A CLOSER LOOK AT OUR IMPACT
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO AND BOARD CHAIR
At Compeer Financial, our vision is clear: We support a world where agriculture and rural communities are dynamic, collaborative and thriving. That vision pushes us to be more than a lender. We take ownership by helping clients move their operations forward, prioritizing the vibrancy of rural communities, empowering our team to lead with purpose and investing in the future through our Compeer Giving efforts.
We do all of this by focusing on growing with purpose — and our Cooperative Citizenship Report shows how that commitment comes to life for the people and places we serve.
GROWING OUR CLIENTS
As a cooperative, our clients are the reason we exist. We maintain a steady focus on the path ahead for agriculture and are proud to work alongside clients as they evolve practices, grow their operations and explore new approaches.
GROWING OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES
Strong agriculture depends on strong rural communities, and we believe healthy communities are the key to a better tomorrow. Our connection extends well beyond the farm gate as we invest in programs and initiatives that strengthen the places our clients call home. We’re committed to supporting both rural life and agriculture in ways that create opportunities for generations to come.
GROWING OUR TEAM
Our team members turn our mission into real results. Their care and expertise allow us to meet our clients’ unique needs and support their longterm goals. We are proud to empower our team to make a meaningful difference at work and in the communities we serve through volunteerism, collaboration and innovative ideas.
GROWING OUR GIVING
We’re also committed to giving efforts that have an impact and move the needle. Through Compeer Giving, we provide grants, scholarships and funding that make agriculture and rural America thrive. Specifically, with our focus on investing in youth, rural communities and ways to strengthen the agricultural workforce, we’re helping to build a more resilient future.
We invite you to explore this report and see how we are working together to grow with purpose in support of our clients, agriculture and rural America.
With thanks,
Jase Wagner | President & CEO
Dan Erickson | Board Chair, Compeer Financial
OUR 2025 IMPACT At a glance
ACROSS COMPEER FINANCIAL
$36.1 billion in assets, providing innovative, financial solutions across the agricultural industry
80,000 member-owners served across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin
1,548 team members supporting our clients’ financial services needs
$187 million returned to member-owners through patronage
THROUGH COMPEER GIVING
$4.4 million invested in rural communities
596 grants to advance education, rural communities and the agricultural workforce
98% of giving supported local and regional intiatives
1.5+ million people impacted
Inspiring Youth
891,000 youth reached
152 scholarships awarded
111,330 youth engaged in leadership programs
Empowering Rural Communities
13 regional food bank partnerships
399,048 individuals impacted through supported food programs
Strengthening Agriculture
40 grants awarded to young, beginning and small farmers
43,750 farmers impacted
For a list of local Compeer Financial office locations in our 144-county territory, scan the QR code with your mobile device or visit: compeer.com/branch-locations. Compeer is headquartered in Sun Prairie, Wis.
Additional Community Impact
4,107 first responders equipped with new gear and tools
65 classrooms enhanced with ag learning tools
$242,000 invested in county fair facilities and infrastructure
$239,350 invested in local communities
$61,000+ in matched gifts for 178 team member donations
Our Team in Action
5,396 volunteer hours
56% of grant-supported organizations also received team member volunteerism
OUR CLIENTS
GROWING THROUGH CHANGE
Rural resilience is rooted in adaptability. Across rural America, farms and businesses continue to evolve. They are finding new ways to grow, diversify and meet the needs of their communities while staying connected to the land and traditions that shape them. Supporting this evolution starts with recognizing that no two operations look the same, and success may come from looking beyond the traditional model. At Compeer, we support farms of all sizes and commodities. While many of our clients are grounded in proven approaches, others are finding new ways to grow.
Compeer Financial works alongside clients who contribute to the diversity of today’s rural economy. From family farms expanding into new markets to entrepreneurs rethinking how land can be used, these businesses strengthen rural communities by creating jobs, drawing people in and keeping economic activity close to home. As a trusted partner, Compeer provides tailored financial support and guidance that help ideas take hold and grow.
