Cultivate Magazine: Fall 2022

TURN WHAT IF INTO WHAT IS.

WISHING FARMERS AND AGRIBUSINESSES A SAFE HARVEST SEASON

Working relentlessly to feed, clothe and fuel our nation and world takes passion and dedication. We’re proud to work alongside producers, processors, manufacturers, marketers and distributors every day. From the field to the table, our financial and risk management solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of the food and agricultural industry. And our focus on exceptional client experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for trusting us to help make your goals possible.

CULTIVATE

EDITORIAL STAFF

Nora Nolden, Editor

Chastity Valvick, Editor

Amy Barnett, Assistant Editor

Terri Fast, Contributing Writer

Sarah Hetke, Contributing Writer

Terri Poburka, Designer

DIRECTORS

Akin Agar Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Ashley Ahl Merrillan, Wis.

Rodney Bosma Rushmore, Minn.

Ann Broome Austin, Texas

Allyn Buhrow Ashton, Ill.

Mark Cade Westby, Wis.

Kaye Compart Nicollet, Minn.

Daniel Erickson Alden, Minn.

Tim Evert North Freedom, Wis.

Larry Fischer Sleepy Eye, Minn.

Dale Holmgren N. Mankato, Minn.

Greg Nelson Spring Valley, Wis.

Roger Newell Williamsfield, Ill.

David Peters Manteno, Ill.

Greg Pollesch Oshkosh, Wis.

Kimberly Wedig Darlington, Wis.

Stephanie Wise Joliet, Ill.

Cultivate is a publication of Compeer Financial®, ACA. Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America. This publication is copyrighted in its entirety. Cultivate is published by Compeer Financial, 2600 Jenny Wren Trail, PO Box 810, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

Please send address changes to Compeer Financial, Attn: Cultivate Magazine, 2600 Jenny Wren Trail, PO Box 810, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 or call (844) 426-6733.

Compeer Financial, ACA is an equal opportunity employer, lender and provider. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. Compeer Financial is a registered trademark of Compeer Financial, ACA. ©2022 All rights reserved.

CONTENTS

6 A Family Returns to Their Rural Roots

Family starts fresh in the country

8 Embracing New Paths

Young farmers find their way through diversification

10 Leveraging Outside Expertise

Farmer’s advisory council guides big decisions

Cover: With harvest getting underway in the heartland, the team at Compeer Financial wishes our clients and everyone in agriculture a safe harvest season.

12 Fueling Success

Badger State Ethanol is 2022 Food & Agribusiness of the Year

16 Building the Future of Ag

Director Larry Fischer talks farming, family and conservation

18 When Missions Align

New health care center grows a community

4 CEO Message

20 Investing in Rural Jobs and Ag Innovation

22 News & Announcements

Cultivate is brought to you by Compeer Financial. This publication’s name represents our cooperative’s commitment to growing long-term relationships with our member-owners and championing the hopes and dreams of rural America. Comments or suggestions for future issues can be sent to Compeer-CommunicationsTeam@compeer.com

PARTNERING WITH YOU to navigate changing environments

July 1 was a milestone day for our member-owners and team members, marking five years since Compeer Financial was formed. Three successful Farm Credit associations came together in 2017 to create a dynamic and progressive cooperative on a mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. For those involved, the change was significant.

A substantially diverse portfolio was among the expected — and realized — benefits of combining three associations that, separately, served clients in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. That diversification created financial strength and stability, allowing for record patronage payouts to member-owners and increased financial support for clients’ communities through Compeer’s corporate giving program, the Fund for Rural America.

We’re honored to work with farmers, operators and agribusinesses across all sectors and owe Compeer’s success to the trust they have in us as their financial partner. And we look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the days, months and years ahead. (See opposite page for more about Compeer’s first five years.)

Along with celebrating Compeer’s five-year anniversary, preparations are underway for another — yet very different — event that will bring change to the organization. Earlier this year, I sent a letter to all clients to announce I’d be retiring in January 2023 after 43 years of working in the Farm Credit System. I’ll talk more about my retirement in the next issue of Cultivate; however, I do want to recognize the efforts underway to hire a new president and CEO. The process is thoughtful and thorough, and it is being done with the utmost care and professionalism. Compeer will be well positioned to build on the success of the last five years to bring even more benefits to clients.

I’m grateful that, as proven by the two events noted above, our Board of Directors sees change as an opportunity more than a challenge. Our directors don’t let the uncertainty of what the future could bring distract them from what needs to be done. They roll up their sleeves, develop an action plan and set to work. In the process, they control what they can, anticipate all that may happen and are ready to respond to what comes their way.

