Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods, moving well beyond traditional email scams to exploit newer technologies and social engineering tactics. In previous editions, we explored wire fraud and common phishing emails. This quarter, we focus on two growing threats—voice phishing (Vishing) and QR code phishing (Quishing). These scams are increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, even for the most cautious and diligent of users.

Understanding Advanced Phishing

Advanced phishing goes beyond suspicious links in emails. Today’s fraudsters target victims through multiple channels – calls, texts, and even printed QR codes – counting on urgency, trust, and convenience to catch people off guard.

Voice Phishing (Vishing)

Vishing occurs when scammers pose as representatives from trusted institutions – like banks, government agencies, or tech support – to pressure individuals into giving up sensitive information.

According to Keepnet Labs, in 2021 approximately 59 million Americans – 23% of adults – lost money to vishing scams. That number has climbed steadily from 43 million in 2019. Nearly 70% of these scam calls used spoofed phone numbers, making them appear to come from trusted contacts (Vishing Statistics 2025: Unmasking the Voice Phishing Threat, 2025).

How Vishing Works

• Impersonation: Callers sound professional and claim to be from known entities.
• Urgency: The scammer insists there’s a pressing issue – like fraudulent charges or locked accounts.
• Data Requests: Victims are pressured to share personal or financial information such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or account details.

An Example of Vishing

You receive a call from someone claiming to be your bank’s fraud department. They say unusual charges were detected and ask you to verify your identity. Wanting to act quickly, you provide your account information – only to realize later it was a scam.

QR Code Phishing (Quishing)

Quishing attacks involve malicious QR codes that redirect users to fraudulent websites or install malware. These codes may appear in public spaces – flyers, restaurant menus, or business cards – or in seemingly legitimate emails and messages.

Hoxhunt reports that quishing attacks have increased by 25% year-over-year, highlighting their growing popularity among scammers (Baker & Cartier, 2025).

How Quishing Works

• Placement: Fake QR codes are placed on posters or included in phishing emails.
• False Promises: They may claim to offer discounts, contest entries, or policy updates.
• Redirects: Scanning the code opens a fake site that can steal login credentials or install malware.

An Example of Quishing

While shopping, you see a flyer offering a store discount via QR code. You scan it, land on a familiar-looking page, and enter your credentials – unknowingly handing them to scammers.

Multi-Channel Attacks: A Dangerous Trend

Fraudsters now combine techniques – email, QR codes, and voice calls – to increase success rates. Here’s how a layered phishing attack might unfold against a bank customer or employee:

Step 1: The Initial Lure (Email): The target receives a highly convincing email that appears to come from a legitimate source such as their bank, vendor, or IT department. It includes personal details like their name or references to recent events to build credibility. The email warns of a problem, such as a needed software update, locked account, or urgent policy change, and asks them to take immediate action.

Step 2: The Mobile Bridge (QR Code / Quishing): Rather than including a suspicious link, the email contains a QR code and encourages the recipient to scan it with their smartphone to “securely” access a portal or document. This step:

• Shifts the victim to a mobile device, often with fewer security tools than a work computer.
• Evades traditional email security filters that don’t inspect QR code images.
• Leverages trust in mobile convenience to reduce scrutiny.

Step 3: The Deceptive Destination: The QR code leads to a fake login page or a form requesting personal information, such as a name and phone number. The page may mimic the layout of the recipient’s bank, employer, or internal system. It might also attempt to download malware disguised as a policy document.

Step 4: The Follow-Up Call (Vishing): Within minutes, the target receives a call from someone claiming to be the support agent referenced on the site. The scammer, now armed with the victim’s name and device information, sounds credible and references the “security update” to establish trust. They ask for:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes
• Account credentials or passwords
• Remote access to the device

Each step appears plausible on its own, but when layered together, they form a highly effective and convincing attack.

Protecting Yourself Against Advanced Phishing

• Verify Caller Identity: Hang up and call back using a phone number from an official source – never the one provided in a suspicious message.
• Pause Before Acting: If a request feels rushed or threatening, stop and think. Scammers want you to react without verifying.
• Be Cautious with QR Codes: Only scan QR codes you receive from trusted individuals or businesses. If something feels off, go directly to the website by typing the address.
• Use Secure Scanning Tools: Most modern smartphones preview a URL before opening it – always review the link and don’t proceed if it looks suspicious.
• Stay Informed: Threats evolve. Keep learning about new scam tactics and encourage others to do the same.

GreenStone’s Commitment to Your Security

At GreenStone, protecting your financial and personal information is one of our top priorities.

If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from GreenStone – whether by phone, email, or QR code – do not respond. Instead, contact your local branch directly or call us using the verified number listed on our official website. Never use contact information provided in an unsolicited message.

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

Bountiful harvests are underway! Fresh produce is great to have in the summertime, but it always seems to turn before we have time to get to all of it. Processing some of the fresh produce can help extend its life and allow you to enjoy fresh tasting produce year-round. Start with finding a pickle recipe you like, whether it’s bread and butter or dill – these tips and tricks are sure to help you prepare the perfect pickles!

1. Avoid using supermarket produce, using fresh local produce is always preferred. Some supermarket produce has a waxy covering to preserve shelf life which can affect your results.

2. Select or cut produce to be uniform in shape. When preparing a batch, it’s important they are all roughly the same shape and size. This way they take the same amount of time to pickle.

3. For crisper produce, spread the produce into a wide bowl and add a layer of pickling salt on top. Cover and let sit overnight in a cool place. Take out the liquid, rinse and dry your produce before pickling like normal. The salt pulls extra moisture out for a crunchy bite.

4. Let your brine cool down completely before adding it to the vegetables. Some vegetables can cook and become soft when a hot brine is poured over top of them. It is important to warm the brine so the salt and spices can dissolve, but cooling it will help keep everything as crisp as possible.

5. Take care of your jars! It’s important to sterilize your jars before you start to ensure proper conditions. After filling, wiping the rim of the jar with vinegar will help achieve a tight seal. Instead of placing the cold jars directly into the boiling water for proper processing, place the jars in first, fill with water, and then raise to a boil. This allows the cans to acclimate to the temperature, making it less likely for them to shatter while still ensuring a good seal.

6. Label and date your jars. When pickling different types of vegetables, it’s important to date them to make sure they have proper processing times. Every vegetable takes a different amount of time to pickle so having dates recorded can help ensure you get the perfect pickled product!

7. Store in a cool, dry, and dark place. This could be a pantry, cabinet, or basement. Storing in a warm spot increases the likeliness of mold and yeast growth which can spoil the batch. It can also lead to excessive pressure in the jar, potentially bulging the lid – or worse, breaking the jar. When properly stored, they can stay more crisp and maintain their fresh-tasting flavor.

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

Swimming safely is of the utmost importance. Making sure each member of your family knows proper swimming technique before getting in the water is crucial. Whether it’s in a pool, local lake, or one of the Greats, these tips could be helpful for keeping your family safe for all the swimming adventures this summer!

1. Wear bright colored swimsuits. While darker colors may be more fashionable, it is harder to see those swimsuits in the water, especially from a distance. Having children wear high visibility colors, such as orange, yellow, or green, will help everyone know where they are in the water and if they need help.

2. Choose an adult water watcher. It can be easy to think others have an eye on the water, but designating someone to keep their eyes on the water removes the guess work. Having one person aware of and committed to the responsibility can alleviate a lot of worry. Taking shifts is a good option.

3. Talk with lifeguards and read the signs. When planning a trip to open water, the lifeguards know the water conditions better than anyone. Taking time to chat with them as a family and reading the signs to learn more about what the day looks like will be helpful when preparing to get in the water.

4. Steer clear of the pier. Waves are chaotic and unpredictable near piers, often being much larger than a typical wave. Swimming at least 100 yards away from a pier will help keep your group safe.

5. Take breaks! Waves, especially in large bodies of water like the Great Lakes, come in rapidly, often every three to four seconds. Playing and swimming in the waves will wear down even experienced swimmers. Knowing your abilities and taking breaks when you feel tired will help keep you alert and ready for all the waves.

6. When caught, flip and float. If you find yourself caught in one of the many dangerous currents that can occur in lakes, flip on your back, float, and follow the current. Taking breaks to swim along the shore until you’re able to swim toward the beach can conserve energy. If you find yourself too tired, floating on your back and signaling for help is the best way to safely navigate the currents.

