13 minute read
Agriculture and Rural Initiative Grant Recap
Supporting the Future Agriculture Workforce: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL INITIATIVE TRAINS THE NEXT GENERATION
In 2021, Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America Board of Trustees announced a $1.9 million commitment from the Agriculture and Rural Initiative to support vocational agriculture education at community and technical colleges.
The Agriculture and Rural Initiative was created by the Compeer Financial Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that are high priorities for Compeer member-owners, including workforce development, which they often list among their highest concerns.
The five-year commitment includes working directly with 30 community and technical colleges to support $1.6 million in grants and $375,000 in scholarships.
2021 marked the first year of gifts. Thirteen colleges were awarded $750,000 in grants and 60 students received $1,250 scholarships. In total, 2,394 students and 84 faculty members were directly impacted by these gifts. Grants supported equipment and technology needs, student recruitment and outreach, student retention and professional development, and faculty training related to new equipment and technology. Colleges receiving grants were:
Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, Wis. $75,000 grant for a tractor, training for diverse populations, support for farm business and production management program, and other needs for programs in poultry, soil, tractor safety and beekeeping.
Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, Wis. $75,000 grant to create an accessible garden area, horticulture supplies, and an X-ray machine and oxygen lines for veterinary technology.
Highland Community College, Freeport, Ill. $50,000 for the agronomy program’s first tractor to teach precision agriculture technology on 15 acres of research plots, and general machine maintenance.
Illinois Central Community College, East Peoria, Ill. $50,000 grant for the purchase of a UTV with sprayer and GPS technology for precision agriculture training, and to support the Agriculture, Diesel and Horticulture Showcase event for two years.
Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, Ill. $25,000 grant for upgrades to crops, soils and precision agriculture laboratories, and student professional development activities and conferences.
Kishwaukee College, Malta, Ill. $75,000 grant for greenhouse renovations and upgrades to enhance emerging industry trends in the areas of automation and technology.
Lake Land College, Mattoon, Ill. $75,000 grant for student conferences and agriculture industry tours, enhanced student recruitment, agriculture education software upgrades and hands-on technology.
Madison Area Technical College, Madison, Wis. $50,000 grant for equipment updates for ag service technician, ag equipment technology, diesel equipment technology, diesel and heavy equipment technician programs and student recruitment.
Northwood Technical College (Formerly Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College), Shell Lake, Wis. $50,000 grant for hands-on learning aids, including a veterinarian technology canine surgical model, dystocia calf, bovine injection simulator and ruminant model.
Ridgewater College, Willmar, Minn. $75,000 grant for a precision ag trailer as a mobile simulation center for various precision agriculture applications, and implementation of curriculum, and training for meat-cutting certificate program.
Sauk Valley College, Dixon, Ill. $25,000 grant for a new tractor for use on the college’s farm to teach production agriculture to students.
St. Cloud Technical and Community College, St. Cloud, Minn. $50,000 grant for soft skills development to help first-generation college students succeed, and agricultural experience development for students to gain basic skills needed for achievement in education.
Vermillion Community College, Ely, Minn. $75,000 grant for a building facility to house an outdoor learning lab, classroom and storage for the natural resources technology programs.
TURN WHAT IF INTO WHAT IS.
LET’S MAKE YOUR HOME CONSTRUCTION PLANS A REALITY, TOGETHER.
If you’re looking to build your dream home, our unique perspective and insights make the financing process easy. We allow you to be your own contractor, and our home construction financing solutions are designed to fit your needs – including interest-only payments as funds are disbursed, competitive long-term fixed rates and flexible loan terms. And our experienced financial team will guide you every step of the way.
To learn more, contact your local Compeer representative or visit:
COMPEER.COM/HOMECONSTRUCTION
2022-2023 GRANT TIMELINE
For detailed information, deadlines and applications on each of these programs*, visit compeer.com/giving-back
August: Emergency Response Equipment and Regional Collaboration Grants November: General Use Grant January: High School Senior Scholarship Program (Due in March) February: Farmers Market: Organization and Vendor Grants March: County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant April: Agriculture Education and Classroom Equipment Grant May: General Use Grant Ongoing: Beginning with Compeer Financial Grant Community Building Grant Rural Feasibility Study Grant Transition Planning Grant
*Each grant program is subject to change.