While changes specific to Compeer are important and impactful, much more is happening outside the organization that warrants attention. Changes in interest rates, inflation and the general state of the economy are unsettling and, potentially, overwhelming. Focused planning and being open to making adjustments can be helpful in weathering this storm and coming out okay in the end.

One of the benefits of working with Compeer is having access to resources to address change and uncertainty, even when it’s already surrounding you. It’s never too late to get started. I recommend talking with your financial, insurance or lending officer for insight and ideas you can consider as you navigate the changing environment.

Thank you for giving Compeer Financial and our team the opportunity to partner with you on financial solutions for your business. Your work is invaluable, and we’re proud to be a small part it.

Rod Hebrink, President and CEO

“We’re honored to work with farmers, operators and agribusinesses across all sectors and owe Compeer’s success to the trust they have in us as their financial partner.”

CELEBRATING 5 YearsAS COMPEER FINANCIAL!

As we marked five years of serving our clients as Compeer Financial on July 1, our team members celebrated the milestone in a meaningful way. The team at Compeer is honored to serve our clients in agriculture and rural America, and we look forward to a bright future ahead.

Top: Team members packed nearly 5,400 food kits for local organizations in the communities we serve and raised more than $5,550.

Left: With the upcoming retirement of President and CEO Rod Hebrink, team members took a day during the five-year celebrations to “Dress Like the CEO”, with many favoring Rod’s tried-and-true ensemble of a light blue shirt and khaki pants.

Below: Additionally, in Compeer’s five years, the cooperative has given back more than $20 million to the communities we serve through our Fund for Rural America and other giving initiatives.

We also recognized the impact we have for our clients. Since Compeer was formed five years ago, we’ve given back more than

MILLION IN PATRONAGE, with a record $202 million of that in 2022 alone.

A Family Returns to TheirRURAL ROOTS

CUBA CITY, Wis. – Having grown up in the country, Ashley and Carl Thalacker knew they wanted the same kind of life for their own family.

As they thought about giving their three children space to grow and play, raise show animals, and connect with their family, the Thalackers decided to move from Iowa to Cuba City, Wis.

“I think a lot of our work ethic, the way we look at life, was because of our time growing up in the country,” Carl said, “and I think we wanted our kids to have that.”

The move would mean a shorter drive to Carl’s parents’ house, plus, Ashley’s parents and siblings also live nearby. It would be an opportunity for Ashley and Carl’s children to have the same close relationship with their grandparents that their parents did growing up.

“I was very close to my grandparents and my whole family growing up. Every Sunday night, we got together with them at my grandma’s house,” Ashley said. “Family is very important to us, and we want to instill that in our children.”

FINDING THE RIGHT PLACE TO BUILD

The couple started looking for properties in Cuba City but had trouble finding sellers. That’s when they had a spark of inspiration. Why not build a home on Ashley’s parents’ farm?

It was the perfect plan. Not only would it solve their problem, but it also ensured they would be just a short walk from family.

The Thalackers reached out to their usual lender to get started on the process, but they quickly ran into problems because they didn’t have the deed to the land.

“I walked into the bank with a stack of folders of all the quotes we had gotten and was politely told that they couldn’t do anything for us without a deed in hand,” Carl said.

Finding a lender was also complicated because of the kind of property the Thalackers wanted to build. They wanted to build a barn-style dwelling, sometimes called a “barndominium” or “shouse,” but many traditional lenders wouldn’t accept those kinds of properties.

COMPEER OFFERS A HAND

Ashley and Carl decided to look to Compeer, a lender specializing in rural properties. And through Compeer, they met their loan officer, Jenny Layton.

Because Compeer is well versed in various types of rural properties, lending on a

barndominium wouldn’t be a problem, Layton assured the Thalackers.

Layton also helped the couple navigate the ins and outs of transferring the land from Ashley’s parents.

“When it comes to surveys, splits, and family sales and transactions, we definitely understand how land is held and how land can be transferred,” Layton said.

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

When building their home, Ashley and Carl wanted to take a hands-on approach and decided to self-contract the work.

And while many lenders either won’t allow borrowers to self-contract or require a larger down payment, Layton helped the Thalackers get a construction loan at a price they could afford.

Layton stayed in close contact with the Thalackers throughout their build, even bringing pizza to the electrical crews as they worked one day.

“At Compeer, we think of our clients as more of family and friends than just the transaction. We’re there for the long haul,” Layton said.

“She helps me calm Carl down sometimes,” Ashley laughed.

