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Issue 3 - 2017
Spring - A
Edition
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INTERESTing Times
How the Fed Rate Impacts Farmland & Export Prices
Following the increase in the Fed Funds Rate at the FOMC meeting in March, the committee predicts at least two more .25% rate hikes before the end of the year. Higher interest rates traditionally have several domino effects, many of which impact the agriculture industry - from land to export to interest prices.
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Staying Power
Volatility: Friend or Foe?
Many conversations with FCI members this year have included a discussion comparing today's ag economy to the 80s. While there is no doubt similarities exist, the differences are much more pronounced, including extreme volatility due to the availability of information in real-time from around the globe.
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Protecting Your Financial Information
Security Measure Changes Made
Recently, FCI started implementing a new security measure with the goal of protecting your sensitive information and funds. When account information or transactions are requested by telephone, fax, text, or email, members must now provide their personal, unique passphrase to verify the member's identity.
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Introducing FCI's Agriculture Scholars
The Class of 2017
Twenty-four high school seniors pursing an agriculture degree and career have been selected as the 2017 Farm Credit Agriculture Scholars, with two designated as Urban Agriculture Scholars. Students receive $2,000 towards their college education. Since the program's start in 2004, $344,500 of scholarships have been awarded to nearly 300 students.
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Community Improvement Grants
Lending Support for Healthy Rural Communities
FCI has awarded 50 4-H clubs and FFA chapters with $400 community improvement grants to make tangible improvements in their local communities. Nearly
$90,000 in grant funds have been awarded to clubs and chapters since the program's start in 2008.
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Connect with Your Local Office Today
Receive Text Alerts Directly to Your Mobile Phone
When you sign up for the VIP TEXT LIST, your local office will provide you with the latest FCI news ag and updates.
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Stockholder Leadership Opportunities
If you have ever considered serving on Farm Credit's nominating committee or board of directors, the 2017 nominating committee wants to know. Fill out a
candidate interest form
to submit your name and information by July 15. Following the deadline, the committee will review potential candidates to present at the Association's 2017 annual meeting.
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Financial Snapshot
1st Quarter Business Results
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Price Check
Land Sales in the Last 90 Days
The Price Check listing includes results for 109 different farmland auctions reported since the last results were published in January. These 109 public auctions concluded with successful bids and represented 9,844 total acres in 31 different counties selling for a grand total of $78.9 million with an average price of $8,023 per acre.
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Essentials
Raffle & Reactions
Sign Up to Win an Emergency Weather Radio
Drawing to be held April 20
Here's your chance to win an 'essential' to keep handy during the Illinois storm season. The weather radio is a Digital AM/FM NOAA weather alert radio, a powerful LED flashlight, and five-way charger.
Congratulations to the winners of the $100 gift card to the restaurant of their choice following Issue 2:
- Rodney Bergman, Champaign County; Olive Garden
- Danny Brooks, Richland County; Tin Cup, (Noble)
- Dustin Cooper, Fayette County, McDonald's
- James Glenn, Logan County; Saputo's (Springfield)
- Duane Steiner, Madison County; Bella Milano (O'Fallon)
In Issue 2 of Essentials, readers were asked when the 2017 planting season would begin. Here are the results from 497 respondents:
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Welcome Aboard
Get to Know FCI's Newest Team Members
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Farm Fresh Members Market has Launched
Promote Your Local Products on FCI's Website
There's something special about biting into a juicy peach or crunchy cucumber, or smelling a bouquet of flowers picked fresh and in peak season. Help FCI celebrate food grown and sold by FCI member-owners. Sign your business up to be featured on the Farm Fresh Members Market on FCI's website today.
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