HeartBeat Fall 2015 | Page 16

NEWS BRIEFS mission-driven: Supporting Rural Communities and Agriculture Farm Credit and FCS Financial will mark its centennial in July 2016. Looking ahead to the next 100 years, we remain dedicated to our original mission to support rural communities and agriculture. President Theodore Roosevelt planted the seeds of the Farm Credit System in 1908 by appointing a Country Life Commission to address the challenges facing a predominantly rural population, and the commission documented a lack of adequate agricultural credit. Its findings led to the establishment of a cooperative credit structure— the Farm Credit System—owned by its customers. Farm Credit has evolved to meet changing needs, building a strong foundation to fund America’s rural and agricultural economy, today and tomorrow. Over the course of the next year, you will see signs of celebration as your Farm Credit association—FCS Financial— honors our history and our future in Missouri agriculture. Our inaugural event to kick off the centennial is Fresh Perspectives—a search for 100 visionaries. Learn more about this program on the insert of this magazine. Additionally, you will see new ads representing our mission and support of agriculture, a refreshed website showcasing our community involvement, a historical booklet commemorating our anniversary and a few more surprises as we approach July 2016. PRESIDENT WILSON SIGNING FEDERAL FARM LOAN ACT Following the Country Life and American Commission efforts, membe