Pictured above from left to right: Lori Drozd, Joel Layman, Trent Hilding and Jed Welder.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services members reelected two directors and elected two new members to its board of directors.

Trent Hilding of Montcalm County, Mich., was re-elected to a four-year term representing voting region 5, located in the twelve counties covering mid and western Michigan. Hilding operates a grain and cow/calf farm, grain truck operation, and his agricultural law practice, which focuses on farm business and estate succession planning. He has served on the GreenStone board for four years, most recently as chair of the finance committee. 

Jed Welder of Montcalm County, Mich., was also re-elected for another four-year term representing voting region 5. Welder operates a sustainable cash crop farm and custom harvesting business. He has served on the board since 2018, most recently as chair of the legislative/public policy committee. 

Lori Drozd of Allegan County, Mich., was elected to the board for a four-year term representing voting region 4, located in the nine counties covering the southwestern corner of Michigan. Drozd helps manage a cash crop farm and consulting business. She previously served as chief financial officer of a commercial roofing company in Michigan. 

Joel Layman of Berrien County, Mich., was also elected to the board for a four-year term representing voting region 4. Layman operates a first-generation row crop, hay, vegetable and conventional fruit operation. He also owns and operates Silver Creek Poultry LLC, a broiler breeder farm. 

“As a member-owned cooperative governed by our members, GreenStone recognizes the importance of member involvement,” said Travis Jones, GreenStone President and CEO. “The re-election and election of these board members recognizes their strong commitment to our cooperative and its members. Their leadership continues to guide our efforts to strengthen rural communities across Michigan and northeast Wisconsin.” 

Along with the board positions, GreenStone’s members elected individuals to serve on the cooperative’s 2027 nominating committee. The nominating committee is comprised of GreenStone members from throughout the organization’s territory who are tasked with recruiting candidates for next year’s board elections and nominating committee. The 2027 nominating committee includes:  

Region 1 – Nathan Clarke (Midland County, Mich.), and Jacob T. Ostroski (Arenac County, Mich.) 

Region 2 – Grant M. Davidson (Sanilac County, Mich.), and Brandon Stolicker (Sanilac County, Mich.) 

Region 3 – Calby J. Garrison (Lenawee County, Mich.), and Matthew A. Greiner (Jackson County, Mich.) 

Region 4 – Benjamin S. Schilling (Berrien County, Mich.), and William V. Schultz (Van Buren County, Mich.) 

Region 5 – Michelle L. Nitengale (Montcalm County, Mich.), and Tyler C. Wilson (Gratiot County, Mich.) 

Region 6 – Brett Feldpausch (Clinton County, Mich.), Patrick John (P.J.) Feldpausch (Clinton County, Mich.), Brett D. Roberts (Eaton County, Mich.), and Francis Trierweiler (Clinton County, Mich.)  

Region 7 – Wayne M. Bradley (Kewaunee, Wis.), David M. Dal Santo (Oconto, Wis.), J. Patrick Hall (Kewaunee, Wis.), and Jason J. Walechka (Kewaunee, Wis.)  

Read more about how members can get involved in this article.

About GreenStone Farm Credit Services 

GreenStone Farm Credit Services has been serving the rural communities of Michigan and northeast Wisconsin for over a century. As one of America’s largest rural lenders, GreenStone provides tailored lending solutions and financial services for farmers, agribusinesses, home buyers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With $16 billion in assets, GreenStone serves over 29,000 members throughout Michigan and northeast Wisconsin by providing secure capital, a cooperative organizational structure, and the rural expertise needed to continue strengthening our communities. More information on GreenStone can be found at www.greenstonefcs.com.