Cultivate Summer 2026

CULTIVATE A MAGAZINE FOR CLIENTS AND FRIENDS OF COMPEER FINANCIAL® SUMMER 2026

COMPEER

Leadership Update

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER TRANSITION

John Hemstock

Retires after more than 30 years with Farm Credit We are grateful for the expertise and passion John shared with us during his tenure. John’s contributions and his leadership played an integral and significant role in the growth of Compeer Financial.

Join us in thanking John for his years of leadership and dedication!

Kris Carey

Joins Compeer Financial as Chief Human Resources Officer Kris comes to Compeer Financial with more than 25 years of experience across the areas of human resources, compliance, risk management and legal. She most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Constellation Brands, Inc.

Join us in welcoming Kris to the Compeer team!

CULTIVATE Volume 10, Issue 2 Summer 2026

EDITORIAL STAFF Anna Vangsness, Editor Annie Lauber, Contributing Writer Valerie Brekke, Contributing Writer Terri Poburka, Designer

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DIRECTORS Ashley Ahl Merrillan, Wis. Rod Bosma Rushmore, Minn.

Ann Broome Austin, Texas Allyn Buhrow Ashton, Ill. Mark Cade Westby, Wis. Dan Erickson Alden, Minn.

Larry Fischer Sleepy Eye, Minn.

Dale Holmgren N. Mankato, Minn.

Sarah Jansen Menasha, Wis. Dave Peters Manteno, Ill. Greg Pollesch Oshkosh, Wis. Dan Scheider Freeport, Ill. Tracy Travis Cambridge, 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. ©2026 All rights reserved.

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16 CONTENTS

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Farming for a Greater Purpose

A Minnesota farm family is building a legacy rooted in service and community.

Planting Something Bigger

What started as a farming dream is becoming a long-term vision for growth and family.

11 Counting on the Future

Careful planning and strong partnerships are helping this family operation prepare for what’s next.

4 CEO Message 18 What’s New at Compeer?

13 Compeer Giving 2025

A look at how Compeer Giving investments supported agriculture, rural communities and future opportunities in 2025.

14 Understanding the Role of Appraisals in Estate and Transition Planning

Accurate appraisals can help farm families navigate succession, estate planning and longterm decision-making with greater clarity.

16 Finding Stability for a More Confident Year

A thoughtful approach to planning can help position your operation for confidence in changing conditions.

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 editions can be sent to Compeer-CommunicationsTeam@compeer.com.

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 3

CEO MESSAGE

ROOTS OF RESILIENCE Strength in agriculture isn’t about avoiding the wind when conditions shift. It comes from deep roots and a stable foundation. As markets change and costs rise, that foundation matters more than ever. Today’s environment brings volatility and global uncertainty for both producers and an operation’s lending partners. Much like a crop weathering a summer storm, resilience is often determined by the preparation that happens long before the clouds gather.

Producers are facing complex headwinds. Global economic shifts and geopolitical tensions continue to ripple through agriculture. Higher energy and fertilizer costs are putting pressure on the bottom line, especially as grain prices haven’t kept pace. Tight margins and elevated interest rates mean every decision carries more weight. In times like these, having a partner who understands your operation can make a real difference.

Agriculture moves through familiar cycles of growth and tightening, and maintaining strong working capital is critical. Many producers strengthened reserves during better years, and that discipline continues to matter.

Planning and foresight create flexibility — giving you time to make informed decisions, not rushed ones.

Compeer Financial takes the same approach. Our cooperative remains well capitalized, providing a meaningful buffer during uncertain times. It’s more than a balance sheet measure — it allows us to stay steady when conditions are tough and continue serving, advising and standing alongside you through every cycle.

This edition of Cultivate highlights what strong roots look like across agriculture today. Our GroundBreaker of the Year honorees are building for the long term and helping move the industry forward.

On page 6, Bryanna and Dylan Handel share how steady growth and a resilient mindset helped them grow a 16cow dairy into a thriving operation and cheese business.

