Did you know an Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) as a part of your existing crop insurance policy can provide stability against falling commodity prices and a higher revenue floor? ECO is a cost-effective risk management tool that offers additional Revenue or Yield Protection.

ECO crop insurance coverage explained 

ECO is an area-based band of coverage that attaches to your existing eligible crop insurance policy.  ECO crop insurance coverage provides two coverage levels to choose from: 86-90% or 86-95% depending on your specific needs. It is typically taken at 95% coverage level, meaning even a small drop in revenue, price and/or yield would trigger an indemnity payment. The ECO endorsement matches your underlying policy and is typically measured by the levels in your county. For example, if a producer chooses Revenue Protection, then the indemnity is county revenue based. If a producer chooses Yield Protection, then ECO indemnity is county yield based. 
 

How ECO works 

This supplemental coverage option works especially well in a situation where county revenues dip, but not enough to trigger a Revenue Protection claim. Producers without ECO can sustain considerable damage in their production area before their individual policy indemnifies. With ECO however, producers can receive a payment when the area has more than a 5% (depending on elected coverage level) decrease in expected revenue, even if they are individually experiencing a bumper crop that year.

 
Similarly, if grain prices dip lower than the revenue floor established by a producer, they can wait to market the grain as the insurance is offsetting losses. Because ECO is revenue based, it also can generate an indemnity if county yields dip causing revenue to fall. Producers who typically track count yields should especially consider ECO as it provides an indemnity from falling county-based revenue.  
 

Why to consider ECO

The ECO subsidy is increasing from 44% in 2024, 65% in 2025, to 80% subsidy in 2026, making this an even more cost-effective strategy to mitigate risk and provide coverage to your crops.

Take a look at the table below to see how ECO will be an even more affordable option for providing additional coverage in 2026. 

Example at 95% Coverage Level	2024	2025	2026
Coverage	$70	$70	$70
Subsidy	$16.81	$20.89	$25.71
Estimated farmer premium	$21.39	$11.25	$6.43

The estimated premium for 2026 has declined by a large amount due to large increases in government subsidy.  This is primarily a result of the increased subsidy as well as the change in corn prices. For those who have considered ECO in the past but have been hesitant due to cost, now is a great opportunity to see how this additional coverage can benefit your operation in the coming year.

How can ECO be purchased? 

If you are interested in obtaining ECO coverage, the first step is to reach out to your GreenStone crop insurance specialist to evaluate what coverage would benefit your operation most. To obtain an ECO policy, you will need an underlying buy-up policy for corn or soybeans. Our team of dedicated crop insurance specialists can help you understand your area’s historical analysis by looking at your county’s ECO performance over the past years.  

Our exclusive quoting tool can also help give you the information you need to make data driven decisions that will positively impact your business.

If you have questions on ECO crop insurance options and whether it would be a good fit for your farm, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local branch!

For Adam Weinrich, growth means more than expanding production. It means building a business with intention. With support from the CultivateGrowth Grant, he invested in business education that is now shaping the future of his livestock operation.

Founded in 2020, Adam’s farm is a pasture-based, multi-species livestock farm focused on direct-to-consumer sales. He raises pigs, cattle, and other livestock while prioritizing outdoor systems and responsible land stewardship. Rather than selling through traditional distributors, he manages his own distribution system serving both retail and wholesale customers.

Although Adam grew up in rural areas and spent time on a small homestead in Big Rapids, Mich. he did not have extensive agricultural experience before launching the farm with his wife. Like many beginning farmers, he has relied on learning opportunities to strengthen his business foundation.

Always seeking for ways to improve, Adam discovered the CultivateGrowth Grant online and has applied the past three years.

“We’re always looking for ways to fund and grow our business,” Adam said. “We’ve applied for many grants, and this one is one of the easiest out there.”

With the grant, Adam attended a multi-day Food Sales and Leadership training at Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Mich. The nationally recognized food business is known for achieving something rare in the industry, which is maintaining high quality at high volume without franchising.

The training introduced Adam to the tools, systems, and philosophies behind that success. A key takeaway was Zingerman’s “12 Natural Laws of Business,” which emphasize sustainable growth, realistic planning, and strong leadership.

One principle stood out to Adam in particular. “If you want your employees to provide great service, you have to provide great service to your employees first,” Adam shared.

The seminar also challenged him to create a written vision for the future of his farm. This included clearly defining what the business should look like physically, operationally, and culturally. That exercise has helped him build a more focused and actionable plan while strengthening employee training systems that support long-term success.

“We want to grow the same way Zingerman’s have. With intention and without losing what makes our business special,” Adam said. “Programs like the CultivateGrowth Grant make that possible.”