The stories that follow demonstrate the breadth of agriculture Compeer is honored to support. Grassway Organics pairs organic dairy farming with direct-to-consumer retail and on-farm experiences that connect people to their food. Get Bentz Farm transforms farm-raised wool into yarn through an on-site fiber mill. Giant Goose Ranch has reclaimed former strip-mine land, turning it into a family-run recreational destination.
Together, these clients show how innovation and diversification are shaping a strong future for rural America.
CREATING COMMUNITY ON THE FARM
EAST TROY, Wis. — First generation farmers Chaz and Megan Self built their operation around a shared passion for regenerative agriculture. That passion led them to purchase Grassway Organics in 2016 and continues to shape how they farm, connect with their community and mentor others.
Located in East Troy, Grassway Organics produces grassfed dairy, beef and poultry for about 2,000 customers through direct-toconsumer sales. The farm has also become a destination. Each Friday and Saturday during the summer, hundreds of visitors gather for wood-fired pizza, local beer and live music — but the biggest draw is the farm itself.
Guests travel from across the region, including Chicago, returning week after week for a glimpse of rural life.
As Grassway Organics approaches its 10-year milestone, the Selfs remain focused on what matters most.
“Our goal was to let people enjoy the outdoors and be with the community while making memories on a farm. What we created has grown into more than we imagined.”
CHAZ SELF
Regenerative practices continue to guide their work, and mentoring the next generation plays a key role in their mission. Chaz supports beginning farmers through Wisconsin’s Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, helping others get started in the industry.
“Just 1% of Americans are involved in farming, and those in metro areas don’t have access to a farm,” said Chaz Self. “Our goal was to create a place where people can enjoy the outdoors, connect with the community and make memories on a farm. What we’ve built has grown into more than we imagined.”
“I love my state and our lakes, so conservation is important to me,” said Chaz. “It’s about creating a good quality of life for my family and our animals, and teaching the next generation of farmers to do the same.”
Bottom
Top: Chaz and Megan Self, pictured with their three children, operate Grassway Organics in East Troy, Wis.
Bottom Left: Community members flock to the farm on summer nights for wood-fired pizza.
Right: Visitors enjoy farm-sourced, wood-fired pizza at Grassway Organics, where food, music and farm life come together.
ADDING VALUE TO WOOL , RIGHT AT THE SOURCE
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — When Jacob and Theresa Bentz bought their 40-acre farm in 2014, their goal was modest: live closer to the land. What they built became something much bigger.
Today, Get Bentz Farm raises sheep and operates a small fiber mill that turns farm-raised wool into yarn for fiber artists across the country.
“We started with two sheep,” said coowner Theresa Bentz. “Then we bought three more, and they had babies. Before long, we had a flock.”
As the flock grew, so did a challenge. Processing wool locally was difficult, and mills that could handle Icelandic sheep wool were hard to find. When those mills closed or stopped accepting fiber, Theresa decided to take matters into her own hands.
She taught herself how to wash, card and spin wool, then made the leap to build a fiber mill on the farm.
“I decided to get the big machines and make a go of it,” Theresa said.
With financing from Compeer Financial, the Bentzes purchased processing equipment that turns raw wool into finished yarn. Compeer also helped finance the installation of solar panels to power the mill and help manage energy costs.
The mill now processes wool from Get Bentz Farm and other local producers. What was once considered a lowvalue byproduct is now creating new opportunities for nearby farms.
“For a lot of producers, wool used to be something they burned or threw away,” Theresa said. “Now I can buy it from them, process it and turn it into yarn.”
The business also connects the community to agriculture in new ways. Visitors come to the farm for tours and open houses, learning how wool moves from sheep to finished yarn.
“When people come here, they can actually see where their yarn comes from,” Bentz said. “It connects them to agriculture in a whole different way.”
Wool that was once thrown away is now creating new opportunities for local farms.
Left (from top to bottom): Sheep graze on the Bentz family farm.
Raw wool is prepared for processing.
Theresa Bentz processes wool into yarn using fiber mill equipment.
Above: Theresa Bentz holds finished yarn inside the farm’s fiber mill in Northfield, Minn.
