Can you imagine … a wide open space, completely private, and ready to host your relaxing weekend? GreenStone is your partner for making this a reality with recreational land loans.
Land is eligible for a recreational land loan if it is ten or more acres and used for outdoor adventure, not for building a home. It typically requires 20 percent down and offers 30-year amortization terms. Don’t worry – if plans for your land change in the future, you can also use GreenStone to secure a do-it-yourself or contracted construction loan or to make other improvements. Also, if you find a piece of land on less than ten acres out in the country, we have financing options for that, too.
Let’s look at the top three benefits to owning recreational land:
Outdoor activities
Hunting, fishing, hiking, riding ATVs, birdwatching, camping … the list goes on and on. The beauty of nature is right there for you, any time of the year. By owning your own rec land, you don’t have to worry about loud neighbors – the quiet land is yours to enjoy. Why not check out financing on that perfect piece of property?
GreenStone customer Scott Beckman from Niles in Berrian County, Michigan purchased 80 acres of recreational land in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for hunting and ATV riding.
“We bought it for outdoor activities and as an investment,” he said of his land in Pickford. “This way, we don’t have to lease other land for hunting, and we can hunt waterfowl, deer, upland birds, grouse, and bear on our own property. I’m going to put food plots on it and develop it even more for wildlife.”
If you have family or friends who feel the same way, there’s also the option to buy as a group and take turns using the property. If you don’t want to shoulder the entire cost of the land, but you still want the opportunity to explore it alone, this is a viable compromise.
Security
As an added bonus, unlike if you’re on rented land, any improvements you make are yours to keep. Buying your own acres allows you to improve the habitat – which increases both the quantity and quality of wildlife on the land – without having to obtain permission.
Most importantly, you don’t have to worry that the parcel may be sold to someone else after you’ve spent time and money putting in food plots, planting trees, building wildlife ponds, and performing timber management. You can rest assured you will reap the benefits of your improvements for years to come.
Investment
Not only is it great to have your own land to spend time on, but it can also generate income. When you’re not using it, consider leasing your land for hunting or camping.
There’s never enough rec land to go around, so it’s possible to lease land for hunting during a season you aren’t using it. Land owners are also creating fishing ponds and then leasing access to fisherman. By doing this, you can build up some income to make loan payments, pay for more improvements, or even get started saving for that construction loan someday.
Leasing land for camping has also become more popular, especially as people are looking for more solitude on vacations. Rec land is perfectly suited for rustic camping, and people are willing to pay for the peace and quiet.
The resources of the land can also be monetized. Look into programs where trees can be harvested and replanted, so you can be sure that your forest remains a sustainable resource for future generations. Based on your financial goals, you have many options for using the land as an investment resource.
Other options include: Renting plots for a community garden, hosting beehives, growing custom flowers, selling firewood, offering storage, hosting outdoor classes, building a shooting range, putting up solar panels, and more.
To speak with one of GreenStone’s financial services officer about financing your dream property, stop by a GreenStone branch near you or apply now.
Whether you are hoping to settle down in a new home in the country, purchase a second home for weekend getaways or hunting season or are looking to buy an empty plot of land, there are five main things to consider when looking for the right lender.
As we dive into those five topics, it’s important to also recognize there are different types of loans based on the type of property you are seeking, which fall primarily into three categories: Primary residence, secondary residence and vacant land. The type of land you are purchasing will determine the stipulations and guidelines you will need to follow to secure the loan – and those guidelines vary based on what lender you choose.
Down Payment
In doing your research, find out from each lender what down payment percentage you will need to pay upfront to secure the loan. The amount you must put down up front diminishes your cash on hand, and therefore should be acknowledged early in your evaluation as you consider other projects you have in mind for the future. Oftentimes, the down payment depends on the type of loan – and that is based on the type of land you wish to purchase.
For example, if you are looking to purchase a home as your primary residence on a plot of land, GreenStone requires you pay a minimum of 5% of the purchase price as a down payment on the loan if you use private mortgage insurance (PMI). This number changes if you are purchasing a secondary residence or vacant land, or without PMI. Each lender will have different down payments for each type of loan. It is always important to ask how much you need to contribute right away to secure your loan.
Building Timeline
If your plan includes buying the land with a land loan and then construction of a home or pole barn, it is important to recognize that each lender could have different requirements for the amount of time you have to start, and complete, the building process. This is something to consider if you are purchasing a vacant piece of land with no home or building on the property currently. This could impact the type of loan – or loans – from your lender and what their process is for each.
