Greg Kugel is no stranger to taking risks. At 19 years old, when he expressed interest in coming back to the family cash crop farm after being away at college and working as sales rep for a crop inputs company, Greg’s dad, John, agreed but under one condition: Greg would take on farming a few acres of his own. John told him if he could make a profit, he could leave college and return to the farm full-time.

Realizing a Dream

Greg had worked on the farm growing up, but while he was in college recognized his calling had always been farming. “Working in an office made me realize that when it comes to what I do every day, ten out of ten times I’d rather be in the tractor,” said Greg. “For me that’s what is the most rewarding and what I look forward to.”

Greg’s parents always encouraged him to return to the family farm after completing a college degree. Seeing his desire to build on the family legacy, yet recognizing the challenges that would lay ahead, John, who had taken over a few acres of grain for some neighboring farms at the time, challenged Greg to farm a few acres of grain on his own.

“That was one of the wettest years on record,” Greg laughed as he recalled that first year he was responsible for farming his own land. Despite the challenges he faced his first season, Greg made a profit!

“After that season, I was ready to pursue farming full time, but I knew I would have to bring something new to the table. I didn’t just want to be another person for the farm to payroll- I wanted to bring in an additional revenue stream to help the farm expand,” said Greg.

A New Direction

Kugel Farms started as a fruit farm nearly a century ago, growing a wide variety of produce. Located in Berrien Springs, Mich, the farm was founded in 1930 by Greg’s great grandfather Grover Kugel who purchased the original 80 acres. Only 15 miles off the coast of Lake Michigan, the farm’s soil and climate provide ideal conditions for growing fruit.
Today, the farm spans over 225 acres, and has transitioned its focus from mostly tart cherries to grapes, peaches, and over sixteen varieties of apples.

“When I came back to the farm, a neighbor approached me about renting out some apple orchards,” said Greg.

The farm began selling their produce wholesale, but Greg had a vision to sell to the fresh market as well. “I grew up around other producers who were selling at local farmer’s markets, and that’s what gave me the idea to start getting our fruit in front of customers so they could enjoy the farm fresh produce we were proud of growing.”

“That’s when I got the idea to start travelling to the Chicago Farmers’ Markets,” Greg said. “I really started pushing for this idea in January of 2020, and then two months later the pandemic was in full swing.” What seemed like a possible roadblock in Greg’s plans turned out to be one of the tickets to his success.

Despite the uncertainty, Greg prepared all spring for the farm’s first trip to the farmers’ market. Only a little over an hour and half away, Chicago is home to dozens of farmers’ market locations that host thousands of vendors and customers weekly.

“Farmers’ markets were one of the only places people could still gather during the pandemic because they were outside, so we saw massive success that first year we started making trips to Chicago each week. I think people were just so anxious to go somewhere and be outside. We sold out the first trip we took there, and that’s when I realized this could be a really profitable source of income for the farm.”

Supported for Growth

Greg and several of the farm’s full-time employees started making multiple trips to the Chicago Farmers’ Markets each week, putting them on a path of rapid growth over the next few years. At that point, Greg recognized his need for not only financial support, but industry expertise as his farming operations continued to grow.

“That’s when I reached out to GreenStone, and they introduced me to Jeff Ginter,” said Greg, referring to the vice president of lending who works out of GreenStone’s Berrien Springs branch. “I’ve been working with Jeff since the beginning. When I really started growing, I needed a loan to help me make upgrades to my equipment and help with operating expenses. Jeff knew exactly what kind of operating note I was going to need and walked me through every step of the loan process and everything I needed to know like the interest rate and structure of my loans.”

“When I first started working with Greg, he had just started farming on his own and had big ideas of what he wanted to achieve within his first five years farming. When he started going to the Chicago Farmers’ Markets, he came to GreenStone seeking financial support, and I was excited to start working with him to help set him up for success,” said Jeff.

