CultivateGrowth Customer Feature. Driven by a passion for bringing beauty to his local community, Tyler Keit, the proud owner of Rooted by Keits greenhouse located just outside of Bay City, MI says he’s the luckiest man alive.
Connect GreenStone Story. At GreenStone, we’ve been putting our rural communities first for over a century by providing tailored lending solutions and financial services to our members to help them build businesses, buy homes, and invest in the land they need.
Live Country Living Customer Feature.
John and Julie Evans had always envisioned a life out in the country. After raising their family in Menasha, WI, they were ready to be surrounded by nature and live the rural lifestyle of their dreams.
This newsletter is published quarterly for the customers of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
Editorial
Linnea Jones
Emma Moore
Melissa Rogers
Dakota Spink
Kate Thiel
Partners
Art & Design
William Eva Olivia Gallt
GreenStone Farm Credit Services
3515 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823
800-444-3276
marketing@greenstonefcs.com
3 CEO Comments.
President and CEO Travis Jones shares his excitement for the planting season and provides a brief cooperative update.
11 Guest Column.
Michigan has been battling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) for over three years. Learn how you can help reduce the spread.
13 Market Outlook.
With the winds of change blowing, many continue to watch how the economy will adjust.
25 Directors’ Perspective. We asked two directors to share their perspective on the discussions occurring in the board room with your management team.
27 Guest Column.
The ultimate effect of the new administration’s approach to businesses, including the agriculture industry, is yet to be determined.
29 Legislative Matters.
Stability in the economy, public policy, market prices, and culture is yearned for. Yet in these times we must make important decisions for our unique situation.
30 PAC Progress.
Thank you for being a champion of our communities and the agricultural industry.
35 Guest Column.
Spring in Michigan brings excitement with calls of the eastern wild turkey.
37 Enhancing Your Landscaping. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current landscape, thoughtful planning and creativity can help you achieve a stunning yet functional yard.
38 Spring Screen Time. As the weather warms and days grow longer, spring offers a perfect opportunity to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors.
43 Tax & Accounting.
If you are not fully utilizing accounting reports to help guide your farming operation, stepping up your record keeping game can help you.
45 Tech Tip.
At GreenStone, we want to help our customers be prepared to recognize and prevent wire fraud and phishing scams by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to safeguard their financial legacy.
8 Agriculture Blog Brief
9 CultivateGrowth Resources
16 Member News
18 Candid Comments
19 Tax and Accounting Interns
22 Calendar of Events
23 Behind the Scenes
24 Pause for Applause
36 Country Living Blog Brief
39 Commodity Cuisine... Asparagus and Lemon Risotto
40 Crop Insurance News
42 Crop Insurance Calendar
44 Tax Calendar
Publisher’s Note:
I recently traveled to Wisconsin for a farm show, and while using cruise control on the rental car I realized I was slowing down unintentionally – hello reactive cruise control. While this is by no means a new technology for many, it was my first experience with it (must be time for a new vehicle!). The point is, it led me to ponder the value of the feature as I drove. Once I realized what was happening, I adapted to the benefit of not having to brake as often while avoiding the pitfall of me falling farther and farther behind simply because I wasn’t paying attention to what it offered.
Later, as my colleague and I walked through the show, the technology topic arose again. While those in agriculture are well aware, those outside looking in might not realize the benefits technology has provided to the food, fuel and fiber being produced. Technology changes the way things are done, but with the right understanding and embracing, the changes can bring great value to the end product, better growing for the plant, a healthier more comfortable life for the animal…you get the point.
Technology is no different than most opportunities in life, they will only be as beneficial as you allow them to be. That’s exactly what Tyler Keits had in mind when he first considered his own greenhouse business – his entrepreneurial sprit gave him the push to see the opportunity and achieve all he has today (page 5). Speaking of opportunities, John and Julie Evans not only fell in love with the recreational possibilities on the 15 acres they purchased, but with the idea of it becoming their forever home (page 31).
From supporting our country living consumers (page 23) to recognizing the significance of board and management discussions (page 25) to the importance of recordkeeping (page 43) and protecting yourself from scams (page 45), the way we embrace what’s in front of us changes the story, influences your experience, and impacts the value. As we move to the new season in front of us, let’s take the opportunity to benefit from all that’s around us, and I hope this issue of Partners is a great starting point!
Happy reading,
Melissa
Springing Forward
As I write this letter on March 12, our weather this week has been very nice. The forecast into next week looks good also. We obviously can’t help but get excited about planting season when the sun pops out and the weather warms up. Good luck in the fields this spring.
Economic news seems to be coming at us at a faster and faster pace. What I write about today will most likely be old news in April. Just a few weeks ago we saw a nice increase in grain prices allowing some members to sell some of their 2024 crop and also contract some of their 2025. It didn’t take long for prices to start declining again.
Tariff news and trade war rhetoric seems to be changing by the hour. When I say my prayers each morning, I try to be very thankful for everything God has given me. This includes my family, our health, and mine and my family’s jobs. Like many of you, I also pray for a successful growing season and for the financial health of our members. I’ve recently added a request for assistance with the commodity markets each morning..
I am always thankful for GreenStone and the Farm Credit System, and I want you to know your cooperative is in an extremely strong position. As a reminder, GreenStone borrows the money we lend to our members from AgriBank. (GreenStone and AgriBank are both part of the Farm Credit System.) Nine other Farm Credit
associations borrow from AgriBank and are part of the AgriBank District. In 2024, the AgriBank district was the strongest performing district in the Farm Credit System and GreenStone was the best performing association in the district. We led our peers in return on capital, return on assets, operating rate (expenses divided by assets), operating efficiency and we were number one overall in the risk score measurement AgriBank applies to its associations.
We have consistently been very good stewards of our members’ capital. On March 20, our members were again rewarded for their ownership in our association as we returned $120 million in Patronage. We’ve tried not to keep our success a secret and you have probably heard this year’s Patronage amount put GreenStone’s total Patronage over $1 billion over the last 20 years. We could not have paid this amount of Patronage over the last 20 years without consistently strong financial results. Your management team and our GreenStone teammates work very hard to consistently produce these outstanding numbers.
On February 28th, we held our annual Circle of Excellence celebration where we recognized 85 members of our team for their outstanding performance in 2024. Our consistently strong customer satisfaction scores and financial results don’t happen without these outstanding
I am always thankful for GreenStone and the Farm Credit System, and I want you to know your cooperative is in an extremely strong position.
teammates and every one of our 650 teammates that make up GreenStone. I want to take this opportunity to thank every member of our staff for always putting our Customers First.
As always, please be safe this spring as you put in your extremely long days in the fields. Thank you for feeding our country and the world, and thank you for your membership and commitment to GreenStone!
Please reach out to me any time I can be of assistance. ◀
Travis D. Jones
517-318-4144
travis.jones@greenstonefcs.com
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Rooted by Keits Greenhouse
Driven by a passion for bringing beauty to his local community, Tyler Keit, the proud owner of Rooted by Keits greenhouse located just outside of Bay City, MI says he’s the luckiest man alive. “There’s never a time where I say, ‘Oh man it’s Monday again, I have to go back to the greenhouse!’ I love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
When Tyler set out to open his own greenhouse, he had no idea the positive impact it would have not only on his own life, but for his community as well.
“I’ve always known working a traditional corporate job just wasn’t for me,” said Tyler. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and just wanted to go out on my own and see what I could achieve.”
Tyler grew up working with his parents at their own family greenhouse, so he knew firsthand the dedication and drive it would take to be a successful greenhouse
owner. Eager to grow a name for himself yet sticking to his roots, Tyler ventured out on his own when he was just 18 by selling flowers seasonally out of a used greenhouse he purchased.