Adam’s experience highlights exactly what the CultivateGrowth Grant is designed to do, which is to equip farmers with practical tools, leadership training, and business strategies that create lasting growth.

Ready to invest in your operation? Learn how GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant can help you take the next step by clicking here.

If you’re considering acting as your own general contractor for your home construction project, chances are you’ve already started to familiarize yourself with the documentation that will be required along the way. One of those documents is the sworn statement form, which is used throughout the duration of the home construction process. Whether you’re contracting out the project or doing the work yourself, understanding the sworn statement will benefit you throughout the entirety of your home construction.

What is the sworn statement?

The sworn statement is a detailed, itemized breakdown of each step in the construction process. It tracks everything from the architectural services to foundation work, building materials, appliances, furnishes, and fixtures installed.

Its main purpose is to ensure all subcontractors and suppliers have received payment for the services provided in the construction of your home. It also protects the property owner from unexpected mechanics liens, so you don’t pay for the same service twice!

When is the sworn statement used?

The sworn statement is not a one-time form. It will initially be introduced at the beginning of your construction project and will be updated and resubmitted each time you make a draw request. A draw is a request to your lender to release the funds needed to complete the next step in the construction process. Click here to learn how to request a draw.

What will your sworn statement track?

The sworn statement will track:

• Funds disbursed
• Your remaining loan balance
• Payments made to subcontractors

It also tells the title company which lien waivers are required at each stage.

Who completes your sworn statement?

If you are acting as your own general contractor, you will be responsible for completing the sworn statement yourself. For contracted builds, the builder will complete and submit the sworn statement.

If you are considering acting as your own general contractor, make sure you are comfortable taking on the responsibility of managing the construction process, including submitting the sworn statement. While it is entirely possible to manage your own construction project, ask yourself how organized, detail-oriented, and confident you are using applications like Microsoft Excel, which is required when using the sworn statement form provided by GreenStone.

Using the sworn statement form provided by your lender is not mandatory but can help make the process smoother by ensuring consistency. Your title company and construction disbursement specialists will already be familiar with the lender’s format, which can help avoid confusion.

How to complete and submit your sworn statement

1. When applying for your home construction loan with GreenStone, you will need to provide an accurate estimate of the costs of each service. First, you will obtain quotes from any contractors or subcontractors. List any contractors you plan to use in the Subcontractor and Supplier column of the form.

2. The material and labor costs will be listed in the Total Contract Price column. While vendors and materials may change later throughout the project, the initial estimates must be realistic and completed prior to your first draw.

3. Once your loan paperwork has been signed and you have received your first draw, you will make a manual entry into the Amount Currently Owing column for the amount you are requesting for each part of your project. This will total at the bottom each time the form is edited. You will then sign the form with a notary, and provide the form to your team at GreenStone, and the title company.

3. After receiving the funds for your draw, and paying subcontractors or suppliers, you will move the amount you received over to the Amount Already Paid column, keeping accurate record of the amount paid with lien waiver forms and receipts. This paperwork is a crucial part of your loan process and will need to be provided to GreenStone and your title company before you take another draw.

4. If the actual cost of a service differs from what was estimated in your initial quote, an adjustment can be made in the Adjustment Change Order column. The Current Contract Price column will automatically adjust with these updates.

5. Finally, the Balance to Complete column will keep a running total of the remaining costs to complete your project. The total balance in this column should never exceed the funds you have available with GreenStone.

Watch a step-by-step example of completing a sworn statement below:

GreenStone provides different sworn statement versions for:

• Site-built homes
• Pole barns
• Modular homes

Sworn statement forms from GreenStone vary by state for Michigan and Wisconsin.

Your GreenStone team is here to help

Whether you’re considering acting as your own general contractor or not, the home construction process can seem daunting, but it is also a very rewarding experience. If you have questions about the sworn statement or other construction documents, your team at GreenStone is here to help! Reach out to your construction disbursement specialist at any time or contact your local branch to get started with the home construction process.

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill (“OBBB”) was signed into law to extend, enhance and, in some cases, make permanent some of TCJA’s tax law changes. At the federal level, a couple of significant provisions for farmers were:

• Bonus depreciation was reinstated to 100% and made permanent for now. Be sure to note this is for qualified capital expenditures acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025. Qualified property purchased prior to January 20, 2025, are only eligible for a maximum of 40% bonus depreciation, even if not placed into service until after January 19, 2025.

• Section 179 allowed expense was permanently increased to $2.5 million for eligible property purchased and placed into service during tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. The investment purchase phaseout threshold was increased to $4 million for property placed in service in years beginning after 2024, with the allowed section 179 expense decreasing dollar-for-dollar as the investment amount during the tax year approaches $6.5 million, the level of being fully phased out.