“I’ve loved working with Greg because he truly has a passion for what he does, and he has so much energy. It’s really rewarding for me to work with younger farmers who are just starting out because I enjoy watching them succeed and seeing their operations grow over time.”

“I really had to lean on Jeff to determine what I needed to operate and upgrade to still make the operation profitable. I would consider Jeff a vital part of what I do. I know I can text him anytime and he’s always there to answer my questions.”

As the demand for fresh produce at Kugel’s Farms stand continued to grow, Greg also realized he needed assistance with keeping his farm’s books up to date and turned to GreenStone again for support with tax and accounting services.

“I began to realize how valuable my time was, and having professional support even with something you might be able to do yourself is worth it for the time you can put back into your operation.”

The Power of Starting Today

During the busy farmers’ market season, which usually runs from the end of May through the end of October, Greg loads up a box truck full of fresh produce including a variety of apples, berries, peaches, tomatoes, and other vegetables and makes a trip to the Chicago Farmers’ Markets three times a week. He has gained a large following of regular customers that he looks forward to seeing each week.

“To me, it’s really rewarding to share the product we grow ourselves with people who are excited about it,” said Greg.

Greg now farms 50 acres of his own land, harvesting about 40 acres of apple varieties, and 10 acres of other seasonal produce to take with him to the markets.

“My advice for a young farmer who is just starting out? I would say if you are willing to learn, there is always someone out there who is willing to help. In farming, there are plenty of people who want to see the next generation succeed and are willing to help you get started,” Greg said. “Don’t worry about being too young or not having enough experience. The sooner you start, the more you can learn, and the more experience you can gain yourself!”

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

The United States recently passed a bill to move past the longest government shutdown on record. Late on the night of November 12, the house passed the bill with a 222-209 vote to overcome budgetary disagreement and fund the government after 43 days.

Points of contention existed between republicans and democrats regarding premium tax credits issued under the Affordable Care Act to reduce health care premiums which were enacted as an emergency during the pandemic. The inability to come to an agreement led to air travel delays, SNAP benefit issues, and federal office closures, including at the USDA.

The bill passed and extended the 2018 Farm Bill for another year. Many farm families depend on the Farm Bill and the USDA for farm loan programs. The USDA had limited staffing during the shutdown which stopped direct loan funding and guarantee agreements and severely limited Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan approval. The bill approval included funding for the USDA through 2025 and 2026.

Although the legislature continued to meet during the government shutdown, policymaking was more difficult following the recent closures of governmental statistical agencies, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which the Fed relies on for key economic data. Despite the delays, recent indicators have shown the U.S. economy is slowing. Private sector layoffs increased and job growth slowed in July and August with just 68,000 jobs added between the two months. The September jobs report did deliver good news with 119,000 jobs added, but July and August’s figures were revised downward with the new data. In total, the unemployment rate ticked higher to 4.4% based on the new information.

During the most recent December 9 and 10 meeting, the Fed elected to cut its target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 3.50% to 3.75%. This followed similar cuts of 25 basis points in September and October which brought total cuts to 1.75% since the Fed started cutting rates in September 2024. The rate cuts were attributable to a combination of a weakening labor market and concerns about a slowing economy.

While most media coverage was devoted to the government shutdown, key changes in tariff negotiations tested commodity prices through U.S. and China negotiations. Soybeans are the United States’ largest agricultural export, with China being the main buyer. As President Trump worked through trade negotiations, China elected to forego all soybean purchases up until the end of October. As of October 30, China agreed to a 12 million metric ton purchase by the end of 2025 and at least 25 million tons annually for the next three years. Soybean futures markets did respond positively to the news with a rally of more than one dollar, but the net result remains an overall decrease in exports to China of roughly 30% with continued trade negotiations needed between the two countries.

Corn & Soybeans

The most recent 2025/26 soybean outlook was unchanged from the November WASDE report with lower beginning stocks and production, reduced crush, slightly higher exports, and lower ending stocks. Production is forecast at 53 bushels per acre, down .5 bushels, for total production of 4.3 billion bushels. This is down 48 million bushels based on lower yields. Futures price for soybeans did increase to $11 per bushel after the agreement with China was established, however the resulting cash price is still below break-even for many U.S. producers.