TURNING AN ABANDONED MINE INTO A DESTINATION
CANTON, Ill. — An abandoned coal strip mine outside Canton now draws families, campers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. Giant Goose Ranch spans 850 acres with 52 ponds, hundreds of campsites and year-round opportunities to get outside and reconnect. What once sat unused now serves as a destination — and a clear example of rural entrepreneurship at work.
Brothers Chad, Justin and Nathan Herman own and operate the ranch, continuing a family legacy rooted in building, innovation and stewardship. Their greatgrandfather started a construction company in 1949, and that same hands-on approach influences how they respond to each new opportunity.
The brothers originally focused on building custom homes, but their shared passion for fishing led them in a new direction. In 2007, they launched Herman Brothers Fisheries and Pond Management, turning their hobby into a growing business that stocks fish across the Midwest. Their expertise in fisheries, lake construction and land development set the stage for something bigger: restoring former mine land into a destination that benefits both visitors and the local economy.
Over the past decade, the Hermans have transformed Giant Goose Ranch into a place that welcomes seasonal campers, weekend visitors and school groups. Today, the property includes cabins, RV sites, fishing ponds, hiking and golf cart trails, along with hands-on experiences like feeding and caring for farm animals. Each addition builds on the brothers’ goal to create a place where people can spend time together and enjoy the outdoors.
The ranch also drives local economic activity, drawing thousands of visitors to the Canton area each weekend.
Family remains central to the operation. Multiple generations contribute in areas such as construction, excavation, fisheries management and hospitality.
“We’re here to serve and to show our kids that work is a blessing,” said Chad Herman. “Family businesses are the backbone of rural America.”
The Hermans brought a vision that didn’t follow a traditional lending path. Compeer Financial recognized the opportunity, provided financing that fit their needs and continues to support their growth.
Looking ahead, the brothers plan to expand the fishery business while staying grounded in their purpose: strengthening the local community, supporting family enterprise and creating a place where lasting memories take shape.
Top: The Herman family gathers at Giant Goose Ranch in Canton, Ill. Bottom: An aerial view of Giant Goose Ranch shows campsites, ponds and outdoor recreation areas.
OUR TEAM
WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Compeer team members are deeply connected to the communities they serve. Through volunteering, leadership and everyday actions, they give their time and talents to support agriculture, strengthen rural communities and make a meaningful difference.
Supporting Communities in Different Ways
Bryan Stanek, managing director of New Markets, serves on Wisconsin’s Farmers for Sustainable Food Board of Directors and helps advance environmental, economic and social outcomes. “As a cooperative rooted in agriculture, we have a responsibility to be active partners
in shaping the future of farming and conservation,” Stanek said. “Serving alongside farmers and industry leaders allows us to contribute practical insight, build trust and help move sustainability forward in meaningful ways.”
For Anitha Manjappaiah, senior business systems analyst, giving back happens close to home. She volunteers at a local elementary school, supporting classroom activities, events and programs that enrich students’ experiences and help them feel supported and engaged.
Continued on page 10
“Serving alongside farmers and industry leaders allows us to contribute practical insight, build trust and help move sustainability forward in meaningful ways”
BRYAN STANEK, COMPEER MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NEW MARKETS
Bryan Stanek, far right, with his fellow Wisconsin Farmers for Sustainable Food board members (left to right): Jeremy Heim, Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy; John VandenBoom, Holsum Dairies; Mark Loehr, Loehr Dairy; Paul Cornette, Cornette Dairy; Trevor Fleege, Agropur; and Drew Kessler, Houston Engineering.
Compeer provides 16 hours of volunteer time each year, supporting team members in giving back.
Anitha Manjappaiah spends time volunteering at her son’s school.
OUR TEAM
Continued from page 9
Across Compeer, team members support causes and organizations that help rural communities thrive, including Junior Achievement, Ag in the Classroom, Habitat for Humanity, American Legions, food banks, and county and state fairs.
In 2025, team members volunteered thousands of hours with organizations advancing rural vitality across our territory.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
Team members volunteered at Midwest Food Bank in Illinois, helping distribute food to families in need.