Swimming can be both one of the most fun and most dangerous summer activities. Taking the time to make sure everyone in your group knows how to navigate the water could save lives. Hopefully these tips help your family have a fun and safe summer!

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

Mike Bagnall was 18 years old the first time he walked into a GreenStone branch. Born and raised on a dairy cow operation, Mike knew he belonged in a career in agriculture.

“I could never see myself working a 9-5 office job,” explained Mike. “I spent all my summers growing up out in a tractor. I was born to be out on the road and in the field.”

For Mike, his passion was found in hauling livestock for the producers who supply our country with the food we all enjoy.

“I was still in school when I applied for a loan with GreenStone to buy my first truck and trailer,” said Mike. “It seemed like all the stars aligned for me at the time because I was able to buy my truck from someone who was retiring from the business. I was really serious about making this my career, and with the support I received from GreenStone, I was able to make it a reality.”

A Business Based on Loyalty

Eighteen years later, Mike now owns and operates two trucks and trailers hauling livestock like beef and dairy cows, swine, and even sheep. With the help of his brother, Mike is able to run both trucks and trailers multiple times a week making pickups and deliveries, mostly to and from livestock auctions for over twenty farms across northeastern Wisconsin. Mike has even financed two custom-built trailers through GreenStone with moveable gates that can be adjusted for the type of livestock he is hauling.

“We continue to get busier and busier,” Mike says. “Some of my customers are the same people who I started hauling for back in 2007. I’ve continued to grow my customer base over the years, but something that is extremely important to me is loyalty.”

This kind of loyalty for Mike means when he gets a call from one of his customers, he’s on the road headed their way. “I’ve hardly missed a Monday hauling livestock in the last eighteen years,” laughed Mike. “When you’ve got 15-20 people regularly calling on you, you better be there for them. I know they’re relying on me, and I want to be the person they can depend on.”

The Value of a Dependable Lender

While Mike is focused on being there for his customers, having a dependable lender has been a tremendous help in continuing to grow and expand his business.

“I remember there was a time when I needed to buy a truck very quickly to keep normal operations running smoothly. I texted my loan officer at GreenStone and was able to pick up a check the same day and had purchased a new truck by that afternoon. You don’t get that anywhere else! I’ve applied for loans from other lenders and there were always too many hoops to jump through. With GreenStone it’s always been a simple process, and they want to see you be successful and continue to grow your business.”

A Team Effort

When Mike became a business owner at 18, there were a lot of things he had to learn quickly. One of those was how to manage his growing business’s taxes. After about a year of trucking, he quickly realized the value of tax and accounting services to support the growth of his trucking operation. Again, he turned to GreenStone for support.

“When you own your own business, you really need to know your stuff when it comes to taxes. I knew right away that I wanted my taxes done right the first time, so I could focus on other parts of my business.”

Mike has been a tax customer of GreenStone since the beginning of his business. Throughout the years, he’s gotten to know his GreenStone team well, especially his tax accountant, Megan LaPlant.

“Megan does an amazing job. I know when I turn over my paperwork to her it’s going to be done right, and I don’t have to worry about it,” says Mike.

Growing up in the same small town, Megan graduated with Mike’s brother who now works with Mike hauling livestock multiple times a week.

“That’s the thing about working with GreenStone, the people there understand our industry and there’s a good chance they’re also your neighbor or someone you know. It makes it easier because they understand the type of work we do whether that’s something like farming or hauling livestock,” Mike said.

“One thing I really appreciate about working with Mike is his willingness to learn,” commented Megan. “He sat down with me recently to learn more about the depreciation of his equipment and how it impacts his business. The fact that he’s eager to learn more about what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ so he can continue to run his business more efficiently says a lot about him as a business owner.”

What does continued success look like for Mike? That’s easy. It means continuing to serve the farmers of northeast Wisconsin and maintaining the same great relationships he’s built along the way.

“My goal is to continue to keep my people happy and have them keep calling me,” Mike says with a smile. “This is what I belong doing, and the relationships I’ve built and people I’ve met along the way are the reason I love what I do.”

