronning, VP Insurance and Commodity Marketing Education After a year of widespread drought in our territory, I know the majority of our producers are asking themselves, “Did I buy the right crop insurance coverage last year?” It’s in years of poor production along with many insurance claims that we tend to look a little closer at what we did. Hindsight is always 20/20. A year of claims leads us to think we should have bought more while a year of good production has us asking, “Why did we buy insurance?” While every year we have new items to consider, we need to remember why insurance is one of the most important parts to a risk mitigation plan. When raising a commodity there is production risk, market risk, input risk, and demand risk. With all the new policies and options available, many of these risks can be mitigated to some extent.
allow our team to work through your options to identify the best fit for your operation. The tools will help our insurance specialists to better explain all of these products so you can make an informed decision. When looking at one specific crop, we found over 130 ways to use different options, strategies, and policies to insure that crop. Using a new tool called Optimum, we can sort the choices by your priorities, such as the highest number of guaranteed bushels to help with the forward contracting decision, or the highest revenue guarantee to cover the 2022 crop and protect your balance sheet. From there, we can narrow our focus and compare the top three or five choices available to you.
Optimum also brings into the discussion Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO). Optimum helps you to determine if these products are a fit for your operation. All plans are county-based, which allows Optimum to compare county yields to your yields. This will provide you with a correlation, which is the measure of the relationship between At AgCountry, we have invested in training for our county and individual yields. Producers with crop insurance specialists and new tools that will stronger correlation may find the coverage offered Crop insurance is offering more choices than ever before, and some of your farm program decisions interlock with your crop insurance decisions. Understanding interactions and running calculations to identify the best set of farm programs and crop insurance products can be overwhelming.
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A Member-Owned Cooperative
AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
by area plans to be a more effective proxy of their price and use it for your established project price own farm’s revenue than producers with weaker for your Revenue Protection plan of coverage. relationships. We don’t know where the futures price will be in February, but RPowerD secures this decision ahead We can also determine your potential profit of the normal trading period. outcomes based on various yields and prices, given a specific crop insurance coverage. With this The cost of production in 2022 will be high. tool, we can easily compare one coverage level to Between the crop insurance tools we have and another to provide a view of how we can eliminate our current commodity prices, there is opportunity additional risk. We can even look at how the area out there to cover your cost of production, which plans of coverage could eliminate risk. would eliminate one unknown and concern going into the 2022 year. The numbers within the chart below account for profit or loss, and are calculated by the following As you prepare for your 2022 crop insurance equation: decision and discussion, please have your 2021 Crop Value + Indemnity – Premium = Net Margin – production reported so we can see if there was any Cost of Production = Profit. effect to the approved yield. Be sure to also bring in your thoughts on your 2022 cost of production. If The green areas in the chart above indicate profit you need help with putting these numbers together, for that yield and price level. The red areas indicate our loan officers have a break even worksheet to losses per acre. The darker the color, the more help you work through your crop costs. likely that outcome is. When we have your cost of production, this tool allows you to quickly see If you haven’t already done so, please make an the impact of different choices on your farm’s appointment with your local AgCountry crop profitability. insurance specialist today to explore your options using our new Optimum tool. There is also a private product called RPowerD that allows you to take advantage of our current future
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
ABERLE TESTIFIES
AT HOUSE AG SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING
Howard Olson (left) and Randy Aberle (right) of AgCountry are pictured here with Congresswoman Fischbach following Aberle’s subcommittee testimony.
One of AgCountry’s business goals is to be an advocate for agriculture, including the issues and priorities that impact our borrowers and association. Randy was a great representative for AgCountry, the Farm Credit System, and rural America. After opening comments, he had several questions addressed to him. He talked about AgCountry’s mission to serve agriculture and rural America, the need for pilot projects before expanding full scale, and how lenders may be cautious on new projects. He also shared how public policy changes that disrupt cash flow make lenders more nervous and that public policies in place put a floor on the business plan and give entrepreneurs and lenders more courage. “By having federal policies in place, it does give them kind of a rock to start their foundation on for a successful biofuel or renewable project,” said Aberle. You can watch Randy’s testimony and listen to his full comments by searching “A Look at the Renewable Economy in Rural America” on YouTube.