GreenStone vacant land loans do not have time constraints as far as when you must build on your land, meaning you have as much time as you want to start building your dream home or vacation getaway on your land.
Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates
You should always consider the loan product a lender is offering – fixed or adjustable.
A fixed rate is a set rate of interest that does not change throughout the life of the loan. An adjustable rate rises and falls throughout the life of your loan based on market rates.
A third loan option some lenders may offer is a fixed rate that adjusts once after a certain number of years, called an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM. A common example GreenStone offers is an adjustable-rate mortgage 5/25-year loan. For a 5/25 loan, the interest rate will be fixed for the first 5 years then adjust once to the current 25-year fixed rate. Many people may choose this option if they are planning on building a home within the first five years as the rate is typically lower than a 30-year fixed rate.
You can learn more about which option may be best for you in this blog.
Size Matters
Some lenders may have a limit on how small or large your land can be. This typically goes by acreage.
Many lenders specialize in smaller parcels and may only be able to provide land loans for property up to 5 or 10 acres. Thanks to GreenStone’s more than a century of experience with rural properties, we have the expertise to evaluate and support all types of vacant land purchases from small lots to unlimited acreage parcels.
In The Zone
All property is zoned by local government for its primary use. Rural land often falls in either residential, recreational, or agricultural zoning. Many lenders will use how it is zoned to determine if you are eligible for certain types of loans. Some lenders might find issues if land is marked as agricultural as opposed to a residential zone.
GreenStone does not restrict loans based on the property’s zoning type. Our team’s experience also means we understand how specialized zoning, like conservation easements, work. This is where there are usually several stipulations on what the land can be used for and limited building sites or use opportunities for the land.
As a consumer, it’s hard to know all the considerations that go into a loan decision, that’s why our team of loan experts work with each customer to understand your unique plans to help us offer you financing options that best align with your goals. But no matter which lender you consider working with, it’s always important to do your research, ask questions and find the lender you are comfortable working with who can fulfill your specific needs.
When you are ready to apply for a country living loan, get started with GreenStone through our convenient online loan request here. You are also always welcome to call one of our offices throughout Michigan and northern Wisconsin to ask questions. Our knowledgeable financial services officers will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
The Benefits of Leasing Farm Facilities
You may already be using leasing as a financial tool to keep your equipment fleet up to date, reduce maintenance costs, and procure farm vehicles. But did you know that by leasing the buildings and facilities necessary to your operation you can avoid lengthy depreciable lifespans, preserve working capital, and keep facilities in the family business? Here are four benefits to leasing buildings you may not have considered:
Improved Cash Flow & Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of leasing is the ability to put up a structure with limited cash flow. For those looking to free up cash flow, or who do not have the cash to build, leasing provides an option to complete the project in full without providing a hefty down payment. Since leasing provides 100% financing up front, you can use that cash you’d typically put down on the project to fund other parts of your business, or simply improve your working capital.
GreenStone offers lease options through Farm Credit leasing, where leases can be written with flexible terms to be paid off early, ended, or even refinanced. Leasing allows you to put up the structures you need to grow your business while staying profitable.
Avoid Lengthy Depreciable Lifespans
Lessees can also improve their cash flow by avoiding lengthy depreciable lifespans. For example, instead of waiting 20 years for a building to depreciate before writing it off, you could lease a building for 7 years with a 25% residual. The residual is the anticipated value left owed on the lease at the end of the lease period. If your lease payments are fully deductible (see your accountant for your specific information), 75% of the building’s value can be written off in 7 years and then purchased for 25% of the price it was originally valued at.
Take for example a customer who was looking to install a new truck wash for their operation. Since this is classified as a commercial structure, the depreciable lifespan of this building was 39.5 years. Instead of waiting nearly 40 years to write off this expense, the customer leased the truck wash for 12 years with a 30% residual. They were able to write off 70% of the structure after 12 years. Leasing provided them an opportunity to preserve working capital and stay profitable while growing their operation.
Easy Transfer of Assets to the Next Generation
When you’re ready to transfer ownership of livestock or dairy facilities, grain bins, or other farm structures to the next generation, leasing provides the most efficient option. A lease-to-buy plan allows you to transfer equity and keeps it off your estate taxes. When the residual on the leased building comes due, whoever is next in line can purchase that asset for the residual amount. This is a huge benefit for family-run farms, or for lessees who are looking forward to retirement in the near future.
