The timber industry can be challenging, exhilarating, and unpredictable.
That’s something that Anthony Wender of Pine Creek Logging in Iron Mountain, Michigan knows all too well. Timber is in his blood; his grandpa, father, and uncle have been in the industry for decades. After he decided to stop cutting with them, he was on the search for bigger timber – and his own equipment. “It’s been in the family,” said Anthony. “When you grow up around it and grow up on the job site as a kid, you learn to like it. It doesn’t really feel like work.” Anthony worked with GreenStone Farm Credit Services in August to secure an equipment loan to purchase a harvester. For him, that too was simple. “It was just a simple phone call, and they helped me with the rest,” said Anthony. Now, he has the equipment necessary to grow his business and continue his family’s legacy of working in the woods. Anthony isn’t alone. GreenStone offers a variety of services and financing options to make timber dreams a reality across Michigan and northeast Wisconsin – even if you’re new to industry.
When you’re ready to take your logging operation to the next level, GreenStone can help!
Securing The Land
If you want to purchase vacant timberland as an investment, GreenStone can be of assistance.
When you’re ready to make an offer on land you intend to harvest timber from, we can provide land loan offerings including long term, fixed-rate mortgages.
GreenStone’s criteria for evaluating timber industry loan applications include repayment history, owner equity, repayment capacity, and loan-to-appraised value. And when you’re done logging the land, you can keep that land for other purposes. In many circumstances, loggers will keep the land as either recreational land for hunting or as residential property for rural homes for family members or cabins.
If You’re Young and Beginning, No Problem. We’ll help you save money.
To start a timber operation, you will likely need equipment and some start-up capital.
GreenStone offers long-term fixed rates for equipment from three to seven years including flexible payments options including skip payments during spring break-up months.
Through our CultivateGrowth program, we can offer flexibility for new loggers who may have a difficult time securing a loan elsewhere. GreenStone’s options and new programs emphasize they understand the importance of investing in the next generation of those with sawdust in their blood.
We all know the cost of fuel continues to fluctuate and parts and supplies are in short supply due to lingering pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. To keep your equipment and vehicles fueled up and fully functional, consider opening a revolving line of credit operating loan through GreenStone. This can help keep your interest expense low for day-to-day expenses, as opposed to using a fuel or credit card.
Putting Money Back in Your Pocket
Because GreenStone is a cooperative and owned by our members we serve, we give back a significant portion of their annual earnings each year to their members in the form of a Patronage check.
In March, GreenStone gave back nearly 45% of its 2021 net earnings to customers – totaling $115 million! Over the course of seventeen years, members have received $720 million dollars in Patronage dividends. As a customer, you too would benefit from Patronage program!
Get Started
There are five main things applicants need to provide for underwriting and loan approval: a Certificate of Authorized Representatives, a signed and dated application, copies of driver’s licenses, three years of federal and state tax returns, and a complete market-based balance sheet for all entities and individuals co-signing or guaranteeing the loan.
At GreenStone, we have the capability to obtain those documents both virtually and in person. Thanks to years of experience, we understand this process can be overwhelming, and our team of industry experts are happy to walk you through the process.
If you have questions about timber financing, contact one of our branches to speak to one of their timber financing experts by calling 800-444-3276 or by visiting our loan page here.
This article was originally posted in The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association publication here.
In this issue of Behind the Scenes, we hear from three agribusiness lenders as they speak about their role at GreenStone.
Sara Trattles
15 years of service
VP of Agribusiness Lending
Schoolcraft, MI
Describe how your role carries out the GreenStone mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture.
In my role I am helping GreenStone promote the mission by working to come up with solutions for my customers that will improve their businesses and help them feed America. The most obvious is providing financing, but as I work with them to understand their financing needs, I often uncover ways to support them beyond the loan, such as other services like crop insurance, accounting, tax preparation, and life insurance. I work to understand their future needs and evaluate how each project today impacts those plans.
How has being able to specialize in specific commodities allowed you to better service your customers?
In working with specialty crops it is important to learn about the industry. It helps to understand the operations, their marketing opportunities and ability to move the needle. Over the past ten plus years, I have worked with several specialty crops with extensive research done on blueberries. As I completed my Masters in Agribusiness I focused my thesis on profitability of the blueberry industry in southwest Michigan. My research included looking at other parts of the country and internationally where blueberries are grown, market channels, understanding the fresh and processed side of the business and the overall industry. This thought process can be adapted to all the specialty products we raise in Michigan. I believe this helps me to better understand, question, and partner with our customers.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy the diversity of the role. Some days are In front of customers on the farms and businesses exploring their livelihoods, others are working at a desk taking care of customers’ needs and learning more about the industry.