These are two of the most significant levers farmers use to manage taxable income due to the capital-intensive nature of farming.

So why am I writing about this again? Well – there are state issues to consider. On October 7, 2025, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4961 into law, enacting significant changes to the state’s tax code. This legislation formally decouples Michigan from several key business provisions of the OBBB – this article will focus on the decoupling around depreciation.

What does “decoupling” mean?

State “decoupling” occurs when a state chooses not to follow certain provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Many states conform to the IRC on a rolling basis as it is enacted to simplify tax compliance. Decoupling allows states to diverge on specific federal laws for state tax purposes. This affects the calculation of income tax at the state level and generally does not change a taxpayer’s federal tax obligations. Federal taxable income remains determined by federal law; however, additional planning may be needed at the state level.

Michigan has historically been a rolling conformity state meaning it typically follows the IRC when federal law changes occur. This decoupling from certain OBBB provisions is a tremendous change. You will want to make sure you understand the impact of the change for state income tax purposes. Michigan farmers cannot complain too much though; our neighbors in Wisconsin have been working through no state tax bonus depreciation for years.

Effect of Michigan decoupling related to depreciation methodologies

For our farming customers, Michigan’s decoupling results in them no longer having the leverage of the following OBBB federal provisions for calculating their state taxable income for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024:

• Bonus Depreciation: Taxpayers can no longer fully deduct 100 percent of eligible equipment costs in the first year for state tax purposes.  Michigan does allow bonus depreciation for all taxpayers other than C-Corporations of 40% for the year ending December 31, 2025, which was the pre-OBBB rule in place.

• Section 179 Expensing: Michigan retains pre-OBBB expensing limits, such as the lower cap of $1.25 million, even if federal limits are higher. The same effect occurs with the investment phaseout threshold retained at the pre-OBBB amount starting at $3.13 million and fully phasing out the Section 179 available amount once eligible investment purchases exceed $4.38 million.

The below example illustrates a farming sole proprietorship entity; however, the decoupling provisions apply to all business taxpayers who benefit from the OBBB provisions.

Example – Michigan Decoupling from OBBB’s Federal Bonus Depreciation

Scenario: Taxpayer is a Michigan 1040 Schedule F taxpayer that purchased and placed in service new five-year MACRS property, after January 19, 2025, totaling $1,000,000. This simplified example assumes there is no carryover depreciation available on fixed assets in service prior to December 31, 2024.

Federal Tax Effect: The OBBB will allow 100 percent bonus depreciation for qualified property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025.

• Taxpayer claims 100 percent depreciation on the $1,000,000 in assets in 2025.
• Federal depreciation deduction for 2025: $1,000,000
• Federal taxable income impact: Full $1,000,000 is deducted in 2025.

Michigan Tax Effect: Michigan has decoupled from IRC Section 168(k) 100% bonus depreciation as enhanced by the OBBB and reverts to the original 40% phased-down amount for the 2025 period due to following the provisions in effect as of December 31, 2024. Thus, when the individual calculates their Michigan individual income tax, federal taxable income will be adjusted by the unallowed increase of federal bonus depreciation at the state level.

Navigating uncertainty surrounding a State’s OBBB decoupling

Your situation is likely not as cut and dry as the one presented, but it gives a basic example of how the depreciation decoupling would work. As you can see in the above example, while Michigan decouples from federal depreciation methodologies in the OBBB, you can still take state bonus depreciation of 40% on assets placed in service in 2025 – which was the pre-OBBB tax law. Additionally, Michigan taxpayers can also utilize Section 179 expense, limited to $1.25 million in 2025. In this scenario, if the taxpayer wanted their Michigan taxable income to closely match their federal taxable income, their tax preparer could utilize Section 179 expense on the remaining basis and try to get them aligned.

Limitations with Section 179 include the $1,250,000 maximum expense and that Section 179 depreciation cannot take a business activity into a taxable loss situation.

With Michigan decoupling from several significant provisions of the OBBB, it is critical that proactive planning and additional time spent preparing your tax returns is taken to avoid unnecessary tax liabilities. Make sure you are an advocate for yourself this tax filing season – talk to your tax preparer and ensure that all methodologies available are considered to get you to where you want to be from an income tax standpoint this year and into future years.

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.

Mary and Doug Campbell of Campbell Crossing Farm are proof that the CultivateGrowth Grant can transform a farm’s future. With support from GreenStone, they invested in education and resources that will help them expand their community supported agriculture (CSA) program and improve efficiency for years to come.