“I had bought a greenhouse and was selling flowers and was also doing all sorts of odd jobs on the side. I have a bachelor’s degree in finance, but I always knew I wanted to end up working with my hands,” he shared.
In 2020, Tyler set his sights on becoming a business owner himself when he discovered a local greenhouse looking to sell after being in business for over 20 years. With a little encouragement from his now wife Lindsay, Tyler decided to take the leap. “I called them up and that was really the start of it,” explained Tyler. “I came in at just the right time and it wasn’t long after I was getting ready to open my own business that spring!”
Putting Down Roots
That was the beginning of 2020, a year where many young businesses faced tremendous hurdles and even established businesses felt the affect of the pandemic. However, as Tyler explained, the greenhouse industry thrived during this time.
This was a time where people couldn’t do anything else except be outside. More people were spending time in their gardens at home, and greenhouses were one of the only places that remained open. “Our first year there were a lot of lessons learned. But we did well that year and that propelled us to keep going and expanding our business.”
Tyler purchased the greenhouse when it was just 17,000 square feet. Today, Rooted by Keits’ entire property is just under 60,000 square feet total, and includes 20 greenhouses! With the help and hard work
◀ Tyler, his wife Lindsay, and their two children stand proudly in their greenhouse which has undoubtedly made a positive impact in their community.
of his wife Lindsay, his parents, and around 12 seasonal employees, Rooted by Keits has since over tripled in size!
Since the beginning, Tyler has envisioned a space where members of his community could gather to enjoy the beauty of the hundreds of varieties of flowers and plants his greenhouse offers. “We have everything from annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, patio planters, potted plants, vegetable starts, u-pick strawberries – just about anything you could hope to find!” Tyler says proudly.
Branching Out
Not only does the greenhouse provide an expansive offering of flowers and plants, but it also serves as an event center for holiday and family parties, bridal or baby showers, corporate meetings, and more! Rooted by Keits even offers classes and community events such as sunrise yoga classes, sip and swirl painting classes, and Strawberry Fest, a celebration of the strawberry season and a great way to enjoy the harvest of their very own strawberry fields.
Through their eagerness to engage with the people of their community, they’ve fostered numerous connections and relationships that continue to grow. “I just enjoy being out in the greenhouse and catching up with our customers,” explained Tyler. “I think everyone likes being out in the fresh air surrounded by all the plants and greenery, you can’t help but be in a good mood.”
That very instance is how Tyler formed a connection with GreenStone Financial Services Officer Joshua (Josh) Quaderer. Josh, a neighbor of Tyler’s, had decided one day to check out the greenhouse down the road that was under new ownership. “While I was there Tyler and I kind of hit it off right away,” said
◀ The next generation of Keits is already hands-on in the greenhouse!
◀ Every year, Rooted by Keits grows hundreds of varieties of flowers and plants for their customers to enjoy come springtime.
The support from GreenStone has really helped us achieve our vision for how we wanted to expand this year.
Josh. “I just told him to reach out if he ever needed anything, and I remember he said, ‘well you don’t look like the typical banker,’ and I replied ‘well we’re not your typical lender!’”
Growth with GreenStone
Years later, when Tyler was looking to expand his business by adding more greenhouses and creating a more walkable layout and retail space for customers, he reached out to Josh to see if GreenStone could help him achieve his vision for his business.
“Tyler came to me to see if GreenStone could help with the financing for his expansion, and we were more than happy to help,” explained Josh. “Since GreenStone is a lender who actively supports young, beginning, and small farmers, I enjoy working with customers like Tyler to see how we can help them expand their business and be successful. Tyler has been great to work with too, he’s always full of energy and has a true passion for what he does and for the greenhouse industry.”
With the expansion underway, Tyler is looking forward to opening the doors of Rooted by Keits for the 2025 season and is hoping the new and improved layout will create an even more enjoyable visit for customers of the greenhouse this spring.
“The support from GreenStone has really helped us achieve our vision for how we wanted to expand this year,” said Tyler. “Working with Josh has been great. Since
the beginning, our relationship has really been more like two neighbors, because that’s what we are. I know I can text or call him to run ideas past him and know he has our best interest in mind.”
Tyler also values the benefit of GreenStone’s depth in the industry. “It’s also been nice to work with GreenStone as an agricultural lender because they understand the hurdles of this industry better than any other traditional lender. Being in the greenhouse industry comes with its own sets of challenges, and since we’re a seasonal business, sometimes it’s hard to know if all the work we put in during the winter is really going to pay off until we’re in the middle of our busy season.”
So, what makes it all worth it, despite the challenges they face each season? “For me there’s something special about when people come in to get their flowers each year. It can be a gloomy, rainy spring day in Michigan but the second you step into the greenhouse you’re surrounded by all these beautiful flowers. It’s usually only something people do once a year too, so being able to brighten their day and be a part of that process is what makes it all worth it for me,” Tyler says fondly.
From sharing the beauty of a wide variety of flowers and plants, to hosting events that promote connection, there’s no doubt Rooted by Keits is deeply rooted in the success of their community. ◀
Agriculture –Open Fields Blog
GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com/ openfieldsblog.
Why Your Loan Length Matters
For many farmers and agribusinesses, securing a loan is a necessary part of managing a successful agricultural operation. However, a crucial decision lies in the length of your loan term.
Connecting the Community
Shelli and Paul Meulemans operate Wild Coyote Farm, where they are able to connect with their community and provide organic produce. They are both first generation agriculturalists who found their roots within farming.
Starting the Year Off Right!
It’s never too late to make goals for the year ahead, especially when it comes to improving your record keeping practices!
Seeds of Opportunity
Are you a young, beginning, or small farmer, looking to develop your dreams further? GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program could be the right fit for you. Check out what seeds of opportunities are available to you! ◀
CultivateGrowth resources
Providing Growth Opportunities
CultivateGrowth Grants: Funds to Network and Grow
For new farmers, navigating the nuances of starting a business from the ground up is challenging enough - especially when it comes to managing the financials and filing taxes correctly.
New farmers are extremely important to agriculture’s vibrant future and GreenStone strives to support them in their new journey! GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant provides up to $40,000 to help offset the cost of these services and educational programming for young, beginning, and small farmers. GreenStone customers are eligible for up to $1,000. Noncustomers are eligible for up to $500.
Visit greenstonefcs.com/grants to learn more and apply for a grant today.
CultivateGrowth Mentorship: Gaining Education and Experience
Learning alongside an experienced professional can significantly impact your journey toward success, potentially accelerating your progress. In many industries, mentorship offers valuable insights through shared stories of success and lessons learned.
GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Mentorship program is designed to connect industry leaders with young, beginning, and small farmers, offering a platform to share expertise and foster growth.
The 2025-2026 mentorship cohort is well underway, with both mentors and mentees reaping the benefits.
The program kicked off in February where participants had the opportunity to meet, learn about one another, and explore the
Bird Flu and You:
What you can do to help reduce the spread
BY: DR. TIM BORING, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director
Anyone has the potential to spread HPAI, particularly if they move between farming locations on the same day.
Michigan has been battling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), aka bird flu, for over three years. The virus has heavily impacted our backyard and commercial poultry farmers, increased the price of eggs, and, in March of 2024, crossed over into Michigan’s dairy cattle. While the virus is primarily spread by migratory wild birds, it can also be moved to new areas by people on their shoes, clothes, car tires, and more. Anyone has the potential to spread HPAI, particularly if they move between farming locations on the same day.
