While the concept of retiring may seem foreign to many farmers, it is important to consider your options and start planning as early as possible with your business and life partner. As your most important ally in life, reach out to your spouse or partner to tackle the plan for a long, abundant life together.
Farm Credit Illinois is maintaining a list of upcoming farmland auctions in the Association's 60-county marketplace. The listing can be found at www.farmcreditIL.com.
Farm transition planning is complex and the rules lengthy when it comes to the IRS tax code. Following Farm Credit College educational workshops earlier this year, Dr. Ferrell answers FCI member questions on taxes.
Kayla Kniepmann grew up on her family's Bond County farm. As vice president of crop insurance at Farm Credit's Highland office and farm partner to her husband, Craig, she knows firsthand what farm families are experiencing during both prosperous and challenging cycles of agriculture. Kayla lives according to the golden rule and constantly wears a smile because, "It doesn't cost a thing and makes you more approachable."
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and Assistant Director of Agriculture Don Moffit present the first-ever Centennial Agribusiness recognition sign to FCI President and CEO Tom Tracy during the Ag Day Brunch awards program at the Illinois State Fair. The Farm Credit System celebrated its centennial in 2016.
Ag Economy Barometer
Producer Sentiment Increases to 139
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.
FCI is proud to once again support National Farm Safety & Health Week by providing farm families with complimentary lunches and brief safety messages during the weeks of Sept. 18-22 and 25-29. The deadline for all entries is Sept. 5.
Do you know a college student interested in an internship program to learn more about the ag lending and crop insurance industries? FCI will hire up to four summer interns to participate in a 12-week program dedicated to developing a knowledge of credit and financial services, an appreciation of agriculture and serving rural committees, and enhancing interpersonal and professional skills. Email a cover letter and resume by Oct. 5 to [email protected].
Time is money, even in cybercrime. The simpler the password, the easier and faster it is to crack. Creating more complex passwords will make them more difficult for criminals to hack regardless of the method.
Congratulations to the winners of the Cuisinart grill kit following Issue 5:
Todd Arseneau, Iroquois County
Mike Bennett, Piatt County
Randy Dambacher, Sangamon County
Vern Hoenes, Cass County
Kevin Koester, Jasper County
Mark Lautenschlaeger, Saint Clair County
Duane Noland, Macon County
Cathleen Rockwell, Montgomery County
Paula Szczepanski, Perry County
Clare Wiskamp, Saint Clair County
In Issue 5 of Essentials, readers were asked if they plan to attend the Farm Progress Show August 29-31 in Decatur. Here are the results from 265 respondents:
Young Farmers Visit Washington D.C.
FCI Members Discuss Ag Issues with Legislators on Capitol Hill
Seven young farmers and eight FCI Board members and staff joined more than 600 Farm Credit representatives for Farm Credit Week in Washington D.C. in July. They visited with members of Congress on issues facing Illinois agriculture today like crop insurance and rural infrastructure.
Looking for a u-pick pumpkin patch or apple orchard this fall? Wishing more people would visit your business? Visit the Farm Fresh Members Market on FCI's website to promote your farm's products or locate an FCI member-owner's farm near you offering fresh, local food.
A special tribute to employees who reached significant milestones in their years of service to members and rural communities with Farm Credit Illinois since May 20.
Farm Credit Members Enjoy Concert
Illinois State Fair Stage Side Tent a Hit at Alabama Performance
250 FCI members and staff enjoyed the stage side tent at the Alabama concert at the Illinois State Fair last week. This marked the second year FCI has hosted an exclusive stage side tent experience for FCI members.