On Tuesday, November 16th, Randy Aberle testified on behalf of AgCountry Farm Credit Services at a hearing of the House Ag subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. Randy, who serves as executive vice president of Agribusiness and Capital Markets, was invited to participate by Congresswoman Fischbach from Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District. The title of the hearing was “A Look at the Renewable Economy in Rural America” with Randy discussing AgCountry’s role in financing renewable energy. The hearing took place in the House Ag Committee meeting room in the Longworth House office building in Washington, D.C. Other panelists included representatives from National Rural Electric Cooperatives, Growth Energy, American Soybean Association, Plant Based Products Council, and Community Planning and Environmental Associates organization.
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The hearing room inside the Longworth House where Aberle testified on behalf of AgCountry
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
AgCountry Online Services
We Serve Agriculture: Whenever. Wherever. Did you know our updated Online Services tools make accessing your account information easier and more secure? You are busy, which is why we are excited to offer these tools to you for faster and more convenient use!
My AgCountry
My AgCountry View account summary, documents, and securely connect with your AgCountry contacts.
AgPay
View account details and transaction history as well as transfer funds and make loan payments.
Mobile AgPay
All AgPay features in an app, plus the ability to submit checks remotely.
Disbursement Cards Make purchases conveniently right from your wallet using a line of credit Disbursement Card.
Agribusiness Check Scanners
Ask us about our check scanners, available for your convenience, to submit checks right from your offıce.
Customer Assistance Like talking to a real person? Our online services representatives are available 8am-4:30pm CST. M-F.
Request My AgCountry & AgPay access at AgCountry.com. Contact your Online Services team at 855-402-7849 or OnlineServices@AgCountry.com.
Serving Agriculture and Rural America
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
FARM CREDIT FLY-IN 2021 Written by: Howard Olson, SVP Government and Public Affairs Over 500 directors and staff from Farm Credit associations across the country met in Washington, D.C. in early November for a Fly-In to Capitol Hill. The Fly-In included a general session, Hill visits with elected officials and staff, and then capped off with the Farm Credit Marketplace reception at the Wharf. AgCountry Farm Credit Services was represented by Directors Mark Ellison, Curt Trost, and Bill Oemichen along with staff members Andy Martin, Tara Kessler, and myself. Customer guests, Jonathan and Carolyn Olson of Cottonwood, Minnesota, joined us as well. The general session included guest speakers Congressman G.T. Thompson, the ranking member of the House Ag Committee, and Senator Debbie Stabenow, the Chairwoman of the Senate Ag Committee. Both shared their praises for farmers and ranchers and the hard work that is being done to produce affordable food, fiber, and fuel for all the world. Ranking Member Thompson said that the House Agriculture Committee has three principles of climate solutions that they follow, known as “our compass” as he called it:
Meeting with Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach
Congressman Tiffany, and Congressman Kind from Wisconsin. Our delegation also met with the staff of Senator Klobuchar from Minnesota, Senator Johnson from Wisconsin, and Congressman Armstrong from North Dakota. Our conversations were centered on how AgCountry and other Farm Credits continued to serve customers through the pandemic, our work with the Paycheck Protection Program, and how farmers and ranchers are doing this year with drought issues. We also discussed the lack of available labor, challenges with H2A visas for many farms, and rising input costs for 2022. The AgriBank District Farm Credit Council, of which AgCountry is a member, presented Senator Hoeven with this year’s “Friend of Farm Credit Award” for all the work he has done to support agriculture and Farm Credit Services over the years, including his work the last few years on the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the Paycheck Protection Program, and his strong support of crop insurance.