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

I have to say right up front that I am spoiled when it comes to summertime here in Michigan. My family moved to the town of Ludington when I was in third grade and even though I didn’t realize it at the time, that move would change how I viewed summertime for the rest of my life. Although I don’t remember much from my third-grade year, I do remember moving. I remember it was dark and snowy the night we moved in and the moving truck got stuck in the driveway of our new house.

The best part about moving to Ludington was revealed in the morning. My parents were renting this new house, and it sat on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Although this setting might give the impression, we weren’t rich. My dad was a State Farm agent, my mom did some art classes through the schools, but somehow they managed to make it work. We were now living on the banks of the big water, in a great summer town.

I did not travel much as a kid so my world was that lake – a 100 foot drop off to the beach and the water. This house and the view made me fall in love with Lake Michigan, especially during summertime!

As I grew up and started working with Michigan Out of Doors TV, I was able to see much of the state I never knew existed. Who knew there was an east side? Who knew of the marinas of Lake St. Clair? Who knew about all the cool port towns up along the sunrise side of our state? Although all those areas are great, I soon learned that where I grew up was one of the best places to spend the summer in the entire state. Every year tourists would come from all over to fill the state park and the downtown was always busy. However, you could always find a nice spot on the beach to call your own.

Between the mild weather and abundant fresh water, Michigan offers a summertime experience that few states can match. The beaches of Michigan are incredible. The endless miles of sand and the quant little towns that line our shoreline are destinations for residents and non-residents alike.

So, here is the question for you – and for me. What are you going to do so that this summer doesn’t pass you by? Here are a few suggestions. Get your calendar out now and block off several weekends, whatever you think is doable. You don’t need to worry about the exact plans right now, but hold the dates and think about some places you want to go this summer to experience summer in all its glory!

Being a west-sider and now living in another tourist location of Grand Haven, I am definitely biased to the gold coast! So here you go. Try the beaches of New Buffalo, there are some great establishments for food and beverages and lots to see. Consider heading north to South Haven, Saugutuck, Holland, or look for me on the beaches of Grand Haven! Take a trip to Silver Lake and rent a jeep to explore the dunes. Slip up to Pentwater and have dinner overlooking Pentwater Lake. Ludington has the most popular state park in the state; why not give it a try! If you’re a golfer, stop in and play Manistee National or splurge and try Arcadia Bluffs. Take the time to check out Frankfort and Leeland, both a little off the beaten path but both are great! Traverse City is crowded, but there is a reason, it’s awesome.

That’s only the west side of our great state; the east side and the Upper Peninsula are home to some great options as well! The main thing is this – get out and enjoy all our summertime can offer because we have a limited amount of time and we don’t want to waste it!

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

Additional LRP Products to Benefit You

As a dairy farmer or livestock producer, you know how rapidly changing market prices can impact your farm and your livelihood. Livestock Risk Protection, or LRP, is a risk-management tool used by producers to insure the futures prices of their swine, dairy, or beef cattle from declining markets.

Producers now have the ability to insure higher values for their cull cows and day-old calves due to lowered weight requirements for LRP coverage set in place by the USDA. Learn more about how these additional LRP products can benefit you and your farm!

How Does Livestock Risk Protection Work?

LRP is a revenue-based program that insures the prices of swine, dairy, and beef cattle against a decrease in market revenue. It protects up to 100% of the future values of an operation’s livestock, not the loss, death, or destruction of livestock.

Unlike conventional crop insurance, LRP is sold every weekday, based on market future prices. When the market closes at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time each day, those future prices are what are offered to you, the producer, with coverage levels ranging from 70% – 100%.

Coverage can be placed on your livestock anywhere from 13 to 52 weeks out. Producers can insure cattle and dairy cows based on live weight, while swine is based on lean weight.

LRP can also be combined with your Livestock Gross Margin policy to provide a more comprehensive risk management strategy.

Additional LRP Products Now Available

Due to beef cattle prices and non-milk prices on dairy farms reaching an all-time high, the USDA has introduced two new options for insuring your cattle through LRP. These additional products allow producers to reduce their risk to market movement and insure the value of their livestock.

Cull Cows

LRP for cull cows can be booked under a feeder cattle Specific Coverage Endorsement, or SCE, and settles against the feeder cattle index. This is because historically cull cows have a better price fit with feeder cattle in addition to having closer seasonal price movements.