HPAI is a virus found among various species of wild and domestic birds. The disease can infect domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.
The virus has even been detected in various wild and domestic species of mammals presumably after the animals come into contact with infected wild birds or materials contaminated by infected animals.
So, how can you help stop the spread of bird flu? When entering a property you know has poultry or cows, whether you’re there for working, delivering packages and products, meter reading, or otherwise, taking a few easy risk reduction steps will help keep poultry and dairy cows safe from exposure.
These risk reduction measures, otherwise known as biosecurity, include:
• As much as possible, wearing rubber boots and using a disinfectant like a boot wash or using disposable shoe covers. Remember the virus can be moved on clothes and shoes.
• Spraying vehicle tires with disinfectant at a property’s entrance and when exiting, as well as adhering to any biosecurity signs and procedures.
• Parking in an area in the sun and on a hard surface (like gravel or cement), as much as possible.
• Bringing only the tools, equipment, or materials that are essential, and disinfecting them in between uses.
• Following good hand washing and cleansing practices. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 15 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
The HPAI virus can survive longer under cold and wet conditions (weeks to months) than under warm, dry conditions (hours to days). So, the next time you’re working on and around a property with poultry or dairy cattle, please take a few moments to follow these simple steps. Being mindful of how the virus can spread and preventing that transmission is fundamental to being able to curb its impact and protect both animal and human health throughout the state.
For more information on HPAI, please visit www. michigan.gov/birdflu. Or, for details on additional worker safety information, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website at www.osha.gov/avian-flu.
The opinions stated herein are not necessarily those of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
Eyes on the Future
BY: THERESE HILL, GreenStone Regional Credit Manager
US Economic Outlook:
As 2025 begins, the new Administration has begun implementing promised tariffs, is looking to start working on planned tax cuts, and reshaping the federal government’s role and size. Tariffs have been imposed on China, Mexico, and Canada, but there has been a pullback from the original threat of tariffs on goods covered in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada
Agreement, which could ease agricultural producer concerns. Additionally, President Trump has announced lowering the duty on potash imported from Canada, which is important for farmers ahead of planting. It is estimated the tariffs will temporarily push goods inflation higher, while disinflation in services will keep overall inflation from reaccelerating.
Next on the Administration’s agenda will be tax cuts, expected to be passed later in 2025. This should bolster the economy and spur business growth. It is estimated this job growth should absorb job losses from federal government layoffs. The unemployment rate in January was 4.0%, a decline from 4.2% in November 2024. It is expected to climb slightly in the second quarter of 2025 to 4.1%, but trend lower into the fourth quarter of 2025 and into 2026 from declining interest rates and future tax cuts.
The Fed will continue to watch how the economy adjusts to the tariffs, the anticipation of future tax cuts, and the response of the unemployment rate. If the economy responds as expected, there will likely be interest rate cuts in June and December 2025, followed by two more in 2026.
Dairy:
As of the end of February, the 12-month averages for Class III and Class IV milk futures were $18.68 and $19.15, respectively. The Class III price is $0.21 lower than the 2024 average, and the Class IV price is $1.60 lower. Despite this, 2024 was profitable for dairy producers. Strong demand for new milk processing plants and lower feed costs should support positive margins into 2025. U.S. milk production was up 0.1% in January, driven by a larger herd of 9.365 million head. Producers are holding onto cows longer due to positive margins and a lack of replacement heifers. January milk production varied by state, with Idaho and Texas leading increases, while California saw a decline due to HPAI impacts.
As of January 1, the USDA estimated that there are 3.914 million head of dairy heifers nationwide, a 0.9% decrease from the prior year and the lowest recorded inventory since 1978. This reduction is due to producers incorporating beef breeding strategies, allowing them to sell crossbred calves for $800-$900 or more per head. Consequently, calf sales and increased cull prices have become a larger component of dairy producers’ revenue, making them consider the tradeoff between selling crossbred calves and breeding replacement heifers that take years to reach the parlor.
Get Involved and Vote!
As a member of our cooperative, you have the ability to get involved in our organization and make your voice heard! It’s that time of year again where you get to vote for the individuals who will help shape the future of our cooperative. Starting April 28, ballots will be sent to GreenStone voting stockholders. This year, only voting stockholders in Region 3 will elect two members to serve on GreenStone’s Board of Directors. However, all voting stockholders, regardless of region, will vote for members of the nominating committee who play a key role in identifying future board candidates.
Before a member can be elected to the board, our nominating committee evaluates and nominates the qualified slate of candidates you will now have the opportunity to vote for. The nominating committee holds a very pivotal role in determining who provides leadership to our association, and all regions will also be voting for the nominating committee responsible for curating the candidates for next year’s elections.
To ensure a smooth voting process, members have the option of submitting their ballot online or by mail. Each member will be mailed their ballot. If you have provided your email address, your ballot will be emailed to you as well. You have the ability to choose which voting response method is most convenient to you!
Voting instructions will be printed on each ballot for online or mail in voting. Nominees have been selected for all positions. For Region 3 voting members, director candidate biographies will be included with ballots and available online by visiting GreenStone’s website greenstonefcs.com/elections
Nominating committee biographies 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 3, 2025.
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 Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO. Voting regions 4 & 5 will have open director seats in 2026.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and influence the leadership of our association. Make a difference through voting! ◀
To ensure a smooth voting process, members have the option of submitting their ballot online or by mail.
Breakfast on the Farm
Each year all over Wisconsin and Michigan, farms hold a family friendly event called Breakfast on the Farm! Local farmers give consumers a behind the scenes look into life on the farm and where their favorite agricultural products come from. Want to join in on the family friendly fun at a farm? Use the QR codes above to find one near you! ◀
GreenStone Announces 2024 Annual Report
2024 Annual Report
GreenStone has released its 2024 annual report: Strength in Partnership. The report details the growth, resilience, and strength of the relationships the cooperative fosters with its member-owners.
Included in the report are several milestones, including a record year for net income at $297 million, the second consecutive year of a 96% customer satisfaction, and another $120 million returned to GreenStone’s members in the form of Patronage marking over $1 billion total returned over the past 20 years.
In addition to the solid financials, under the theme “Strength in Partnership,” the report shares the stories of a longtime member and dairy farmer who has received Patronage returns for all 20 years of the program, as well as a second-time home construction customer with GreenStone as he sets out to build his family’s forever home. GreenStone’s partnership with its members is built on strong relationships, which is highlighted through a story of GreenStone’s Hart branch sharing their dedication to the success of their customers.
Mike Timmer Joins AgriBank Board
GreenStone would like to congratulate former board member Mike Timmer on his election to AgriBank’s Board of Directors! Mike had served on GreenStone’s Board of Directors since 2018 providing strategic guidance and leadership to our cooperative. We thank Mike for his time spent on GreenStone’s board and know he will bring a wealth of knowledge to AgriBank’s Board of Directors. We look forward to seeing Mike’s representation of our region shared with the leadership of AgriBank. ◀
“We are thrilled to report a number of milestones this year, underscoring the strength of our cooperative system and the valuable relationships we have with our members,” said CEO and President Travis Jones. “Our team prioritizes maintaining an open line of communication with our customers so we can continue to provide our members with solutions tailored uniquely to them.”
Other financial highlights in this year’s report include:
• Net Income: $297 million
• Total Assets: over $15 billion
• Patronage Paid: $120 million
“The strength of our partnership with our members propels us forward, as our customers remain resilient despite experiencing rising inflation, interest rates, and overall higher input costs.” said Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer Kim Brunner. “We are committed to continuing to grow alongside our members.”