Based on the December WASDE report, the 2025/26 U.S. corn outlook is for greater exports and lower ending stocks. During November, data shows strong foreign demand and implies total shipments during September-November will likely exceed 800 million bushels. The season average corn price received by producers remains unchanged at $4 per bushel.

President Trump announced the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program on December 8, which is intended to provide much needed financial assistance to U.S. row crop farmers. This $12 billion program will provide producers with a one-time payment to be paid out in February of 2026. Farmers will be able to apply for aid within the next month.

Dairy

Above average profitability in 2024 and through most of 2025 have led to an increase in dairy production, both in terms of increased yields and an increase in the national herd size. Through October, total milk production was up 3.7% year-over-year, and the total herd size was up 208,000 head from the same time in 2024, up to 9,575,000 cows. Despite a 6,000 head drop in total cow numbers from September to October, cow numbers are at their highest levels since 1993, despite scarce replacement heifers. Slaughter volume is rising, but rates remain 4.2%, or 98,000 head, below 2024 and 16.2%, or 434,000 head, under the three-year average. Strong cattle markets are driving the decision for producers to breed for crossbred calves. The additional profits from these calf sales are driving the decision to keep cows another lactation that may not break even based solely on milk production. According to the Pennsylvania weekly cattle auction summary in mid-November, one day old dairy-beef calf prices averaged $1,388 per head.

In addition to the increased production in the U.S., Europe and New Zealand have also increased their total milk production, resulting in more competition for exports and pushing dairy prices lower. Throughout a good portion of 2025, the U.S. was able to clear record amounts of cheese and butter products through export markets. Lower U.S. prices for both are expected to keep the US competitive in the export market, which will continue to play a large role in moving the large milk supply.

After another year of positive margins in 2025, milk production is expected to continue to grow. This increased production will likely push prices lower, and U.S. dairy margins are forecast to contract going into 2026. As of the beginning of December, Class III milk futures for 2026 average $16.75 and Class IV milk futures average $15. Producers are well positioned for a downturn in milk prices with historically strong balance sheets and working capital positions. New facilities, low feed costs, high beef revenue, and risk management programs will likely slow the transition from expansion to contraction.

Pork

The typical fall trend for market hog prices is a strong seasonal downtrend and often resulting in operating losses, with fourth quarter of 2024 being a recent notable exception. However, truer to form, fourth quarter of 2025 negotiated cash market hog prices have fallen sharply during the quarter, and to levels below 2024 and closer to the prior five-year average. Increasing live market hog weights this quarter are also typical due to cooler weather and new crop corn, but fourth quarter sale weights have been significantly above year-ago and five-year average weights and are putting downward pressure on market hog prices. In contrast, while the CME Lean Hog Index has fallen steadily since its strong run throughout the second and third quarters, and 2025 peak at over $112 per lean hundredweight, it remains much closer (within 3%) of year-ago levels as of early December but very near its 12-month low of just over $80 per lean hundredweight. While also falling from its summer highs, the Pork Cut-Out wholesale pork composite value is the most stable performing of the price measures. As of early December, the Cut-Out price is roughly $94 per lean hundredweight.

As producer contracts may be based upon various price indices including the above and near-by futures contract prices, or weighted-average combinations thereof, there is now a wide range of prices received by farmers per head and fourth quarter expected profits or losses along with the increasing feed cost trend. While producer profit margin opportunities for the fourth quarter in 2025 and into 2026 have diminished during this quarter, for most producers that experienced good herd health in 2025, 2025 should be a period of strong earnings and replenishment of working capital. The outlook for profits in 2026 is still historically good at prevailing commodity futures prices as well. The latest USDA Hog and Pigs report shows the U.S. sow herd down 2% from a year ago, farrowing intentions slightly lower, and no significant expansion expected in pork production for next year, which is supportive to producer prices and margins outlook.