On page 9, Karl Sime’s approach to regenerative practices are improving soil health while creating new feed sources for his cattle operation. And on page 11, Nick Sandager is building additional income streams to support his family farm when margins tighten.

4 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

Just as strong root systems support crops, sound planning supports a business. On page 14, learn how appraisals play a critical role in estate and transition planning by providing clear, accurate values. And on page 16, see how tools like Compeer’s Grain Margin Manager help provide a clearer view of your financial position and identify opportunities for improvement.

At Compeer, we’re closely monitoring current economic conditions across our portfolio. Our focus remains clear: provide reliable credit, deliver sound guidance and help you move forward with confidence — even when the path narrows. Whether you’re weighing a tough decision, feeling pressure from current conditions or simply want a second set of eyes, our team is ready to work alongside you and help you prepare for what’s ahead.

Jase Wagner President and CEO

Photo by Heather Bonow Featured in the 2026 Photo Calendar

Submit your photos!

PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST 2027 Show us rural life — through your lens.

Submit your best photos for a chance to be featured in Compeer Financial’s 2027 Photo Calendar, shared widely with our clients, team members and partners.

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To submit photos and view contest details:

Scan the QR code or visit online at compeer.com/CalendarContest

By submitting a photo, entrant hereby consents to the unrestricted use by Compeer Financial the use of his/her name and photo(s) for promotional or trade purposes related to Compeer Financial’s 2027 Photo Calendar or other advertising, and waives the right to examine or approve the completed advertising or promotional matter that may be used in conjunction therewith.

Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. NMLS #619731. ©2026 All rights reserved.

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 5

2026 GROUNDBREAKER OF THE YEAR WINNER

FARMING FOR A GREATER PURPOSE BARNEVELD, Wis. — On a quiet road just outside Barneveld, Bryanna and Dylan Handel are building more than a dairy farm.

As first-generation farmers, they’ve created a place where neighbors gather and visitors connect with agriculture in a personal way.

That vision — and the work behind it — earned them Compeer Financial’s 2026 GroundBreaker of the Year Award.

GroundBreaker

of the Year

YOUNG & BEGINNING FARMER AWARD brought to you by Compeer Financial

6 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

“Nothing we do is for glitz and glory,” said Bryanna. “We’re shocked to win. It’s all about helping the community and creating interest in agriculture.”

The Handels started farming in 2014 with 16 cows in a rented barn. Since then, they’ve grown to a 65-cow dairy on more than 100 acres while raising five children and building a business rooted in agriculture and community.

Bryanna and Dylan Handel built their dairy operation from the ground up.

BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP For Bryanna, the path started long before that first barn.

Growing up on a hobby farm, she knew she wanted to make her mark in agriculture. At 16, she bought her first dairy cows with the goal of someday running her own operation.

Dylan grew up raising row crops, and together they shared a vision to build something of their own. That opportunity came when a neighbor offered to rent them a barn. Later, they purchased the operation from the retiring farmer. Growth didn’t come without challenges.

“There’s no straight path in farming,” Dylan said. “You’ve got to find different avenues.”

EXPANDING THE OPERATION That mindset still guides the operation today. Alongside their dairy herd, the Handels have expanded into on-farm cheese production, community events and a farm store that connects consumers with local producers.

The store began as a one-day market on the farm. When more than 500 people showed up, Bryanna knew they were onto something. In January 2025, they opened B.Kurt Dairy & Co. in downtown Barneveld, featuring goods from more than 30 local producers.

“It’s been great to see so many businesses grow from one idea,” said Bryanna.

PLANTING SEEDS BEYOND THE FARM Sharing agriculture became a natural extension of their work.

The Handels host tours, camps and events to give people — especially those without a direct connection to farming — a closer look at where their food comes from.

“There aren’t many farmers left in our area,” Bryanna said. “If we show kids a little bit of everything, they might take an interest.”