You can read the entirety of the 2024 annual report on GreenStone’s website www.greenstonefcs.com/annualreport.
Michigan
Wisconsin
Meet our Tax and Accounting Interns!
GreenStone’s 10 interns started in December and spent their days during the tax season looking over customer’s income and expense documents. Day-to-day they helped complete tax returns for clients, as well as prepare 1099s and W-2s. Most beneficial to them was that they worked directly with our tax accountants, assisting in any other related duties that may arise. As a GreenStone intern, these students are gaining exposure to professional projects and experiences that align with their career goals.
College: Hope College
Major: Public Accounting
Minor: Spanish
What drew you to intern with GreenStone: “My interest in learning more about agriculture drew me to GreenStone. This interest sparked after meeting an incredible family of Latino farmers in Michigan that demonstrate a strong work ethic and true passion for what they do. As a college student pursuing a career in accounting, I thought that this would be the perfect internship to apply for.”
College: Grand Rapids Community College
Major: Accounting
What drew you to intern with GreenStone: “This is my second year at GreenStone, what drew me back is Shawn wanting me to help her again. Working with numbers makes me happy, especially with the positive environment at GreenStone.”
Valeria Camarillo
Ingrid Cruz
Supporting the Rural Way of Life
At GreenStone, we’ve been putting our rural communities first for over a century by providing tailored lending solutions and financial services to our members to help them build businesses, buy homes, and invest in the land they need. As one of America’s largest rural lenders, agricultural lending has always been at the core of the services we provide. However, providing financing for our members who live the country lifestyle is just another way we’re supporting our rural communities!
For those seeking to make their living in the rural parts of Michigan and northeast Wisconsin, finding a lender who speaks their language can be challenging. We understand both the benefits
and possible challenges of living in a rural area - because we don’t just work in one, we live in one too. GreenStone provides financing for those seeking to purchase a home out in the country, building their dream house themselves or through a builder, and for those looking for the perfect plot of land to enjoy recreationally or to build on one day. Some of our members even enjoy living out in the country because of the opportunities it provides them, whether that’s having their own hobby farm, or maybe a small roadside stand selling farm fresh eggs. Whatever our members choose to do, GreenStone is here to support those who dream of living the country lifestyle.
In supporting these dreams, we’re helping rural communities thrive through building up small businesses, providing an opportunity for our members to live where they choose to raise a family, and promoting an awareness and appreciation for agriculture by being surrounded by it. We believe in the importance of supporting those who choose to call the country home. It is one more way we’re investing in the next generation of our rural communities! ◀
The GreenStone story
Over $1 Billion Back in Patronage to Members Over 20 Years
On March 20, GreenStone celebrated Patronage Day in a big way! Not only was it our 20th year of returning a portion of our profits back to our members, but we surpassed $1 billion total returned to members over the past 20 years! Another $120 million in Patronage checks were returned this year, and we celebrated with festive Patronage Day events at our branch locations. It was a successful day of smiles and sharing in the benefits of partnership as thousands of members joined us at their local branches to celebrate and collect their Patronage checks!
Thank you again for your continued partnership. We hope you caught some of the highlights of the day on our social media pages! ◀
(18-20)
Behind the Scenes:
Get to know the trio leading GreenStone’s country living team!
Tyson Lemon Regional VP of Sales and Customer Relations
20
years of service
What is your favorite part about your role?
I really enjoy our team here at GreenStone and the financial services officers I get to work with on a daily basis. Our team works hard to help people build or buy that dream home or property, and I love being a part of that process and creatively finding solutions to make a customer’s dream become a reality.
How does your role support GreenStone’s mission of supporting our rural communities?
I get to work with a great team of people helping our members make their rural dreams come true. Providing financing for rural homeowners or landowners helps strengthen and build up our rural communities.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time working in the country home financing industry?
During my time with GreenStone’s home lending team, I have learned there are many types of unique requests we can work with in order to help finance a customer’s dream home or plot of land. I have seen loan requests for everything from large tracts of land in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to one-of-a-kind barndominiums or simple ranch houses.
Jim Nowak VP & Managing Director of Country Living Sales
20
years of service
What is something most people don’t know about the country living segment?
Do-it-yourself (DIY) construction financing is probably our most significant niche in the marketplace. DIY construction is something most banks, credit unions and mortgage companies are not interested in financing. However, GreenStone has been offering this type of lending for decades and our members have had much success with it.
How does your role support GreenStone’s mission of supporting our rural communities? Obviously, agricultural financing is at the core of what we do; however, the part-time farmers, hobby farmers, and rural residents are valuable members of the communities we serve as well. By providing financing for rural homes, construction projects, home sites and vacant land, we assist in keeping economic activity strong and vibrant in our rural communities.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time working in the country home financing industry?
Providing great service and a positive customer experience is so key to our success. Happy customers will talk to their friends, family and coworkers, leading to numerous referrals, and they will also come back to us for their next loan!
Mike Niesyto Regional VP of Sales and Customer Relations 14 years of service
What is something most people don’t know about the country living segment?
Our service is the best in the industry! As a portfolio lender, the financial services officer the borrower works with on their loan will be the same person they talk to in the future if they need anything. In other words, our loan officers are relationship managers. They work in tandem with our loan processors to deliver a personalized service. Other lenders are focused on the transaction, whereas we’re focused on the people, both in the moment and down the road. An overall customer satisfaction rate above 95% is dramatically higher than our competition. That’s a testament to our people and how attentive they are to the customers and their needs.
What is your favorite part about your role?
Working with our talented team of loan officers. We have such a diverse group when it comes to experience levels, backgrounds, and career paths that all lead to great collaboration. That collaboration ultimately delivers a quality product to our customers. At the end of the day, it’s about delivering a positive experience and helping people live their dreams. From dream land to dream home and everything in between, we’re here to serve our marketplace and be a part of making their dreams become a reality. That’s what drives me day in and day out.
How does your role support GreenStone’s mission of supporting our rural communities?
I get to work with our lenders on any challenges they face throughout their day. My job at its core is to empower the team to do what’s right for our customers and help them navigate any challenges they’re facing. Every day and every challenge are unique. We collectively problem solve to get loans approved and closed, which ultimately supports the flow of funding to the rural communities that our borrowers enjoy.◀
Pause for Applause
Congratulations to Ashley Kennedy, Michigan Milk Producers Association Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator, and Jake Bunning, Michigan Milk Producers Association Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator! This is awarded to young farmers who serve their communities through agriculture and leadership. Thank you for being an integral part of Michigan’s Dairy industry!
We congratulate Tony Jandernoa and Dutch Meadows Dairy who will be recognized as The Michigan State University Dairy Farm of the Year! The MSU Dairy Farm of the Year Award recognizes dairy farmers who exhibit outstanding management of their dairy farm business and provide exceptional leadership in the Michigan Dairy Industry. Congratulations!
Recently GreenStone’s Marketing & Public Relations Department was awarded 1st place at the regional awards within the Influencer Activation Digital Category by the National Agri-Marketing Association. Thank you Apple Girl Kait for our partnership this past fall advocating for apples and crop insurance!
Staff Anniversaries
Please join us in celebrating and thanking these staff who are marking an employment milestone. From five to 30 years, this time represents the dedication and attention all employees provide our members.