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Your MI GreenStone PAC and WI Farm Credit PAC had a successful 2025. Disbursements were completed with meetings and checks being delivered to both Senate, House of Representatives, and Assembly legislators! The meetings were productive as connections were made and conversations revolved around how farmer-members and the GreenStone cooperative are doing.

At the Federal level, the legislative activities have been ever changing with regards to the Farm Bill as the priorities and attention of Congress change. The Farm Credit System, through individual associations and the Farm Credit Council, continues to remain dedicated to advocating for the Farm Bill reauthorization.

In November, the Farm Credit System came together to host a Farm Credit Marketplace with customer products. The event is very popular with staff and members of Congress and allows for conversations about the farm and rural economy while agricultural products are put in their hands. For GreenStone, we placed dried cherries and cheese curds in attendee hands and talked about food processing requirements and Farm Bill implications. This brings business and personal connections that will continue to be built upon.

Change can take time, and GreenStone remains focused on building relationships and strengthening the recognition of our members, communities, and industry. Thank you for your commitment as none of this would be possible without your engagement to raise legislative awareness of rural communities, agriculture, GreenStone, and the Farm Credit System.

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Get to know a few members of GreenStone’s information services (IS) leadership team!

Duane Brown: Director of Data, 8 years of service

What is your favorite part about your role?

The best part of my role is finding ways to assist others or improve a process that makes someone’s day easier. Seeing the relief and appreciation on people’s faces when we resolve a pain point is what makes the work truly rewarding.

What is something people might not know about GreenStone’s IS department?

Many people don’t realize how specialized the IS department truly is. My role is within the Data and Analytics team, where we provide reports to the Board of Directors, executives, and the entire GreenStone organization. Within the Farm Credit System, strict regulations and internal controls must be followed, and we support these requirements to maintain compliance. Our team uses data to provide insights into our financial position and to help deliver the best possible customer experience.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with GreenStone?

My most valuable lesson during my time in the IS department at GreenStone is having a purpose behind what we do. Many IS departments focus on what’s best for the business, but at GreenStone I understand the “why” behind the work and how it impacts revenue, customers or employees.

Josh Martin: Service Desk Manager, 15 years of service

What is your favorite part about your role?

I get the opportunity to lead the most incredible team that cares so deeply about our customers’ and users’ success. They are the reason I am so fulfilled in my role here at GreenStone!

What is something people might not know about GreenStone’s IS department?

Our department has more than doubled in size since I started in 2010. We’ve steadily grown to meet the ever-evolving needs of GreenStone to provide the best service and value to our customers.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with GreenStone?

The relationships we build are the most important aspect to our success. A solid relationship leads to trust, and that trust allows everyone to not only be their authentic selves but empowers evolution and innovation to be the best at what we do.

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

As a member-owned cooperative, GreenStone is governed by members who have a vested interest in seeing GreenStone continue its successful mission of serving rural communities and agriculture. In that role, six committees have been established within the Board of Directors to apply adequate focus on critical functions of the organization.

These committees work with the leadership team to ensure the cooperative remains financially strong, adaptive to trends and industry advancements, aligned with regulations, and responsible to both members and employee expectations.

GreenStone’s Board of Directors now has six committees: Audit, Finance, Technology, Executive, Compensation, and Legislative and Public Policy. The first trio of committees are further highlighted here through the perspective of the committee chairs to bring awareness to our members on the strategic structure and focus of your cooperative’s governance and leadership.

Audit Committee: By Paul Lindow, Appointed Director and Committee Chair

GreenStone’s Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is a required Board Committee by the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). The primary function of Audit Committee is to provide oversight and assurance of the financial reporting process, the system of internal control, the audit process (internal audit and external audit), along with the process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations, the standards of conduct, and their code of ethics.