Producers looking for coverage on their cull cows must market them within a 60-day window of the end date, and they must have a weight limit between 800 and 1,500 pounds.

Unborn Calves

LRP for unborn calves is intended to cover the increased value of any beef on dairy cross calves that will be sold between 60 and 99 pounds. This coverage option protects producers against declining market prices for day-old calves that are intended for beef.

Similarly to how LRP is now available for cull cows, day-old beef calf pricing is also booked under the feeder cattle SCE and is priced off the feeder cattle index. The Unborn Calves SCE is booked as a feeder cattle endorsement and settles against the Feeder Cattle Index. It uses a seasonal price adjustment factor to reflect seasonality and differences in cash dairy beef and cross calf prices compared to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle index.

Producers looking for coverage on their day-old calves have a 30-day window to market them and will need to provide a sales record.

How Do These Additional Products Benefit Me?

LRP coverage is customizable for all styles of operations. With rapidly fluctuating markets, it’s more important than ever to secure coverage to protect your livestock, your farm, and your livelihood.

GreenStone also offers an exclusive livestock analyzer tool through our app or the website. This tool allows producers to view quotes, request coverage, track endorsements, and access the latest market information to always stay informed.

Our dedicated team of livestock crop insurance specialists are here to answer any questions you might have on how LRP or other livestock insurance options can help benefit your farm. Contact your local branch to learn more!

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

On a member elected board of directors, the value of appointed experts is recognized. When the time comes to replace that knowledge, an important search and selection process unfolds. Thanks to a successful process, GreenStone’s board of directors selected two new appointed directors to serve on GreenStone’s board: Paul Lindow and Rick Snyder.

Paul Lindow joined the board as the financial expert, filling the void that will be left when current appointed director Gene College retires from the board in December 2025. As the financial expert, Paul will chair the board’s audit committee.

Rick Snyder joins the board bringing a new set of expertise to the board table – as a technology and cyber security expert. Recognizing the evolution of technology in the office and on the farm, this is a new appointed director seat for GreenStone. Rick will also chair a new, soon to be established technology board committee.

Paul brings extensive experience in serving large organizations in areas such as risk management, internal audit, finance, and corporate governance. Paul is a retired senior partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he focused on the banking and capital markets sector including serving the Farm Credit System from 2013 until his retirement in June 2024.

Paul received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University and is a graduate from the University of Washington Pacific Coast Banking School. Paul is a past member of the Michigan State University College of Business Advisory Board and currently is a board member for The Grosse Pointe Academy as well as Teach for America – Teach Michigan. Additionally, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a Certified Public Accountant in Michigan and California, and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Rick currently serves as the CEO of SensCy, a cybersecurity start-up focused on helping small and medium-sized organizations improve their cyberhealth. He brings with him a myriad of experience as a business executive, venture capitalist, attorney, accountant, and served as the Governor of Michigan from 2011-2018.

Rick holds a Bachelor of General Studies, a Master of Business Administration, and a Juris Doctor, all from the University of Michigan. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. In addition, Rick serves on the board of Business Leaders for Michigan and PVS Chemicals.

Paul Lindow, Appointed Director with expertise focused in finance:

“My interest in participating on our GreenStone board stemmed from my extensive experience in serving the Farm Credit System as a consulting professional with Deloitte. This experience informed me of the strong reputation and brand of GreenStone within the Farm Credit System. As a result, I am honored and excited to be part of our board.

I hope to make a difference on the board as well as the audit committee by bringing my three decades of experience and board room knowledge to GreenStone. Additionally, I hope to be able to identify and guide us through the evolving and increasing stockholder expectations, and as the designated financial expert continue to provide the oversight to ensure strong internal controls, financial management and financial reporting.

I am most looking forward to serving as an ambassador for GreenStone within the Farm Credit System as well as the communities in which we serve. Also, I am relishing the opportunity to work with our outstanding management team and the board in assisting and advising on current and future strategic initiatives.

From a personal perspective, I am married with three children – all boys – including a 12-year-old. In addition to serving on GreenStone’s board, I am extremely active in my local community and an avid traveler, having visited over 80 countries – including all seven continents.”