April
Melissa Dettloff 5
Michael Fisher 10
Kiersten Hooks 10
Cindy Lehman 15
May
Taylor Martin 5
Preston Schaar 5
Jaden Schneider 5
Miles Bowman 10
Gina Bryant 10
Jared McConnon 10
Jacob Moegle 10
Matthew Platte 10
Jacqueline Sanford 10
Daniel Score 10
Loryn Wiese 10
Andrew Woelmer 10
Douglas Bailey 15 James Cole 15 Martin Kasperski 15 Amanda Leik 15
Joshua Martin 15
Michelle Simon 15
David McKenny 20
Jeffrey Mills 20
Cindy Birchmeier 25
June
Susan Firestone 5
Daniel Selden 5
Ashley Sholes 5
Courtney Ford 10
Tyson Lemon 20
Jamie Renner 20
the Farm Credit mission. The mission of supporting our farms and communities with credit has been an integral part of GreenStone and has allowed many of our family business not only to continue, but to grow and thrive. It has also become a passion for our board, management teams, staff and our members.
As a board we are very focused on many facets. Our board meetings generally last two days with committee meetings, reports from management, and board action items that generally include policy items and things like Patronage! Discussions and priorities include a positive customer experience and satisfaction, the financial health of the industries that our customers are coupled with, as well as credit quality of the association members.
as well as audit framework for long term success.
In addition, as chair of the compensation committee, I am acutely aware of our employee retention and satisfaction ratings. I am a firm believer we are only as strong as our weakest link and highly value our staff and their well-being.
As a former young farmer (I turned 40 last summer), I have a passion for our young, beginning and small farmer programs and always want to make sure it is successful, collaborative and an open door for our beginning producers.
the strongest performing associations in the AgriBank district.
We examine how changes in interest rates impact our customers and their businesses. Annually, we utilize a stress test model where we dive into worst case scenarios for our customers and GreenStone to ensure we have enough capital and capacity to continue with our mission.
We are also hyper-focused on information technology and house technology for several other associations with our CTC technology collaboration. This allows us to lead the industry in security of our shareholders in an ever-changing landscape that we must stay ahead of. The cyber environment is rapidly changing, and we are focused on staying ahead of the threats with technology, training, and personnel.
Audits are also a focus: external, internal, regulatory,
These are just a few examples of some of the topics we focus on as a board. I hope our members have the confidence in our cooperative today and into the future as we fulfill the mission of Farm Credit in good times and challenging times. Our Board of Directors are fully invested in the success of our organization for our shareholders. Our focus stays clear: the longterm success and health of our cooperative.
The GreenStone board of directors works closely with executive management to maintain adequate levels of capital and focus on efficiencies that reduce costs for the association. These efforts have consistently allowed GreenStone to meet the needs of the diverse loan portfolio that it strives to support. This diversity helps the association remain strong through the financial cycles in the industry. While some segments may be struggling, others are looking to expand or increase market share during their good times. GreenStone must keep the financial stability and capital necessary to meet the needs of all the market segments in its portfolio.
Mike Timmer, AgriBank Board Member, former GreenStone Board Member
(see page 17)
The Farm Credit System depends on the financial strength of the associations like GreenStone that work closely with their members to provide financing and financial related services. GreenStone is one of
GreenStone is here to help you reach your goals and be a constructive financial partner. Some of the tools you can utilize are the GreenStone accounting and tax services, as well as the crop and livestock insurance programs. GreenStone has worked diligently to strengthen these services. During these times of slim margins, it is so important to know your costs, estimate income potential, and minimize risks. Whether you need help gathering good financial information for your operation or need to discuss how GreenStone can help you minimize risk and develop marketing plans using crop and livestock insurance, GreenStone has the staff and expertise to help.
GreenStone wants to build relationships with our members you can trust to be there during the challenging times and prosper with in the good times! ◀
Several factors allow us to use our money on pursuits other than basic nutrition. Make no mistake; the innovations in agriculture are indispensable for human flourishing.
expansion of fossil fuels, which is at odds with the President’s commitment to expand fossil fuels.
From Breakthrough Journal on December 13, 2024: “Altogether, an RFK-led HHS has the capacity to make life harder for agricultural producers, decrease food production, and increase food prices for the American consumer, all in the name of conspiratorial thinking and a poor understanding of both agronomy and economics. It will be important for Senators from agricultural states to oppose RFK’s nomination to head HHS.”
The article further states that Mr. Kennedy can alter pesticide use, curb biotechnology innovation, and potentially challenge Genetically Modified (GM) products already on the market. They also state that “he could still bring significant negative consequences for U.S. farmers and consumers.”
The President’s appointment of Ed Russo as Environmental Task Force Advisor is another atypical appointment for a Republican. In a recent webinar, he stated, “So farming is, I hope I’m not insulting anybody, but farming, believe it or not, is the biggest polluter in the world. Sorry, it’s just a fact.”
The EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin said he anticipates cutting 65% of the EPA staff. This approach is in line with President Trump’s first term, which focused less on command and control and more on cooperative federalism. At the same time, Mr. Zeldin has expressed concerns about climate change, and while a member of Congress, he voted twice in favor of legislation to address per- and polyflouralkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS continues to be an important and potentially-consequential issue for agriculture (see
Partners Fall 2023 and Fall 2024).
How Mr. Zeldin plans to address PFAS or climate concerns with reduced staff remains to be seen.
Unleashing Innovation
Over the years, we have covered agriculture’s largely unrecognized, remarkable accomplishments (see, for example, Partners October 2022). As our global population continues to grow, we must embrace and not handcuff innovation, especially in agriculture.
While we have experienced inflation in the past few years, as of 2022, in the United States, the share of expenditure spent on food versus total consumer expenditure was 6.7% (food bought for consumption at home). The next closest nation is Australia at 9.3%. Other countries spend 10% to as much as 59% of their income on food (Our World in Data).
Several factors allow us to use our money on pursuits other than basic nutrition. Make no mistake; the innovations in agriculture are indispensable for human flourishing.
The remarkable work of Norman Borlaug (The Green Revolution) in the 1950s using plant breeding techniques saved an estimated one billion lives globally. Innovations have continued over the years with the use of disease and drought-resistant crops.
These improvements, largely unrealized by most in society have continued. Consider that between 1910 and 2020, the U.S. population grew from approximately 90 million to more than 330 million. During the same period, agriculture more than quadrupled its output while requiring less labor. In 1900, 41% of Americans worked in
agriculture; now, it is less than 2% (Breakthrough Journal).
Agriculture uses approximately 80% of the water in the western United States. However, for perspective consider that in California (which accounts for one-third of the vegetables and threefourths of the nuts in the US), agricultural water use in 2015 was 14% less than in 1980, while economic output from farming was up 38%.
Innovative water management practices are evident in Las Vegas as well. Total water use has fallen by 26 billion gallons since 2002 even as they have added nearly one million new residents (Human Progress, September 21, 2022).
Agriculture, like all businesses, faces many environmental challenges. For agriculture, some of the more immediate concerns include managing nutrients and avoiding impacting groundwater and surface water. The PFAS issue, especially in biosolids and source water, will continue to be one of the more significant challenges for agriculture.
Business as usual is not likely what we will see over the next four years. Regardless of the administration, it is always a good practice to keep a pulse on developing agricultural/ environmental policies. As the administration focuses on Making America Great Again and Making America Healthy Again, we need to be part of the discussion to keep agriculture great. ◀
About the Author: Alan Hahn is an Environmental Professional and Business Development Manager at The Dragun Corporation in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
The opinions stated herein are not necessarily those of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
Thank you for being a champion of our communities and the agricultural industry!
The 2025 MI GreenStone PAC contribution campaign brought in almost $30,000 from more than 350 Michigan GreenStone customers. This is another strong representation of the support members have for the MI GreenStone PAC. Your board of directors and management team are diligently evaluating legislative leaders and will be sharing the importance of rural communities, agriculture, and Farm Credit System with elected officials. Your WI Farm Credit PAC contribution campaign received over $2,000 from Wisconsin GreenStone customers. The WI Farm Credit PAC funds will also be disbursed by your board of directors and management team after an evaluation process.