Campbell Crossing Farm was founded in the summer of 2022. In 2022, Mary quit her corporate job to become a full-time farmer and stay at home mom. The farm is a fruit and vegetable farm that focuses on soil health regenerative agriculture practices and supporting local food access through non-profit partnerships and supplying high quality fresh food to local establishments.

While Mary and Doug’s passion for farming started in 2022, it was the CultivateGrowth Grant that gave them the tools and education to take their farm to the next level. In 2025, they launched their farm share program, also known as CSA, supplying 20 local families with fresh fruit and vegetables all summer.

Mary and Doug were introduced to the CultivateGrowth Grant as new farmers building their farm. More recently they utilized the grant funds to help pay for an all-day conference in Traverse City with Jean Martin Fortier, a leader in organic market gardening, along with other educational resources. With support from the grant, the Campbells immersed themselves in this hands-on learning opportunity.

“We were able to tour a working vegetable farm and see their operation and listen to JM Fortier share great advice on how to become a better farmer,” Mary said. “He supplied us with some resources which then led us to the final use of the grant for me, The Market Gardener masterclass that JM Fortier created. The final funds from my husband’s grant were used for some Cornell Small Farms study courses and the farm financial book, ‘The Farmer’s Office’ to help us grow the business.”

To build both production and business capacity, they turned to the Cornell Small Farms program, which offers courses spanning agricultural business, start-up essentials, and production practices. They chose accounting with QuickBooks, vegetable production for integrated disease management, and high tunnel production to extend their season.

The Market Gardening masterclass became a comprehensive guide for what comes next. “It goes in depth on how to extend our season, build out our own tools for better efficiencies, or even how to build your own buildings on the farm, such as a wash and pack station. It truly covers every aspect on how to successfully operate your market garden,” said Mary.

Looking ahead, the couple is energized by what they learned. “The seminar filled us with hope that with some time management and simple practice changes we will become more efficient on our farm,” Mary reflected. “It all comes down to time, so we decided to invest our time in learning this year and implementing those learnings. Without the help of GreenStone, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Mary shared, “We know knowledge is power and we are so thankful we were able to get funds from Greenstone’s CultivateGrowth program to participate in the seminar, masterclass, and take other courses online. We will have access to these resources for years to come.”

Mary and Doug’s story show what is possible with the CultivateGrowth Grant. Ready to grow your farm? Click here to learn more about your possibilities with GreenStone.

Visit GreenStone’s Facebook page from January 29 to February 5, 2026, for your chance to win two tickets to the 2026 Spartan Stampede Rodeo!

Participation in the giveaway is simple: visit GreenStone’s Facebook page from January 29, 2026, to February 5, 2026, and comment the name of who you would take to the rodeo on our designated Facebook post. After you submit your comment, you will automatically be entered in a random drawing to win the pair of tickets! Two (2) winners will be selected, and each winner will receive two (2) tickets to the 2026 Spartan Stampede Rodeo from February 13-15, 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The contest begins with a social media post on January 29, 2026, and will conclude on February 5, 2026, at 9 AM EST.
• Two (2) tickets will be given away to two (2) lucky, random participants.
• Participants do not need to make any purchases to enter.
• Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Participants must live in Michigan or Wisconsin to be eligible to win.
• In order to receive the prize, winners must contact GreenStone via Facebook private message by February 12, 2026, and provide their contact information.

[More details in the official rules below]

GreenStone Farm Credit Services is a proud sponsor of the MSU Rodeo Club. Learn more about the upcoming event: Spartan Stampede – MSU Rodeo Club

Join us on Facebook to enter!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Official GreenStone 2026 Spartan Stampede Rodeo Sweepstakes Rules:

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. The promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.