A WORK IN PROGRESS

During the winter and early spring months, the Thalackers worked to get electrical, plumbing and drywall done in their home.

The Thalackers are currently living with Ashley’s parents as they continue work on the house, which has reaffirmed their decision to move closer to family.

“The kids’ relationship with their grandparents has really started to grow over the time we’ve been here, which is so important to Ashley and me,” Carl said.

Opposite page: “Barndominiums” are a popular option for home-builders in rural communities.

Top Right: Ashley’s parents, Mick and Hope Langmeier enjoy quality time with their grandkids.

Top Left: Mary Ann Langmeier loves the opportunity to be closer to her great-grandchildren.

Bottom Left: The Thalackers’ dreams of moving back to the country take shape.

Bottom Right: Donald Langmeier was dedicated to his eight great-grandchildren, including Sawyer (5), Reagan (7) and Boone (2). He passed away on May 31, 2022.

YOUNG, BEGINNING AND SMALL FARMERS

Are you a GroundBreaker?

Looking for resources to get started in farming?

Compeer has new resources for farmers, including a Guide to Buying Your First Farm and a Beginning Farmer FAQ. To learn more, visit compeer.com/beginningfarmers.

Young farmers find their way through diversification

ELEVA, Wis – Kruger Inc. isn’t your typical Wisconsin dairy farm. Ross and Becky Kruger are young farmers from Eleva, in western Wisconsin, who have found their place on the family farm through diversification.

“My grandpa Elmer bought the home farm in the 1940s, and it is still in the family today,” Ross explained. “In the 1970s, my dad and uncle expanded to an 80-cow dairy, which we still operate.”

Ross’s parents Greg and Kaye, wife Becky, brother Dylan and Dylan’s fiancée Addie are all active on the farm. Ross and Becky are also the proud parents of three daughters—Jayden (4), Raegan (2) and Peyton (3 months). Dylan and Addie have a 6-year-old son, Tristan.

When Ross and Dylan were ready to take on more ownership in the farm, the family realized they needed to expand beyond dairy.

“Our model is diversification — we didn’t want to put all our eggs in one basket and knew the farm needed to support more than just my parents,” Ross shared.

SWINE IN AMERICA’S DAIRYLAND

In 2014, the family built a 5,600-head sow farm, which Ross and Becky manage. The facility is breed-to-wean, generating about 2,800 weaned piglets each week.

“I had no previous experience in the swine industry, but being in Wisconsin with few other pigs around, we have low disease pressure, making it an ideal location to raise replacement gilts,” Ross explained. “I spent time learning the ins and outs of managing a sow farm while our barn was being built.”

The family also operates five overthe-road semis that haul agricultural products, paper and steel throughout the Midwest and the South.

What’s more, the Krugers grow 1,200 acres of alfalfa, corn, soybeans and rye.

“Our diversification keeps the operations running,” Becky noted. “The dairy supports the swine operation, the manure supports the crops, the trucking business hauls the crops and so on.”

BREAKING NEW GROUND

When Ross and Becky attended Compeer Financial’s GroundBreakers Conference in early 2022, they gained a new perspective from other beginning farmers.

“One of the first things we changed after the conference was to start using QuickBooks, which simplified our records throughout the year and will make yearend tax prep a breeze,” Becky noted.

“We’ve also learned a lot about cover crops, which is something we want to implement. It was helpful to hear from others at the conference who are using cover crops to learn from their mistakes and successes.”

The Krugers’ advice for other young and beginning farmers is to surround yourself with as many great people as you can.

“Everyone wants to see you succeed,” Becky said. “Success doesn’t come easy, but it is easier with good help along the way.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The Kruger family has big goals for the future that include expanding their trucking business and growing the cash crop operation in both acres and improved land conservation.

The family’s diversification has kept the farm running strong for three generations, with the fourth ready to take on some early responsibilities in the coming years.

“No matter what our dreams and goals have been in the past, Compeer has been with us to help us achieve them, not just by providing the financing, but by providing expertise and guidance,” Ross said. “We are sure that Compeer will remain an essential part of our operation now and in the future.”

Leveraging OUTSIDE EXPERTISE

Farmer’s advisory council guides big decisions

BUSHNELL, Ill. – For a guy who tried to wriggle his way out of college at 18, Marcus Hess built quite a career for himself in Chicago working for the Board of Trade. Swapping tractors for traffic and wide-open spaces for crowded places, he spent years on the noisy and chaotic market floor.