1. You can’t have a healthy environment without a healthy economy 2. Has to be science-based 3. Let’s start with what we know works During Hill visits, we had the opportunity to meet with Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramer from North Dakota; Senator Smith and Congresswoman Fischbach from Minnesota; and Senator Baldwin,
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Meeting with Nick Tortorici, Legislative Assistant to Congressman Kelly Armstrong
Meeting with Congressman Tom Tiffany
Experts in Every Field
AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
The Fly-In wrapped up with the Farm Credit Marketplace, held outdoors at The Wharf in D.C. The purpose of the event was to showcase some of the diverse products produced by farmers and ranchers throughout the country and how Farm Credit Services plays a role in that production. Farm Credit associations were asked to provide farm products for the marketplace grown by their customers. All of the members of Congress and their staff were invited to attend, with many members and most of the staff accepting. All guests were given shopping bags and had the opportunity to take any of the products home with them, which included items like fresh vegetables, canned goods, Goose Point oysters, flowers and plants, soaps, candles, cotton socks, and more. It truly was a big farmer’s market!
Meeting with Brian Werner, Sr. Legislative Assistant and Thomas Liepold, Constituent Advocate to Senator Amy Klobuchar
Jonathan and Carolyn Olson grow organic corn on their farm near Cottonwood, Minnesota. The Olsons sell their grain to Prairie Organic Spirits in Benson, Minnesota to be distilled into vodka. The caterers of the event served Prairie Organic vodka mixed into a delicious rosemary pear martini for guests to sample. Jonathan and Carolyn shared their story of growing organic corn with many of the guests at the Farm Credit Marketplace while the guests sipped on their cocktails with Minnesota-made vodka. The Farm Credit Fly-In and Marketplace were one of the first larger System events to be held in D.C. since the outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020. Congressional staff and members were happy to see constituents and guests in D.C. again, remarking how appreciative they were of the Marketplace and how much they enjoyed the event. Overall, Farm Credit members were successful in delivering the message of the importance of American agriculture.
Meeting with Senator Tammy Baldwin
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Meeting with Senator Tina Smith
Meeting with Senator Kevin Cramer
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
Bringing More to the Table Dave Johnsrud is no stranger to AgCountry Farm Credit Services. He is a long-time customer and former board member of the cooperative. We caught up with Dave at his farm near Starbuck, Minnesota to chat about why he chooses to work with AgCountry. Added Value Advantage
Dave and his brother, Mike (Johnsrud Bros.), began doing business with AgCountry in the early ‘90s. They started out by purchasing crop insurance for their farm. At that time their operation was growing, and they soon began to realize the advantages AgCountry could bring to their farm. The brothers decided to move their long-term, intermediate, and short-term financing to AgCountry along with their farm accounting. “The added value that AgCountry provided and in-depth analytics showing us how we could handle growth was extremely helpful to our operation,“ Dave says. “The depth of knowledge and multiple people with different areas of expertise helped us paint a better picture of our operation and feel confident in our decisions.” Dave also shared the importance of patronage. He served as Chairman of the Board at AgCountry in 2012 when the decision was made to begin offering patronage to eligible members. A year later, the first patronage payout began. Since then, the yearly patronage total has continued to increase. “Sharing these earnings puts real dollars back into the hands of customer-owners and creates a genuine feeling of ownership,” says Dave.
Transition Planning Decisions
Dave has been farming now with his nephew, Jake, for over two decades. He is unsure when he will retire, but he and his whole family have worked diligently to plan the transition. “Even if I was much younger and had a 20-year-old son or daughter farming with me, I would want a plan in place. I would never want to handcuff someone because I failed to plan,” Dave states. “Handing over the reins is a tough thing to do and there are lots of emotions that go with it, but you want to be sure the next generation has an opportunity to capitalize on what you have accomplished.” Dave and his wife, Colleen, have two daughters who are married with no plans to return to the family farm. They are also blessed with five grandchildren. Knowing these things, Dave and Colleen wanted to make sure they have planned carefully when
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Dave Johnsrud, farmer and AgCountry customer, Starbuck, MN.
