NEWS:

On March 16, thousands of GreenStone customers joined us at our 35 branches for Patronage Day! Enjoying things like food trucks, good conversation, and giveaways, these members were able to partake in a celebration while collecting their Patronage checks.

This year, GreenStone was able to return a record $120 million to our member-owners. That is more than 40% of GreenStone’s net earnings from 2022.

“Patronage Day celebrations are the perfect opportunity to connect with our customers and show them how much we appreciate their partnership with us,” said CEO Travis Jones. “Our customers work hard, and we are proud to give back a record amount of Patronage this year.”

This is the eighteenth year of Patronage, and since the inaugural year, GreenStone has returned $840 million in cash dividends.

“As always, it’s an exciting time for GreenStone when we are able to give these earnings back to our customers,” Travis shares. “Our customers are our owners and we take every opportunity to celebrate our partnership – and the benefits of the cooperative - with them.”

Take a look back at some of the Patronage Day celebrations below! ■

GreenStone sees strong financial growth for 2022 GreenStone released its 2022 annual report in March under the theme “Move Forward.” It details strong financial growth and a record-level return to customers through dividends.

The report goes beyond the solid financials to share stories of a young and beginning farmer working with GreenStone to acquire land on a farm he has worked on for years, along with a recentlyretired couple expanding their rural roots for a new chapter in their lives. As our customers move forward, GreenStone is in-step, leading the way with a new internal technology system we rolled out in the fall to help our employees deliver services and solutions to our customers more effectively. You can read about that new technology in this year’s annual report.

Key financial highlights in this year’s report include:

• Net Income: $284.6 million

• Total Assets: $13.2 billion

• Total Loan Growth: 10 percent

• Patronage Paid: $120 million

Scan this QR code to read the full report! ■

The time is near when GreenStone members select the individuals to help guide the cooperative into the future. Starting May 8, ballots will be sent to GreenStone voting stockholders for your opportunity to vote!

In 2023, members will be electing two members each for voting regions 6 and 7 who will serve a four-year term on GreenStone’s Board of Directors. Along with the four directors, all regions will be selecting the nominating committee responsible for curating the candidates for next year’s elections.

To simplify the voting process, members will have the option of submitting the ballot online or by postal mail. Each member will be mailed their ballot, however ballots will also be sent by email to those members who have provided their email address. Members can choose the voting response method most convenient for them!

Voting instructions will be printed on each ballot for online or mail in voting. Nominees have been selected for all positions. Director candidate biographies will be included with the ballots for voting members in regions 6 and 7. Director biographies can also be viewed when voting online or by visiting GreenStone’s website. Nominating committee biographies

Region 7 are not provided in coordination with Farm Credit’s election regulations, however, details are included to identify the county in which they are headquartered and their major agriculture product, as diverse representation of our cooperative is important and desired.

All ballots must be received by midnight on June 13, 2023. For more information about the election and the cooperative’s governance, go to our website www. greenstonefcs.com/elections to meet the candidates. If you are interested in being considered for a director or nominating committee position in the future, please visit www. greenstonefcs.com/governance and complete a profile form to express your interest or call 800-444-3276 and ask to speak to the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Voting regions 1 and 2 will have open director seats in 2024.

One of the many benefits of belonging to a cooperative like GreenStone is the opportunity to have an influence on the leadership of the association. Please take part and share your voice through your vote! ■

Congratulations to Emily Kropf, associate crop insurance specialist at GreenStone, who was recently selected by US Apple as a 2023 NextGen Apple Fellow. She will join five others from across the country to take part in the emerging leader program. Great job Emily!

Travis Jones, GreenStone’s CEO, was recognized with an Honorary State FFA Degree by the Michigan FFA at their annual state convention. He was selected for his service as a member of the Michigan FFA Association Board of Directors. Congratulations Travis!

Help GreenStone congratulate and thank these staff who are celebrating an employment milestone. From five to 40, the years represent the dedication and service all employees provide our members.

Region 5

Region 1

Region 6

Region 4

Region 2

Region 3