Kyle Hurley
6 years of service
VP of Agribusiness Lending at the time of the article, now VP ＆ Agribusiness Lending Manager
Berrien Springs, MI
Describe how your role carries out the GreenStone mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture.
It is my role as a swine specialist to work to understand the changing needs of our pork producers as we meet with them at their farms, and assist them in obtaining and optimizing loans and other financial services from GreenStone to address those needs. Part of my role is to make customers aware of the full breadth of financing and financial services that GreenStone provides and suggest ways to help customers improve their farm’s performance, save interest, save time, or help them reduce risk.
What is your favorite customer memory?
This past year, while delivering Patronage checks, I had the pleasure of connecting with multiple family members from one of our pork producers. In separate discussions, both expressed how grateful they were to GreenStone for how we had worked with them during the difficult times they faced in 2020 and in the years prior to it, and how that was so important to their farm’s future and to their families. They also appreciated that GreenStone had provided them some additional credit during that time which helped them to become more efficient and take advantage of new market opportunities along with optimizing their loan structure and reducing interest costs with interest rate conversions. Those discussions motivate me to keep trying to find creative ways to serve our pork producers and other customers!
What do you enjoy about your role?
The best part of my job is meeting with customers, particularly when it involves providing financing to help the farm to solve a significant, long-term problem or goal. The excitement that the customers have about the promise of the new opportunity or solution that is brought about in part with the financing that GreenStone provides, is something I am privileged to share in as their lender. It is very satisfying to know I play a small part in helping them succeed. GreenStone exists to serve our customers by helping their families and farm operations navigate both the challenges of farming and of transitioning ownership and management of the farm over the long term. I particularly enjoy customer meetings where multiple generations are represented in the discussions and decisions and getting to know the families better.
To view the article in the online 2022 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
For 64 years, Hunters Creek Club in Lapeer County’s village of Metamora has been welcoming members for a full-scale outdoor experience.
The club opened in 1958 by Preston Mann just five miles down the road from its current location. In 1992, Preston’s son, Charlie Mann, took over his father’s business at just 26 years old and has been President and CEO ever since.
Charlie certainly was not new to the club. His father exposed him to the outdoor paradise for as long as he can remember.
“I started going to work with him from the time I was a toddler,” Charlie said.
Even though Charlie moved about an hour away to attend Michigan State University to earn a degree in Agriculture Economics, he always knew he wanted to come back to run the club.
“It’s fun,” Charlie said. “I’m outside everyday with great people. The people we work with are great people and our customers are great people.”
Those great people he works with include ten full time employees, along with his son Eric and wife Claudia.
Charlie said working with his family is one of his favorite parts of the business.
“I think this is the best part of having a farm or family business is that the togetherness is nice,” said Charlie. “At the end of the day, it’s wonderful to know you’re working for a common goal.”
The Attractions
So, what brings people to Hunters Creek Club? For Charlie, the answer is simple – an escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
“People love to get away from congestion and get out in the fresh air and be able to relax,” Charlie said. “At the end of the day, our product is giving them a place to get out and away from the grind. They appreciate the open space.”
The club has a little bit of everything including pheasant and partridge hunting, a 60 acre lake for blue gill and pike fishing and a full-functioning restaurant for their members.
Aside from enjoying some skeet shooting, pheasant hunting and fishing, the club also offers dog training. They train dogs how to use their natural instincts on the hunt and offer dog boarding and obedience training for non-members on their land.
Along with all of these offerings, you’ll also find a small herd of 30 cows grazing near the property. Handling cattle is something Charlie has been passionate about since college. “When I was a student at Michigan State University, I went to the Beef Cattle Teaching Center, and developed an interest in cow and calf operations,” said Charlie.
Charlie sells their beef on the farm and some of it is used in the restaurant.
Where GreenStone Steps In
Hunters Creek Club sits on some 1,020 acres of land – but it wasn’t always that large.
“We wanted to expand our acreage back in 2002 because we were really humming along,” said Charlie.
