A New SEASON OF GROWTH

As we welcome the arrival of spring and summer, it’s a time of year that comes with an aura of newness, potential and progress. After a long and challenging winter season, it’s exciting to think about the growth ahead — in our fields, in our gardens and in our families.

It’s a time of new beginnings at Compeer Financial, too. I stepped into my role as president and CEO in January and am thrilled to lead an incredible team with a fierce dedication and commitment to serving our member-owners. As I talk with our clients, Board members and team, it’s clear that Compeer has great opportunities to continue serving and supporting agriculture and rural America.

In fact, the vitality of rural America is something our organization has committed to focusing on in the coming years. The agriculture industry depends on thriving rural communities, and rural communities need agriculture to flourish — it’s a symbiotic relationship.

One of the many ways Compeer invests in rural America is through our philanthropic efforts, and this issue of Cultivate strongly focuses on how we give back. You can read the Fund for Rural America® 2022 Annual Report starting on page 5. We’re excited to share the stories of our corporate giving program with you.

An intense passion for agriculture and rural America is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m committed to ensuring Compeer continues to grow as a sound organization that provides reliable and stable credit to our clients — helping you grow your operation, improve your livelihood and build stronger communities.

This remains especially true as our clients face changing economic conditions with interest rate fluctuations, labor challenges and high input costs. As your cooperative, it’s vital that we work proactively to ensure our clients have access to the capital and expertise our team provides, no matter the conditions. I encourage you to work with the team at Compeer to understand how these economic impacts affect your operation and what the best options might be for you as you work through unknowns and external pressures.

Alongside our clients, Compeer continues to demonstrate a history of solid performance through several cycles in agriculture. Ultimately, our goal is to help farmers and agribusiness owners achieve their dreams, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Whether you are planting a new crop, experimenting with an innovative approach or expanding your operation, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

As we enter this season of growth and new beginnings, I invite you to join us in celebrating the resilience and determination of those working in and supporting the agriculture industry. Together, we can build a bright future for rural communities and all of us.