Issue 3 - 2018
Attention Online Banking Users
Verify Your Email Address by July 31

When FCI converts to a new technology platform Aug. 17, current online banking users with up-to-date emails in the personal profile section will automatically be transitioned into the new system. Users should confirm their email is accurate in their online banking profile by July 31. Additionally, Intuit Quickbooks will no longer be available for use within FCI's online banking after July 31. Contact your local office with questions.

Weather Outlook Update       
Keeping an Eye on Drought & Sea Temperatures in the Growing Season

Weather has played a huge part in Illinois' large crop production recently, mostly due to a favorable jet stream flow pattern July-August. Past data shows the June ridge set up is crucial for the health of the 2018 crop. Summer weather pattern players such as drought and sea surface temperatures also affect the jet stream's position which ultimately impacts your farm's weather.

Class of 2018 Agriculture Scholars Honored
Scholarship Luncheon Held May 31

Twenty-seven  of the 30 scholars and their guests attended a scholarship recognition luncheon at the cooperative's headquarters in Mahomet. A total of $60,000 was awarded - $2,000 to each scholar. This marks the 15th  year of the Farm Credit agriculture scholarship program, which has awarded $400,000 to 329 students pursuing agriculture related college degrees since 2004.

Are Your Loans Structured to Leverage Today's Lower
Long Term Rates?
Every Nickel Counts in Today's Farm Economy

Continued low long term rates allow farmers to capitalize on this window of opportunity by building new interest rate structures. Mitigate risk today before rates increase.

Stockholder Leadership Opportunities
If you have ever considered serving on Farm Credit's nominating committee or board of directors, the 2018 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 2018 annual meeting.

2018 Farm Credit Illinois Board of Directors
FreshRoots Program Update
Lending Support to Young & Beginning Farmers

The FreshRoots program launched in February already hit sizable milestones. 


The program equips today's newest farmers for a healthy start in their farming careers, in turn helping rural communities and agriculture thrive today and tomorrow. Farmers up to age 40 or in their first 10 years of farming are eligible to participate. The FreshRoots learning incentives provide up to $2,000 over a two-year period for farmers who attend three different educational workshops.

2019 Focus on Farming Photo Calendar
Accepting Entries June 11


Your image could be selected to appear in FCI's 2019 Focus on Farming calendar, distributed to members, media, businesses, and schools throughout our territory.

Follow FCI on Facebook  and watch for details of the contest, which launches June 11. After the contest begins and submissions start to come in, be sure to LIKE your favorites. LIKES will be taken into consideration during the selection process. Good luck!

Growing Connections      
Meet Marty Gray of Iroquois County

People everywhere are prioritizing experiences over things. But that doesn't always mean traveling to far off places. Gray Farms can help you create a food experience in your own kitchen.


Save the Date: Brett Eldredge FCI Stage Side Tent
Tickets Go On Sale to Members July 17

Join FCI at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 17 for the Brett Eldredge concert with access to the Stage Side Tent. The $100 exclusive FCI concert package will include two racetrack standing tickets, two fair admission passes, one infield parking pass near the tent, and access to the FCI Stage Side Tent featuring complimentary beer, wine, soda,  live music feed, and limited seating during the concert (retail value of $150+). Look for more details in a mailer delivered to FCI members in early July. See you there!



Price Check      
Land Sales in the Last 90 Days

The Price Check listing includes results for 72 different farmland auctions reported since the last results were published in February. These 72 public auctions concluded with successful bids and represented 5,967 total acres in 27 different counties selling for a grand total of $46.8 million with a weighted-average price of $7,848 per acre.


 
Staff in the Spotlight
Welcome FCI Summer Interns


Four college students started a 12-week summer internship. Three are based out of the financial cooperative's headquarters in Mahomet and one is based out of the Decatur regional office.

Jack Albers
Michael Plunk
Lauren Robison
Avery Schrock

 
Essentials   Raffle & Reactions
Enter to Win One of Ten $100 Gift Cards
Drawing to be held June 20

FCI knows it's not easy to take a break in farming. But as your crops grow in the field, here's a chance to treat your loved ones with a $100 MasterCard gift card.


Congratulations to the winners of the NOAA weather radios following Issue 2:
  • Bob Sons of Macoupin County
  • Dave Wohlers of Morgan County
  • Eric Miller of Piatt County
  • Greg Bryant of White County
  • Jeremy Williams of Clark County
  • Larry Moody of DeWitt County
  • Rodney Salm of Iroquois County
  • Shawn Cochran of Bond County
  • Stephanie Butcher of Christian County
  • Steven Manning of Wayne County
In Issue 2 of Essentials, readers were asked if they were implementing any new practices this planting season. Here are the results from 135 respondents:


Ag Economy Barometer      
Producer Sentiment Pushes Higher to 141


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.


Farm Credit Illinois | 877.327.6345 | i[email protected] | www.farmcreditIL.com
STAY CONNECTED: