connect links young producers
Recently, several FCS Financial
offices were filled with young
customers looking for networking,
information and resources. The
inaugural FCS Financial Connect
meeting brought them together
and, if one meeting sets the pace,
future meetings will link them
to each other as they build their
individual operations.
Connect is a new program
developed by FCS Financial as
part of our commitment to young
and beginning farmers because
funding is just one piece of starting
a successful operation. Through
four key areas of credit standards,
cooperative
representation,
communication and knowledge
sharing, Connect helps participants
realize their full potential to find
success.
A series of five meetings over
an 18 month period comprise
the knowledge sharing piece.
Those involved are learning about
FCS Financial as lender, goal
setting, credit reporting, business
communication, advocacy, risk
mitigation, record keeping and
business plan development.
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HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2015
“The key is putting the right
people around you and finding
the information you need,” said
Scott Gardner, FCS Financial Vice
President of Marketing & Sales, as
he welcomed the group to the first
meeting which focused on FCS
Financial’s role and goal setting for
an ag operation.
As a lender, FCS Financial has
been assisting rural Missourians for
nearly 100 years. “The Farm Credit
System began in 1916,” said Jeff
Houts, FCS Financial Executive
Vice President of Operations. “We
now have 76 associations (in the
U.S.), but it didn’t start out that
way. Much like the ag industry has
consolidated so has the Farm Credit
System to serve its members.
“The System has $216 billion
in loans and four banks. FCS
Financial is a member of the
AgriBank District. Like you, we
are a borrower of funds from our
district bank, AgriBank, through
an established line of credit.”
Where your lender receives
funds is important, especially when
you do business with FCS Financial
because of its cooperative structure.
“FCS Financial is owned by our
member borrowers. All of you,” said
Houts. “You are the owners, and we
hope you take time to understand
the System, the Association and
take an active interest in how it is
operated.”
The landscape continues to
change. According to the 2012 ag
census numbers, the average age
of farmers has increased by more
than 16 percent since 1982. “At
some point there will have to be
a substantial shifting of control,”
said Houts. "It appears to be a
bright future for young operators.
You need to consider how you will
position yourself to capture that
opportunity.”
Attitude reflects in all you
do and can help or hurt when
opportunity knocks. “I’m a believer
that any successful venture in life
starts with the right attitude,” said
Kevin Gabbert, FCS Financial Vice
President of Commercial Farmers.
“That and passion is often what
carries you through.”
Producers should create a
business plan to identify their
competitive advantage, define
intermediate and long-term goals
and elevate performance. “Find
a format that works for you and
“Enjoyed being
able to go to a
meeting with my
peers.”
~Connect participant
build your plan based on a three
to five year forecast, but review
it annually,” said Gabbert. This
process keeps your plan and goals
current and ensures all involved