Lower Your Tax Liability & Estate Tax
The two major benefits you have with leasing a building instead of financing it is keeping it off your estate taxes and lowering your overall tax liability. Lease payments can be fully deductible, offering immediate tax relief instead of a lengthy depreciation timespan. A lease-to-buy option, as mentioned previously, can also help keep assets from being included in your estate taxes when the building is purchased at the end of the lease.
When it comes to leasing new construction, you’ll want to work with your loan officer to ensure your lease starts before the building goes vertical, meaning any work that’s completed after groundwork and site prep. This establishes your lessor as the legal owner of the asset right from the start. Should you start your lease halfway through the project, it could trigger a transfer tax on the amount of the project that has already been completed, and that could add up depending on the kind of work that has already been done.
It’s important to have an expert in your corner when deciding what the best financial decisions are for you and your business.
GreenStone offers the expertise and knowledge backed by Farm Credit leasing to provide you with leasing services to help expand your business.
For more information on leasing, reach out to your local GreenStone branch today or visit our leasing page.
This blog was originally published in Michigan Farm News.
Recently, GreenStone’s human resources department showcased their career toolkit, etiquette, and presentation skills to the intern cohort to help them pave their pathway to success! This gave interns the opportunity to learn and develop skills necessary when applying for full-time roles.
What’s in our career toolkit? A self-assessment consisting of a reflection of their strengths and weaknesses, and a process of defining your career goals and setting short and long-term personal goals. The discussion continues from there into how to maintain your ‘personal brand’ and what that looks like with many different social media platforms. Most importantly in the toolkit, is a deep dive into the career search process. This involved what goes into writing a killer cover letter, resume, and best interview practices.
The discussion led to many different avenues, from how to wow the interview committee to questions on resumes to what would best be in their career toolkit. Overall, the pathway to success meeting included a thoughtful discussion in understanding what to expect when applying for full time roles.This gives our interns things to prepare for and skills necessary for a full-time career.
During lunch, there was a presentation discussing professional dining tips. The interns were joined by other GreenStone staff members to put their business dining etiquette skills to the test and make connections in other departments! This lunch allowed not only the interns to learn about which fork to use when but provided a stellar networking opportunity for all involved.
After lunch the day wrapped up with a presentation filled with tips and tricks to best reach your audience while giving a presentation. These tips included understanding your audience, making a connection with them, and adjusting based on their reactions and participation.This allows presenters to interact with the crowd in a way that is engaging and educational!
As part of a GreenStone internship, interns are asked to give an end of internship presentation showcasing what they have accomplished throughout the summer. The pathway to success event allowed the interns to not only become fully prepared for their future careers, but it gave them the skills that they will need to deliver an excellent presentation.
GreenStone takes pride in our intern cohorts, and we value the work they do. We wish them the best as they get ready for presentations and get prepared for their future careers. As an intern with GreenStone, we hope each and every intern has paved their way to success! If you want to learn more about our internship program, check out our website.
The purpose of a tree’s root system serves not only to help the tree survive via water, but also as a stable foundation for the growth that’s to come. Education provides a similar benefit to us; it serves as the foundation for our future growth as a person. A root system continues to develop as the tree ages, just how learning can be lifelong. Allowing ourselves to take opportunities that expand our foundation of education is crucial for growth. Ronna and Zach Wagner have taken that opportunity by charge!
Ronna and Zach are first-generation farmers who grew up surrounded by agriculture. They found so much passion in the industry they decided to branch out and start their own operation!
Ronna notes, “Throughout high school, FFA was a really big part of my development in agriculture and leadership skills.” She valued her agriculture education growing up, and it is something her and her husband planned to continue.
Each year the Great Lakes Crop Summit provides producers the opportunity to gain more knowledge on current research, market outputs, and new technology. This year they used GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant to attend, and to make it even more special their daughter joined them!
The Wagner’s operation is over 3,000 acres and primarily row crops with corn, beans, wheat, and hay for cattle. With that farm under their leadership, they split up at the conference and hear from as many of the presenters as they could fit in. Ronna shared, “I really like seeing the new research that people are doing and what people are trying on their operations. It’s nice to see the data and that it’s proven.”
Not only did they learn from the expert presenters, but networking was also an important aspect of the Crop Summit. She says, “It’s like a reunion, everyone gets to catch up and talk about their year in their area and share things that they’re doing.”
“The Great Lakes Crop Summit serves as another opportunity for us to learn and grow,” Ronna concludes. As first-generation farmers, events like these are very beneficial for growing roots in the industry. Ronna and Zach are great examples of building an educational foundation for the future.