They’re already seeing the impact. One child started a small cutflower business after attending a farm camp.

Continued on page 8

Below, clockwise: The Handel family stands together on their Barneveld farm; Bryanna Handel and her daughter care for calves as hands-on learning becomes part of everyday life; the Handels have built a diversified operation focused on dairy production, local food and community connection.

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 7

“It’s about promoting agriculture and going above and beyond for the community.”

— Dylan Handel

Continued from page 7 “That’s something he never would have done before,” Bryanna said. “It’s really cool to see that seed planted.”

For the Handels, being a groundbreaker means doing things differently with a purpose beyond the farm.

“It’s about promoting agriculture and going above and beyond for the community,” Dylan said.

That work also brings challenges. Like many farmers, the Handels have faced volatile markets, unpredictable weather, drought, financial strain and unexpected setbacks.

“After 11 years, we’re well-seasoned and know it will work out,” Bryanna said. “We just keep going and power through the tough times.”

“You’ve just got to keep moving forward,” Dylan added.

MOVING FORWARD, TOGETHER Family remains at the center of the operation. Their five children are part of daily life on the farm — learning, working and growing alongside their parents.

“My favorite part is having the kids with us every day,” Bryanna said. “We always wanted to raise our family this way.”

For Dylan, the reward is seeing those moments come full circle as their children take on more responsibility. The Handels plan to keep growing in ways that support the farm long term. Even if their children choose different paths, they hope another young couple will have the same opportunity they did.

That mindset stood out to Megan Wellnitz-Trejo, their financial officer at Compeer.

“The Handels are always looking for ways to improve and diversify,” Wellnitz-Trejo said. “What they’ve built is meaningful — on the farm and in the community.”

As first-generation farmers, the Handels built their operation from the ground up and continue to shape it with purpose.

“We’ve planted a lot of seeds,” Bryanna said. “No matter what path we take, we’ll keep going.”

Top left: Bryanna Handel and her son welcome customers at B.Kurt Dairy & Co., the family’s downtown Barneveld store.

Bottom left: Products from the store connect customers with locally made dairy goods and other products from area producers.

Right: The Handels believe agriculture is about more than farming — it’s about building connections, creating opportunities and investing in their community.

8 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

2026 GROUNDBREAKER OF THE YEAR HONORABLE MENTION

PLANTING SOMETHING BIGGER

Karl Sime is focused on building a resilient operation through regenerative practices, rotational grazing and a willingness to keep learning.

STOUGHTON, Wis. — On a century-old family farm, Karl Sime is focused on what comes next. He’s asking questions, trying new approaches and building on the foundation previous generations created.

“I go my direction and make it work,” said Karl. “If it doesn’t work, I try a different way.”

Today, the operation includes about 75 beef cows and calves and 250 steers finished on-site. Karl also grows corn, soybeans and wheat, with an increasing focus on cover crops and rotational grazing.

LEARNING FROM THE LAND Karl didn’t follow a set path. Like many farmers, he developed his approach through experience — and by listening.

“If local farmers weren’t willing to talk and work together, it would be hard to know which direction to go,” said Karl.

That openness continues to shape the farm. He began exploring regenerative practices through podcasts, conferences and conversations with other farmers, bringing those ideas into his operation over time.

Continued on page 10

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 9

Continued from page 9 Karl said the results show up in the soil, creating healthier plants and stronger growth. Cover crops, multi-species grazing and rotational systems now play a larger role on the farm, improving soil health and creating additional feed for the herd.

“Karl is willing to try new things and keep moving forward.” — Courtney Sime

“Karl is willing to try new things and keep moving forward,” said his wife, Courtney Sime. “He’s taking what’s been done before and combining it with new ideas.”

That mindset led Courtney to nominate Karl for Compeer Financial’s GroundBreaker of the Year Award, for which he received an honorable mention.