This was a far cry from the tranquil Illinois farmland where Hess grew up in the sixth generation on a large corn, soybean and dairy farm. So how did a young farm boy, obsessed with machinery, acres and agricultural production, end up in the pit at the Board of Trade?

He listened to his dad Steve, who together with his mom Phyllis, gave Marcus a “fiveyear rule.” Before becoming a partner on the farm, Marcus was required to spend at least five years elsewhere, working in a different arena.

“I never left the farm and strongly believed that Marcus leaving would give him a much broader scope of the world, a different point of view and business strategies he could apply to the operation,” Steve said.

“I tried to wrangle my way out of it,” Marcus said. “There was no place I’d rather be than the farm.”

He did as his parents asked, however, and went to college to obtain a degree in ag economics.

BACK ON THE FARM

Once those five years were up, Marcus and his wife Shanna decided to move back and join the family farm, where they learned a lot from Phyllis and Steve.

“My mom and dad are great role models,” Marcus explained. “They incorporated

traditions of previous generations, like setting goals and trying unconventional ideas. They objectively critique what’s working and what isn’t.”

One of the approaches they piloted was the concept of organizing a formal group of external experts to help guide the business from visioning to strategic planning to financials, to labor issues and everything in between.

When Steve shared the notion of an outside advisory council, Marcus was immediately on board.

The result was a group of advisors who meet annually to plan and review operational goals and metrics for the Hess farm. Ranging from six to 10 members, participants include their lender, accountant, legal guide and others. Together, they

review the previous year’s ups and downs, examine what could be done better and determine what they may need to stop doing altogether.

“Having that outside perspective and accountability is key,” Steve said. “Formal meetings with our advisory council result in more action and execution. The council provides a structure and a way to document what we’ve decided along with a forum to analyze things later to see where we went right and where we went wrong.”

Marcus added, “It’s not always easy to put yourself in the position of being vulnerable and putting your weaknesses, worries and concerns out there. But we were motivated to put a system in place that would help us with our operational growth and sustainability.”

TRIPLE T

Robb Creasey, a financial officer at Compeer, has worked with the Hesses since 2010 and is one of the outside advisors serving on the council. He sees Hess Family Farm as the “Triple T” operation: focused on transparency, transitioning and teaching.

“From a personal perspective, I value the relationships I have with this family,” Creasey said. “It’s uncommon to see an operation of this caliber, and the opportunity to work with them has been amazing. The way they do business really aligns with the way we at Compeer do business.”

Through advisory group discussions, the family decided to form a C-corp, which is one of the most effective things they’ve done, according to Steve. “It’s been an amazing succession planning tool and

taken the emotions out of what can be a volatile topic.”

The group came up with a plan where Phyllis and Steve would gradually transition full ownership to Marcus, with a 20 percent shift each year.

“We’re much stronger as an operation and even as a family because of the guidance and accountability our advisory council has provided,” Steve said. “It’s been amazingly effective, challenging and fun to see the results of our work.”

“I’d recommend it to any farmer out there,” Marcus agreed. “Large or small, working with intention and having solid goals provides a blueprint to build your business for the future.”

FUELING SUCCESS

Badger State Ethanol is the 2022 Food & Agribusiness of the Year

MONROE, Wis. — Perched on the edge of town in Monroe, Wis., a complex site of towers and bins, winding pipes and numerous buildings interconnect with each other to form Badger State Ethanol (BSE). The plant started operations in 2002 and, over the last two decades, has more than doubled in size to meet ethanol demand in the United States.

The facility brings in 90,000 bushels of corn daily, grinding it up to capture starch in the corn kernel, which is then fermented to create ethanol. The distillers grains — the unused portion of the kernel — are turned into feed for livestock, while the available

corn oil is sold as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The facility also captures carbon dioxide for use in the food industry.

By expanding and increasing efficiencies over the last 20 years, the plant has boosted its annual ethanol production from 40 million gallons to more than 90 million gallons currently. BSE also produces 232,700 tons of livestock feed each year.

“In the early 2000s, our founders, John Malchine and Dr. Gary Kramer, had a vision for agriculture and saw a path through ethanol to add value to corn in the United States,” explained Erik Huschitt, CEO and

general manager of BSE. “Today, our plant has a significant impact: employing 50 people in Monroe, providing opportunities for growers in the region, giving back to the community and providing a cleaner, more domestically secure fuel.”

Innovation, a strong commitment and a clear vision have fueled BSE’s success. Their focus on trying innovative approaches before others drives the facility forward.

“I truly believe if we aren’t green and growing, we are ripe and rotting,” Huschitt described.