The committee consists of four directors, one of which must be an outside (appointed) director. While each committee member must be financially literate with knowledge in either finance, financial reporting or accounting procedures, one member shall be designated by the board as the “financial expert”.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Audit Committee provides immense value by ensuring financial integrity, managing risk and strengthening corporate governance. In my role as the Chair of the Audit Committee, I also serve as the financial expert and in leading this committee, act as a crucial link between management, external auditors, and the board. Additionally, I work closely with the other committees to establish agenda topics and areas of focus – including any emerging issues related to risk, controls, and financial reporting. As part of our periodic meetings, GreenStone management from internal audit, credit review, credit administration, technology, information security, and finance regularly attend to provide detailed updates on their activities.

Given the importance of the Audit Committee for GreenStone, the FCA, and across the System, the responsibilities and areas of focus will continue to evolve as well as the expectations of the members serving in the committee.

Finance Committee: By Trent Hilding, Montcalm County Director and Committee Chair

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to give the board updates on the status of the economy, interest rates, trends, financial results, health of GreenStone’s finances, budget, and balance sheet. We play a vital role in reviewing the health of the organization and continuing to ask important questions on the financial numbers and results in the business. Our role is to keep the board and members informed of changes, risks, and trends that impact the overall business so we can plan healthy growth.

The Finance Committee has an important role, which is complimented by the Audit Committee with their role on validating the business financials and regulatory scrutiny. In addition to the responsibility of the Finance Committee, the members also serve on the newly established Technology Committee. Although two separate committees with split tasks for each, the members are consistent for each to ensure transparency and alignment between the two.

The board tends to ensure members can rotate to get a full vision and understanding of each committee’s responsibility and to get a feel for the executive staff involved in each committee, while aligning board members with committees they have appropriate talents to contribute to. Committees play a vital role for the board and executive leadership within GreenStone. The Committee Structure helps keep organization and flow for the tasks that need to be completed.

Technology Committee: By Rick Snyder, Appointed Director and Committee Chair

The Technology Committee is a brand-new board committee. Our inaugural meeting was just held this December. Why? Technology continues to grow in importance in all of our lives and how GreenStone operates. It often creates new and better ways to do things; but it also comes with significant issues and risks.

There are four main responsibilities for the committee. First, monitoring and providing input on GreenStone’s technology strategy with an emphasis on encouraging innovation. Second, information security and risk oversight. Historically, GreenStone has had strong cybersecurity practices; but threats are only becoming more sophisticated, and we need to keep up with a fast-changing threat environment. Third, monitoring the organization’s information technology operations and performance. Fourth, helping ensure that GreenStone is following regulatory requirements and ethically using technology. This last
point is critical with the growth of
artificial intelligence. Given this list, this committee needs to work in close coordination with the Audit Committee.

It was an honor to be elected Chair of the Technology Committee. As a newly appointed director, I appreciated the board adding me so I could bring many years of technology experience to GreenStone. I look forward to working with three great elected directors on making this committee another important contributor to a stronger and better GreenStone.

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

Agriculture “planning” may be defined as the strategic management of some everyday resources put in place for a very specialized use to serve mankind in a most beautiful way to sustain humanity. This might seem to be a dramatic definition, but without a fed population history has shown trouble often leads to conflict. Farmers serve utilizing the natural resources of land, water and sky with responsible productive measures with an eye toward innovation and efficiency. The planning starts it all anew by making any necessary adjustments from the previous year.

It is good fortune when policy makers recognize the heavy investment our nation’s producers make to serve the population they lead with their legislative and regulatory responsibility. When those leaders work to understand and support the needs of farmers and rural communities, we all benefit. Expressing gratitude for those leaders in politics is important to maintain the cycle of planning. This is both a collective and individual responsibility we shoulder together.

The development of sound farm policy, whether in what we have come to expect in a Farm Bill, or independent stand-alone bills, can make, break, or cause a change in direction in both planning and planting. As your Farm Credit cooperative, GreenStone is also dependent on a functioning set of laws, regulations, and rules to fuel the engine of agriculture. We are grateful to those leaders across the spectrum that support the Farm Credit mission.