creating a transition plan for their operation. Decisions on land being specifically named and agreements in place on how things move forward if something should happen needed to be made. They looked to the AgCountry Succession and Retirement (S&R) staff for help in the planning process. “It’s so important to work with people who can articulate to a level that you understand,” says Dave. “The AgCountry S&R staff helped Colleen and I understand all the scenarios to come up with the best plan for our operation and family.” The planning process didn’t happen overnight. Dave also shared the importance of having both their AgCountry loan officer, his nephew Jake, and their tax preparer involved, since they all know our operation. “We all have to be on the same page,” Dave says. After many meetings and thoughtful decisions, Dave and Colleen now have a solid transition plan in place. “Our daughters have also met with AgCountry S&R staff, so they have a clear picture of what has been planned and any expectations we have. We feel prepared for most anything that could possibly happen and that’s a great feeling,” says Dave. At the end of the day, Dave credits AgCountry with “Bringing More to the Table” for him, his family, and his operation. This phrase was actually coined by Dave, which later became a long running AgCountry marketing campaign. AgCountry thanks Dave for all his contributions to our cooperative!
A Member-Owned Cooperative
AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
GRAIN BIN RESCUE PROGRAM ENTERS ITS FIFTH YEAR AgCountry started its Grain Bin Rescue Program in 2017 to help support rural communities and to promote farm safety. Through this program, grain bin rescue units are donated to area fire departments. The response to the program has been overwhelming. This year, a total of 43 grain bin rescue units and accessory packages were awarded to fire departments across our territory. In the past decade, we have seen an increase in the number of larger bins and silos constructed by farmers. The increase of grain storage also increases the potential safety risks a farmer may face. Sadly, most fire departments have minimal equipment to handle the situation if a farmer were to become trapped. The rescue units that AgCountry supplies are designed to be used specifically for grain bin entrapments. They include a 10-panel set of tubes that pivot for different rescue situations along with several panels with an inside step. Also included is a slide hammer and entry rescue kit. But receiving a rescue unit is not where our support ends. Departments also receive in-person training on how to properly use the equipment. Beyond that, we have funded the development of a grain bin rescue training video to be used when on-site training is delayed, for new fire fighters who join after the initial training has already taken place, or when retraining is needed.
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Comments shared from local Fire Departments:
“We look forward to the training and equipment and more importantly the ability to put it into service and be ready to use it when the call arrives. Support from folks, businesses, and in general the areas we all live, work, and play is the only way our rural areas can thrive.” Jeremy Folland – Karlstad, Minnesota Fire Department
“We appreciate AgCountry’s commitment to helping out first responders with this important and valuable equipment.” Matt Maresh – Pekin, North Dakota Fire District Remember – no one should enter a bin if they cannot be protected against the hazards present. Here at AgCountry, we will continue to do all we can to keep farmers safe and local fire departments prepared in case of grain bin emergencies.
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
AG C O U N T RY
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS All AgCountry offices will be closed:
December 23, 2021 at noon, and all day December 24, 2021 We will be open regular hours December 31, 2021 and January 3, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Transaction cut-off is at 3:30 PM on 12/31/21.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 2021
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AgCountry Farm Credit Services / Prepare / December 2021
Congratulations to our PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS!
First Place
Submitted by: Sharon W atson, Buxton, ND
We’re proud to announce our annual photo contest winners! Each winner was awarded a cash prize along with having their photo featured in our 2022 calendar. Thank you to all who submitted images, we had a lot of great entries. Be sure to enter into AgCountry’s photo contest next year for a chance to win a cash prize and be featured in our 2023 calendar! Photos can be submitted by visiting AgCountryPhotos.com. Submissions will be accepted until September 1, 2022. Each participant is allowed to submit up to five photos.
Second Place
ina Bjornsta Submitted by: Rand
d, Cando, ND
Third Place
Submitted by: Angie Parke Serving Agriculture and Rural America
r-Schmidt, Vesta, MN 19
AgCountry Farm Credit Services P.O. Box 6020 Fargo, ND 58108
2020 PATRONAGE
$64 MILLION
PAID TO COOPERATIVE MEMBERS
It pays to be a member of our cooperative.
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