PUSHING FORWARD, TOGETHER Courtney said that openness is one of the things that sets Karl apart. He doesn’t seek attention, he cares deeply about the work and readily shares what he’s learned.

The Simes regularly welcome schools, farmers and policymakers to the farm to share their regenerative practices. That approach is also shaping the next generation. Karl and Courtney are raising three boys on the farm, with the hope of continuing the operation for years to come.

“If we can keep it going another hundred years, that would be amazing,” said Courtney.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE As Karl and Courtney transition the operation from Karl’s parents, they’re focused on decisions that support the farm long term.

“They’re proactive and always planning ahead,” said Michael Crowell, tax consultant at Compeer. “That makes a difference over time.”

Planning touches every part of the operation, from finances to risk management. The Sime family works with a Compeer team that supports lending, tax and crop insurance needs. Courtney said having those resources in one place helps simplify decisions.

“Collaboration helps farmers prepare for whatever comes next,” said Compeer crop insurance agent Candi Sarbacker. “Our goal is to help operations continue for the long term.”

Karl approaches uncertainty with a steady mindset.

“If something fails, you try again next year,” said Karl.

That outlook shapes the way he farms and plans for the future.

Karl remains grounded in what works while continuing to adapt for the future.

Top: The Sime family is building on generations of farming while creating a future rooted in stewardship.

Middle: Karl Sime and Compeer’s Kyle Maring exchange ideas, highlighting the collaboration that supports the farm’s future.

Bottom: The Sime family’s Stoughton-area operation includes row crops, cattle and regenerative practices.

10 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

2026 GROUNDBREAKER OF THE YEAR HONORABLE MENTION

COUNTING ON THE FUTURE

HILLS, Minn. — On his sixth-generation farm, Nick Sandager is focused on keeping the operation strong for the future.

That means thinking beyond production and approaching farming like a business.

For Nick, farming is about more than working the land. It’s about building a stronger, more resilient operation over time.

“Farming is cyclical,” said Nick. “It’s hard work, trying to make things work. When things are down, you have to find different ways to keep going.”

That way of thinking earned Nick an honorable mention in Compeer Financial’s GroundBreaker of the Year Award program.

Today, he grows corn, soybeans and hay alongside his father, Mike Sandager, while helping manage the business side of the farm his family has operated since 1873.

Continued on page 12 Right: Building a resilient operation means balancing production, business planning and long-term sustainability for Nick Sandager.

Bottom left: Nick Sandager and Pat Barnett, financial officer at Compeer, discuss plans and priorities.

Bottom right: Six generations of farming continue in southern Minnesota as Emily and Nick Sandager look toward the future.

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 11

Continued from page 11

UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS Nick didn’t always plan to come back to the farm. During college, he realized he preferred work that kept him connected to the farm.

“I like being out on the farm and doing the [physical] work,” said Nick.

When Nick returned, the operation was in transition. His uncle was stepping away and the farm needed to reorganize. At the same time, he began to see the financial realities of agriculture more clearly.

“There’s no way this works by just farming,” said Nick. It was a realization that pushed him to focus on something many overlook: the numbers.

Today, Nick handles bookkeeping, business analysis and tax planning for his operation and more than 30 other producers through a farm business management program.

“Know your numbers,” said Nick. “You can work hard all day and still fail if you don’t understand the business side.”

CREATING ADDITIONAL INCOME That focus has also shaped how Nick approaches growth. He developed additional income streams, including a partnership in a crane and trucking business, to help stabilize the operation when margins tighten and costs rise.

“Off-farm income is kind of a reality these days,” said Nick.

Nick also looks for opportunities within the operation. Recent investments, including solar panels, help reduce long-term costs and improve efficiency.

“I love tracking numbers,” said Nick. “If something pencils out, we’ll try it.”

“Know your numbers. You can work hard all day and still fail if you don’t understand the business side.” — Nick Sandager

Nick’s parents have seen his willingness to test new ideas firsthand.