Evaluating the actions of planning, planting, and politics with concepts of success in contrast with pitfalls that lead to failure should help us preserve solid footings for business success for our farms, families, and communities. A joint focus on connecting in some of these ways will create positive results (“precepts of success”):

• Continuous improvement in small ways leads to big results
• Perseverance to overcome any hardship
• Purpose blending passion and skill
• Openness to new ideas
• Make progress over perfection
• Build consensus, collaboration for action
• Patient with persistent effort
• Financial order for peace of mind
• Allowing failures to build the foundation to learning

When weighed against the following fundamentals of failure, embracing the precepts of success and collaborating with likeminded people will help all of us in our mission to serve agriculture. The following should be considered to avoid (“failure points”):

• Ignore market needs
• Insufficient investment and not understanding costs and markets
• Rushing decisions
• Perfection paralysis rather than progressing
• Expecting instant results
• Thinking you know it all without an open mind to learn
• Giving up upon suffering discomfort
• Focusing on fame rather than value

Successful agriculture has been led with the precepts of success, and we should look to leaders who share these precepts in the planning, planting, and politics in our agriculture practices.

There is a lot of activity and constant work with shadows of worry about hurdles, distractions, and naysayers. Considering agriculture should be intelligently viewed as the bedrock of civilization providing food, wealth, and health as farmers steward the earth, let’s ring the bells in celebration of our collective successes and lead to assurance of great future results.

As Will Rogers said, “The farmer has to be optimistic, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” Sharing in that optimism with hard work in planning, planting and politics is part of the job to achieve the mission and keep moving in a positive future.

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The holiday season brings warmth, connection, and celebration, but for many of us the weeks that follow can come with a wide mix of emotions. Once the decorations are packed away and routines resume, it’s common to feel a bit disheartened, overwhelmed, or simply worn out. That’s why taking intentional steps to care for your mental health is just as important as planning for the holidays. Whether you’re navigating the winter blues, managing stress, or supporting loved ones, resources and strategies exist to help you feel connected and hopeful as you move into this year.

Understanding the Feelings

The shift from constant activity to quieter days can feel jarring. It’s normal to experience a sense of sadness or loneliness as the hustle winds down. Practicing mindfulness, such as deep breathing, short walks, or even journaling can help you stay present and calm as you adjust. Try scheduling breaks, prioritizing rest, and minimizing screen time before bedtime to help support your emotional balance.

Tips To Help Year-Round

1. Maintain a routine. Getting into a schedule for meals, sleep, and exercise can give your days structure and help stabilize your mood.

2. Say “No” when needed. Resist the urge to overschedule and overcommit. Setting boundaries for invitations or even household tasks helps to protect your time and energy.

3. Stay connected. Loneliness can easily linger. Scheduling coffee dates, phone calls, or even a group activity provides you with social support.

4. Practice self-care. Moments of mindfulness, little wins, and rest can make a big difference in promoting emotional recovery, whether it’s a warm bath, short walk, or quick nap.

 Connecting with Supportive Resources

If stress or emotional strain feels heavy, you’re not alone, and help is available. Farm Credit is one of many resources aiming to help their communities feel supported. Farm Credit has partnered with organizations across the country to provide a range of free accessible support services for rural families and farmers.

These resources include Together all, a 24/7 anonymous peer-to-peer mental health support community where individuals can connect with others, share experiences, and work through self-help courses on topics like anxiety and sleep, all while being supported by licensed clinicians.

Rural Resilience Training is another option of support – a no-cost online course developed to teach stress recognition, coping skills, and effective communication strategies.

Visit the Farm Credit website to learn more about these resources, as well as the support in place for families, youth, and women.