That mindset paved the way for BSE to create a higher protein distillers grain, increasing the protein faction from an industry standard of about 22 percent to a whopping 50 percent, putting the facility on the leaderboard in this segment.

“It’s significant when you think about the world’s need for protein in animal feed,” Huschitt noted. “Now we’re seeing mass replication of this in the industry, and I’m proud Badger State Ethanol led the way.”

The company has committed to additional innovations that provide other benefits. For instance, instead of venting heat from grain dryers through the stack, they diverted

it to run some of the plant’s evaporation processes, reducing natural gas use by 40 percent.

“I like to think Badger State Ethanol was green before ‘being green’ was cool,” Huschitt said. “We don’t take shortcuts. When we built the plant, we invested in a thermal oxidizer to help reduce emissions even though the technology wasn’t readily used in the ethanol industry at the time. It was expensive, but we were committed to doing the right thing. Little by little, all of the changes we’ve made have positively affected our environmental impact and help to make ethanol even cleaner.”

Left: Badger State Ethanol produces more than 90 million gallons of ethanol annually at its facility in Monroe, Wis.

Top Right: BSE CEO Erik Huschitt has a passion for ethanol and agriculture and will soon serve as chair of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Bottom Left: BSE processes more than 30 million bushels of corn annually, returning ethanol and high value feeds back into the marketplace.

Bottom Right: BSE takes pride in providing a clean burning, environmentally friendly renewable fuel.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Everyone working in the agriculture industry faces challenges, and Bader State Ethanol is no exception.

“We take in 90,000 bushels and make 280,000 gallons of ethanol every day,” Huschitt said. “But every single day, there’s a new challenge and a new opportunity.”

Lately, they’ve faced many of the same challenges as the rest of agriculture.

“We have to manage our inputs and outputs to make sure everything is lining up and that we are financially viable,” explained Huschitt. “Managing the cost of inputs, along with supply chain and logistics to get our materials here is always challenging. But some of the biggest challenges we face are in policy. We may think we have a clear direction, but it can change overnight. The significant changes that come out of the blue really are the hardest to manage.”

BSE helps lawmakers — and the community — understand the ethanol story through

Smart Stations in Monroe and Platteville. At the Smart Stations, customers fuel their vehicles with ethanol produced in Monroe from corn grown in the region.

Navigating through the challenges and opportunities, Huschitt insists Badger State Ethanol’s success comes from beyond the innovations and technology.

“If we want to look behind the curtain at the magic of Badger State Ethanol, it’s our team,” Huschitt noted. “Being able to retain a great team that’s committed to our mission is no doubt the secret to running a successful plant.”

A WINNING PARTNERSHIP

For all of its innovations, successes and more, Badger State Ethanol was named Compeer Financial’s 2022 Food & Agribusiness of the Year. The award recognizes businesses in the food and agribusiness supply chain — including processors and manufacturers in food and beverage, fiber, biofuel, grain merchandising, ag inputs, logistics and more — that have

shown leadership in innovation, agricultural advocacy, community outreach and client service.

“What makes Badger State Ethanol unique is their dedication to the industry and their desire to communicate the important value of ethanol from the local level to the national stage,” said Jason Johnson, managing director of food and agribusiness at Compeer. “Agribusinesses like this are crucial in the agriculture supply chain and a major key in ensuring the vitality of rural communities. And Compeer is proud to provide support across the entire agricultural value chain.”

For Huschitt, the future of ethanol has never been brighter.

“Ethanol is vital to the success of agriculture in the United States and around the world,” Huschitt noted. “We are proud to put a more affordable, domestically secure and greener fuel into the marketplace.”

Left: BSE CEO Huschitt and Compeer’s Jason Johnson talk in front of DDG (dried distillers grains) piles. BSE produces more than 232,000 tons of livestock feed annually.

Top Right: Badger State Ethanol employs 50 people in Monroe, Wis.

Bottom Right: Huschitt says Badger State Ethanol’s strong partnership with Compeer Financial is one of their many keys to success.

SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE BEYOND THE FARM.

LET’S PUT YOUR PLANS AND IDEAS TO WORK, TOGETHER.

The financial needs of commercial producers and the businesses that process, manufacture, market and distribute agricultural products are diverse and complex. Our Food and Agribusiness team understands the unique challenges and opportunities, and is equipped with the financial solutions and funding capacity to meet your needs. With an experienced perspective born from decades of working with food companies and agribusinesses, our specialized team will guide you every step of the way.

PERSEVERANCE PAYS.

