WELCOME TODecember THE2023 PLAINS Newsletter
Inside This Issue 2 President’s Insights 3 Employee Announcements 5 Farm Credit Fly-In Highlights 8 Photo Contest Winners 10 Crop Insurance Reminders 11 High Plains Holiday Recipe
PRESIDENT’S INSIGHTS
Mental Wellness Support The holidays can be a tough time for some people. I saw this saying the other day and shared it with our staff: “Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying not to fall apart. So, whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.” This Christmas, I was inspired to write about something we do not talk enough about: Mental Health. At High Plains Farm Credit, we are very aware of the mental health issues and stress within the agriculture industry. Farmers and ranchers have demanding jobs that are often compounded by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events and isolation. Some of the root causes for Kevin Swayne stress in the ag industry are: President • Farmers and ranchers hold their occupation as a core part of their personal identity. Families who work in agriculture are tightly linked to their land, which may have been passed down for generations within their families. The feeling of both personal and financial failure can be devastating. • Commodity prices for crops and livestock are often unpredictable, which can make it difficult for producers to plan. Prices may change based on global supply/demand, trade patterns or economic trends beyond your control. • In addition to price concerns, producers also must contend with expense uncertainty. Equipment repairs, input price increases or medical expenses can have significant impacts on cash flows and debt payments. • Extreme weather conditions including drought, unexpected freezes and/or hail damage impact yields and feed/grass availability. • Farming and ranching is physically and mentally demanding work. During busy seasons or a crisis, these long hours may result in fatigue and stressed decisions that may impact the operation. • Many farmers and ranchers are geographically isolated and in small operations, a producer may only have one or two employees. These factors can lead to social isolation, which is associated with mental and physical stress. Our rural culture often celebrates stoicism and a do-it-yourself mentality, which may discourage people from asking for help when having problems. This stigma, coupled with limited access to healthcare and mental health services in rural agriculture communities, can make it difficult for families to receive support when they are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety or depression. Agriculture is also unpredictable, and a farmer or rancher’s day-to-day schedule may be quite different depending on the immediate needs of the operation. These demands can make it difficult for a producer to make and keep health appointments, especially when it does not feel as urgent as other demands. Recognizing the prominent levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers and the need for on-demand help, we did something about it. Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union partnered on a training program to train individuals to understand sources of stress, learn the warning signs of stress, identify effective communication strategies and reduce the stigma related to mental health concerns. You can scan the QR code in this article to learn more. I encourage y’all to utilize this resource to help others and yourself! As we wind down 2023, we do so with a sense of gratitude for letting High Plains Farm Credit continue to be your trusted partner. It has been our pleasure to serve you and our rural communities. On behalf of our Board of Directors and Employees, I wish you and yours a Blessed, Joyous and Merry Christmas, with the hope that together we continue to find success well into 2024 and beyond. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
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Kevin HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
Scan to register for free Farm Stress Training.
EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Employee Announcements
2023 was an exciting year for the High Plains Farm Credit family! We’ve added brand new members, celebrated weddings, and welcomed new hires.
Birth Announcements Kinsley Lynn Ostmeyer was born on August 30, 2023, weighing in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Big brother Kayden, mom Faren, and dad Chase are excited to welcome their new addition! Chase is the Regional Vice President in charge of Lending in our Hays and Phillipsburg offices. Congratulations to the Ostmeyer family!
Sutton Lucille Vierthaler was born on September 19, 2023, weighing in at 8 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long. Big brother Troyer, big sister Whitley, mom Lydia, and dad Mark are excited to welcome their newest addition! Lydia is a Credit Analyst in our Pratt office. Congratulations to the Vierthaler family!
Marriage Announcements Jayde Reiss and Caleb Tanner were married on May 27, 2023 in Jayde’s hometown of Kismet, Kansas at the Kismet Methodist Church. Jayde has worked for High Plains Farm Credit in the Dodge City office as a Credit Analyst for just over one year. Caleb is the superintendent at ADM in Montezuma, Kansas. The couple resides in the country south of Ensign.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Supporting Our Students Up to four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to college and university students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Scholarships are renewable for one year as long as students maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and are properly enrolled in the next term or session.