Look Ahead with Hope

As winter unfolds, remember that improving your mental health is a process, one that benefits from support, routine, and self-compassion. Whether you’re using formal resources, local community programs, or simply connecting with your loved ones, it all contributes to a healthier and more balanced year ahead. Taking care of your mind isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong practice, and it starts with recognizing that you deserve happiness!

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

Time just seems to fly by for me. Today I attended a luncheon to celebrate the retirement of a teammate that I have worked with for nearly 32 years, both at GreenStone and our previous employer. I just get amazed when I think about how fast my children have grown, my grandchildren are growing, and how quickly years go by in my career. I’m sure you all feel the same on some days. With our time continuing to fly by, I hope you were able to take time to relax and spend time with your family this last month, and had a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Association Update

Your association continues to perform very well financially. GreenStone exceeded its targeted net income for 2025 with approximately $265 million of net income. As a result, during our Board of Directors meeting in early December, the Board approved a $5 million increase to our Patronage to be paid in March of 2026. The payment will be a record dividend payment of $125 million! Our total cash Patronage paid over the last 21 years is now over $1.2 billion. The average amount paid back to our members as a percentage of your loan balance will be slightly more than 1%. What other financial institutions are able to do that for their customers? Our Patronage program continues to be an outstanding benefit our cooperative provides to its member-owners.

Industry Update

As with all years, our members’ profitability will depend on many factors. In 2026, the commodities being raised will be a very big factor and as always, so will the cash prices received at the time of sale. For example, while wheat prices continue to be very challenged, corn and soybean prices have seen somewhat of an uptick from early November to early December. The soybean increase may have come a little late for 2025 but the small win in corn was timed better. In either case, both increases should help with 2026 marketing.

Your association’s diversification continues to allow us to be a dependable and competitive source of credit during all phases of an agriculture cycle. If your financial projections show your cash flow getting tight, please make sure you are talking to your GreenStone financial services officer sooner rather than later. We have been through these cycles before and given adequate time and transparent communication, we can help you with strategies to navigate the financial challenges you are facing.

Nominating Committee

I recently was able to spend a little time with Nominating Committee members from regions one, two, three, six and seven before they worked on their nominee list for next year’s Committee. Committee members from regions four and five met in late August and early October to finalize their nominations for the GreenStone Board elections taking place after our Annual Meeting in 2026. The governance of your cooperative does not work without members willing to spend time on our Nominating Committee and Board of Directors. Thank you to all our members that are currently serving or previously served on the Nominating Committee or board.

Cheryl Motz, senior executive assistant to the CEO, does an outstanding job leading our governance process. If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee or Board of Directors, please contact Cheryl at [email protected] or (517) 332-9557.

Leadership Update

In October we announced that Brett Dutcher would be taking over for Steve Junglas as our new executive vice president and chief information officer. Brett will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing our information technology strategy, ensuring it aligns with GreenStone’s overall business plan and organizational direction. His focus areas will include information services infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, data management, AI and innovation, our technology collaborations and the overall technology experience for our employees and customers. Brett will oversee all information technology operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring continued support and advancement for GreenStone. Brett has been with GreenStone for more than 11 years and most recently served as GreenStone’s Senior VP of Application Services.

We are lucky to have Steve remain on the executive team as a strategic advisor until his retirement on February 3rd. Brett is going to do a great job for us and Steve will certainly be missed. Please join me in congratulating both Brett and Steve.

As always, thank you for feeding me, my family, our country, and the world, and thank you for your membership and commitment to GreenStone!

Please reach out to me any time I can be of assistance.

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

Premium Accounting & Billing Update

Late fees will be charged on any unpaid premium beginning on October 1st. After that time, payments are applied as follows: A. any unpaid finance or interest charge, B. unpaid administrative fees, and C. unpaid premiums. Please keep in mind that accrued interest on uncollected premium is attached, according with the terms of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement, and cannot be waived by the agent or AIP. Payment is due regardless of whether or not you have an outstanding claim. If you cannot pay your premium before the March 15th Debt Termination Date, contact the AIP directly to set up a payment plan. Otherwise, you will not be eligible for crop insurance or any other federally subsidized programs.