“He’s always willing to try something new,” said his mother, Nancy Sandager. “He looks at the data and figures out what it means for the farm.”

His father, Mike, said those conversations can be challenging in a multigenerational operation.

“It’s hard to change the way things have always been done,” said Mike. “But that’s how you keep moving forward.”

BUILDING A FUTURE AS A TEAM Nick believes success depends on collaboration with lenders, advisers and others who understand the business side of agriculture.

“He knows numbers and he’s open to new ideas,” said Pat Barnett, financial officer at Compeer. “That combination sets him apart.”

Family also plays a central role. Nick and his wife, Emily, are raising three daughters on the farm, building a life centered on hard work and shared experience. Nick is focused on preparing for what comes next.

“You just keep working to solve it,” said Nick.

Nominations are now open for next year’s GroundBreaker of the Year award. See page 18 for details.

Bottom left: Additional income streams, including trucking, help strengthen the Sandager operation through changing markets and tighter margins.

Bottom middle: Nick and Mike Sandager talk through equipment and operation decisions as part of a long-term focus on efficiency and growth.

Bottom right: The Sandager family’s southern Minnesota operation has evolved across six generations through planning and adaptation.

12 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

COMPEER GIVING 2025:

impact by the numbers

Supporting agriculture and rural communities is central to Compeer Financial’s purpose. In 2025, that commitment was reflected through Compeer Giving investments to support farmers, strengthen communities and create opportunities across our territory.

2025 AT A GLANCE

$4.4 million

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

399,000+

Allocated to Compeer Giving in 2025

Individuals supported with access to food

1.5 million+

153

43,750

596

People impacted

Scholarships awarded

Farmers impacted

Grants distributed

Across our territory, these investments are making a difference in everyday ways.

Students gain hands-on exposure to agriculture through classroom programs. Communities come together to create spaces for learning and connection. Local markets create new opportunities for farmers and small businesses.

Each story reflects the people and partnerships behind the work and the role agriculture continues to play in rural communities.

WHERE IT SHOWS UP SEE THE FULL PICTURE This is a snapshot of the impact.

In classrooms

In communities

Helping students understand agriculture and where their food comes from

Investing in projects that strengthen rural life and local connections

On the farm

Close to home

Supporting programs that help farmers adapt, grow and plan ahead

The full Compeer Giving Report, available in the Cooperative Citizenship Report, takes a closer look at the programs, partnerships and stories shaping this work across our territory.

98% of giving supports local and regional communities Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 13

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF APPRAISALS IN ESTATE AND TRANSITION PLANNING Transition planning involves more than deciding who takes over. It’s about creating a path that’s fair, practical and sustainable for everyone involved.

These conversations can be complex. Some families are bringing the next generation into the operation. Others are dividing assets, planning a sale or deciding how land, equipment and facilities fit into a long-term strategy.

WHAT AN APPRAISAL INCLUDES An appraisal provides an independent opinion of value based on market data and analysis. It creates a clear, credible value that can support financial, legal and planning discussions.

No matter the situation, one question should come early: What are the assets worth today?

Depending on the operation, an appraisal may include: • Farmland and rural real estate • Buildings and improvements • Machinery and equipment • Other operational assets

Even if a transition is years away, understanding the value of land, equipment, buildings and other assets can strengthen decision-making.

Reviewing real estate and equipment together can create a more complete picture of the operation and how assets fit into a transition plan.

WHY APPRAISALS MATTER

WHERE APPRAISALS ADD VALUE

Accurate valuations play an important role in estate and transition planning. Without accurate values, it becomes more difficult to: • Structure fair asset distribution • Support tax reporting and compliance • Plan ownership transitions • Align financial and operational decisions

Appraisals can support decisions, involving: • Ownership transfers • Estate planning strategies • Buy-sell agreements • Financing and lending needs • Balance sheet updates

Reliable, current information can help families have more productive conversations and avoid surprises later.