Read more about eligibility and deadlines on Page 9. HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
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EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our Family Is Growing! Maura Eddy joined High Plains Farm Credit in August 2023 as a Capital Markets Accounting Specialist. Maura grew up in Nebraska and attended Kansas State University, earning her degree in animal science. Maura later returned to school at the University of Nebraska to earn a master’s degree in livestock genetics. Most of her career was spent as a swine geneticist before she made the switch in joining High Plains Farm Credit. Maura Eddy Capital Markets Accounting Specialist
Since 2014, Maura and her biologist husband have lived in Pratt, Kansas. They have a son, Sage (3), and a daughter, Kaia (1), who take up most of their free time. With what little free time they have, Maura and her husband enjoy the outdoors, gardening, and playing with their dogs.
Sarah Nattier was born and raised on the family farm in Newton, Kansas and moved to Hays, Kansas in 2006 to earn a degree in business from North Central Kansas Technical College. Sarah has more than 15 years of experience in business and accounting in the manufacturing, retail, and education industries.
Sarah Nattier Capital Markets Accounting Specialist
In July 2023, Sarah was pleased to step into finance at High Plains Farm Credit as a Capital Markets Accounting Specialist. The position allowed her to return to her roots in agriculture, as she grew up showing cattle in 4-H and is a lifetime supporter of the National FFA Organization. She has a passion for leadership and for helping younger generations understand the impact of agriculture in everyday life. In her free time, Sarah enjoys checking pastures, listening to live music, being outside, and spending time with her family and friends. Caitlin Walker grew up in Clermont, a suburb of Orlando, Florida. While Caitlin spent her childhood in the suburbs, she raised multiple hogs for the county fair and had family involved in the Florida citrus industry. In 2017, Caitlin graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in food and resource economics. She is also pursuing a master’s degree from the institution in agricultural education and communications, with a specialization in leadership development.
Caitlin Walker Capital Markets Credit Analyst
Caitlin got her start in the Farm Credit system in 2018 when she moved to Kentucky, beginning in consumer lending, and later moving to credit. Upon returning to Florida, she joined High Plains Farm Credit in July 2023 as a Capital Markets Credit Analyst, working remotely from her home in North Central Florida. Madalene Wegerer joined High Plains Farm Credit in August as a Lending Operations Processor. She grew up on a family farm south of Cunningham, Kansas and earned a bachelor’s in animal science from Kansas State University. Madalene is excited to return to the area and to work with local farmers and ranchers. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Madalene Wegerer Lending Operations Processor 4
HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
OUR MISSION INCLUDES SUPPORTING RURAL AMERICA. At High Plains, success has always been about more than the bottom line. As a mission-based lender, High Plains Farm Credit is committed to being a good and caring neighbor. We are a committed supporter of the rural communities where we live and work alongside our customers. Long-established cooperative principles encourage us to be actively engaged in industries and programs important to our customers. Future Farmers of America Bucklin FFA Buhler FFA Central Plains FFA Chaparral FFA Cimarron FFA Cunningham FFA Dighton FFA Dodge City FFA Ellinwood FFA Ellis FFA Fairfield FFA Great Bend FFA Haven FFA Hays FFA Hill City FFA Hodgeman County FFA Hoxie FFA Kansas FFA Foundation Kingman FFA Kiowa County FFA La Crosse FFA Lakeside FFA Larned FFA Little River FFA Logan FFA Medicine Lodge FFA Natoma FFA
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Ness City FFA Northern Valley FFA Norton FFA Osborne County FFA Palco FFA Phillipsburg FFA Plainville FFA Pratt FFA Pretty Prairie FFA Quinter FFA Russell FFA Scott City FFA Skyline FFA Smith Center FFA South Barber FFA South Central FFA Stafford FFA Stockton FFA Sylvan-Lucas FFA TMP-Marian FFA Thunder Ridge FFA Victoria FFA WaKeeney/Trego FFA Western Plains FFA Wilson FFA
4-H Barber County 4-H Barton County 4-H Comanche County 4-H
Edwards County 4-H Ellis County 4-H Gove County 4-H Graham County 4-H Harper County 4-H Kingman County 4-H Kiowa County 4-H Lane County 4-H Meade County 4-H Ness County 4-H Norton County 4-H Osborne County 4-H Pawnee County 4-H Phillips County 4-H Pratt County 4-H Rooks County 4-H Rush County 4-H Russell County 4-H Sheridan County 4-H Smith County 4-H Stafford County 4-H Trego County 4-H
In Our Communities All American Beef Battalion American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers
Barton County Farm Bureau Bazine American Legion Post Brownell Labor Day Committee Burdett Seniors Butts Up BBQ Cancer Council of Ellis County Care Closet Clark County Fairboard Dodge City Roundup Ellis County Big Brothers Big Sisters Ellis County Fair Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Ellis High School Ellis High School Project Graduation Ellis Junior Free Fair First Call for Help Ford County Fair Fort Hays State Rodeo Fort Hays State University Grow Hays Hays High School Hodgeman County Conservation
Hodgeman County Fair Hodgeman County Farm Bureau Jetmore Saddle Club Kansas Agriculture & Rural Leadership Kansas American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Kansas Auctioneers Association Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo Kansas Cattlemen’s Association Kansas CASA Kansas Cooperative Council Kansas Corn Growers Association Kansas Grain & Feed Association Kansas Junior Rodeo Association Kansas Livestock Association Kansas Soybean Association Kids Ag Day Kiwanis Club of Hays Larned Civic Pride Larned Noon Lion’s Club
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Larned Sports Booster Club Macksville Prom Manna House McCracken Rodeo Meals on Wheels Minneola High School Ness County Conservation Ness County Food Bank Ness City After-Prom Ness City High School Northern Valley School Osborne County Community Foundation Pawnee County Conservation Pawnee County Extension Pawnee County Fair Pawnee County Food Pantry Pawnee County Humane Society Pawnee Heights After-Prom Pheasants Forever Phillipsburg High School
Phillips County Fair Association Phillips County KLA Pilot International Pratt After-Prom Pratt County Extension Pratt County Fair Association Pratt Gun Club Ronald McDonald House Rooks County Free Fair Rooks County KLA Rozel Lions Club Rozel Volunteer Fire Russell County Kickoff
Russell Livestock Auction Saint Joseph’s Food Pantry Santa Fe Trail Center Sheridan County Fair Skyline School Project-Prom Thunderhawk Booster Club Western Plains Post-Prom West Kingman County Education Wheatland High School Winter Livestock
Contact your local High Plains Farm Credit office for consideration of
support for your organization.
HighPlainsFarmCredit.com 6
PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
FARM CREDIT NEWS
Picture the Plains
Flying-In for Our Farmers
with the High Plains Farm Credit Photo Contest! It’s hard to believe that we‘ve been featuring our stockholders’ favorite agricultural photos in our calendar contest for four years!
Ready for some more numbers?
Photos submitted in 2023
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The Event
First Quarter
Biennially High Plains Farm Credit relishes the opportunity to fly to Washington D.C. for the Farm Credit Fly-In. This event brings Farm Credit staff, directors, and customers from all over the country to Capitol Hill to advocate for our rural communities and agriculture.
“Hauling Range Cubes With Our 1966 Ford” Submitted by: John Spitzer
Each year
Second Quarter
HPFC Photo Contest By the Numbers
Quarterly prizewinners of $100 and photo credit
Total photos since 2020
Beautiful 2024 calendar coming soon to customers
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2024 Calendar Winners
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“Hay Bale Sunset” Submitted by: Howard Ziegler
Third Quarter (pictured below) “Geese in Flight” Submitted by: Terry and Sandra Gottschalk Fourth Quarter
“Farm Dog Ranger Keeps Watch Over Greta Ehmke, Age 4” Submitted by: Marit Ehmke
Coming Soon: 2025 Calendar!
Cover Photo Winner Submitted by: Terry and Sandra Gottschalk Title: “Geese in Flight” Taken at Gottschalk Farm, south of Logan, Kansas.
Congratulations to our quarterly grand prizewinners and thank you to all of our stockholders who continue to make our photo contest a success!
The Farm Bill Jared Bauck Vice PresidentMarketing
This year our message was simple: Pass a strong farm bill for our farmers and ranchers. Every five years the farm bill expires and is updated. It is a package of legislation that has a tremendous impact on the livelihoods of those in agriculture. The bill connects the food on our tables, the farmers and ranchers who produce that food, and the resources needed to grow it. You do not have to be a farmer for the farm bill to affect your life. It is important that our lawmakers are educated on the key issues farmers and ranchers face across rural America. We enjoyed meeting with our Kansas lawmakers (Senator Moran, Senator Marshall, Representative Davids, Congressman Estes, Congressman LaTurner, and Congressman Mann) to discuss the farm bill and other key pieces of legislation.
The Farm Credit Marketplace Reception The Fly-In concluded with an event that everyone looks forward to – the Farm Credit Marketplace Reception. Farm Credit customers display their products, providing lawmakers and staff a first-hand view of the importance of agriculture. We proudly featured beef sticks provided by KCK Farms in Anthony, Kansas!
Sharing Your Stories If you have a story to share about agriculture and your operation, please do not hesitate to let us know. We frequently meet with our lawmakers to advance legislative efforts that support agriculture. There is nothing more impactful than stories from our producers.
