In celebration of the 100th year of Farm Credit, the "Centennial Chronicle" highlights significant milestones of the Farm Credit System.
Staying Power
Create an Action Plan to Weather Volatility
FCI is committed to our members through changing economic conditions. As profit margins become tighter, important discussions with individual operations are taking place. Oftentimes these difficult - but crucial - conversations allow members to make adjustments to manage their business and improve their viability.
Soon the Funds Held program will begin crediting the balances at an interest rate which is 2.0% less than the bill rate on the related loan. Contact your FCI relationship manager to explore your operation's most appropriate cash management and payment strategies before the July 1 change.
FCI and Kaskaskia College representatives recently dedicated the "Farm Credit Conference Loft" in the agriculture education building on the Centralia campus. FCI donated $50,000 to the Kaskaskia ag program to help provide its students with education and technology resources.
Ag Economy Barometer
Producer Sentiment Markedly Higher in April at 106
The Ag Economy Barometer measures the health of the U.S. agriculture economy with an index value based on a survey of agricultural producers on economic sentiment. A score of 100 means producer sentiment is unchanged from the six-month baseline research period; a score higher than 100 means sentiment improved from the base period; a score lower than 100 means sentiment declined versus the base period.
Mt. Vernon Office Helps Educate Students on Ag Safety
Each year, FCI member Leon Adams hosts a Farm Safety Day Camp for surrounding school districts to education grade schoolers on rural safety and agriculture. The Mt. Vernon FCI regional office is a proud partner of the program bringing 450 students to Leon's Jefferson County farm each year.
Do Monetary Policy Machinations Work? That's the Trillion Dollar Question!
As central banks around the world attempt to jump-start their economies with monetary policy, the amount of sovereign debt increases. Will these unprecedented strategies increase inflation and generate economic growth, or be unsustainable in the long-run?
Enter your "best shot" for a chance to be featured in the
2017 Focus on Farming Calendar
It's time again for the Focus on Farming calendar contest. Enter your photos showing agriculture and rural life at their best. The photos can be old, new, artistic, traditional, funny, or heartwarming. Your photo could be selected to appear in FCI's 2017 Focus on Farming calendar.
Farm Credit Illinois maintains a list of upcoming farmland auctions submitted within the Association's 60-county marketplace. The listing can be found at www.farmcreditIL.com.
Meet Brent Becker, Crop Insurance Specialist in Paris
Brent was raised on his 5th generation family grain farm in Edgar County. He received his associate's degree in ag marketing before returning to the farm. He began working for FCI part-time in 1997 and in June 2005 he moved to full-time employment in crop insurance while running his family's operation.
Here's a chance to win an "essential" to keep your tank or your tummy full through the summer months.
Congratulations to the winners of the Ambient Weather emergency weather radios following the April edition:
Britt Brown of Decatur (Macon County)
Greg Bryant of Norris City (White County)
Daryl Cates of Columbia (Monroe County)
Mindy Erton of Palestine (Crawford County)
Mary Lou Goetz of Meppen (Calhoun County)
Debra Sexton of Paxton (Ford County)
Mark Your Calendar
Don't Miss Your Regional Office's Next Event
FCI regional offices hold annual appreciation events to thank members for their continued business. Visit the Association calendar to see events hosted by your local office.
A special tribute to employees who reached significant milestones in their years of service to members and rural communities with Farm Credit Illinois since March 1.