That’s when GreenStone comes into the journey. Charlie met with the Lapeer branch team to secure a loan to purchase more land. He says the process was simple.
Charlie works with Financial Services Officer Tracy Jelinek.
“She’s fantastic to work with as we have equipment needs or want to do infrastructure improvements, she’s always right there for us, to help us with a loan.”
Providing that help is something Tracy is more than happy to do. She loves the tradition that comes along with Hunter’s Creek Club.
“Charlie has great respect for his late father and the legacy that his father built at Hunters Creek Club,” said Tracy. “He has a business mindset and takes great pride in providing his members with the perfect outdoor experience. He puts 100% into everything he does. He stays hands-on and engaged in every aspect.”
Since his first land loan, Charlie has leaned on GreenStone for operating and equipment financing – something Tracy said happens often.
“It’s not uncommon for a borrower to need equipment loans or even cattle loans,” said Tracy.
Charlie said he works with GreenStone often because of the positive experience he has had.
“The culture at GreenStone is really great,” said Charlie. “Our branch office is very friendly. I’d definitely recommend GreenStone to someone else.”
And according to Tracy, that friendliness comes naturally, because she loves being able to help people’s dreams come true – like Charlie’s.
“To be able to work with farmers everyday and see their operations grow, make adjustments in good and bad times, is an honor and that’s what I enjoy,” said Tracy.
As far as the future, Charlie hopes to expand – but he is not giving away all of his big dreams.
“We have some dreams we’d like to work on, but we’ll keep them secret for a while.”
To view the article in the online 2022 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
If you take a drive along the backroads of Williamsburg, Michigan near Traverse City, you will find rows and rows of cherry and apple trees.
But it’s not just fruit that’s growing along the breathtaking Elk Lake, it’s a family business with rich history.
Before the Civil War, Joseph Sours purchased 130 acres of land for just $1.25 an acre. The farm eventually was passed down to Joseph’s son, Frank Sours, but unfortunately during the great depression, the family lost all but 12 acres of the land, which Joseph’s Grandson John Sours maintained.
Fast forward to 2020, and John’s grandsons Dan and Jason Lake were able to work with GreenStone to secure a land loan to gain much of this special land back.
“It’s something I always wanted but I never honestly thought this land would become available,” Dan said about the purchase. “To be honest, this whole deal wouldn’t be possible without GreenStone.”
“It’s a sense of accomplishment, it’s a sense of pride, it’s really a blessing from God,” said Jason. “I did not know how this was ever going to come about. It’s something I always wanted to have happen, it was a vision and the hope, and I’m just shocked that it has come together.”
A Family Affair
The long rows of apples and cherries surround Dan and Jason’s mother and father’s home. Because Dan and Jason have full time jobs outside of farming, they lean greatly on their father Larry and mother Sally to help keep the orchard going.
Dan works as a special education coordinator in southeast Michigan, and Jason works in manufacturing in Charlevoix, Michigan.
“I couldn’t do this without help,” Dan said. “Certainly my dad, Larry Lake, has been instrumental in the success of this. My summers lighten up because it’s a school district so I can do a lot more in the summertime. Whatever needs done, we find a way to do that. If I’m not there, Jason’s there. If Jason’s not there, I’m there. If we’re not there, my dad’s there.”
“It’s a struggle to make it all work right now,” said Jason. “It’s a lot of give and take. There’s time where one person may feel like they’re holding up the whole world, which isn’t the case but it surely feels that way. We have to coordinate and work together.”
Jason also said he couldn’t take all of this on without the help of his wife, Kathy Chamberlain-Lake, who is no stranger to growing fruit – between her full-time job at a produce company and her upbringing.
“I grew up on ten acres of cherries also, so for me it’s kind of like coming home in a sense,” said Kathy.
Protecting the Prize
The biggest part of a successful fruit farm is a successful crop. Cherry planting has been in the Lake family for years, but growing apples is new to them. Between pruning the trees and spraying them at the right time, the brothers had a lot to learn.
Dan and Jason work together to make sure the orchard is being taken care of at all times, but there are some things you can’t control when it comes to farming.
They work with GreenStone to make sure their apples are covered by crop insurance for that extra layer of protection – because they never want to be in the situation their ancestors were all those years ago!
The plan Dan and Jason chose covers all the bases. Their insurance protects the quality of their apples, along with the quantity.