We hope you enjoy the winning photos and other great images featured in the 2024 calendar. The 2025 calendar is already in the works and our team is collecting your incredible photos!
Don’t Forget to Enter!
Submit your photo(s) to Photos@HighPlainsFarmCredit.com. Include a caption and brief description (photo title, location, photographer, etc.).
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HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
Left: During the Fly-In, members of the High Plains team met with lawmakers to advocate for the interests of farmers and ranchers.
Right: High Plains showcased KCK Farms during the Farm Credit Marketplace Reception, held on the final day of the Fly-In.
HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Your Voice. Your Association. The High Plains Farm Credit cooperative structure with customer-member governance is one of the unique qualities that separates us from other lenders. HPFC Nominating Committee members are elected each year by the voting stockholders to select director candidates for board elections, taking into account representation of all loan types, association territory, and customer mix. In 2024, four director seats will be up for election. We will have one position that the incumbent director has decided to not rerun in 2024. A letter will be mailed in late December to all stockholders detailing the election process and the open positions. Any borrower owning voting stock may be eligible to be a director candidate. If you are interested in being considered, please visit our website at HighPlainsFarmCredit.com and click on About – Board of Directors to complete an online form. You can also contact a current board member or any member of the 2024 Nominating Committee listed below. Territory 1 Norton, Phillips, Smith, Rooks, Osborne, Ellis, Russell, Barton, Sheridan, Graham, Gove, Trego, Rush, and Pawnee Counties
John Blackwell Joss Briggs Matt Grabbe
Nathan Kramer Jared Petersilie
Territory 2
Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Ford, Edwards, Stafford, Kiowa, Pratt, Meade, Clark, Comanche, and Barber Counties
Jerod Horchem Kirk Larson Scott Livingston
Lindy McMillen Diana Paris
The 2024 Nominating Committee will also nominate candidates for the 2025 Nominating Committee. Any borrower eligible to own voting stock is welcome to nominate themselves to be considered for a position on the HPFC Nominating Committee. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the HPFC 2025 Nominating Committee, contact any current committee member or visit our website and click on About-Board of Directors to complete an online form. Whether it’s running for a position as a director or joining the nominating committee to assist in finding candidates, we need your unique perspective to help High Plains Farm Credit continue serving rural America.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Supporting Our Students
Continued from Page 3.
High Plains Farm Credit scholarships are designated to be awarded to a student whose parent (guardian) or grandparent is a stockholder with High Plains Farm Credit. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and should exhibit leadership potential and initiative. Completed applications must be received at the business office in Hays by 5:00 pm on March 15, 2024. For more information: • Stop by any of the six High Plains Farm Credit offices • Visit HighPlainsFarmCredit.com • Email Shannon Schmidt: Shannon.Schmidt@HighPlainsFarmCredit.com HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
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RISK MANAGEMENT
Crop Insurance Reminders Schedule of Insurance Our team has a few friendly reminders as we finish booking the 2024 wheat acres and as you receive your Schedule of Insurance. Please take time to examine the form carefully to make sure all information is accurate. If you discover errors or discrepancies, please contact your agent as soon as possible. Sending in for corrections will slow down claim time and some corrections cannot be fixed. Cory Johnson Vice President Crop Insurance O: 620-285-6978 C: 785-656-0124
It is important to review the forms when they arrive. When checking for correctness, all wheat acres and shares that are shown on the Schedule of Insurance must match what you reported to the FSA Office. In the instance of a loss, the adjuster will use the FSA certified acres to work the claim. If the acres do not match, you will be paid based on the acres shown on the certification.
Short Rate If you are planning to graze out any of your wheat, you can short rate those acres to avoid paying the full premium on the acres you will not be cutting. Short rate provides a reduced premium rate for the acres destroyed prior to harvest. Short rate acres are not eligible for a claim.
Important Deadlines
Paige Hrabe Crop Insurance / LRP Agent O: 785-625-2110 C: 785-259-2898
Revised acres reports must be signed and sent in prior to March 15, 2024. After that date, if you did not harvest or report the field, you will receive a zero on your production report. All production will be averaged with that field and will be considered “destroyed without consent.” This may prevent a claim on other fields.
Thank You to Our Customers High Plains Farm Credit would like to thank you for allowing us to write your crop insurance. We greatly appreciate your support and patronage. Please feel free to contact our team regarding any questions or other matters with which we may help.
Happy Holidays!
Insurance Doesn’t Stop With Your Crops! Protect your operation with Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance.