14 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

They can be especially important when one person plans to continue the operation and others do not. Accurate values can help guide conversations around fairness, financing and long-term planning.

KEEP VALUES CURRENT

BUILDING A STRONGER PLAN

Values change across agriculture and rural real estate. Land markets shift, equipment ages and improvements can add or lose value.

Strong transition plans start with clear communication and dependable information. When families understand asset values, they’re better prepared to make decisions that support current and future goals.

Outdated numbers can create confusion when families need clarity most.

Updating appraisals periodically can help ensure decisions reflect current conditions rather than outdated assumptions.

Working with professionals who understand land markets, equipment and farm operations can help ensure valuations reflect real-world conditions and support informed planning.

SUPPORTING TAX AND ACCOUNTING DECISIONS Accurate valuations also support tax and accounting decisions.

Equipment and asset appraisals may help with: • Estate tax filings • Depreciation planning • Basis calculations for inherited or transferred assets • Financial reporting

SCAN TO LEARN MORE Explore appraisal services and transition planning resources.

Reliable values can help reduce uncertainty and support long-term planning.

Brent Wiest Regional Manager Appraisal

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 15

FINDING STABILITY FOR A MORE CONFIDENT YEAR Not long ago, many Midwest row crop operations could rely on consistent profitability. But after several seasons of tight margins, high input costs and grain marketing challenges, that consistency has become harder to predict.

Today, profitability requires a closer look at both the operation and family living expenses. Reviewing your numbers can help you understand your current position, project your outlook and make more informed decisions.

Knowing your position during tough cycles also helps you respond quickly when conditions improve.

16 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

PREPARE LIKE YOU DO FOR THE SEASON Before spring fieldwork begins, you prepare equipment, make repairs and get ready for a narrow planting window. That preparation is intentional because timing matters.

Financial planning deserves the same attention.

Margins are tighter, costs are higher and operations are more complex than they once were. Relying on habit or “how it’s always been done” may no longer work.

Taking time to work through the financial side — whether in the office or at the kitchen table — can give you a clearer understanding of your position and what may need to change.

START WITH A CLEAR PICTURE

TURN INSIGHT INTO ACTION

Before building a plan, start with a clear process for organizing the key parts of your operation.

This process doesn’t need to be perfect to work. The goal is to better understand your operation and make informed decisions throughout the year.

Compeer’s Grain Margin Manager helps simplify cash flow planning by bringing income, expenses and breakeven targets into one view.

These steps can help guide the process: 1.

2.

3.

REVIEW PAST PERFORMANCE Review the past three to five years of income and expenses to identify trends and capture key costs.

PLAN YOUR CROP YEAR Use historical yields to estimate an average production year for your operation.

ESTIMATE MAJOR INPUT COSTS Seed, fertilizer, chemicals and cash rent are often among the largest expenses. Work with advisers to build realistic projections that include application costs and in-season decisions.

4.

ADD FIXED EXPENSES Include predictable costs such as real estate taxes, insurance and recurring bills.

5.

ACCOUNT FOR VARIABLE COSTS AND OVERHEAD Fuel, utilities, storage and shop expenses can add up quickly. Use historical averages to estimate peracre costs and include both routine and unexpected expenses.

6.

INCLUDE CAPITAL EXPENSES Include machinery payments, land costs and planned improvements that need to be covered by this year’s cash flow.

7.

INCLUDE FAMILY LIVING COSTS Include household expenses, and account for any offfarm income.

8.

CALCULATE YOUR BREAKEVEN Calculate the revenue needed to cover costs, then estimate the price per bushel required to break even.

9.

COMPARE AND ADJUST At year’s end, compare projections with actual results and use those insights to adjust future plans.

Knowing your breakeven can help guide marketing decisions. Understanding your cost structure can also highlight areas to adjust. A plan can reduce uncertainty when conditions change.

BUILD CONFIDENCE FOR WHAT’S AHEAD Agriculture cycles will continue, and both strong and challenging years are part of the business. Preparation and clarity can make the difference.