GreenStone understands the importance of supporting education for young, beginning, and small farmers like the Wagner’s. We work to provide the educational and financial resources needed to help establish a solid foundation. To apply for a grant, visit our CultivateGrowth Grant page.
No matter the size of your farming operation – whether it’s a sole proprietorship or a large-scale production operation – it is important to clearly define roles and responsibilities among those involved.
In a small operation, there may be one or two family members or colleagues handling the important roles. The farm size will dictate how the roles will be divided among individuals.
There are several key roles on a farm including:
- Business/Financial management: Consistent maintenance and review of farm financial records is a key role for a farm operation. Complete and accurate financials records will assist any sized farm operation in the decision-making process for all aspects of farming given the capital-intensive nature of agriculture.
- Production management: Who is in charge of the cropping, equipment, and livestock as well as the farming itself? There is a significant amount of care and decisions that go into the inputs being used for the particular year as well as the development of a farm plan.
- Marketing management: How are you going to market your agricultural products to get the most profit with what’s available? There are marketing tools to help manage the market and prices being offered, as well as risk management options, which can all be covered by this important role in the farming operation.
- Household management: Whether you’re a sole proprietorship or a large entity, it’s important to determine the role of who’s managing the household and how that’s managed along with the needs of the farm operation. While this isn’t always talked about, it’s an important piece of the puzzle to ensure success, especially in a small farming operation.
Why is it important to clarify roles?
Efficiency: Farms operate under tight schedules and with seasonal demands. When each person knows exactly what tasks he or she is responsible for, work can proceed smoothly without confusion or overlap. This helps in maximizing productivity and using resources effectively.
Accountability: Clear roles ensure each individual knows what they are accountable for. This accountability fosters a sense of ownership and encourages everyone to perform their tasks to the best of their abilities. It also makes it easier to identify and address any issues that may arise.
Coordination: Agriculture often involves complex processes that require coordination among various tasks and departments (such as planting, harvesting, animal care and maintenance). Defined roles enable better coordination between different teams or individuals, ensuring activities are synchronized and goals are achieved efficiently.
Specialization: It’s important to clarify the roles on your farm in order to best leverage where the strengths are on your team. When you identify those strengths, you can then dedicate that individual to a specific role in order to get consistent, efficient results from that activity. For instance, some children leave the farm to obtain a college education or work off farm. When they return, it’s important to leverage the skills they developed to help better the farm as a whole.
Succession Planning: On family farms or those aiming for long-term sustainability, clearly defined roles also aid in succession planning. It ensures that future generations or new team members understand their roles and responsibilities, facilitating smooth transitions and continuity in farm operations.
For example, some family farms have children who seek a college education, and some even gain off-farm work experience. When the time is right for succession to take place, these children have a desire to come back to the farm and be part of the farm operation.
Once they return, the farm might have someone with a finance background, equipment background and even agronomy or animal science background. The family can make moves to expand the farm to accommodate the children as up-and-coming owners, and in doing so, the children bring back skills sets that help the farm move the needle forward.
What happens if you don’t clarify roles?
Timing is crucial on a farm. If a role isn’t clearly identified, you may miss out on the right time to make decisions that have to be made quickly and timely throughout the farm season. If the roles are not clearly defined, things can become inconsistent, inefficient and you may miss important opportunities crucial to a farm operation.
Production agriculture has become more and more volatile as margins are compressed in the farm economy. Being efficient is crucial in these roles. Since farming has changed so much over the past few decades, you need to get ahead of trends and changes to be efficient and profitable.
In short, clear roles and responsibilities on a farm are essential for optimizing productivity, fostering accountability and enabling effective coordination and specialization among team members. This organizational clarity is fundamental to the overall success and sustainability of agricultural operations.
Beyond the roles of the farm employees are the roles of the farm team you rely on for expertise and consultation. GreenStone’s century of farm and financial experience brings a valued perspective to your team!
This blog was originally published in Michigan Farm News.
After much anticipation, the House Agriculture Committee passed their version of the Farm Bill: The Farm, Food and Security Act of 2024 on May 24, 2024. Though next steps are unclear, lawmakers will continue negotiations with the hope of bringing the legislation before the full House of Representatives before it expires on September 30, 2024.
It remains critically important that the agriculture community stay engaged, committed and communicative with their respective legislator and policy leaders that this Farm Bill needs to be completed.
The big next step for the Farm Credit System will be to activate its grassroots advocates through the Farm Credit System-Phone 2 Action. (You may register as an advocate by scanning the QR code at the end of this article).