The AgriBank District 2025 Farm Credit PAC drive brought in almost
$30,000 in contributions and these funds are used to support federally elected officials. A portion of the Farm Credit PAC funds have been allocated to the GreenStone territory and your directors and management will assist in the delivery and communication of the Farm Credit message.
Our success will be determined by the strength your individual involvement and the collective relationships we have with elected officials. The work is necessary to protect and advance our rural communities and agriculture, and that is why your support of the PACs is so important. Thank you for being a champion of our communities and the agricultural industry. Please watch for opportunities to engage with legislators this year! ◀
GreenStone hosted a celebration of agriculture month on March 12 with the Ag Leaders of Michigan and over 30 members of the Michigan legislature. Then on March 26, the WI agriculture industry celebrated WI Ag Day at the Capitol. Both events successfully gave our agricultural organization time to talk about the burdens placed on farmers and agribusinesses – burdens that are unnecessarily creating difficult decisions that will impact all our communities, farm operations, and small businesses for many years to come.
Country Living customer feature
From Rural Getaway to Forever Home
John and Julie Evans had always envisioned a life out in the country. After raising their family in Menasha, WI, they were ready to be surrounded by nature and live the rural lifestyle of their dreams. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, they had purchased a 20-acre lot through GreenStone over 10 years ago. Now they were ready to call their rural getaway home!
The Perfect Landscape
When they first purchased their property, they fell in love with the variety of recreational opportunities the landscape had to offer. As a fervent hunter and fisherman, John was immediately attracted to the 15 acres of both hardwood and pine woods residing on the land. In addition, it also boasted the perfect fishing river running from end to end of the property. For Julie, the natural landscape was the perfect opportunity for enjoying hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and just getting out in nature. The Evanses even enjoyed camping on the land and would make frequent trips up for a weekend getaway.
“We always looked forward to spending time on our land and would dream about the day when we would only be a few steps out our front door away from it instead of the hour and a half commute from our home in Menasha!” said Julie.
When John and Julie had decided they were ready to take the leap and make their country dreams a reality, they sought out the best way to ensure their forever home was exactly what they were envisioning.
“It’s kind of an interesting story how we ended up deciding to build our own home with a DIY construction loan through GreenStone,” explained John. “We started by looking at model homes for inspiration and then ended up going to a builder to customize our home with exactly what we were looking for. However, we knew we wanted to be really hands-on in the process. The only problem with that was, when we went to our traditional lender, they wouldn’t provide the financing for the project since I was going to be acting as the general contractor. That’s when we turned to GreenStone for a second time.”
Planning a Forever Home
Having financed their recreational land with GreenStone years prior, the Evanses decided to reach out once again to see if it would be possible to build their dream home on their own terms.
◀ VP of Lending Ann Klemp (pictured right) stands with John and Julie Evans on their beloved property, now the site of their new dream home!
“When we had financed our land with GreenStone years before, there was no stipulation to build on the land which was perfect for us at the time since we didn’t know exactly what the future would hold and if we would end up being able to build out here,” explained Julie. “We were able to enjoy our land for years, and then when we were ready, GreenStone provided the financing for us to build the home of our dreams in the perfect setting.”
In September of 2024, the Evanses broke ground on their new home. “Once we partnered with GreenStone on the financing of the construction project, it was a smooth process from there,” said John. “When I had originally contacted a traditional lender, there were so many nuances to the process, and we had spent around 3 months trying to get the financing accomplished. That’s when I decided to give Ann a call.”
“When John and Julie came to GreenStone for the financing of their new home, we were able to get them approved right away,” said Ann Klemp, vice president of lending out of GreenStone’s Clintonville branch.
“It was a really smooth process from start to finish,” commented Christina Stants, the Evanses’ construction disbursement specialist at GreenStone. “John and Julie were great to work with, and they knew exactly what they wanted so that made it easy for us.”
As the general contractor of the project, John was able to be involved with every detail of the construction process. “When you have a contractor doing everything for you, you don’t have complete control over the construction process and every detail going into the house,” explained Ann. For John and Julie, it was important for their new home to include the features they had been dreaming of for so long.
▲ The home is filled with rustic charm through finishes such as hickory cabinets, knotty pine trim, and all wood doors.
A Dream Come True
It used to be we would come out here on the weekends to make memories, but now those days are every day for us. It’s like a dream come true!
In January of 2025, they completed the construction of their longawaited rural dream home. The house stands overlooking the woods, with plenty of room in the back yard for turkey, deer, and other wildlife to roam in. With an 18-foot vaulted ceiling, open-concept floor plan, and enormous living room windows with an outstanding view of the property, it’s clear why John and Julie originally fell in love with the land all those years ago. The home features rustic finishes such as solid wood doors, knotty pine trim, and hickory cabinets.
One of the must-haves when building their home included John’s “man cave” downstairs, the perfect place to display all those trophy deer he’s collected over the years hunting on their property!
For Julie, her favorite part of the home is the living room windows. “I love just coming out here in the morning with all the natural light coming in. The view is fantastic, and I’m excited to get to see the landscape change with the seasons each year.”
John and Julie are also looking forward to beekeeping on their new property for their small honey business. “We keep around 30-50 hives at a time and sell to retailers as well as individuals,” said John. “We’re looking forward to another way we can enjoy doing something we love on our property.”
With so much to enjoy on their property in their new home, John and Julie are sure to make countless memories for years to come.
“We don’t even want to go anywhere else now,” laughed John. “We used to dream about the day when we would never have to leave here,” added Julie. “It used to be we would come out here on the weekends to make memories, but now those days are every day for us. It’s like a dream come true!” ◀
▲ One of the Evanses’ favorite features of their new home is the living room windows that overlook the expansive property’s woods.
embraced the explosion of the wild turkey population (and hunting season) there with a passion that bordered on addiction. At the time, I was indifferent about it. Deer hunting seemed exciting enough, and I couldn’t imagine a bird hunt would get my heart pumping like a close buck encounter did. I begrudgingly agreed to give it a try. We hit the woods that particular April morning well before daylight. My step-dad with his vest full of slates, diaphragms and box calls, and me with his Remington 11-87 Special Purpose 12-gauge over one shoulder and a bag of decoys over the other. We quietly set up in an area Dad hoped the gobblers would be heading once they hit the ground. It was within earshot of their roosting
trees, and on the edge of an expansive, rolling field. He set a couple of hen decoys 20 yards out in the field in front of us. We heard a couple of distant gobbles early, and then nothing. As we sat there on the ground with our backs against a couple of trees, daylight crept into the sky and very, very faintly we heard a couple of high-pitched gobbles answer Dad’s box call. Now things were getting exciting! Under Dad’s direction, I shouldered the shotgun and rested the forestock on my knee.
Dad glassed the field and saw three birds on the far side of it – nearly 300 yards out –heading our way in a hurry. They vanished from sight as they headed down into a large, rolling depression in the field. A couple more gobbles came – a lot closer this time. My pulse
was picking up. Dad whispered “be ready”. And here they came. Three jakes, all with identical 3-inch beards bobbing as they ran up out of the dip and made a beeline for our decoys. My heart was pounding in my throat. I’m not sure I was breathing. I watched in complete awe for a moment as the turkeys jockeyed for position to be the first to the decoys. Dad whispered, louder now, “take one!”. Instinct took over. I picked the bird that was facing me, clicked off the safety, trained the bead at the end of my barrel on the base of his neck and squeezed the trigger. The morning absolutely lit up – the shotgun blast echoing through the morning air, two of the jakes running away with wings flapping, and one laying where he stood a moment earlier. We got up and ran to
check out my first turkey. Dad was beaming with pride, and me? I was absolutely hooked on turkey hunting.