Understanding your numbers can help you manage risk, respond to opportunity and plan with greater confidence.

Scan to use Compeer’s Grain Margin Manager and track your operation’s profitability.

Matthew Browning Credit Officer Ag Lending

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 17

WHAT’S NEW AT COMPEER?

HOLIDAY HOURS

VOTE ONLINE IN COMPEER’S ELECTIONS

Compeer Financial offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays:

Eligible member-owners will receive ballots in early September for Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors and Nominating Committee elections. Members may vote electronically or return a paper ballot.

Independence Day: Labor Day: Thanksgiving: Christmas Eve:

Voting is an opportunity to help shape the direction of the cooperative. Compeer’s Board helps guide business strategy, evaluate operations and represent the needs of clients and the agriculture industry.

Christmas Day: New Year’s Day:

July 3 Sept. 7 Nov. 26-27* Dec. 24 (half day beginning at noon) Dec. 25 Jan. 1

* The Contact Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27.

Call (844) 426-6733 for assistance.

Key details for the 2026 election include: • Three director positions — one in each region — along with 24 Nominating Committee positions and six alternate positions are open this year.

• Ballots must be submitted by Oct. 2.

The Annual Meeting Information Statement will be mailed July 31 and will include candidate information and voting details.

GroundBreaker

of the Year

YOUNG & BEGINNING FARMER AWARD brought to you by Compeer Financial

Nominations open June 15 – July 31, 2026 Bryanna & Dylan Handel GroundBreaker of the Year Award Winner – 2026

Winner receives a $5,000 cash award and $2,500 towards a charitable gift Two honorable mentions receive a $2,500 cash award

Scan the QR code or visit compeer.com/groundbreakeroftheyear

18 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

Watch the Recorded Webinar ROOTED & RISING SERIES:

Funding the Future of Rural Communities Missed the live webinar? Watch the recording of this Rooted & Rising series conversation exploring how public, private and nonprofit sectors can work together to advance rural projects. Topics include broadband expansion, child care solutions, Main Street revitalization and other strategies for turning community ideas into action.

As community needs evolve, rural regions face both challenges and opportunities. In this recorded session, participants discuss the importance of collaboration,

strategic investment and cross-sector partnerships — and what’s at stake when action is delayed.

The webinar features insights from projects in progress and a real-world example of a community initiative brought to life through partnership.

Continue the conversation at the Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum, Sept. 14-16 in Owatonna, Minn.

Watch the recording at compeer.com/events.

ROOTED & RISING:

Rural Forum

September 14-16 | Owatonna, Minnesota

Join Compeer Financial this September for the 2026 Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum, where leaders from across rural communities will come together to share ideas, build connections and explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and opportunities.

As rural communities continue to evolve, collaboration and innovation remain critical to long-term success. This forum will bring together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders for conversations focused on the future of rural America.

Attendees will hear from national and local thought leaders, explore emerging trends shaping rural communities and connect with others committed to supporting vibrant small towns and sustained growth.

The event begins Sept. 14 with an evening welcome reception and networking opportunity. Full-day conference programming follows Sept. 15, featuring keynote sessions, expert panels, community case studies and collaborative workshops. The forum concludes Sept. 16 with a half-day program focused on practical takeaways participants can bring back to their own communities.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen partnerships, explore new ideas or help shape the future of rural communities, the Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum offers an opportunity to learn, connect and move ideas forward together.

Scan to Register A

Summer 2026 • CULTIVATE 19

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

RAW LAND LOANS

for Recreation or Home Sites Long-term, fixed rates | Flexible loan terms, payments Easy loan conversion option | In-house appraisal services Patronage program | Local service | And more

compeerhome.com/RecLand (833) 759-4726

20 CULTIVATE • Summer 2026

Compeer Home is a division of Compeer Financial who is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer, and an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. NMLS #619231. © 2026 All rights reserved.