• Eligibility: This Sweepstake is open only to those who participate by commenting on the GreenStone Farm Credit Service’s Facebook page (@GreenStoneFCS) under the specific Sweepstake post during the specified time frame and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. The Sweepstake is only open to legal residents of Michigan and Wisconsin and is void where prohibited by law. Once a participant of a GreenStone contest has been selected as a winner, participants are prohibited from winning all future GreenStone contests. Employees of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstake. The Sweepstake is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.
• Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Sweepstake participant (“You”) agree to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept as final and binding the decisions made by GreenStone Farm Credit Services as it relates to the terms and conditions of this Sweepstake.
• Sweepstake Period: Entries will be accepted online starting with the Facebook Sweepstake post on January 29, 2026. Entries can be submitted until February 5, 2026, at 8:59 AM EST. The randomly selected winner will be drawn and notified on February 5, 2026.
• How to Enter: The Sweepstake must be entered by commenting on the designated post as directed on the GreenStone Farm Credit Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenStoneFCS. Comments that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. You must provide the information requested. You may enter one comment/entry per post per the life of the contest. Multiple comments will not increase your odds of winning, as GreenStone Farm Credit Services will base its selection on the first comment You made. If you use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
• Prizes: Two (2) Winners will be chosen by random from the comments and each Winner will receive two (2) tickets to the MSU Rodeo Club’s 2026 Spartan Stampede. Actual/appraised value may differ at the time of prize award. Greenstone Farm Credit Services shall solely determine the specifics of the prize. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ sole discretion. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize by Winner constitutes Winner’s permission granted to GreenStone Farm Credit Services to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
• Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
• Winner Selection and Notification: Two (2) Winners from the Sweepstake post will be chosen at random by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Two (2) Winners will be notified in the comments of the Facebook post on February 5, 2026, at 9 AM EST; Sweepstake comments will be eligible for the life of the contest. GreenStone Farm Credit Services shall have no liability for Winners’ failure to receive notices due to Facebook notifications, spam, junk email or other security settings or for Winners’ provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If the Winners cannot be contacted, are ineligible, or fail to claim the prize by February 12, 2026, the prize may be forfeited. The Winners must contact GreenStone Farm Credit Services via Facebook private message with their name, email, and phone number by February 12, 2026, to receive the details of redeeming their tickets. Receipt by Winners of the prizes offered in this Sweepstake is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY A WINNER, AT GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES’ SOLE DISCRETION, WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE SWEEPSTAKE, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.
• Rights Granted by You: By entering this Sweepstake, You understand and agree that GreenStone Farm Credit Services, anyone authorized to act on behalf of GreenStone Farm Credit Service, and GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ licensees, successors, agents, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the world, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Sweepstake, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.
• By entering this Sweepstake, You represent and warrant that your Facebook Sweepstake comment is your original comment and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights. If your Facebook comment infringes upon the proprietary or intellectual property right of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. If the content of your Facebook comment is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, You shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GreenStone Farm Credit Services from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense, which GreenStone Farm Credit Services may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.
• Terms & Conditions: GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstake should any virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other source beyond GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ control, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper administration of the Sweepstake. In such case, GreenStone Farm Credit Services may select the Winner from all eligible Facebook comments received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with or attempts to tamper with the entry process, administration or operation of the Sweepstake, or website, or violates these Terms and Conditions. GreenStone Farm Credit Services has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Sweepstake, to void Facebook comments for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple Facebook comments on same post from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple Facebook comments from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Sweepstake rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website for the purpose of undermining the legitimate operation and administration of the Sweepstake may be in violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.
• Limitation of Liability: By commenting on a Sweepstake post, You agree to release and hold harmless GreenStone Farm Credit Services and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Sweepstake and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, server, hardware or software, Facebook page, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstake; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Sweepstake or the processing of comments.
• Disputes: THIS SWEEPSTAKE IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW. AS A CONDITION OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS SWEEPSTAKE, PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT ALL DISPUTES THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THIS SWEEPSTAKE, SHALL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION, EXCLUSIVELY BEFORE AN APPROPRIATE COURT HAVING JURISDICTION WITHIN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. FURTHER, IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL PARTICIPANT BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN AWARDS FOR, AND HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES, OTHER THAN PARTICIPANT’S ACTUAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES (I.E. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ENTERING THIS SWEEPSTAKE). PARTICIPANT FURTHER WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR INCREASED.
• Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the GreenStone Farm Credit Services website. View the Privacy Policy here.
• Winners List: To obtain a copy of the Winners’ names or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Attn: Marketing and Public Relations Department, 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Requests must be received no later than February 12, 2026. These Official Rules may not be available online after the expiration of this Sweepstake. Copies of these Official Rule may be requested as noted in this paragraph, subject to GreenStone Farm Credit Services document retention policy.
• Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Sweepstake is GreenStone Farm Credit Services, 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, USA.
• The Sweepstake hosted by GreenStone Farm Credit Services is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.

As producers look ahead to the rest of the year, the agricultural economy across Michigan and Wisconsin is being shaped by contrasting market forces. Continued pressure on grain prices, relative strength in dairy and livestock, and ongoing volatility underscore the importance of working with a trusted financial partner. In times of uncertainty and opportunity alike, GreenStone remains committed to providing guidance, resources, and financial solutions that help producers navigate changing market conditions.

A Mixed Economic Landscape

Entering 2026, some sectors of the agricultural economy are experiencing ongoing stress, while others are benefiting from favorable pricing and improved margins. These conditions are familiar to producers following several years of volatility.