Left to right: Marcia Faulkner, Brooke Goering, Christine Bennett and Suzette Steuer wrapped gifts for local families at the Wisconsin N.I.C.C. Foundation’s Toys for Tots event.
Mike Wold volunteered with Little Farm Hands at the Minnesota State Fair for more than five years, helping connect children to agriculture.
Left to right: Danielle Bowers, Christie Petersen and Kevin Burns helped prep and paint a house for Habitat for Humanity in Goodhue County, Minnesota.
EXPANDING RURAL HEALTH CARE
CLOSE TO HOME
DARLINGTON, Wis. — Access to quality health care is critical to a thriving rural community. In southwest Wisconsin, that access is now closer to home.
Lafayette Hospital + Clinics’ new, state-of-the-art facility expands care for residents across the region. The 84,000-square-foot hospital doubles the size of the previous facility and creates space for future growth, helping ensure long-term access to essential services.
Compeer Financial partnered with local and federal organizations to help make the project possible, facilitating a $50.87 million financing package alongside Clare Bank and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additional public funding supported the effort, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure.
“Rural communities are the backbone of America, but residents often experience limited access to health care,” said Ben Larson, senior financing officer of mission-related investments at Compeer.
“As a member of the Farm Credit System, Compeer is committed to supporting rural communities and agriculture by helping fund hospitals and other essential facilities. It’s been an honor to collaborate on this project to help modernize health care in southwestern Wisconsin.”
The new facility enhances services, including orthopedics, mental health and preventive care, while introducing advanced technologies such as on-site MRI, robotic surgery and expanded critical care capabilities.
Beyond improved care, the investment supports local jobs and helps attract skilled professionals to the region. Projects like this highlight how partnership and financing can help ensure communities have access to the care they need, close to home.
“Compeer Financial is committed to supporting rural communities and agriculture by helping fund hospitals and other essential facilities.”
BEN LARSON, SENIOR FINANCING OFFICER OF MISSION-RELATED INVESTMENTS
Top: The new Lafayette Hospital + Clinics facility expands access to care in Darlington, Wis.
Bottom: Left to right: Carlee Segebrecht, COO of Lafayette Hospital + Clinics; Ben Larson, Compeer Financial; Marie Wamsley, CEO of Lafayette Hospital + Clinics; and Kim Wedig, Compeer Financial board member.
OUR STEWARDSHIP
PROTECTING WHAT WE GROW
Agriculture begins with stewardship. Farmers and ranchers care for the land, water and natural resources that support their operations, families and communities. Every decision — from soil health to long-term planning — reflects a commitment to protect what they have today while preparing for what comes next.
Compeer Financial works alongside clients through trusted relationships, financial tools and practical expertise to support decisions that strengthen operations and promote responsible land use.
Whether investing in conservation practices, adapting to changing regulations or planning for generational transitions, Compeer helps producers stay focused on balancing their needs with long-term sustainability.
This mindset extends beyond individual operations. As a cooperative, Compeer reinvests in rural communities, supports initiatives that protect natural resources and contributes to the future of agriculture.
By aligning financial strength with shared responsibility, we help keep rural America productive, resilient and positioned for what’s ahead — honoring the land, the people who care for it and the communities they call home.
“Producers like Mike remind us that thoughtful conservation today helps ensure farm sustainability and improved water quality for generations to come.”
ERIN MULLETT COMPEER FINANCIAL OFFICER
CARING FOR THE LAND , BUILDING A LEGACY
BLANCHARDVILLE, Wis. — Mike Berg has spent a lifetime proving that caring for the land and running a successful farm go hand in hand. For his decadeslong commitment to soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on his family’s Driftless Area farm, Berg received the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award.
At Berg Family Farm near Blanchardville, conservation is both a philosophy and a practice. From contour strips first installed by Berg’s father in the 1950s to no-till farming and rotational grazing, Berg has continually adapted his operation to protect fragile soils and keep nutrients out of the local river.