Back in 1995 we didn’t carry cameras or cellphones with us. Sadly, I don’t have a picture of that hunt. What I do have, though, is an indelible memory of that morning. Tagging and carrying that bird back to the family cabin. Breakfast in town with Dad. Telling and re-telling the story of the hunt. My passion for turkey hunting was born that morning 30 years ago. I still hit the turkey woods every spring, and most times I carry that same Remington shotgun that Dad gave me. We lost Dad last February, but I will carry his memory with me each and every time I sit in the spring woods and hear the echo of a gobbler in the air. ◀
Country Living – Open Fields Blog
GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com/openfieldsblog.
Choosing the Right Builder for Your Home
You’ve made the decision to build your home - now who will be with you every step of the way throughout the building process?
Can You Build Your Own Home with a DIY Loan?
Dive into the different options a DIY construction loan with GreenStone gives you when it comes to the building process.
Which Country Living Loan is Right for You?
If you’re curious about making a home for yourself in the country, here’s what you need to consider when weighing the different options of country living loans.
Must-Dos when Preparing for a Home Build
Checking off these mustdo items early in your home construction process will lead to a smoother and more successful build. ◀
Enhancing Your Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the first things guests see when they visit, it enhances the beauty of your home and creates an inviting outdoor space. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current landscape, thoughtful planning and creativity can help you achieve a stunning yet functional yard!
Assessing the current situation, setting goals, and planning
your space are all key aspects of landscaping. Take time to stroll around your property and identify areas that may need improvement. During this you can be thinking through what you want to add, these could be things like adding a different variety of flowers for more color, a bonfire pit with seating, or an extra garden bed so you can grow more food this summer! Once you have some ideas in mind, sketch out your
vision and set goals for the project!
When identifying plants to use in landscaping, they will often be an annual or a perennial. All annual plants will complete their life cycle in one year and will need to be planted again. Annuals fall into three categories: hardy or coolseason, tender or warm-season, and half-hardy. These break down what season and climate your annuals will do best in. Many annual plants flower for long periods of time in one season in order to generate enough seeds, so oftentimes perfect for landscaping.
Perennial plants do not complete their life cycle in one year, but return each year to continue growing, with a varying life span. Typically, perennials flower for one season each year and remain as foliage for the other seasons. Perennials
may be more cost upfront but are a great investment for low maintenance landscaping. Both annuals and perennials are great choices for landscaping; consider a mix of both with different bloom times to maximize your liveliness yearround!
Incorporating native and low maintenance plants is one of the best ways to create a sustainable and easy landscape. Taking some extra time when planning to research what plants are native in your area can be helpful to reduce water, fertilizer, and maintenance. Native plants support wildlife too, like birds and pollinators. Consider mixing in native perennials and shrubs for year-round color and texture, while reducing the need for replanting and caring for your environment.
Now that the plants are identified, you can consider adding functional and aesthetic elements to add the finishing touches to your landscaping project. Paths, patios, and seating areas can provide practical outdoor entertainment spaces, while decorative elements like garden art, lighting, or even a water feature can add charm and character. Items like raised garden beds, vertical planters, or a pollinator box can add charm and utility to your space!
Once your landscape is in place, try and find a regular maintenance routine that works best for you. Regular watering, weeding, pruning, and mulching can keep your landscape looking its best. As seasons change you may want to swap out annuals, trim overgrowth, or add new fauna. Landscaping adds to the beauty of your new or existing home, and these tips can help you create or refresh your space! ◀
Spring Screen Time
Leading your family by example is a key factor to decreasing your overall screentime.
As the weather warms and days grow longer, spring offers a perfect opportunity to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors! Reducing screen time not only benefits physical and mental health, but strengthens family bonds and fosters creativity. Health experts say screen time at home should be less than two hours a day for adults and children, and here’s a few different ways to help you and your family reduce screen time this spring!
Start by having a family conversation to discuss screen time and to set limits and goals. Chat about what your screen time currently looks like, and what is your family total is per week. Seeing where your family is with their screen time will help you all decide on daily or weekly goals and sets a baseline. Setting goals based on current behavior will help everyone feel motivated to achieve them. Using parental controls or apps to monitor usage will help each member to stay accountable. You could even create designated screenfree zones, like the dining room or bedrooms, to promote more face-to-face interaction.
The spring weather could be a great opportunity for outdoor adventures! Planning a family hike, bike ride, picnic, or trip to the park are great ways to explore the area you live and encourage your family to enjoy the sunlight. Gardening, playing sports, or even walking the dog
can provide a fun and active alternative to screen-based entertainment.
On rainy days, reaching for the craft box is a way to get creative and stay true to your goals. Hands-on activities such as puzzles, crafting, cooking, and reading can be great ways to spend time together without leaving the house! Starting a family project where everyone can contribute can be a wonderful way to get each member involved. Something like building a birdhouse, creating an art display, or a family version of your favorite board game are great examples! Leading your family by example is a key factor to decreasing your overall screentime. Taking charge in holding yourself and your family accountable will help model these new healthy habits. Celebrate milestones in your screen time journey as you hit them to reward consistent efforts with fun screen free activities. A family camping trip, pizza night, or beach day could be fun rewards to highlight how much your family has grown!
Decreasing the amount of time we spend on screens can be difficult, but not impossible. These tips can help you and your family explore new ways to have less screen time this spring. By being intentional with screens, getting outside, and diving into creativity, families can build stronger connections and create lasting memories while building a healthier lifestyle! ◀
Commodity Cuisine
Asparagus and Lemon Risotto
This comforting yet fresh dish is the perfect start to spring, highlighting one of our region’s most abundant seasonal stars: asparagus!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1” pieces
• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the asparagus: Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside. Cook the risotto: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the rice and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add broth: Add your vegetable broth and stir until absorbed. Cook for about 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
Serve: Stir in your asparagus and lemon juice. Add the parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with more freshly grated parmesan! ◀
Now is the time to sign up for hail insurance!
While hailstorms historically used to be considered a rare event, they are becoming far more commonplace then ever before.
Hail is a separate policy from your multi-peril crop insurance coverage (MPCI). MPCI crop insurance covers hail damage as it relates to yield and revenue reduction, but producers can also purchase separate hail coverage for their crops from the same companies that offer MPCI crop insurance. As a bonus, your hail policy can provide coverage for fire, lightning, vandalism/malicious mischief, and transit to the first place of storage.
Hail insurance is based on the percent of damage received at a particular growth stage, which allows insurance companies to perform adjustments and pay indemnities during a growing season, without having to wait until harvest. Rates and coverage vary by crop and county. Keep in mind, hail insurance must be purchased before damage occurs. Below are some other important items of note regarding hail coverage.
• Most hail insurance covers other perils beyond hail damage. Beyond hail, most policies also cover fire, vandalism and malicious mischief, transit to the first point of storage, and stored grain coverage if you happen to have a bin(s) at home.
• Hail coverage is available on most any crop; even if you do not have an MPCI crop insurance option, we can generally get it covered for hail.
• A customer can carry a MPCI policy as well as a hail policy and collect on both in the event of a loss.
• Hail coverage is based on a dollar amount of coverage per acre, with premium generally quoted per $100 of coverage. For example, if someone wanted to cover their corn at $700 per acre, and the premium was 60 cents per $100 of coverage, their premium for corn would be $4.20 per acre.