Success is rarely about timing the market perfectly. Instead, it depends on planning, perspective, and partnership. Maintaining a strong relationship with a lender that understands agriculture helps producers make informed decisions that support their short-term and long-term goals.

Grain Markets Continue to Face Headwinds

Row crop producers entered 2026 facing continued margin pressure. Corn, soybean and wheat prices remain subdued, driven by global supply levels and limited export demand. These conditions have tightened cash flow and increased financial stress for many grain operations.
This is where proactive planning and collaboration with financial partners matter most. Reviewing cost structures, operating lines and risk management strategies early can help producers remain resilient—even when commodity prices are under pressure.

Michigan and Wisconsin: Similar Pressure, Different Stories

While the broader agricultural market pressures are similar, Michigan and Wisconsin experience them differently.

Michigan’s agricultural diversity continues to be a stabilizing force. The Great Lakes State is the country’s second most agriculturally diverse state and produces more than 300 commodities, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

This diversity spreads risk across multiple sectors. When one or more commodities struggle, others perform better and help ensure the stability of the state’s agricultural industry.

Wisconsin’s agricultural economy is more heavily concentrated in dairy. That concentration can increase exposure during downturns, but it also creates opportunity when dairy markets are strong. In both states, producers benefit from working with a lender that understands regional nuances and customizes solutions accordingly.

Dairy Outlook: Strength Supported by Strategic Planning

Dairy producers headed into 2026 with comparatively strong footing. Solid milk and beef prices, combined with lower feed costs, have supported positive margins over the past two years. As prices begin to trend downward from recent highs, the industry is ready.

“The (dairy) industry is well prepared with strong balance sheets and working capital positions to absorb the downturn in dairy prices currently visible in the futures market,” said Ben Spitzley, senior vice president of agribusiness lending at GreenStone. “Those who have taken DRP (Dairy Revenue Protection) positions will be further insulated from the downturn. We expect to see increased cow slaughter rates with more dairy cows shifted to the beef market to recalibrate the largest dairy herd in over 30 years.”

The recent strength of the dairy and beef industries has created opportunities for producers to reinvest in their operations and plan strategically. As producers look to maintain gains made during recent years in 2026, GreenStone remains a partner that understands their industry and operation and stands to support them with specialized agricultural financing and tax and accounting services.

Input Costs, Equipment and Long-Term Decision-Making

After the extreme inflation of the post-pandemic years, equipment and input costs have started to stabilize. While new equipment purchases remain out of reach for many operations, opportunities are emerging in used equipment. Falling prices for late model used equipment stand to provide an opportunity for many operations to add efficiency and productivity while avoiding the inflated costs of new equipment.

Careful evaluation is essential for healthy investment and growth. GreenStone works with producers to assess capital purchases in the context of cash flow, long-term profitability, and overall financial health—helping to ensure decisions made today support operations tomorrow.

The Importance of Early Planning

For many operations, including many grain producers, the cumulative effect of multiple tight-margin years is becoming evident. Financial stress often builds gradually. It is crucial to begin planning and preparing for challenges early to avoid them becoming insurmountable.

Engaging with a trusted financial partner months before the next production cycle allows producers to explore options such as refinancing, restructuring or adjusting operating strategies—before pressure mounts. Early conversations create flexibility and open the door to more effective solutions.

Preparing for Today and Tomorrow

Increasingly, producers and lenders are planning for more than one crop year at a time. While year-end numbers matter, balance sheets often reveal trends well in advance.

By looking ahead together, producers and financial partners can anticipate challenges, manage working capital more effectively, and avoid reactive decisions. This proactive, data-driven approach can provide producers with more confidence when navigating uncertain markets.

Recognizing Your Needs as a Producer

In today’s environment, producers generally fall into three broad categories:

1. Operations that are currently financially sound, with favorable market conditions.

2. Those that are facing some adverse conditions and need modest adjustments or support.

3. A smaller group facing significant financial stress, due to longer term adverse conditions.

No matter where an operation falls, having a knowledgeable financial partner that can provide perspective, tools, and tailored solutions is crucial. GreenStone has more than a century of experience supporting its cooperative members through every cycle of the agricultural economy.

Risk Management and Crop Insurance as Strategic Tools

Market volatility makes risk management essential. Crop insurance and related tools play a key role in protecting revenue and stabilizing cash flow. Recent legislation and policy changes look to expand access and increase the value of crop insurance for many farmers for the 2026 crop year.

GreenStone’s unique tools and customized approach to crop insurance helps producers evaluate coverage options, ask the right questions, and align policies with real-world risk. The goal is not just protection, but confidence—knowing your operation is prepared for whatever the season brings.

