Issue 2 -  2016  
 Winter - B Edition   
Your Staying Power
Facing Challenging Times Together

As a new reality in agriculture sets in, it's critical for farmers to have a lender with staying power who can help them achieve their goals while maintaining a positive cash flow. Working together with FCI can help minimize the impact of low margins and maximize your ability to take advantage of opportunities both today and when higher margins return.

Centennial Chronicle
In celebration of the 100th year of Farm Credit, the "Centennial Chronicle" highlights significant milestones of the Farm Credit System. 


Young Farmer Retreat


Farm Credit Illinois hosted 52 young farmers representing 36 farm businesses in Indianapolis Feb. 4-5. The fourth annual Young Farmer Retreat was facilitated by Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus of agricultural economics from Virginia Tech University, and included breakout sessions on creating a business plan, determining earned net worth, and estate and succession planning. In addition to the educational sessions, participants had opportunities to network and share ideas throughout the program and during a tour and dinner at Lucas Oil Football Stadium.

If you are a young farmer and member-owner interested in attending a future Young Farmer Retreat, please contact your local office for more information.
FCI Supports Rural Youth Through Scholarships & Grants
Deadline February 29

 
Apply for a Scholarship                                   Apply for a Grant
  
INTERESTing Times       
The FOMC's Effect on Global Markets

Following one of the most-discussed and anticipated FOMC actions in recent history, interest rates were increased in Dec. 2015. Due to widespread anticipation of the rate change, the market reactions were minimal. Then January came and the stock markets worldwide became volatile as commodity prices continued to decrease.


FCI Named Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation

In January, FCI received the 2016 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals' East Central Illinois Chapter. FCI is proud to dedicate itself to the future of agriculture and rural communities in its commitment to Helping Farm Families Succeed. Watch as Rod Stoll, vice president of marketplace engagement, explains some of FCI's philanthropic investments.

Online Banking Just Got More Convenient
Staff in the Spotlight
Meet Ellen Gregg, Vice President in Decatur
 
Ellen was raised on a cattle and row crop farm just outside of Kansas City where her parents instilled Christian values and the philosophy to work first, then play. She received her agricultural economics degree from the University of Missouri before coming to work for FCI in 1982 as a vice president in Watseka and then the Decatur office in 1992. Ellen and her husband Jerry have five kids - Jared, Jeff, Mackenzie, Jordan, and Fletcher. Her service to rural Illinois has been guided by four philosophies, which she describes in this video.


Check Listings
On The Block

Farm Credit Illinois maintains a list of upcoming farmland auctions submitted within the Association's 60-county marketplace. The listing is updated weekly at www.farmcreditIL.com.
 

Please submit any auction entries to include at www.farmcreditIL.com/auctioninfo.
Sign Up To Win One of Five $100 Gift Cards to the Restaurant of Your Choice!
Drawing to be held March 7

Farm Credit Illinois knows you never stop working. But in this off-season, here's a chance to treat your loved ones to a meal at your favorite local restaurant. Be sure to include the name and city of the restaurant of your choice in your entry to win one of five $100 gift cards.



Congratulations to the winners of the "essential" winter survival kit given away after the January edition: 
  • Bob Bunselmeyer of Decatur (Macon County)
  • Spencer Chandler of Loda (Iroquois County)
  • Bill Markwell of Girard (Macoupin County)
  • Charles Overbey of Jewett (Cumberland County)
Milestones
A special tribute to these employees who reached significant milestones in their years of service to members and rural communities with Farm Credit Illinois since January 1, 2016.

Farm Credit Illinois | 877.327.6345 | i[email protected] | http://www.farmcreditIL.com
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