Our hardworking member-owners are key to Compeer Financial’s success. Together, we overcome unique challenges and adjust approaches so our member-owners can achieve their goals. Because of this shared commitment to partnership, Compeer is honored to return $202 MILLION directly to our member-owners through our cooperative’s patronage program this year. When we work hard together, we succeed together.

See how being a Compeer member-owner pays.

Patronage allocations, redemptions and payments remains at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on a combination of factors including the risk in our portfolio, earnings, and our

Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

2022 All rights reserved. NMLS #619731

Building the FUTURE OF AG

Director Larry Fischer talks farming, family and conservation

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. — Larry Fischer’s farming legacy dates back to the 1700s in the Czech Republic, in the rural village of Trohatin in Bohemia. That’s where his ancestors farmed the fertile ground before emigrating to southcentral Minnesota.

Fast forward to 1961. Herb and Irene Fischer purchased their own farm — about 250 acres of row crops and a dairy — and turned to Farm Credit for financing. That decision would impact the trajectory of their son Larry’s future.

When Larry married his wife Deb in 1981, his parents began implementing plans to transition the farming operation to him.

“My parents saw the benefit in stepping away and giving us the chance to farm,” Larry explained. “They really gave me the opportunity to carve out my own future while providing guidance and input when I needed it.”

With this strong start, Larry and Deb were well positioned to grow and adapt the operation. Over the years, as they added four children, added more acres, sunset the dairy and gained a lot of experience.

IT’S TIME

Now, Larry says it’s his and Deb’s turn to guide the next generation. Their transition plan started with a name change. Fischer Dairy became Trohatin Farms, a nod to

their farming legacy in that small village in Bohemia more than two centuries ago.

Then, the Fischers got the right people in place to embark on the five-year process to develop their plan.

“We sat down with all the experts we trust to guide us through our transition plan, including our CPA, our attorney and our transition planning expert,” Larry said.

“And we had many open conversations with the kids and their spouses,” Deb added. “We were transparent with what our plan looks like and the expectations we have, and we gave them time to ask us lots of questions. The process takes baby steps; it doesn’t happen overnight.”

Of their four adult children, their son David had grown heavily involved in the farm over the years, eventually leaving his work in construction to come to the farm full time. It became clear David, his wife and their four young children would spearhead the farming operation and continue the Fischer legacy.

“With our transition plan, we also talked with all four kids about the sweat equity contributions on the farm and how that dedication also plays a factor in how things are done,” Larry noted.

Larry and Deb are adamant that the children not on the farm stay tuned in to what’s happening there and regularly talk

about the operation. Today, Trohatin Farms includes 600 beef cattle and 1,100 acres of corn and soybeans.

Larry serves as the lead on the financial operations and jokes he’s also the Chief Manure Hauler. But 10 years ago, he found a role off the farm, serving on Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors, where he has an opportunity to influence and promote the future of farming.

“It’s important to me to give back, especially because I feel Compeer and Farm Credit have been a key to my success in farming,” Larry noted. “We have a high-quality Board balanced with many strengths, all focused on helping our clients succeed and creating a strong future for agriculture.”

Larry serves on Compeer’s YBS (young, beginning, small) Committee, where he influences programming for young, beginning and small farmers. Helping future farmers is one of Larry’s passions, and he encourages his peers to do likewise.

“It’s hard for a young person to step into farming,” Larry said. “There’s financing available through Compeer Financial, but they still need help. It takes a willingness from the older generation to step down — maybe take a little less money when it comes to rent on land or machinery — to help a young person get started. Helping new farmers find opportunities is critical to making sure there’s a future in farming.”

CONSERVING FOR THE FUTURE

Another of Larry’s passions is setting up land for the future. In 2007, Fischer and his siblings purchased 120 acres of land along the Cottonwood River, transforming it into a wooded forest with swaths of native plants and grasses rich with wildlife. With steep bluffs and a beautiful view overlooking the river, it’s become a gem for the entire family to gather to hunt, have picnics and go on nature walks — a place to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“Life isn’t all about farming; it’s about something like this,” explained Fischer, gesturing to the conservation property. “The true value of the farm is the family, the memories we make and the lessons we learn. I’m proud to share that legacy with future generations to come.”

Left and Above: Larry Fischer serves on Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors, where he has a passion for helping clients succeed and ensuring a bright future for upcoming farmers.

Above Right: Larry and wife Deb have built a plan to help guide the transition of the farm to their son David, his wife Jennifer and their four children.