“It’s just a peace of mind,” said Dan. “If there’s a disaster, I know I’m going to be able to pay the mortgage and make my payments and pay the bills. Without that, if something went wrong, I’d be in real trouble.”
As beginning farmers, they are not only dealing with the weather and market risks every farmer faces, but they’re also learning the ropes of farming as they go. Hence, the brothers also, in part, qualified for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher subsidy which provides an extra 10% subsidy on the policy for even more protection for their new orchard business.
Crop Insurance Specialist Trevor Gernaat helped them create the perfect crop insurance plan for their unique situation.
“It has been really neat to hear their story,” said Trevor. “Very early on in our relationship, learning the backside of their story was really cool because I could tell how proud they are. It’s been pretty special to be a part of that story and to be able to help protect something so special to them.”
The Future
The future is fruitful for the Lake brothers. Dan and Jason hope to eventually make the farm their full-time gig.
“We would like to retire into farming,“ said Jason. “That’s what we’re trying to get to. God willing, we would continue to expand and we would want to do it as adjacent as possible.”
Dan and Jason are happy to keep working with GreenStone to make their dreams happen – between land loans and crop insurance.
“It’s nice having it all under one roof, one company,” said Dan. “Trevor makes the process pretty simple.”
And Trevor is happy to continue being a part.
“They are very proud of their story, it’s really humbling for them to be able to have that family aspect and be involved in the farm,” said Trevor.
Full-time or not, the brothers are just happy to have this land back in the family all these years later, and be sure they are secure no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
“There’s a difficulty to work through but there’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment that comes along with this, and I feel like I’m working in my forefather’s footsteps,” said Jason.
To view the article in the online 2022 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
Dan’s farm is small, but mighty. You won’t just find your usual apples, potatoes and onions on the property, but a number of unique crops, too.
Ask anyone in the small village of Lawton, Michigan about Dan Owens and chances are, they either know him, or have at least eaten his large variety of fruits and vegetables.
But Dan wasn’t always a small-town farmer. Before moving back to Michigan in 2017, Dan worked in corporate human resources in San Diego, California.
After making friends with people at a nonprofit farm and spending two years learning the ropes from them, he decided he needed a change. He began to save up money to turn in the west coast white collar life for a blue collar career in Michigan as a small, beginning farmer.
“Friends that I had growing up, when I told them I was quitting my corporate job to become a vegetable farmer, thought I was nuts, but they knew I would always do something like this,” said Dan.
He saved enough money to maintain the farm for three years without needing to turn a profit.
“I had this three-year plan and I had saved so I knew I could do three years without any income so it didn’t feel that risky, but I also had no idea what I didn’t know about owning a farm,” Dan recalled.
The GreenStone Difference
After securing a land loan with GreenStone, he officially opened the farm in March 2017 on a 13-acre piece of land.
When you drive by, you’ll see two hoop houses, plenty of crops and even a fruit and vegetable stand for the community to get their fill. But it wasn’t always this vivacious, and someone who knows that well is Dan’s financial services officer Emelee Razjer.
“My trip daily to and from work in Schoolcraft went past his property that he purchased,” said Emelee. “I literally watched from the minute the property was listed for sale all the way up to the first greenhouse.”
Emelee wasn’t always in charge of Dan’s account, but as the farm grew, her expertise made it appropriate for her to step in – something she was ecstatic to do.
“I feel like driving past it, not knowing who he was, but yet it was impressionable enough that I kept an eye on it says something,” said Emelee. “I’ve been watching this farm grow from the ground up and watching his dream and vision become a reality and GreenStone was a part of that, and now I get to be a part of that.”
With Emelee’s background in fruit and vegetable crops, she was able to help the farm expand.
“He really enjoys it because he has someone with that knowledge base and background in fruits and vegetables,” said Emelee.
“When I got connected with Emelee, that was awesome,” said Dan. “She has farming in her family and she can speak the language. It’s such a different experience than I’ve ever had before. I’ve never worked with someone on any financial endeavor that has actually stopped by the farm, so I’ve been extremely happy with her.”
Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Farm
Dan’s farm is small, but mighty. You won’t just find your usual apples, potatoes and onions on the property, but a number of unique crops, too.
“Customers tell me they’re glad I like to grow a lot of the normal stuff like onions and potatoes and carrots, but also have some unusual things,” said Dan. “If customers tell me about something, I try to incorporate some fun things each year.”
