As a member of GreenStone, you play a crucial role in determining the governance and leadership of our association! Make your voice heard by participating in elections and consider getting involved by submitting your interest in a nominating committee or director role.

Call for Nominations

Members from GreenStone’s voting regions 4 and 5 will gather in August to find candidates for open director and nominating committee positions for 2026’s elections. The remaining regions will meet in December to choose candidates for their nominating committee positions. This is your opportunity to take an active role in your cooperative’s future. We encourage you to consider participating in the governance process and submit your interest today!

The Importance of the Nominating Committee

Before a member can be elected to the board, our nominating committee identifies, evaluates, and nominates a qualified slate of candidates for stockholder election. The nominating committee holds a pivotal role in determining who provides leadership to our association.

If you’re interested in furthering GreenStone’s role as an industry leader for agriculture and our rural communities, serving on the nominating committee might be a great opportunity for you!

Get Involved Today!

To learn more about the nominating and director roles, visit https://greenstonefcs.com/about-us/board-of-directors/governance-overview/. Complete a profile to express your interest or contact our corporate governance coordinator, Cheryl Motz at [email protected] or 517-332-9557, for more information.

 

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

Did you know 2025 is the International Year of Cooperatives? The United Nations of General Assembly has declared this year the Year of Cooperatives, underscoring the vital role cooperatives play in sustainable development.

As one of those cooperatives, our business model puts our member-owners at the center of our association. Along with our commitment to our members through our vision, mission and values, GreenStone embraces the seven principles of a cooperative:

1. Open and voluntary membership

2. Democratic control

3. Economic participation

4. Autonomy and independence

5. Education, training, and information

6. Cooperation among cooperatives

7. Concern for community

To highlight a few:

Your membership in your GreenStone cooperative makes you an owner through your purchase of stock. The sale of stock provides capital back to GreenStone, which is used to help maintain a strong financial foundation and secure funding for the Farm Credit bonds which provide the funding for the loans we provide.

GreenStone members also have the power of your voice in our annual member elections. It’s up to you to appoint the leadership of our association: the governing board of directors and nominating committee. This is an important responsibility that ensures GreenStone continues to achieve our mission of serving our agricultural and rural communities.

Another significant value of your cooperative is the return of a portion of GreenStone’s annual earnings each year to our members in the form of Patronage. When our members are successful, so is your cooperative, and that puts money right back in the pockets of our members. The return of over $1 billion back to our members is a direct result of the success of our members, the relationships we’ve built with you, and your trust in GreenStone.

Beyond the financial benefits, support through education, resources and partnership with other organizations – including other agricultural cooperatives – are key to our mission and to the cooperative spirit. Helping members sharpen their skills and broaden their thinking keeps our customers on the leading edge. From conferences and seminars to mentorships and online resources, GreenStone remains committed in our pledge to cultivate a robust, thriving community and empowering our members.

For GreenStone, making the choice to strengthen communities through compassion and generosity is simple. Supporting youth by investing in education and empowering future generations with the tools to be successful, advocating for agriculture by connecting the value of farming and our customers to non-farm publics and key stakeholders, supporting causes that further develop our members and benefit their operations, helping to remove financial barriers and provide educational opportunities for those developing a career in the industry, and enhancing the quality of life in the rural communities we serve are all pillars of our outreach and community focus.

Each decision GreenStone makes as a leader in the agriculture industry, as a fellow rural community neighbor and as a member-owned cooperative, are all made with the future in mind.

As we celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives, we reflect on all the benefits of being a part of our cooperative, and the most important part of it is you, our member-owners! It is your partnership, insight, passion, commitment, and leadership that help us fulfill our mission of providing reliable financial services and rural expertise to continue strengthening our rural communities.

 

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

The budgeting process for the MI GreenStone PAC has been completed with the conclusion of the 2025 MI GreenStone PAC contribution campaign. Elected government officials were identified on a bipartisan basis by the board of directors to be recipients of MI GreenStone PAC funds with input from Kelley Cawthorne, GreenStone’s lobbying consultant in Michigan.

Meetings and delivery of the funds has started and the steady communication updates on our rural communities and agricultural industry continue. The beneficiaries are made aware the funds came from farmer cooperative members who appreciate the work being done to address challenges and create further opportunities for Michigan agriculture.

In Wisconsin, since the conclusion of the 2025 WI Farm Credit PAC contribution campaign, a disbursement has been made through The Welch Group, the lobbying consultant in Wisconsin. Further opportunities to connect legislators to GreenStone members and staff are being identified. Then when legislators can accept contributions to their campaigns the WI Farm Credit PAC will make disbursements.

The national Farm Credit PAC also continues to disburse funds within GreenStone’s territory. Meetings with members of Congress, farmer members and directors, and GreenStone staff have been mutually beneficial as the Farm Credit story is shared and the happenings and impacts of DC activities are relayed. These introductions and the financial support have resulted in meaningful connections that provide follow-up efforts to educate and advocate for policy with members of Congress and their staff.

In this season, follow-up legislative meetings are taking place to focus on Farm Credit’s priorities for the Farm Bill. The urgency of getting a Farm Bill done is communicated alongside Farm Credit efforts to build on our mission to support rural communities and agriculture.

This work is not possible without your support! Members of the legislature at all levels commended you for your work and participation in the legislative process as it establishes a positive engagement. PACs are just one part of the process for ensuring elected officials recognize agriculture as an essential component to a thriving economy and food system. Stay engaged as champions of our rural communities and agriculture through our PACs drives and branch legislative visits. We all must continue to work closely to raise awareness and gather support for the future of rural communities and agriculture in Michigan and Wisconsin!

 

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

The world we live in is complex and agriculture is no different.

The Great Lakes region of the United States presents an abundance of opportunities amidst the complexity. Despite the many blessings, unity of agricultural interests is a challenge to achieve. Squabbles over priorities and the way forward can create divisions that at first blush may seem insurmountable. Facts and figures twist and one set of details can bury another reasonable position. Commitment to focus on the big picture can help draw us together for one beautiful agricultural industry for all.

Often, we see what is important to one may not be perceived as important or consequential to the many. Yet when evaluating the policy impact or application of the rules, we must recognize the diversity and variety of impacts. Balancing divergent interests and bringing people together may be one of the most challenging aspects of any duty.

It may seem impossible to keep up with the details of changes in policy and rules, yet we are accountable for them in our agricultural businesses. This can paralyze an agricultural operation to the point of compromising a business or even taking away what has been built. It is time to step into a new reality demanding early engagement to get the details and understand the impact on the bigger picture.

Currently the collective U.S. government budget sees no ending to growth, and we are dependent on leaders to problem solve the growing dilemma. Our independent speculation we each carry seems to assist in creating conflict with one another. Details matter in sorting out these conflicts.

Details for reforming SNAP to put the program on a more sustainable path to help low-income households, lowering tax burdens and stimulating economic growth, market access program funding to address the surging agricultural trade deficit, and using left over Inflation Reduction Act dollars to the advantage of voluntary, producer-led conservation programs are front and center in agriculture policy development. These policies and programs should not conflict with each other; hence legislative cooperation should be a reasonable expectation.

Consider engaging and encouraging our leaders to seek the big picture as the need to collaborate increases. Early collective engagement may help them help us toward the goal of keeping our agricultural businesses for the next generation. We collectively need to get in front of the issues in a unified approach.

Contemplate the perspective of President Theodore Roosevelt on resolution of difficult challenges: “the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great dedications; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph and the highest achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, and whose place shall never be among those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

The job is to be fully engaged in the battle for agricultural prosperity together – one, beautiful agriculture for all!

 

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

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.