When MISSIONS ALIGN

New health care center grows a community

FAIRMONT, Minn. – Farmers and rural residents can often feel isolated with limited access to health care and other services that may require substantial travel to a larger city. One of the biggest challenges rural communities face is finding skilled nursing care for aging community members. That’s where Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center steps in.

BRINGING CARE TO MARTIN COUNTY

Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center provides skilled nursing care in Martin County, located in southern Minnesota. Their campus includes a 24-hour nursing care facility, an independent living residence for seniors and assisted living apartments. The center opened in 1964 as a nursing facility to care for people who were no longer able to care for themselves at home.

Mae DeWar-Aust, foundation director at Lakeview, has played a large part in turning Lakeview’s vision of the future into a reality.

“Throughout the history of Lakeview, we have followed our mission and vision to be the provider of choice in senior services,” DeWar-Aust said.

To live out this mission, the team has kept an evolutionary mindset, making changes and updates to meet their patients’ needs. Most recently, this meant a major expansion project to bring more space for residents, nursing patients and childcare.

A PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY

Construction on the new facility started in May 2020 and was completed in January 2022.

“Our new nursing home has a café, gift shop, beauty salon, large community gathering space and luxurious spas, all in a homelike, person-centered environment,” DeWar-Aust explained. “Our residents have a greater level of comfort and dignity with our private rooms while being part of the neighborhood style of living.”

The new 80,000-square-foot skilled nursing facility was built on Lakeview’s existing campus. The two-story building has four community households of 18 residents each, yielding a total of 72 private rooms. Each household has its own living, dining, kitchen, activity and nursing areas. A unique town center includes space for a new daycare facility that will expand childcare options in the community — and provide phenomenal opportunities for the generations to learn from each other.

Most residents at Lakeview are from the local area, but others have come from farther away to be near family members in the area and are drawn to Lakeview because of the modern home-like environment in a welcoming rural community.

MISSION FINANCING STEPS IN

Compeer Financial is well known as a source for agricultural financing, but a key element of Compeer’s mission is to build and support vibrant rural communities. Lakeview worked with

Compeer’s mission financing team, which is uniquely positioned to help rural communities prosper by securing financing for essential community infrastructure needs, like skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.

“Funding these types of projects can help create job opportunities in rural communities while adding economic strength and diversity,” said Bob Madsen, vice president of mission financing at Compeer. “Most of all, our mission financing program contributes to the vitality of rural communities by adding increased access to critical services for residents.”

DeWar-Aust noted that Lakeview’s focus the last five years has been to move their mission of care into the 21st century, serving a large area in Martin County. “With the help and support of Compeer Financial,” she said, “we now have the opportunity to make our nursing home dream a reality right here in rural America.”

Investing inRURAL JOBS AND AG INNOVATION

Rural Business Investment Program surpasses $1 billion

Investing in rural communities is at the heart of Compeer Financial’s mission. It has guided our collaboration with the USDA, congressional leaders, financial professionals, private investors and other Farm Credit associations to build a portfolio of investment funds licensed by the USDA under the Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP). Compeer’s leadership in this arena has generated capital commitments of more than $1 billion to investment funds dedicated to advancing rural America.

WHAT IS RBIP?

The RBIP promotes economic development and job creation in rural areas by licensing third-party fund managers to raise capital and make investments in private companies in rural America. In 2014, seeing a shortage of flexible capital in rural America, Compeer Financial and other Farm Credit associations organized the first nationally focused, privately managed fund under the RBIP. That first fund alone has reported more than $7 billion in investment opportunities, confirming the need for more junior capital for businesses and entrepreneurs in rural America.

Since the inception of the first Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC), Compeer and other Farm Credits have played an important role in the RBIC formation process as limited partners in more than 10 investment funds. Commitments of $1billion is a direct result from Compeer’s leadership in the Farm Credit System, ultimately helping rural communities to grow and thrive.

“Reaching the $1 billion mark is evidence of Compeer’s commitment to its mission of enriching agriculture and rural America, and our spirit of collaboration with 22 Farm Credit associations and numerous other non-Farm Credit entities,” said Aaron Knewtson, Compeer’s vice president of food and agribusiness.

LOCAL BUSINESSES BENEFIT FROM RBIP

Since 1990, Fast Ag Solutions has served the needs of farmers by manufacturing liquid fertilizer application and spraying equipment. Midwest Growth Partners, an RBIC manager, made an investment in Fast Ag Solutions. The company, located in rural Windom, Minn., employs more than 50 full-time employees, creating and sustaining jobs in the community. Fast Ag’s application and sprayer equipment can be found all over the United States as well as in Ukraine and Australia.