Dan also grows herbs and makes his own spices, and produces honey and syrup. If you take a trip to the farm, you will probably also notice the chickens and his fresh eggs for sale.
Dan says when choosing his crops and products, he thinks about what people want to use in the kitchen.
“I absolutely love it, it’s so exciting for me. I love to cook and one time thought about working in the restaurant industry, so I think that helps me work in the farm industry as well because I can tell people how to cook something with my products,” said Dan. “It’s cool to see people buy your vegetables at a market and come back the next week and have them show you a picture of something on their phone of something they made with it.”
In The Community
Dan is a people person, and that’s why attending the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market each weekend is one of his favorite parts of being a farmer. He has enough crops each week to fill a 20 foot table. But he’s not just there for his bottom line; he loves making connections in the community, something Emelee can attest to.
“It was just impressive how many people we knew in common, and I think that’s also a testimony of being very well-connected in the agriculture community,” said Emelee.
“It’s a small world,” said Dan. “You’re only a couple people away from knowing any farmer in the area, and you’re even closer to the customers.”
Getting Better, not Bigger
Dan plans to remain a small farm and continue to serve people in the community. He doesn’t plan to expand his land any time soon, but he wants to keep an eye on new inventions and equipment to make his farm better.
Most importantly, he wants to keep people happy.
“It’s about providing food to the community, but it’s also a lifestyle,” said Dan. “I don’t want to go any bigger. I want to get better. Some crops come and go every single year, and I hope I’m growing things people want.”
And GreenStone is happy to be on his side as he continues making his small, beginning farmer vision come alive.
“I’m just really happy to be part of Dan’s team and making his dream become a reality,” said Emelee.
To view the article in the online 2022 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
GreenStone’s newly appointed CEO Travis Jones is at the helm of the more than 100-year-old organization and building upon the strong foundation laid by previous CEO Dave Armstrong.
Why GreenStone: “I’ve stuck around with Greenstone for 15 years. It’s been easy. After my very first interview 15 years ago, it felt like home. The culture just came through. And after my second interviews, I told my wife this would be a great place to work. Since that day, I’ve always wanted to end my career here, and that’s certainly still my intent.”
What keeps you motivated: “It’s easy to be motivated on a daily basis. We’ve got the greatest customers in the world. They wake every day to work hard, to provide a dependable, affordable source of food, and our staff and our culture really support that. As the leader of this organization, I know I have to be here every day and be on top of my game because that’s what our staff expect, and that’s certainly what our customers expect. When they’re waking up at 4:30 in the morning to feed the world, it’s pretty easy to get motivated, to make sure that I’m here supporting our staff for Greenstone to be there for our customers.”
Who is Travis off the clock? “That starts with my wife Sue, with whom I have three children: my son Tyler (29), and my daughters Mackenzie (26) and Katelyn (23). They’ve all graduated from either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. Two now have their own careers and the third is finishing graduate school. So that’s been a change for my wife and I as our kids were very into athletics as they grew up. We kept very busy going from spot to spot depending on what sport and what season it was. Since they have graduated, we’ve gotten to spend more time together. We enjoy our cottage on Gun Lake, and have gotten into pickleball. Although it’s more to stay active than for enjoyment, I also run each day.”
What’s your back story? “My connection with agriculture really started as a young kid. My grandparents had a small farm which my parents bought when I was five years old. So I got to grow up on a small farm in Chapin, Michigan. My grandparents were also part owners of the Owosso Livestock Sales. At a very young age I had a firsthand understanding of livestock auctions. There were no better days than Thursdays when I went with my grandpa to haul livestock to the Owosso sales, watch the auction and hang out with him at the stockyard. I was very excited to come to GreenStone and reconnect with that agricultural background.”
Travis Jones Excited to take Organization to the Next Level
Travis, who previously served as CFO of the company, assumed his role as CEO Aug. 1, 2022, following Dave’s retirement. Throughout his 15-year tenure with GreenStone, Travis has consistently supported the rural and agricultural communities in Michigan and northeast Wisconsin with a primary goal to help them grow, thrive and succeed.
“Transitioning from CFO to CEO is certainly a big step, and it’s a step that I’ve been preparing for,” Travis said. “I valued Dave Armstrong’s mentorship and really paid attention to his personal approach, forward-moving thought process and inclusive leadership, so it does feel like a natural progression to carry that forward. GreenStone has a fantastic team at every level, and that’s going to make this transition seamless.”