Rick Snyder, Appointed Director with expertise in information technology:

“As Governor, I had the honor to frequently interact with our agricultural community. It was a great experience, and, with teamwork, we were able to achieve a number of positive goals. Key partners in these efforts were Farm Bureau, various commodity groups, and GreenStone. One of the bills I was most proud of signing into law was the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Act. A winning program for all!

I hope that experience, along with my business, public policy, and technology experiences can enhance the board’s ability to provide strong strategic direction and support to the GreenStone management team. In particular, I hope to leverage my expertise in cybersecurity to help GreenStone and its partners be even safer in the ever more challenging cyberworld.

My first farm experiences were interacting with my farm cousins in Ionia County and helping my best friend farm and fix old tractors in high school. Now, I am looking forward to building even stronger personal and professional relationships with members of the GreenStone family and contributing to the long-term success of the cooperative and its members. GreenStone’s historic track record has been great; we need to keep it going!”

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

As our world and industry continues to evolve and grow an online presence, it’s not surprising that even the most established like cattle auctions can be found online now as well. It is no longer necessary to set up gates and a tent or haul the cattle to a sale barn. It doesn’t take an entire day and hours of driving to buy cattle; it can all be done from your phone or computer. Online auctions provide buyers and sellers true price discovery and provide even more benefits than live auctions.

Selling Online with a Reputable Marketing Company

The first step in either buying or selling at an online cattle auction is choosing the marketing company you are comfortable working with. Look for a well-established, professional team that specializes in your industry with a strong marketing and online presence. This expert team will provide maximum value to both the buyer and seller of the cattle. One of the best ways to learn about marketing companies is through positive word of mouth from someone you trust.

After contacting the team you would like to sell with, they will make a visit to your farm to discuss your plans. After viewing your cattle, a professional marketing company will have the knowledge and data to make an accurate valuation and plan of action for the sale. If you are selling your herd, it is recommended to set a sale date at least 30 days in advance of having your cattle evaluated. It is essential you give your marketing team the proper amount of time to promote them to have a successful sale.

Preparing for an online dispersal auction is virtually no extra work for the owner. Your team can work with you on determining a schedule for gathering video of the cattle, vet work, and any testing needed. Your team will need all cattle records for preparing the catalog and advertising. Your marketing team will handle the promotion of the sale so you can keep doing what you do best – caring for and managing your herd!

In contrast to a dispersal, if you are selling a group of extra cows or heifers, they can be included in a weekly online auction and can be listed, sold, and loaded in as short as a week.

Preparing to Buy at an Online Auction

Purchasing cattle online through a professional marketing company can provide both simplicity and convenience. It’s even possible for a buyer to bid anywhere from their computer or phone. This opens a much larger market for sellers, and a much larger selection of animals for buyers as opposed to only what is available at their local auction barn. When purchasing from an online auction, you have the ability to view photos and videos of the cattle prior to the auction, so you can make informed decisions prior to bidding. You have the opportunity to view the cattle in person prior to auction.

When the online auction is over, the marketing team will help coordinate shipping the cattle directly from the seller’s farm to your farm. Your marketing team will also inspect the cattle at loading and will ensure they are the same as they were described when they are loaded onto the trailer. A professional marketing team will also give you the option to have a qualified truck driver deliver the cattle to you. This means as a buyer, you don’t have to worry about hauling a trailer to a busy auction barn the day of sale or having them delivered in the middle of the night. It can be worked into your schedule.

By purchasing your cattle through an online auction, you are also removing them from what can be a busy and stressful day at an auction barn. You can be sure the cattle you bid on will be in the same condition as the ones that are delivered to your door.

Be sure to work with your lender prior to participating in an auction, as most marketing companies will require payment in full before the cattle are loaded. Keeping open communication with your lender on what your plans are heading into an auction will set you up for success.

Benefits of an Online Auction

Online auctions enhance price discovery, prioritize animal welfare, and streamline efficiency. The option to purchase cattle online provides many opportunities for buyers and sellers alike, however it is just as important that old fashioned customer service and “cow sense” remains when choosing the marketing company you want to work with. Nothing will impact your experience buying or selling more than working with a team of professionals that provide quality service to both the buyer and seller in all aspects of the transaction. Between reaching a wider audience for sales and prioritizing the health and condition of the animals with minimal transport, it’s no wonder the popularity of online cattle auctions continues to grow.