2022 FUND FOR RURAL AMERICA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John Monson, Chairperson
Board of Director Members Dan Erickson Dale Holmgren Greg Nelson Dave Peters Greg Pollesch Stephanie Wise Team Members Mary Daun Karen Johnson Jenny Layton Bob Madsen Jessica Schneider Kurt Zeman
Compeer Financial Corporate Giving Team Melanie Olson Karen Schieler
(844) 426-6733 COMPEER.COM/GIVING-BACK
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative that provides financial services, resources and expertise to champion the hopes and dreams of agriculture and rural America.
HELPING THE BEEF INDUSTRY GO GET ITS GOALS EVERY SINGLE DAY.
THANK YOU, BEEF PRODUCERS.
During May Beef Month and beyond, we recognize the dedication of the beef industry as it works relentlessly to feed the nation and world. Compeer Financial is proud to partner with passionate and hard-working beef producers, processors and others every day. Our team is here, helping to guide you every step of the way.
COMPEER.COM/BEEF
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
Submit your photos June 1 – July 31! PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST
Compeer Financial invites you to submit photos you’ve captured of life on the farm and in rural America for a chance to be showcased in our 2023 Photo Calendar!
Submit photos and see full contest details at: COMPEER.COM/CALENDARCONTEST
Photo by Jordyn Minnaert Featured in the 2022 Photo Calendar
The Future of FARMING
HELENVILLE, Wis. – On a subzero winter day in mid-January, Lindsay Baneck has summer on her mind as she sits down with her family to sort through seed catalogs and plan orders for the upcoming growing season. Baneck farms with her parents and sisters just outside of Helenville in southeast Wisconsin. There, she operates Jelli’s Market, growing produce like strawberries, raspberries, apples, pumpkins, sweetcorn and more on 40 acres. The site also includes a retail store where customers can buy freshly picked fruits and veggies, meats and baked goods.
Baneck also plays a key role in the family’s nearby operation, Maple Mound Farms, where they grow corn, soybean and wheat and raise cattle.
“A lot of farmers don’t get to work directly with their consumers, but for me it’s rewarding to see the end result of all our hard work,” Baneck said. “People come out to our farm all summer and get to see how their food is grown. My parents started this entire operation themselves, and I know we have something really special here.”
Not only does Baneck have a strong commitment to serving her customers, but she also has a passion and drive for the agriculture industry that exemplify what it means to be Compeer Financial’s 2022 GroundBreaker of the Year award recipient. The award recognizes young and beginning farmers who are overcoming obstacles, making a difference in agriculture and having a positive impact in their community.
“Lindsay inspires everyone around her,” explained Justin Foegen, Baneck’s crop insurance officer at Compeer Financial. “She knows what’s important and shows her commitment through action. She’s very involved in agriculture and the community, and has clarity on the things she believes in.”
For Baneck, recognition as GroundBreaker of the Year is especially meaningful after her mother experienced a lifechanging medical emergency.
“It’s been really, really tough the last couple of years,” Baneck explained. “In 2019, my mom went into cardiac arrest, and my sisters and I saved her life. She has a brain injury as a result, and balancing her care, along with the typical challenges of farming, has been tough. Some days it feels like we are just surviving and not actually thriving.”
But, when it comes down to it, family is the driving force behind everything on the farm.
have the deep desire to grow what we already have and continue this legacy.”
It’s a desire of many young and beginning farmers, one that Compeer Financial is proud to help with.
“Compeer’s support of young and beginning farmers is vital to keeping the farms of our clients going for another generation,” explained Mike Herschleb, Baneck’s financial officer at Compeer Financial.
“That’s why we have a GroundBreakers program, to connect directly with young, beginning and small farmers like Lindsay,” he continued. “She’s a great fit for our GroundBreaker award, she has big dreams and aspirations, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for her and her farm.”
Baneck has found that her dreams and aspirations need to be supported by solid communication and a clear vision of the future.
“I’ve found open communication with family and with our employees to be the number one key to our success,” Baneck noted. “We have the space to talk about what’s working and what isn’t on the farm. And everyone has clarity on what our goals are and how we plan to achieve them.”
Left: Lindsay Baneck stands in the apple orchard, where customers are welcome to pick fresh apples in the summer. Above Middle: The farming operations encompass cattle, traditional row crops and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Above Bottom: Baneck talks with Crop Insurance Office Justin Foegen and Financial Officer Mike Herschleb about happenings on the farm. Right: Baneck’s strong dedication to the farming profession and her commitment to her community epitomize the spirit of the GroundBreaker of the Year award.