These efforts also include extensive tree plantings and long-standing partnerships with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Pecatonica Pride Watershed Association and the village of Argyle, Wis. Together, they have restored nearly a mile of riverbank, built terraces planted with native grasses and developed grassland buffers that support pollinators and aquatic life.
Top to bottom:
This commitment extends beyond his own acres. As a member of the Pecatonica Pride Watershed Association, Berg has helped host community field days to demonstrate how other landowners can implement conservation practices such as riverbank restoration. He also shows how longterm conservation and strong farm management can work together to support both the land and a profitable operation.
Member-owners like Berg highlight the importance of investing in conservation leadership.
“Compeer is proud to sponsor the Leopold Conservation Award across our territory and to work alongside clients who are exceptional stewards of the land,” said Erin Mullett, financial officer at Compeer. “Producers like Mike remind us that thoughtful conservation today helps ensure farm sustainability and improved water quality for generations to come.”
Berg hopes his family’s legacy will continue for generations — that they will care for the land in ways that sustain farms, families and communities well into the future.
Cattle graze on Berg Family Farm in southwestern Wisconsin; An aerial view of Berg Family Farm. Mike Berg and his family continue a multigenerational commitment to conservation.
At Berg Family Farm, Mike oversees riverbank restoration projects that help protect water quality and support local ecosystems.
COMPEER GIVING
YEAR IN REVIEW
Supporting agriculture and rural communities has always been central to Compeer Financial’s purpose. As a cooperative, we are proud to invest in the people and organizations that help rural communities remain strong and vibrant.
In 2026, we evolved the Fund for Rural America into Compeer Giving, bringing the full scope of charitable efforts under one name. What began in 2017 has grown to include additional programs and partnerships that expand how we support rural communities. Bringing these efforts together reflects that evolution and provides a unified approach to how Compeer gives back.
Today, our giving focuses on three areas that help rural communities thrive: inspiring youth, empowering communities and strengthening the agricultural and rural workforce.
In the pages that follow, you’ll see how these priorities come to life — from students experiencing agriculture in the classroom to community spaces that bring families together to farmers connecting with their neighbors through local markets. Together, these efforts reflect the spirit and resilience that define rural America.
These investments are guided by the Compeer Giving Board of Trustees, a group of directors and team members from across our territory who help ensure our giving reflects the needs of the communities we serve. Nearly all dollars invested through Compeer Giving support organizations at the local and regional level, returning value directly to our service territory.
Our team members also play an important role. Through volunteerism and our matching gift program, they continue to strengthen the communities we serve.
We are proud to support the people and programs that help agriculture and rural communities remain dynamic, collaborative and thriving.
Karen Schieler Chair, Compeer Giving Board of Trustees
We
are proud to support the people and programs that help agriculture and rural communities remain dynamic, collaborative and thriving.
KAREN SCHIELER
$4.4M
Allocated to Compeer Giving in 2025
1.5M+
People directly impacted
891,319
Youth directly impacted 399,048
Individuals supported with access to food
43,750
153
Scholarships awarded
596 Grants distributed
76
Annual and one-time gifts awarded
Farmers directly impacted 80% of Compeer gifts made a positive impact on rural vitality 98% of giving supports local and regional impact 56% of grants supported also received team member volunteerism.
INSPIRING YOUTH
The future of agriculture depends on curious, capable and confident young people. By supporting youth through scholarships, leadership development and hands-on agricultural experiences, we help cultivate the next generation of thinkers and doers who will guide rural communities forward.
• More than $217,500 for FFA and 4-H state associations
• 111,330 youth engaged through programs and events
• 123 scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors
• $242,000 awarded for facility improvements at county fairs
• 65 classrooms equipped with new agriculture tools
EMPOWERING RURAL COMMUNITIES
Rural communities thrive when they have strong infrastructure, services and support. Our dollars help community organizations expand their impact, improve facilities and enhance resources that ensure rural life remains vibrant, resilient and sustainable.