“Combining these financial resources with our strong agricultural background brings a significant benefit to us as we seek to grow the company both organically and through mergers and acquisitions,” said Cody Fast, president of Fast Ag Solutions.

These types of growth-oriented equity investments in businesses serving agriculture and rural communities are prime examples of direct, positive impact RBICs make when they support entrepreneurs in the food and agriculture value chain.

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LET’S MOVE YOUR DAIRY BUSINESS FORWARD, TOGETHER. You’ve got a lot to manage and Compeer Financial can help. With decades of experience, our dairy team has the data and market insights to help navigate your dairy business down a smart, sustainable path. We offer a holistic, time-saving approach to your dairy financing, so you can stay focused on what matters most — the future of your business

Partner with us to make your goals possible.

Stay in Touch

• Share a picture of you or your crew enjoying your harvest treats on social media and tag Compeer Financial! We’d love to see where you’re at and how harvest is going in your area.

• Sign up for reminder text messages Register today to receive reminder notifications on important insurance dates and deadlines, as well as product information specifically targeted to insurance.

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HOLIDAY HOURS

Compeer Financial will be CLOSED for business in observance of these upcoming holidays:

Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 24 & 25

Christmas Holiday Dec. 26

New Year’s Holiday Jan. 2

For your convenience, our CONTACT CENTER will be open for calls:

Day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25): 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 7:30 a.m. to noon

To reach the Contact Center, please call (844) 426-6733.

UPCOMING GRANT DEADLINES:

General Use Grant

Application period Nov. 1 – Dec. 4

The General Use Grant funds programs and organizations whose work aligns with Compeer Financial’s mission of “enriching agriculture and rural America” and focuses on education, environment, technology or quality of life.

For more information on the grants available or to apply for a grant, visit compeer.com/giving-back

DAIRY ROBOTICS WEBINAR RECORDINGS

Compeer Financial’s dairy team, clients and other industry experts hosted a dairy robotics virtual event in June. During this event, participants dove into the details of robotics on the farm. If you’d like to check out a recording of the event, visit compeer.com/dairyrobotics.

YOUNG AND BEGINNING FARMER RESOURCES

Compeer Financial recently launched a Guide to Buying Your First Farm and Beginning Farmer FAQ that can be found on the GroundBreakers webpage. To access these resources, visit compeer.com/beginningfarmers.

ONLINE VOTING NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS

Voting in Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors elections is even easier with the addition of online voting this year!

Member-owners who are eligible to vote received ballots in early September with the option to either return a paper ballot or vote electronically.

Voting in the Board of Directors election is an important opportunity for memberowners to have a voice in the cooperative and a say in its leadership. Board members at Compeer are tasked with setting business direction and evaluating operations of the cooperative while taking into consideration client needs, the agriculture industry and changing marketplace.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for the 2022 election:

• Two director positions are up for election, one in Illinois and one in Wisconsin.

• Ballots are due by October 7

Visit compeer.com/elections to learn more about the 2022 candidates and hear about their approach to the cooperative model and agriculture.

PROUD TO BE A TOP WORKPLACE

Publications in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin recently recognized Compeer Financial as a Top Workplace and Best Place to Work. We are proud of these achievements and are grateful for the dedicated team that makes Compeer a great place to be. Our team is the cornerstone of our success, and it’s their contributions day-in and day-out that help us to live out our mission of serving clients, agriculture and rural America.

Learn more about joining #TeamCompeer at compeer.com/careers

LET’S CELEBRATE OCTOBER PORK MONTH , TOGETHER. We recognize the dedication it takes to produce safe and nutritious pork products for our nation and world. Because we share in a passion for the swine industry, we’re proud to work alongside hard-working pork producers, processors and others every day to achieve their goals. After all, seeing agriculture and rural America thrive is at the heart of everything we do.

2600 Jenny Wren Trail PO Box 810 Sun Prairie, WI 53590

HUNTING FOR REC LAND FINANCING?

LET’S MAKE YOUR PLANS A REALITY, TOGETHER.

We see potential in your plans. If you’re looking for bare land, hunting ground or other recreational property, we provide a unique perspective and offer insights that make the financing process easier. Our rec land financing solutions — including long-term fixed rates for properties of unlimited acreage, flexible loan terms and more — are designed to fit your needs. And our experienced team will help guide you every step of the way

To learn more, contact your local Compeer Financial representative or visit: COMPEER.COM/RECLAND

Compeer Financial can provide assistance with finances based on historical data and industry expertise. Compeer does not provide legal, tax or investment advice. Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. © 2022 All rights reserved. NMLS #619731