And with the next generation just arriving on the scene — Baneck and her husband Eric recently welcomed their first child — there’s even stronger hope for the future.
“My dream is to see our farm’s continued success and sustainability,” Baneck stated. “I want to ensure our story continues on.”
Nominations for the 2023 GroundBreaker of the Year will be accepted June 1 - Aug. 31, 2022. Learn more at compeer.com/GroundBreakerOfTheYear
A Lasting LEGACY
Recognizing Greg Nelson’s 36 years of leadership on the Board
ELMWOOD, Wis. — “My intention was never to farm,” Compeer Board Member Greg Nelson explained. “I was either going to teach or go into construction.” In 1974, Nelson’s plans changed when the opportunity arose to farm with his father. So with his wife and two young sons, he moved back home.
Nelson’s wife, Vicki, worked off the farm for many years, and the couple has three adult children: Scott, a doctor at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis; Chad, a registered nurse at a local hospital; and Jodi, a police officer in Madison.
PRIDE IN CONSERVATION
Nelson grew up milking cows and did so until the early 2000s when he sold the dairy herd. He then started raising beef cattle while continuing to grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Conservation was important to Nelson’s father and continues to be important to Nelson today.
FARM CREDIT LEADERSHIP
Much like his family’s long history in Elmwood, Nelson is a long-time leader in the Farm Credit system.
When Nelson started farming with his father, he had trouble securing the loan he needed to buy into the family business. That’s when someone suggested he reach out to Farm Credit.
“They gave me the loan I needed to start farming, and I’ve been with Farm Credit ever since,” Nelson shared.
Nelson first became active in Farm Credit leadership when he joined the Northwest Wisconsin Production Credit Association Board of Directors in 1986, and he has since transitioned with multiple mergers to continue with the Compeer Board of Directors today.
“I’ve worn many hats on the Board,” Nelson explained. “I was chairman of the Northwest Wisconsin PCA Board and the AgStar Financial Board. I’ve served on many committees, including finance and audit. I enjoy serving, and I especially enjoy serving our Farm Credit clients.”
GREG NELSON
Elmwood, Wis.
• Elected to the Board in 1986
• Retiring from the Board in fall 2022 • Serves on Compeer Financial’s
Enterprise Risk, Corporate Giving and Legislative Affairs committees
“We want to take care of the land, so conservation is something we take very seriously and have a lot of pride in,” Nelson said. “We do no-till, cover crops and contour stripping, plus we have five conservation dams to slow the water runoff during rainfall events. We not only want to preserve our topsoil, but we also want to make sure we’re sending clean water into the trout streams around our farm.”
The Nelsons farm on what the locals refer to as the Norwegian Ridge in Elmwood, Wis. European immigrants, including Nelson’s grandfather, often settled in a similar area to those who were from the same country or region. Nelson’s grandfather owned a blacksmith shop and started the farm the family runs today.
UPCOMING RETIREMENT
At 73 years old, Nelson says it is time to slow down, adding that “a farmer never really does retire.”
He still grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa on 600 acres of owned and rented land. He sold the beef cattle last fall but anticipates he will buy more this spring.
Looking back over all he has learned, Nelson has some advice for young and beginning farmers.
“I’d tell farmers who are starting out to follow these four tips: don’t be afraid to ask for advice, find a peer group, embrace technology and, of course, if you’re going to borrow money, you better keep your financial officer in the loop,” Nelson said with a chuckle. “If you keep your spouse and your financial officer happy, farming will be much easier.”
He added, “Farming is a lot of work, but you have to make time to have fun with your family because they are the most important part of your life.”
Left: Greg Nelson reflects on the changes his family’s farm has seen over the years, transitioning from milking cows to raising beef cattle. Above: The Nelson family is proud of their conservation work. Greg’s father instilled a passion in him to care for the land and other natural resources so the farm can sustain for future generations. After 36 years of leadership as a member of Farm Credit boards, Nelson is set to retire from the Board this fall. Compeer has greatly benefited from Nelson’s leadership and dedication to serving our clients.
“I’ve truly enjoyed serving our clients all these years,” Nelson noted, “but as difficult as it is to walk away from all the friendships I’ve created, I know a young farmer will have an opportunity to step up and help guide Compeer into the future.”