“GreenStone has been around for more than a century, and as I take the reins of the organization, we remain focused on continued solid growth through impeccable service to our members and superior engagement within our talented team,” Travis affirmed.
With a commitment to “customers first,” Travis and the entire GreenStone team work with a mindset of customer satisfaction and consistent quality with an emphasis on individual solutions and support for agriculture and rural living as well as young, beginning and small farmers.
“Our young, beginning and small farmers are very diverse in terms of their farm size, location, products grown, services provided and the consumers they connect with,” he said. “We recognize the value in cultivating relationships with these passionate farmers and helping to mentor and guide them to be the next generation of successful farmers.”
With this appreciation built on top of his agricultural foundation rooted early in his life, Travis is eager to be a part of the cooperative’s future success.
“I was very excited to come to GreenStone 15 years ago and reconnect with my agriculture background,” Travis said. “I know my grandparents would be proud of me, and my parents are grateful for the positive impact we’re a part of helping our members make. This is a very rewarding place to work, and I know firsthand we have some of the best customers in the world thanks to their role in feeding and serving in our rural communities!”
Beyond GreenStone, Travis is involved on the board of the Michigan Finance Authority to help provide impactful, affordable loans for cities, colleges and public schools; he also serves on the Michigan FFA Association board providing support to year-round agriscience curriculum and youth development activities.
To view the article in the online 2022 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
Legislative and Public Policy Committee
The Committee helps to develop the association’s legislative and public policy strategy that aligns with GreenStone’s priorities. They manage the coordinated action plan to support these issues that affect GreenStone, our members, and the overall Farm Credit System. As part of this, the directors work to stay abreast and engaged in legislative and public policy issues and activities impacting our members, rural communities and agriculture.
- Jed Welder, Vice Chair
- Terri Hawbaker
- Dennis Muchmore
- Dale Wagner
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for aligning compensation practices for GreenStone’s employees with sound operations and long-term performance, and providing, in an open and transparent manner, accurate, comprehensive, and understandable disclosure on its compensation programs.
- Peter Maxwell, Chair
- Ed Reed, Vice Chair
- Dave McConnachie
- Mike Timmer
Peter Maxwell, Board Vice Chair
GreenStone utilizes a board committee structure to ensure adequate review of policies, procedures, and functions while maintaining corporate governance and following Farm Credit Administration regulations in an efficient manner. We have quarterly committee meetings that generally last several hours, as well as occasional conference calls and/or virtual meetings. The board annually participates in training on committee functions.
The committee structure provides an opportunity for the members of the board to delve deeper into their specific committees in a focused, efficient manner. Once the committees have hashed out recommendations or specific reporting requirements, the committee chairs report to the board to allow further discussion or propose motions to the larger group for approval. Personally, I have enjoyed the opportunity to network in a smaller group with fellow board members as well as members of management that report to the specific committees. If you know me very well, you know I am very inquisitive. When I was on the Finance Committee and Travis was CFO, I always appreciated him being available to answer any and all questions. In our discussions I quickly realized he and I were rooting for opposing Big Ten teams in Michigan, which added a little friendly back and forth banter… Go GREEN!
Committee Structure
GreenStone’s Board of Directors currently have five committees: Executive, Audit, Finance, Legislative and Public Policy, and Compensation.
The Audit Committee’s primary function is to fulfill oversight responsibilities in financial reporting, internal controls, audit process, and corporate governance. The Finance Committee monitors GreenStone’s financial and capital planning, asset and liability management and funding, and investment activities. The Legislative and Public Policy committee develops legislative and public policy strategies, manages an action plan that directs activities to support issues affecting GreenStone and the Farm Credit System. This is a very important committee that is continually looking out for our members’ best interests…don’t forget to support your GreenStone PAC!
The final two committees are the Executive and Compensation Committees of which I currently serve on with our Chairman, Ed Reed along with Mike Timmer and Dave McConnachie. The Executive Committee works with the CEO and other Executive Vice Presidents to provide leadership by reviewing and discussing organizational direction including vision, mission, and strategic objectives. We also review, discuss, and provide recommendations to the board for administrative and governance-related activities. The Compensation Committee includes the same members as the Executive Committee and ensures management of GreenStone’s compensation programs along with developing a fair and reasonable senior officer compensation plan that is competitive in the marketplace. This committee also reviews performance criteria and evaluations and recommend the ratings and salary actions for the CEO to the board.