• 4,107 first responders equipped with new gear and tools
• 13 regional food banks supported, along with local food pantries
• $239,350 donated to local causes through Compeer offices
• $61,000 in matched gifts for 178 team member donations
ENHANCING THE WORKFORCE
Strengthening the ag workforce is essential to vibrant rural communities. We support current agricultural professionals, including client-farmers, while investing in agricultural classrooms, technical training, hands-on learning and workforce development that help cultivate the future of their operations and the industry.
• Supported leadership development and agriculture’s future workforce
• Supported Farm Rescue and AgrAbililty programs to directly impact farmers
• 30 scholarships awarded at nine state universities
• 40 grants awarded to young, beginning or small farmers
GROWING AGRICULTURAL LITERACY IN THE CLASSROOM
LUVERNE, Minn. — Since 2018, Compeer Giving has partnered with Agriculture in the Classroom programs across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin to help students better understand where their food, fiber and fuel come from.
Through Agriculture in the Classroom programs, teachers gain access to curriculum, training and hands-on learning opportunities that bring agriculture into everyday classroom experiences.
“Our mission is to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education,” said Ann Marie Ward, executive director of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation. “It’s about helping students understand how agriculture connects to their lives.”
Through the program, teachers gain access to free resources designed to align with academic standards while introducing students to agriculture in engaging ways. One of the most widely used tools is AgMag, a classroom publication distributed to teachers across the state.
Teachers also receive professional development, classroom materials and opportunities to connect students with real agricultural experiences — from virtual field trips to on-farm visits and industry tours.
In addition to supporting Ag in the Classroom programs, Compeer Giving has invested $746,920 since 2018 to support schools across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, expanding agricultural learning opportunities.
Ward said the impact extends beyond the classroom.
“If students don’t understand agriculture or see themselves in it, they won’t realize the opportunities that exist,” she said.
If
students don’t understand agriculture or see themselves in it, they won’t realize the opportunities that exist.
ANN MARIE WARD
Top: Ann Marie Ward leads agricultural literacy efforts through the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.
Bottom: Teachers participate in hands-on agricultural learning activities through Agriculture in the Classroom.
WHERE LEADERSHIP CREATES DISCOVERY
JANESVILLE, Wis. — For nearly two decades, community leaders in Rock County have worked to create a place where children can learn, explore and grow together. Their efforts led to the Children’s Museum of Rock County, a destination rooted in rural values and shaped by local voices.
The museum reflects a growing demand for accessible, hands-on learning experiences. In rural areas, it’s common for families to travel to find these opportunities. The Children’s Museum of Rock County will bring those experiences closer to home, giving children a place to explore, learn and grow.
“This project has had the most widespread support of anything I’ve been involved in,” said John Westphal, president of the museum’s board of directors. “It’s hard to argue against something that supports children, families and early learning.”
In less than two months in 2022, the board raised $2 million before a site, design or building plan was finalized. The effort has since grown into a nearly $15 million community-funded project supported by donors across the region.
Exhibits will reflect Rock County’s landscape and industries, including a
precision agriculture experience that helps children understand how crops move from field to harvest. The museum will offer year-round programming, including school visits, STEM learning and resources for caregivers.
Among the contributors is Compeer Giving, whose investment helped amplify fundraising efforts. Compeer Financial also matched team member donations, doubling their impact.
“When Compeer came on board, it gave the project huge legitimacy,” Westphal said. “It encouraged others to raise the bar. And the fact that Compeer’s team members — some who don’t even live here — also chose to give and had their gifts matched, that’s a powerful story.”
As the Children’s Museum of Rock County moves closer to its planned fall 2026 opening, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when a rural community comes together. Built by neighbors, shaped by local identity and sustained by shared purpose, the museum is poised to become a cornerstone for learning, connection and opportunity.
This project has had the most widespread support of anything I’ve been involved in.
JOHN WESTPHAL
The museum’s first floor is designed as a hub for hands-on exploration, with spaces for play, learning and community gathering.
The Children’s Museum of Rock County will bring new life to a historic downtown space, blending new construction with the former First National Bank building in Janesville, Wis.
