➡ Right: The grandchildren consider the farm their second home and enjoy gardening, feeding chickens and playing in the fields.
The Oakasons also have several farm-raised Heritage Berkshire pigs that are allowed to roam a pasture, which is how they swiftly learned the need for better fencing. Luckily, Craig is a jack-of-all-trades and prefers to save money by performing most work himself, with the right equipment. In addition to home site, farm and vacant property loans, GreenStone provides loans to hobby farmers for items like tractors and fencing. “We talked to a couple of traditional banks when we first found the property,” says Craig. “One bank began the loan process, did the survey and stopped cold when they realized it was a farm. “Luckily, we began working with Senior Financial Services Officer Ann Klemp at GreenStone. Ours was not a big loan, but Ann was helpful, personable and saved us from a major delay by catching an issue with the survey before our signing. I was also very impressed when she called to tell me that interest rates had gone down and that she could lock us in at the lower rate.” Ann is enthusiastic about working with the Oakasons. “It’s always a pleasure to talk with Craig and Lori and find out what they’re doing,” she responds. “They have a vision of what they want their farm to be, and they keep taking steps to make that vision a reality. They appreciate the history of their property,
i
and I can’t wait to see the old schoolhouse when they’re done with it!”
parties, and Lori and Craig hope to someday pass the farm on to their sons.
As member-owners of the GreenStone cooperative, Craig and Lori appreciate the sense of community they feel by being part of a financial institution that partners with its customers.
“The most gratifying part of this farm for me, is sharing it with our grandkids,” comments Lori. “They love it. Last summer, way out in the back field, spring wildflowers were everywhere, and the grass was kind of deep. And I see the two- and three-year-olds grab hands with the five- and seven-year-olds and call to me, “Come on, MeMaw! We’re going on an adventure on our farm!”
“It’s given us a circle of support here in Wisconsin,” Lori admits. “And receiving an annual patronage check from GreenStone has been amazing!” The Oakasons have plans for improving the buildings on their property, and eventually building a single-level home. Family and friends enjoy using the farm for holidays and birthday
This is something that Craig and Lori clearly understand and appreciate: you are never too young or too old for a good farm adventure. ■
COUNTRY LIVING – OPEN FIELDS BLOG BRIEF
GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com. Does GreenStone Finance Part-time Farms? What you need to know about making your small farm dream a reality! What’s in Your Basket? Looking for fresh farm produce near you? Here’s where to find it, when to buy it and how to cook it!
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Summer 2020 — Partners
Third-grader Donates Steer to Feed Over 1,000 Hungry People Oliver Hill, a third-grader, led by example. Noticing the pandemic left families hungry in his community, he decided to forego the livestock show and donated his steer to help those in need. ■