• A benefit to hail insurance over MPCI is that you can insure up to the total expected value of the crop, whereas on MPCI you are limited to the coverage elected on your policy.
• Hail coverage generally has many different endorsements available, including quality endorsements on crops intended for fresh market, canning reject endorsements, etc.
To learn more on how a hail policy works or what options are available and covered with a hail policy, contact your GreenStone crop insurance specialist today to set up an appointment to review your options. ◀
As a bonus, your hail policy can provide coverage for fire, lightning, vandalism/ malicious mischief, and transit to the first place of storage.
Organic Crops
As a reminder, RMA now requires all insured organic certified producers to provide a copy of their organic crop plan and organic certificate to their agent before the acreage reporting date. ◀
Acreage Reports
The earlier we get started on reporting your planted crop acres, the earlier we can process your reports and return for your review. It is the customer’s responsibility to report the crop that was planted in each section, the planting date, and your percent share of that crop. Reporting your crop accurately and double checking everything on the Schedule of Insurance is especially important. Corrections or changes cannot be made after the July 15 reporting deadline.
You do not need to report to Farm Service Agency (FSA) before reporting your planted acres to your crop insurance specialist. If you use precision planting technology, we can save you time reporting acres. Contact your local GreenStone crop insurance specialist if you would like assistance. ◀
2025 Fall Wheat & Forage Claims
Appraisals are required when a customer plans to do something with the crop other than harvest in the normal manner. If you do not plan to take your wheat/forage crop to harvest, we must appraise the acres prior to destruction.◀
1st Crop/2nd Crop
If you are planning on possibly removing a first crop to plant a second, make sure you contact your crop insurance specialist before doing so. You could potentially be eligible for a claim, but you may forfeit that eligibility if you act before contacting your agent to discuss your options! ◀
Enterprise Units Structure
The added subsidy on the enterprise unit structure makes it an affordable option for many producers. The downside is, if you do not end up planting the required acreage, your policy can revert to a basic unit structure and your premium could increase substantially. There are two requirements to qualify for enterprise units:
You must farm in two or more separate sections.
AND
At least 20 acres, or 20% of your individual crop acreage, whichever is less, must be planted in that second section.
Adverse spring weather has the potential to cause prevented planting which could take some producers out of enterprise unit eligibility. Make sure to contact your crop insurance specialist if you anticipate any issues with meeting the enterprise unit requirements. ◀
Prevented Plant or Replant Rules
If weather conditions prevent you from planting or you need to replant a crop, you may qualify for a claim. File a claim with your crop insurance specialist before replanting. DO NOT replant until you have received approval to do so or you may not receive an indemnity. If you have a prevent plant situation, a claim must be filed within 72 hours after the end of the late planting period which varies by crop. (There is a minimum requirement of 20% of the unit or 20 acres for both replant and prevent plant claims, whichever is less.)
There were some significant changes made for the current crop year regarding both Replant and Prevent Plant rules. Depending on the timing of the replant period, weather, and field conditions, you could be required to replant. Please contact your crop insurance specialist for the most current rules and guidelines.◀
Production Reporting Deadline for all Spring 2024 Crops
Acreage Report Due
Budgets also help with setting goals and establishing priorities. Like any business, farmers should, at a minimum, look at their total farm operation each year and establish goals for the upcoming year based upon their best guesses of what will happen.
Goals should also be established for the upcoming year. Review income statement expenses line by line, including the reasons and rationale behind any expected change in your cost structure. Will expense line items increase by cost-of-living adjustments or much more due to inflation? Are you going to outsource less custom hire work? Do your rent agreements have escalations in the current year? Does ground you have rented each year no longer make sense given where commodity prices are at today and projected through the rest of the year?
Occasionally, farms will complete their budgets with multiple scenarios: worst-case, most likely, and best-case models are all frequently used. This helps farmers to mentally prepare for contingencies and identify potential changes from initial expectations.
For example, assume a budget accounts for $4.15 corn and $10.00 soybeans. What if prior to planting is completed, soybean futures prices have dropped drastically, and you now expect that your sales price per bushel will be $9.00? How would that affect your operation’s break-even price for your expected corn production? Let’s look:
Spring Tax Calendar
April
Individuals file a 2024 income tax return (Form 1040) and pay any tax due. If not able to file, file form 4868 to request an automatic six month extension. If tax is due, it must be paid with the Form 4868.
First quarter estimate is due for 2025 for individuals that pay estimated taxes.
Corporations file a 2024 calendar year tax return (Form 1120) and pay any tax due. If not able to file, file Form 7004 to request an automatic six month extension.
Corporations deposit the first installment of estimated income tax for 2025.
Non-farm employers file Form 941 for the first quarter to report Social Security, Medicare, and withholding.
June
You now need to sell your corn for $4.77 to break even. Is that possible, and if it is do you sell it all when you see that price available, or just a portion of it? If it is not possible, you’ll need to consider where are you at to budget on other financial statement line items and determine if you need to cut expenses elsewhere, or possibly tighten the family living belt.
You are only able to answer these questions and make educated decisions if you understand your numbers and are up to date on your record keeping (tracking actual revenue and expenses and comparing them to what was budgeted). This also helps to ensure your farm is sticking to its plans. Budgeting offers an important means of identifying problems and opportunities.
To learn more about recordkeeping and accounting, contact your CPA or a tax accountant at your local GreenStone branch. GreenStone offers a full array of accounting services for farmers and business owners.◀
Second quarter estimate is due for 2025 for individuals that pay estimated taxes.
Corporations deposit the second installment of estimated income tax for 2025.
July
Non-farm employers file Form 941 for the second quarter to report Social Security, Medicare, and withholding. Form 5500 is due for all employers that maintain an employee benefit plan such as a pension plan.
If not able to file, file form 5588 to request an automatic two and a halfmonth extension.
Wire Fraud and Phishing Scams
BY MATTHEW COSGROVE, VP and Chief Information Security Officer
Imagine wiring $50,000 for a new piece of farm machinery, only to find out the dealership’s email was a fake. Fraud like this continues to impact farms and businesses, and we expect it to strike harder than ever in 2025.
As your trusted financial partner, GreenStone is here to inform you to help you stay one step ahead of these scams. The Federal Trade Commission’s Snapshot of 2024 paints a stark picture: fraud losses hit $12.5 billion in 2024, with 2.6 million reports filed. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans—30 percent—fell victim, losing an average of $1,600 each. Imposter scams, often delivered through email, topped the list as the most reported fraud type.
At GreenStone, we want to help our customers be prepared to recognize and prevent these types of scams by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to safeguard their financial legacy.
Phishing Scams and Wire Fraud
Wire fraud can drain your accounts in an instant, and with 2025 shaping up to be a peak year for scams, understanding the threat is critical. Fraudsters use phishing emails to impersonate trusted contacts— like loan officers or equipment dealers— and trick you into sending money to fraudulent accounts.
How These Scams Work
1. Fake Emails and Urgent Requests –You receive an email that looks like it is from a legitimate source (title company, lender, real estate agent, vendor, etc.). The message claims that wire instructions have changed and provides a new account for payment.
2. Professional Impersonation –Scammers manipulate email addresses and website URLs using characters that look nearly identical to legitimate ones. For example, replacing the letter “o” with the number “0” or using Cyrillic letters that resemble English characters (e.g., john.doe@ titlecompany.com vs. john.d0e@ titlecompany.com). These attacks, known as homograph/homoglyph scams, can trick even the most careful individuals. Always verify suspicious emails by directly contacting the sender.