All committees are assigned by the Board Chair with the exception of the Executive and Compensation Committees which are elected by the fellow board members starting with election of the Chair, Vice Chair, and two additional members, respectively. This board reorganization process takes place at our August Board meeting following the annual election results for the cooperative that are announced in mid-June.
To view the article in the online 2022 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ newly appointed CEO Travis Jones is at the helm of the more than 100-year-old organization and building upon the strong foundation laid by previous CEO Dave Armstrong.
Jones, who previously served as CFO of the company, assumed his role as CEO Aug. 1, 2022, following Armstrong’s retirement. Throughout Jones’ 15-year tenure with GreenStone, he has consistently supported the rural and agricultural communities in Michigan and northeast Wisconsin with a primary goal to help them grow, thrive, and succeed.
“Transitioning from CFO to CEO is certainly a big step, and it’s a step that I’ve been preparing for,” Jones said. “I valued Dave Armstrong’s mentorship and really paid attention to his personal approach, forward-moving thought process and inclusive leadership, so it does feel like a natural progression to carry that forward. GreenStone has a fantastic team at every level, and that is helping make this transition seamless.”
GreenStone is a member of the Farm Credit System cooperative founded as part of the Farm Credit Act of 1916. Since 2000, GreenStone has grown on average roughly 9% each year, from $1.8 billion to $12 billion in total assets by advancing financial solution offerings to meet the evolving needs of farmers and rural consumers. GreenStone supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent financing options for farming, agribusiness, country homes, and recreational property, as well as financial services to support customers’ risk management needs including accounting and tax services and crop and life insurance options.
“GreenStone has been around for more than a century, and as I take the reins of the organization, we remain focused on continued solid growth through impeccable service to our members and superior engagement within our talented team,” Jones affirmed.
As a cooperative, GreenStone partners with more than 28,000 members in Michigan and northeast Wisconsin through service provided by more than 600 teammates. Those members once again indicated 95% customer satisfaction with GreenStone in 2022, a factor evaluated closely by the cooperative to help ensure customers receive the support, service and products needed to help them be successful. That service is directly tied to the engagement of the GreenStone team, which also rates its employer in the top 90th percentile among other organizations in the nation for its employee support and engaging culture.
With a commitment to “customers first,” Jones and the entire GreenStone team work with a mindset of customer satisfaction and consistent quality with an emphasis on individual solutions and support for agriculture and rural living as well as young, beginning, and small farmers.
“Our young, beginning and small farmers are very diverse in terms of their farm size, location, products grown, services provided and the consumers they connect with,” Jones said. “We recognize the value in cultivating relationships with these passionate farmers and helping to mentor and guide them to be the next generation of successful farmers.”
Jones grew up on a small family farm in rural Chapin, Michigan, and was involved in livestock auctions from a very young age. He now lives in Owosso with his wife Sue, where they together raised three children.
“I was very excited to come to GreenStone 15 years ago and reconnect with my agriculture background,” Jones said. “I know my grandparents would be proud of me, and my parents are grateful for the positive impact we’re a part of helping our members make. This is a very rewarding place to work, and I know firsthand we have some of the best customers in the world thanks to their role in feeding and serving our rural communities!”
Jones is involved on the board of the Michigan Finance Authority to help provide impactful, affordable loans for cities, colleges, and public schools; he also serves on the Michigan FFA Association board providing support to year-round agriscience curriculum and youth development activities.
Hear firsthand from Travis on his fond agricultural memories and his excitement for the strength and future of GreenStone and its members: https://youtu.be/I0aMeVXkmhk.
GreenStone Farm Credit Services Announces the Appointment of Kimberly Brunner as Chief Financial Officer
GreenStone Farm Credit Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Kimberly Brunner as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Brunner assumed the new role on August 1, 2022, in sync with the previous announcement of former CFO Travis Jones transitioning to the chief executive officer leadership position for the association.
“Kim’s focus on both the details and the impact they have on others sets her apart. Having seen her knowledge and approach while she supported the association through her role at AgriBank, we knew we were fortunate to gain her experience when she joined GreenStone,” said President and CEO Travis Jones. “On top of that, having worked directly with her over the last several years, I am confident she’ll provide strong leadership and financial discipline to help assure the ongoing financial strength of our cooperative.”