The opinions stated herein are not necessarily those of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

For David and Laura Boomer, purchasing their own recreational property was about more than just enjoying the beauty of the natural landscape and peace and quiet of the remote location. It was about creating lasting memories with their family for generations to come!

“We knew we wanted to purchase property up in the Traverse City area when our daughter moved up here,” said the Boomers. “We had been looking for years, but nothing had worked out up until we found this property. This one was just meant to be!”

Originally from Michigan, David and Laura moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., for a number ofyears where David worked as a firefighter and paramedic out of Dade County.“Living down there made us realize we really enjoyed living up north,” said Laura. “We moved back to Michigan thirty years ago after our first child was born, but that really solidified for us that our home was up here.”

After raising their family in the Eaton Rapids, Mich., area, Davidand Laura were ready to find land their family could enjoy spending time ontogether. “We started looking for properties every day on Zillow,” David explained. “It felt like there just wasn’tthe perfect fit out there. But we kept looking.”

“It was getting kind of frustrating,” Laura added. “We were looking at properties for about three years, and there were several times we lost out on them just because the demand in the area is so high for recreational land. We didn’tgive up though!”

Well Worth the Wait

While they were hunting for the perfect remote getaway, David made a call to GreenStone so they could secure financing and be ready to move right away if they wanted to put an offer in on a property.

“I had heard a lot of good things about GreenStone from people I knew, and also our son was familiar with GreenStone because he studied an ag-based program at Michigan State University,” said David. “He knew GreenStone from their agricultural lending services, so we were excited to learn they also provided financing for rural home loans and recreational land!”

The Boomers began working with Stacy Stinson, senior financial services officer at GreenStone. “Working with Stacy was great,” says Laura. “She explained the whole process and how it would work with us and answered any questions we had right away.”

David also recalled how Stacy worked with them to obtain a preauthorization letter prior to putting any offers in on properties so they would be ready to act quickly in such a competitive market.

“She explained to us why it was so important to have one and then was able to get us the letter back within the same day! There really were no hold ups working with Stacy, and we were amazed at how timely she was with getting everything we needed to us.”

“Most of the paperwork we had to sign was able to be done right on our phones,” Laura added. “It truly was a very easy process.”

The search continued, until they came across a parcel of 21 acres of red and jack pine forest located near Grand Traverse Forest Management property. “We actually almost passed on this land too just because we had been looking for so long and we wanted to make sure it was everything we had been searching for,” said Laura. “When we went to visit the land in person, we knew we had finally found the right one, and we put our offer in right away!”

Property to Call Their Own

“I remember one of the first times we visited the property after we purchased our land. We were out walking in the woods, and I said, ‘do you hear that?’ and it was dead quiet. I said, ‘That’s the sound of nothing!’,” David laughed.

David and Laura both agreed one of the most important attributes of their perfect plot of land was that it had to feel like you were up north. “We just love the serene atmosphere of being surrounded by all the trees. When we’re out here it just feels like you’re somewhere else completely,” commented Laura. “We’ve always loved spending time out in the woods, and this property really gave us that remote “up north” feeling we were looking for.”

Both David and Laura are excited to experience the change of the seasons on the land, especially the winter. “I’m just excited to be able to take a walk in the woods and see the snow decorating all of the trees,” says David. The property is mostly wooded, with a mix of red and jack pines standing up to sixty to seventy feet, providing plenty of shady coverage and making the property feel even more enclosed and private. 

A Place to Gather

“Our goal with this property was to have somewhere to spent time as a family and get to watch our grandchildren grow up and have fun out here,” the Boomers said. “We plan on adding trails to the property and are hoping each of our grandkids can have their own special place on the property that they will enjoy coming back to as they grow up.”

With their dream property secured, David and Laura are looking forward to being closer to family, spending more time in nature, and eventually would like to build a home on the land and retire there.

“We just love how peaceful it is out here, and the potential for what we can do with the land is endless. We’re just looking forward to spending as much time as possible up here and making meaningful memories with our family,” they shared.