Key Takeaways for 2026

As producers prepare for 2026, a disciplined and proactive approach will be essential. Keeping costs low and under control remains a top priority, as tighter margins make it more important than ever to closely review operating expenses and identify opportunities for efficiency.

Planning financing well ahead of the production cycle can help reduce uncertainty, strengthen cash flow, and provide flexibility as market conditions evolve. Strategic use of risk management tools—such as crop insurance and thoughtful marketing strategies—can also help protect against volatility.

Agriculture is often defined by volatility and change, but strong partnerships can provide consistency and confidence. Whether markets are favorable or challenging, GreenStone remains dedicated to helping Michigan and Wisconsin producers succeed.

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.

Building your dream home can feel overwhelming at first. Where should you start? What do you need to consider when it comes to where you’ll build your home, choosing a general contractor (if you decide to work with one), or how you will receive the funds for the project? Dive into all these questions and more on the home construction process below!

Location and Land

The first decision to make when building your dream home is choosing your dream location! Where do you want to build your home? Do you already own land, or do you need to purchase a home site? Either way, visit your local planning and development department to ask about flood plains, toxic waste, and zoning limitations to ensure the type of home you’re planning on building will work on the property. You’ll also need to see what the cost of adding utilities such as sewer, gas, electricity, water, and more would be, and contact the health department for a perc test.

Planning: DIY vs Contracted Build

Now it’s time for the home planning research to begin! Will you be hiring a builder or acting as your own general contractor? If you plan to work with a builder, make sure you do your research. Find a reputable builder through attending home tours, getting recommendations through word of mouth, and even asking your county zoning commissioner for suggestions. Make sure you obtain several detailed price quotes from your top builders, and tour homes they have built to help you choose the builder that’s best for you.

One unique benefit of working with GreenStone is the ability to act as your own general contractor throughout the home construction process. If you choose to act as the general contractor for your project, you will be responsible for overseeing the build from start to finish, coordinating subcontractors, managing the budget, and more.

Ask yourself, “Am I capable of doing the labor myself, or know anyone that can help me? Do I have time and energy to make phone calls, complete the paperwork, handle scheduling of the project, and supervise the build?” Answering these questions honestly will help you make the right decision for you.

When to Talk to a Lender

The first step in working with your lender is obtaining a pre-qualification to know how much you can afford. Once your construction documents are completed, including the sworn statement, dwelling specifications, and blueprints, your lender will review them.

• Your sworn statement acts as a detailed breakdown of the cost of the entire project. It lists who is doing what work and how much each subcontractor will be paid.
• The dwelling specification worksheet lists the detailed materials used in the construction of the home, such as flooring, finishes, fixtures, and more

Once all documents have been reviewed and your loan has been approved, the title work and appraisal will be ordered. After the review of the title work and appraisal, the clear to close will be issued and a closing date will be scheduled.

The Draw Process

So, what is a draw? The funds for your construction process will be released in what are called draws, not all at once. This will help manage payments to all of your subcontractors.
For each draw, you will need to submit a notarized sworn statement along with all receipts, bills, or quotes to the title company and notify your lender. The title company approves the draw request and issues the endorsement. Your lender will then issue the funds, and you will secure the lien waivers prior to your next draw.

Completing Your Build

With a home construction loan from GreenStone, our team will be with you every step of the way through the process of building your new home. Your dedicated construction disbursement specialist will be your primary point of contact and will handle your draw requests as well as any documentation and communication with the title company.

Throughout the construction process, you can typically expect four inspections to ensure that the progress of the project is aligned with the funding requests you have made. Inspections by the appraiser are typically done:

• After the footings are installed
• At around 50% completion of the entire project
• Again at around 75% completion
• At completion

Once you have completed the construction of your home, there are just a few final steps left. Your final inspection and final draw will be completed at this stage, as well as obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the county.

What to Consider Before Building

No matter the type of home you’re dreaming of building, doing your research and thoroughly preparing prior to beginning construction is the key to a successful home building process. Do your homework early, and don’t be afraid to spend time doing research. The more planning that can be done upfront, the smoother the process will go.

Home construction is often the largest investment of a lifetime, so preparation is key. If you are interested in learning more about the home construction process or what it might look like to act as your own general contractor or subcontractor, register for one of GreenStone’s free home construction seminars online or in-person here.

Ready to dive into the home construction process? Click here to start your home construction loan application or contact your local GreenStone branch with any questions!

As Michiganders, we are truly fortunate to be surrounded by a wealth of fishing and hunting opportunities. Our state is home to world-class small game, thrilling turkey hunts in both peninsulas, excellent waterfowl hunting, and the perennial favorite, deer season.