Brunner began her career in the accounting and financial space over 30 years ago, earning a bachelor’s degree from University of Northern Iowa and becoming a CPA. She gained excellence in her skillset throughout her career in business financial analysis, auditing, internal controls, and financial reporting. Brunner has served in several financial roles over the years, having spent the last decade working within the Farm Credit System, first at AgriBank prior to joining GreenStone in 2019.
She most recently served as the senior vice president of finance and operations for GreenStone where she was responsible for financial reporting of internal controls, management of external financial audits, leadership of GreenStone’s operational team throughout its 35 locations, and overseeing various risk control measures for the association.
As the CFO, Brunner will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to issues affecting GreenStone’s long range financial viability, as well as day-to-day financial activities. She will be focused on the association’s finance and accounting activity, as well as the operations and facilities management teams.
“I am honored with the opportunity to continue providing leadership to the GreenStone team and its members,” Brunner affirmed. “I’ve admired the focus on delivering quality and superior services to our members, and I’m committed to ensuring those values come with a sustained strong financial base to continue our mission long into the future.”
Melissa Stolicker
Executive VP & Chief Internal Auditor
East Lansing, MI
18 Years of services
Describe how your role carries out the GreenStone mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture.
The audit department is designed to add value and improve operations through evaluating and assessing the effectiveness of risk management and internal control. Our members benefit from an organization with a strong culture and cooperative governance, as well as efficient and effective operations.
What opportunities do you see as we move forward with a new CEO?
We have a strong track record of providing credit and financial services across the agricultural and rural communities we serve, so I do not predict wholesale changes in structure or operations. All changes in leadership bring a different perspective and our new CEO will bring their unique viewpoints and strategies.
In looking back at the cycle of agriculture over the past decades, where do you see the greatest challenge for GreenStone and our members?
The volatility of inputs and commodity prices seem to challenge our producers. Our members are very good at agricultural production, managing the costs and ensuring a strong value for the sale of the product is where we see the challenges.
What do you enjoy about your role?
The role of auditor can sometimes be intimidating. I enjoy meeting with staff throughout the organization and helping them understand that our department is here to ensure GreenStone has strong controls in place to support the long-term viability of the organization.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In the summer we enjoy spending time up north on the lake with family, friends and our two horribly spoiled dogs.
Paul Anderson
Executive VP & Chief Credit Officer
East Lansing, MI
39 Years of Service
Describe how your role carries out the GreenStone mission of supporting rural communities and agriculture.
The credit department’s role is to extend sound constructive credit that balances the financial needs of individual customers with the overall financial health of GreenStone for the benefit of the 28,000 neighbors that are a part of this lending cooperative. We focus on three basic principles in the development of our rules and tools utilized to make the loans, service the loans and collect the loans:
- Calculating the correct amount of analysis to arrive at a reasoned business decision.
- Aligning the right resource with the right loan – automate decisions when possible, and incorporate knowledge and experience for a blended analysis when necessary.
- Get the room right. The strength of GreenStone is in the diversity of opinion in the development of our guidance.
How has GreenStone prepared to withstand future challenges?
An organizational culture of never being complacent, employees that live and are committed to our core values each day, and a team that is focused on supporting each other and serving our customer owners. With that, having a stewardship mindset of leaving this a better place than when we started individually and collectively.
In looking back at the cycle of agriculture over the past decades, where do you see the greatest challenge for GreenStone and our members?
Not forgetting the lessons of history. We are entering a cycle similar, but less severe at the moment, of the inflationary cycle of the late 1970s that were followed by the harsh correction of the 1980’s for agriculture. We are in a much better position as we start to move through the correction cycle we will experience over the next three to five years. During this time, we need to make sure we do not over or under react. Respectful communications, thoughtful development of options that include giving people adequate time to make rational decisions is paramount.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy the people, our team approach, and working with and for our customers. We have the privilege of partnering with our farm owners, the 1% of this country’s population that literally helps feed the world. During my time in the credit department, we have created a philosophy of looking for ways to say “yes”. We are in the risk management business, not the risk avoidance business. In part, that comes with the development of a team approach to wholistically serve our customers and the relationship philosophy of a “trusted partner” rather than a “banker”.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with family, friends, and community of our church; golfing; and fishing.
I also enjoy being a Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan in Michigan!
To view the article in the online 2022 Summer Partners Magazine, click here.