This includes directors, employees and customers. We ask advocates to send a letter to Congress, acknowledging the good progress made and urging Congress to continue negotiations to pass a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill as soon as possible.
So, what are some of the highlights behind the curtain being drummed up by our friends, the wizards of the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill passed through the House Agriculture Committee includes several revisions to strengthen the farm income safety net for producers, including higher reference prices for the Price Loss Coverage Program, higher protection levels for the Agriculture Risk Coverage Program, and higher subsidy protection levels for the Supplemental Coverage Option insurance policy. The bill would also increase long-term funding for the broad portfolio of conservation programs and make other changes to federal farm policy, including some expansion of food assistance programs.
The revisions come with costs, and in the current budget framework of pay as you go, the funding comes from cuts or budget offsets in other parts of the bill. The proposed cuts are where most of the debate and partisan divide occurred among members of the Committee. The bill proposes a substantial cut in projected spending for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the primary food assistance program included in the farm bill. The proposed cut is not so much a cut in current benefits as it is a reduction in potential future increases in benefits because of future adjustments in something called the Thrifty Food Plan.
The Thrifty Food Plan is revised periodically to reflect what households are purchasing and eating as a basis for calculating SNAP benefits. Benefits are already adjusted for inflation, so food plan revisions might not be expected to have major cost impacts, but the revisions enacted by the current administration after the 2018 Farm Bill added more spending to the SNAP program than the rest of the Farm Bill combined.
Other changes to be aware of relate to climate-smart agriculture, conservation programs, and use of Commodity Credit Corporation funding resources. With respect to Farm Credit System key interests, all of which have been positively addressed, the following are items we are laser focused on:
- Strengthening the federal crop insurance program,
- Boosting development of critical rural community facilities,
- Modernizing the Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs to increase loan limits, and
- Providing more credit opportunities for the commercial fishing industry.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., released her Farm Bill principles around the same time the House released its proposed language and argued against the funding changes the House was proposing, but has not released specific details or a clear picture of how she would pay for the changes she promises.
Years of hard work have gone into this process, and we are very pleased with the number of Farm Credit priorities included in this bill. We are very watchful of what will come out from behind the curtain.
To view the summer 2024 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
Most of us have had the experience of thinking we understood only to realize after the fact that our knowledge wasn’t much deeper than corn roots grow into the ground. We asked a couple of your directors if they had that same experience when they became board members – expecting to have a pretty good understanding of GreenStone and what makes the cooperative function successfully, only to realize the roots go much deeper.
Here’s what two directors had to say – things they have realized while serving on the board, and now appreciate even more about the cooperative.
Michael Feight, Lenawee County, MI
Since I was elected to the board of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, I can honestly say I have not attended a function or meeting without learning something about the connection of the people who work under the GreenStone umbrella, the members, the services we offer to members and/or what it takes behind the scenes. I have come to realize the diverse portfolio GreenStone deals with gives each member an assurance that the employees have an understanding of whatever situation might arise specific to their needs.
Since being on the board of directors, I no longer think of what GreenStone does in relation to just my needs as a crop farmer, but what we do to facilitate those growing fruits and vegetables along the lakes, timber and housing up north, and all forms of livestock across all of the GreenStone territory. The employees representing you have an understanding that it is our dreams they are helping us accomplish.
I have been pleasantly surprised and much impressed when I have attended national meetings with other Farm Credit institutions; GreenStone is always very respected by others attending. As a member of GreenStone myself, it is easy to get caught up with what is going on in my corner of the world, but GreenStone employees are recognized throughout the Farm Credit industry for their excellence. Whether it is information technology, human resources, credit and lending, or legal, we are respected.
My final comment, although I could go on and on, would be that I now recognize the collaboration and respect the leadership team has toward the board and the same can be said for the board members toward leadership and on down through everyone that makes GreenStone what it is. As a board member and as a customer, I have witnessed the knowledge, dedication and professionalism required and demonstrated by GreenStone to help make our dreams come to fruition. Dream Big!
Ed Reed, Cass County, MI
I’ll go with the WOW factor – things that wow me about the cooperative that our members might not otherwise know, realize, or appreciate for what it really means to them as members.
Some things I think are WOW are that GreenStone is still paying Patronage during this high interest rate environment.
- WOW, GreenStone offers subsidized livestock risk protection (LRP) policies for hog and cattle producers.
- WOW, GreenStone will lock in the interest rate on your construction loan for your dream home and will help you through the construction lien process.