A MARKET REIMAGINED
MACOMB, Ill. — On Saturday mornings, Chandler Park comes alive. Music drifts through the trees. Kids gather around activity tables. Neighbors linger with coffee while shoppers fill their bags with fresh produce, baked goods and locally made products. What began as a modest farmers market has grown into a destination where food, community and economic opportunity come together.
That transformation didn’t happen overnight. After decades of city support, the market reached a turning point, with evolving leadership needs and declining vendor participation. What followed was a reinvention that turned challenges into opportunity.
Today, the Macomb Farmers Market operates as a nonprofit with a clear vision: to create a welcoming, vibrant space that supports local farmers and strengthens the community.
“It became a place where families come to spend a morning or afternoon,” said Alyson Sturgis, president of the market’s board and market manager. “You can get lunch, listen to music, let your kids play and know you’re supporting people who live and farm right here.”
That purpose drives steady growth. The market now hosts up to 36 vendors on a single day and has processed applications from 84 businesses in a season. It stretches across two sides of a city block — sometimes more — nestled among the shade trees of Chandler Park, just off Macomb’s historic square.
The market also serves as a launchpad for local entrepreneurs, offering a low-barrier entry point to test products, build a customer base and grow. Programs like SNAP and Link Match expand access to fresh food while supporting farmers and returning more dollars directly to producers.
Compeer Giving supports this momentum through the Farmers Market Grant. Funding has helped improve signage, outreach and infrastructure while strengthening long-term operations. Compeer also supports education that aligns market leaders around best practices in management.
“It really went into building the systems that make the market better,” Sturgis said. “We are focused on the kinds of things that help vendors succeed and make it easier for the community to participate.”
Today, the market reflects what happens when community leadership, local agriculture and thoughtful investment come together — creating a place where people gather, connect and support local.
You can get lunch, listen to music, let your kids play and know you’re supporting people who live and farm right here.
STURGIS
ALYSON
Below left to right: A vendor shares fresh produce at the Macomb Farmers Market. Families explore interactive activities at the market. Local vendors showcase handmade goods and products. Fresh, locally grown produce is available each week at the market.
UPCOMING GRANT DEADLINES
For detailed information, deadlines and applications for all programs,* visit compeer.com/giving-back.
July 1–Aug. 15: Next ACRE (Agriculture Classrooms, Resources and Equipment) Grant
Sept. 1–Oct. 15: County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant
Dec. 14–Feb. 15: High School Scholarship Program
Feb. 1–March 15: Farmers Market Grant
April 15–May 15: Emergency First Responder Grant
Open year-round: Beginning with Compeer Grant
*Each grant program is subject to change. NEVER MISS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!
Sign up for notifications from Compeer Giving and be the first to hear about upcoming grants!
2026 COMPEER GIVING BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Karen Schieler, chair
Paul Kohls, executive leader
Board of Directors
Rod Bosma
Daniel Erickson
Dave Peters
Daniel Scheider
Tracy Travis
Kimberly Wedig
Compeer Financial Giving Team
Team Members
Melissa Caulum
Keith Detwiler
Tony Kerr
Annie Lauber
Emilie Shoop
Jana Stangler
John Hromyak, senior corporate giving relationship specialist
Katie Nelson, associate corporate giving specialist
Melanie Olson, corporate giving grant administrator
WHERE WE’RE HEADED
GROWING WITH PURPOSE —TOGETHER
The work highlighted in this report reflects a continued commitment to strengthening rural communities, supporting agriculture and investing in the people and partnerships that make it possible. While meaningful progress has been made, the work continues.
Across Compeer Financial, the focus remains on building long-term value for member-owners while expanding how support shows up in communities. That includes continued investment in rural infrastructure, access to essential services and opportunities that help the next generation of agriculture grow and succeed.
Through Compeer Giving, priorities will continue to evolve alongside community needs. Future efforts will build on existing programs while exploring new ways to deepen impact — particularly in areas that strengthen local economies, expand access and support long-term sustainability. This work requires ongoing learning and adaptation as needs change across rural communities.
Looking ahead, the focus remains clear: continue growing with purpose by supporting the people, communities and businesses that shape rural America.