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What is LRP?
How can you sign up?
LRP is a federally sponsored program that protects producers in the event of a decline in the livestock market. It can be purchased for fed cattle, feeder cattle, swine, and lamb.
You can purchase coverage throughout the year. To learn more, contact Paige Hrabe, your certified livestock insurance agent.
HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
HOLIDAY FUN
High Plains Holiday Cooking Ready to get in the Christmas spirit? There’s nothing like a holiday treat to help! Enjoy a High Plains Farm Credit favorite recipe straight from our employee-created cookbook.
RECIPE: Christmas Crack Submitted by: Linda Hahn A delightfully salty and sweet Christmas treat, featuring crisp saltine crackers, homemade toffee, and melted chocolate. This recipe is a sure winner at any holiday event.
INGREDIENTS: • • • • •
1 cup unsalted or salted butter 1 cup packed brown sugar (can use either light or dark brown sugar) 40 salted saltine crackers (can substitute graham crackers) 1 package of milk chocolate chips Optional toppings: nuts, candy, sprinkles
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Line a large baking sheet with heavy aluminum foil (if using regular foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal). 3. Spread the crackers out on the foil in a single layer and fold up the edges of the foil to box in the crackers. Set aside. 4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium-high heat on the stove top. Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to boil for 5 minutes (set a timer), stirring occasionally. Quickly pour over the
crackers and spread to cover completely. 5. Bake for 5 minutes in the oven. Turn off heat. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. 6. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes or until the chocolate starts to look shiny and is soft enough to spread evenly over the toffee. If the chocolate is still not warm enough to spread after 4 minutes, place it back in the oven for a few minutes to help soften it. 7. Top with any toppings if desired. 8. Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to harden. Peel away the foil and break into pieces. HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
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YEAR-END INTEREST CREDIT OPTIONS! If you have an installment payment due January 1, 2024 and have funds in either the Installment Fund or Trust Fund, you have the option to apply those funds to the payment early to receive interest credit in 2023. If this applies to you, you will receive a courtesy letter in the mail with more details. Please sign the bottom of the letter indicating your choice to either apply the funds for interest credit in 2023 or allow them to automatically be applied to the payment in 2024. Then return the letter to your local office by December 27. If you do not receive a letter and believe you should have, please contact your local office to confirm your year-end interest credit options. Another option is to pay year-end accrued interest. If you wish to pay interest through year-end, please give us a call and we will be happy to calculate your accrual to the end of the year. Our final deadline for ALL deposits is 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2023.
IMPORTANT DATES AT HIGH PLAINS FARM CREDIT December 25 December 26 January 1 January 10 January 15 February 19 March 15 March 15 March 15 March 18 March 20 March 21 March 25 March 26 March 27 March 29 April 1 Larned Office 605 Main Larned, KS 67550 (620) 285-6978 TOLL FREE 1-800-864-4458 FAX (620) 285-6140
HPFC Offices Closed Christmas Holiday HPFC Offices Closed Christmas Holiday HPFC Offices Closed New Year H Stock Dividends Paid HPFC Offices Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day HPFC Offices Closed Presidents’ Day Short Rate Acres Reporting Due Termination Date for 2023 Spring Crop Insurance Premium Due Sales Closing for 2024 Corn, GSORG, and SBEAN Dodge City Customer Appreciation Event Pratt Customer Appreciation Event Larned Customer Appreciation Event Ness City Customer Appreciation Event Phillipsburg Customer Appreciation Event Hays Customer Appreciation Event HPFC Offices Closed Good Friday Mail Out Spring Acres Reports/Production Reports Pratt Office 290 NE State Road 61 Pratt, KS 67214-8751 (620) 672-1265 TOLL FREE 1-866-672-1265 FAX (620) 672-5093
Dodge City Office 408 West Frontview Street Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 225-4400 TOLL FREE 1-800-289-5370 FAX (620) 225-5867
Hays Office 2905 Vine Hays, KS 67601 (785) 625-2110 TOLL FREE 1-800-369-9625 FAX (785) 625-4309
OFFICE HOURS 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, M-Thu 7:30 am - 4 pm, Fri
HighPlainsFarmCredit.com
Phillipsburg Office 477 F Street Phillipsburg, KS 67661 (785) 543-6535 TOLL FREE 1-800-815-8593 FAX (785) 543-5739
Ness City Office 101 Eagle Drive Ness City, KS 67560 (785) 798-2278 TOLL FREE 1-800-950-3522 FAX (785) 798-3557