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.

Strengthening Your Family Business Relationships

What’s one of the most significant challenges with family business partner relationships? In a recent discussion with a group of my Family Business Consulting Group colleagues about this question, the topic that rose quickly to the top of the list is the ability to share and receive feedback effectively with one another. Feedback is a foundational element that contributes to stronger family business partner relationships. Learn more about these practical ideas on how to more effectively provide and receive feedback from your family business partners!

Feedback Can Be Challenging Work

Whether you’re related to your business partners or not, providing and receiving feedback effectively can be challenging. When you overlay family relationships (father-daughter, mother-son, siblings, cousins, nephew-uncle, etc.) the challenge is magnified due to emotional involvement and intimate knowledge of one another. The closeness that is so powerful in bringing family together can also create the greatest obstacle in effectively giving and receiving feedback. Therefore, feedback is often delayed or non-existent for fear of damaging the relationship. Avoiding these conversations often leads to a buildup of negative emotions between family business partners which at some point can be expressed in damaging ways and cause relationships to spiral downward.

Ingredients for Effective Family Business Partner Feedback

Clear Expectations: The precursor to being effective with family business partner feedback is to agree on what constitutes acceptable levels of performance for respective partner roles and what behaviors will support the desired culture. With these standards in place, the feedback conversation is designed to be about a partner’s performance and behaviors as compared to the agreed upon standards, rather than an arbitrary viewpoint. Absent clear expectations, having effective feedback conversations with family business partners is a non-starter. Clear expectations combined with effective feedback against those expectations drives accountability for performance.

Right Time, Place, and Format: Holding feedback conversations at the right time, in the right place, and the right format will greatly increase the effectiveness of family business partner feedback conversations. In terms of timing, establish dedicated times throughout the year for feedback conversations. As an example, one of our clients has a feedback process where written input is obtained toward the end of the year from multiple people in the business and the results are compiled and delivered in a third-party facilitated conversation.

This is paired with a dedicated meeting mid-year when the family business partners have a conversation and answer some basic questions to drive the conversation, such as: To what extent am I meeting performance expectations in my functional role? Am I interacting with my family business partners in the manner we agreed to? What have I done particularly well? What adjustments do you suggest I make?

All conversations are held in a private setting and scheduled well ahead of time. Other family businesses may find success with a less formal process along with allocating dedicated time and a private setting.

Balanced Approach: Edna Ferber, an author and 1924 Pulitzer Prize winner said, “Perhaps too much of everything is as bad as too little.” A balanced approach applies to feedback as well. Assuming family business partners have the competencies and motivation to be effective in their role, it is likely they are performing and behaving well in some areas as compared to expectations. (Note, if a family business partner does not have the competencies and motivation to be effective, that is another topic to address.)

Providing authentic, positive feedback against the agreed upon standards helps set the stage for feedback that involves a partner needing to make some adjustments. If all a partner hears is what they are not doing well as compared to expectations, usually they quit listening and will take a defensive posture. A balanced approach wins the day as authentic, positive feedback creates an environment of psychological safety.

Continuous Learning: Rare is the person who has family business partner feedback – giving and receiving it – all figured out. There are many resources available in the form of articles, books, live and recorded webinars, communication coaches, and live seminars focused on communication in general and giving and receiving feedback in particular. Investment in yourself and on behalf of your family business partners to build your skills at giving and receiving feedback will pay off for you personally, for your family, and for your business. And learning together as a group of partners can be a powerful bonding experience!

Make the Commitment

If you want to enhance your family business partner relationships, commit to developing a sound process for giving and receiving feedback. Begin with setting clear expectations for each partner in their functional role with the business, along with behavioral expectations for all partners. Feedback is a gift that will contribute to having great relationships. Those great family business partner relationships will set an example for the next generation of family business partners and will be a driver of multi-generational success.

About the Author: Mike Fassler is a consultant and board chair of The Family Business Consulting Group. Mike provides family business consulting services with a focus on leadership and ownership transition, governance, and ownership group strategy. Mike can be reached at 517-896-3001 or [email protected]. More information about The Family Business Consulting Group and Mike can be found at www.thefbcg.com.

The opinions stated herein are not necessarily those of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. 

To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.