But amidst all this abundance, one pursuit stands alone, a season so rare and coveted that it inspires over 40,000 people to apply for just 200 available tags—the elk hunt. Here in Michigan, the elk season is undeniably a special, once-in-a-lifetime quest.

Elk were reintroduced to Michigan in 1918. A few limited hunts occurred in the mid-1960s, but the annual hunt here in Michigan officially started in 1984. Since that time, the elk population has been managed by a limited hunt. The goal of the Michigan DNR is to maintain an elk population ranging from approximately 700 to 1,200 animals. The hunt has changed a bit year to year, but the current version is working well. There is an early hunt and a late hunt.

The early hunt involves a lot of scouting, with the mornings and evenings being the main focus as elk are only visible for a short time first thing in the morning, and for few minutes before dusk. The late hunt is in December and offers quite a difference from the early seasons. There is still a lot of scouting that takes place, but with the leaves down and snow on the ground, elk are much more visible and easier to track. The cold weather and lack of food also causes them to spend more time on their feet during daylight hours.

I’ve been lucky enough to tag along on many hunts here in Michigan, but it’s hard to put into words just how special this experience is. Elk are amazing animals, and getting picked by the lottery system they have in place is very much like winning the actual lottery! Since COVID, the pre-hunt meetings for all the lucky hunters takes place online, which is a shame. I remember year after year looking at the lucky hunters as they got their pre-hunt orientation from the DNR. The number of smiles and good vibes in that room was palpable, and quite something to be a part of. Of the tags available, many are for cow elk only, with some bull tags available as well. Getting a cow elk tag is certainly special, as elk make for some of the best meat you will ever eat, but the luckiest hunters receive the coveted “any elk” tag, meaning they can harvest a bull elk.

The elk we have in Michigan came from the Rocky Mountains and boast some incredible antlers. Seeing them in the woods is truly an awesome experience. To hear the bulls bugle is a sound that can make the hair on your neck stand on end! The elk herd is primarily contained in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula, from about Gaylord to Atlanta. Each hunter has a designated area to hunt in the core of the elk habitat, and then an outer area is open to anyone holding a tag. This is in part to contain the elk to their current area.

Many of us will never get a tag to hunt elk here in Michigan. But, just like the lottery, we still apply year after year in hopes of beating the system. Michiganders are only allowed one bull tag in a lifetime and can only draw a cow tag every 10 years, making it the most coveted tag here in our great state. Good luck to the lucky hunters who hit the lotto and get to chase elk around the woods this year!

To view the rest of the 2026 winter Partners articles please click here.

As the holiday magic and festivities wind down and the décor is put away, many of us find ourselves looking around and wondering how to refresh. From rearranging furniture to a fresh coat of paint, these low-budget DIY ideas can breathe new life into your interior to make your home feel cozy and welcoming all winter long!

Declutter and Reframe

The first step to any sort of refresh is getting a fresh start. Ensuring all holiday items are packed away for the next holiday season will give you more space to work. While the space is clear, take a peek at your walls and other décor that’s left year-round. Are there picture frames or artwork that could be moved from one room to the next? Subtle adjustments will give your space a whole new look and feel without buying anything new.

Rearrange Furniture

Each piece of furniture is like a puzzle piece, moving them around can completely transform the feel of a room. Orienting chairs and couches towards natural light will brighten those dark afternoons. Even small shifts, like pulling sofas closer together for easier group conversations or further apart for more space can make the room feel more purposeful.

Texture and Warmth

Inclement weather makes us want to be cozy and comfy. Layering throw blankets, pillows, and rugs add depth to the space. Choosing fabrics in rich textures such as knit, velvet, or fur invite the perfect amount of relaxation during those chilly evenings.

Bring the Outdoors In

Greenery doesn’t have to be for just the holidays. Houseplants and other natural elements like pinecones or dried arrangements can add life and texture to your winter décor. Not only do they look great, they can cleanse the air and uplift your mood.

Fresh Paint

Painting is one of the more dramatic ways to refresh your interior. Whether you go for an accent wall, an entire room, or just the doorframe it can quickly modernize the space. If you aren’t looking to invest in painting, wiping any dust or dirt from the walls can give them a refreshed glow too.

Miscellaneous

Adjusting the tone when guests arrive can uplift your space even more. A winter themed entryway fit with your favorite doormat and a basket for scarves allows everyone to feel welcome and ready for the weather.

Refreshing your home after the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming or a financial burden. Utilizing small but thoughtful tweaks will allow you to create a fresh space perfect for comfort, restoration, and inspiration for your home and family!

To view the rest of the 2026 winter Partners articles please click here.