- WOW, GreenStone’s portfolio has reached a strong $14 billion. GreenStone benefits more than 28,000 members with this financial strength and support.
- WOW, GreenStone crop insurance professionals are protecting 1.2 million acres of crops in MI and WI.
- WOW, GreenStone’s portfolio is 25% dairy, balanced by many other industries.
- WOW, GreenStone finances the second most diverse portfolio in the Farm Credit System, behind California. Diversity helps create stability.
- WOW, GreenStone is a leader in the Farm Credit System, one of the largest associations throughout the nation – seventh largest, most fiscally responsible, and a leader in innovative advancements to best serve our customers.
- WOW, GreenStone employees have volunteered collectively more than 800 days to support our communities and neighbors in Michigan and Wisconsin where they live and work.
To view the summer 2024 issue of Partners in its entirety, click here.
Dedicated to nurturing leadership, personal growth, and career success among young individuals in agriculture, the Wisconsin FFA makes a lifelong difference in the lives of thousands of youth each year.
By providing educational opportunities, Wisconsin FFA equips its members with essential life skills and a passion for rural communities and agricultural sustainability, positioning them as future leaders and innovators.
GreenStone, recognizing the importance of organizations like Wisconsin FFA, proudly supports their mission of advancing agricultural education and community development. Beyond offering financial services, GreenStone actively invests in initiatives that promote agricultural excellence and youth education.
In June, GreenStone reaffirmed its commitment to Wisconsin FFA through the cooperative’s ongoing support at the recent 95th State Convention. GreenStone’s enduring partnership with Wisconsin FFA underscores the organization’s belief in the significant impact of nurturing future agricultural leaders. During the three-day convention, over 2,500 FFA members, advisors, and supporters came together for leadership workshops, general sessions, the expo, and more to celebrate the achievements of FFA students.
Rooted in rural communities, GreenStone values the importance of investing in youth and promoting leadership and innovation in agriculture. Their commitment extends beyond financial aid to active participation in local communities, ensuring the growth and prosperity of rural areas.
Looking ahead, GreenStone remains dedicated to collaborating with Wisconsin FFA and supporting the bright minds shaping the future of agriculture. Through their partnership, GreenStone and Wisconsin FFA are building a stronger, more vibrant future for agriculture and rural communities, one leader at a time.
To view the summer 2024 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
Brent Voss
15 years of service
VP of Lending
How does your role help carry out GreenStone’s mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture?
I lend to people buying land and building homes in rural areas along with part time farmers for equipment.
What do you enjoy about your role?
Helping people purchase land, for home builds, recreational land and farming purposes, and also helping people to build their dream homes.
How does your portion of the loan process ensure great customer service?
I am the first point of contact to process their applications and collect all information needed to get a loan approved. I am very precise in what I get from customers to make sure they only have to send me all items at once and not send several things several times.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy working out, fishing, and spending time with my family as my primary hobbies.
How has your work changed over the years?
I pretty much do the same thing as when I started, however being a seasoned employee of 15 years with GreenStone Farm Credit Services I also help train and guide new employees.
Tracy Jelinek
17 years of service
Senior Financial Services Officer
How does your role help carry out GreenStone’s mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture?
As a traditional loan officer, the bulk of my customer base has a direct tie to agriculture. I work with row crop farmers, greenhouses, orchards, beef cattle farms, vegetable growers, dairies, nursery production and lavender producers. The livelihood of all these operations is 100% entrenched in agriculture.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy the diversity of the portfolio of customers I work with. I enjoy working with families expanding their operation, planning, preparing and transitioning to the next generation. I like seeing there are still young people who want to get into farming. I am grateful to GreenStone for seeing the importance of working with young, beginning, and small farm operations.
How does your work ensure great customer service?
As a farm loan officer, we develop relationships and bonds with many of our customers. We are a partner and consultant for their operation and have frequent visits to their farm. They share information and look to us to guide and provide direction.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
Most of my “free time” is spent with my husband and our two adult sons on our grain and beef cattle farm. I also enjoy flower gardening.
How has your work changed over the years?
I have been with GreenStone Farm Credit Services for over 17 years, most of those years as a loan officer. The fundamentals of the job haven’t changed much, but the internal process has changed significantly. The technology of not only getting a loan from application to closing along with the digital tool options we use internally and provide to our customers, requires a lot of training and testing. Being asked to participate and advise has become a frequent ask of my job the past couple of years.
To view the summer 2024 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.