Receive a Free Review of Your Crop Insurance Policy at Great Lakes Crop Summit

The past few years has seen many new options offered that can be added to your multi-peril policy. Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) can be added to your policy to increase your total coverage levels and acre income guarantees. Sometimes at a premium cost that is less than buying up your regular policy coverage level. Your GreenStone crop insurance specialist has the tools to show you what options are available to evaluate the best options to maximize your coverage at a cost that fits your budget. Give them a call to set up an appointment.

Early/Late Plant Dates

Early and late plant dates may have changed and vary by location within the State. Be sure to contact your GreenStone crop insurance specialist to get the specific dates for your area. It is important to note that crop acreage planted before the early plant date is not eligible for replant payments but will still be eligible for insurance coverage. The insurance guarantee is not impacted if producers follow good farming practices. Crops planted after the late plant date during the late plant period will also have reduced coverage.

Organic Crops

As a reminder, the USDA Risk Management Agency now requires all insured organic certified producers to provide a copy of their organic crop plan and organic certificate to their agent before the acreage reporting date.

New Multiple Peril Policy Options

Over the past few years many new options have become available that can be added to your multi-peril policy. Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) can be added to your policy to increase your total coverage levels and acre income guarantees, sometimes at a premium cost less than buying up your regular policy coverage level. Your crop insurance specialist has the tools to show you what options are available and the best options to maximize your coverage at a cost that fits your budget. Give them a call to set up an appointment.

Contract Price Addendum

The Risk Management Agency offers a contract price addendum that would allow a producer who receives a contract price for their crop to receive a crop insurance guarantee that is more reflective of the actual value of the crop. Under the addendum, insured producers would have the ability (where available and by choice) to use their personal contract price as their price election, or to use the existing crop insurance price election. If you grow specialty crops under contract and are interested in using your contract price to set your crop insurance guarantee, make sure to ask your crop insurance specialist about the new contract price addendum.

USDA Announces $12 Billion in Farmer Bridge Payments

On December 8, 2025, the USDA announced the scheduled release of $12 billion in one-time bridge payments for producers experiencing economic losses caused by high input costs, persistent inflation, and market distortions from foreign competitors. February 28, 2026 is the target for FBA payments to be released, with additional details expected to be forthcoming.

Key FBA elements:

• Payment rates will be commodity-specific, and payments will be made on planted acres
• Acres prevented from planting will not be included
• Acreage report required for eligibility
• AGI of less than $900,000
• Payment limit of $155,000 per person or legal entity
• Purchasing crop insurance in 2026 is not required

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your crop insurance specialist!

Power of Attorney (POA) and Signatures

Crop insurance documents requiring a signature must be signed by an authorized person. The Crop Insurance Handbook says for a spouse or others to sign for the insured, they must be authorized by a POA or other legally sufficient document. Even if the person is listed as an Substantial Beneficial Interest (SBI) on the application. Signature statements on the Application or Policy Change Form can serve as a legally sufficient document. For specific details, please consult your crop insurance specialist.

Person Types & Identification Numbers

To better accommodate data reconciliation between the Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency, there have been some changes made to the social security number and employer identification reporting requirements for individuals, estates, and trusts. If you have recently made a change in how an entity has been set up, let your crop insurance specialist know and they will make sure your policy is renewed using the correct identifying numbers. These records need to be updated before the March 15th deadline.

Dry Bean Prevented Planting (PP) Coverage Level Changes

PP Coverage levels for dry beans has been reduced from 60% coverage down to 50%. Prevented planting coverage levels have changed for many other crops in recent years. See your agent for the most current levels and options for PP coverage.

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

During the winter, getting cozy with your family and enjoying a warm meal together is a must! Thanks to Michigan Pork Producers Association for sharing this comforting pork shoulder recipe with us. They say it’s, “Slow-cooked in the oven until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The pork absorbs the warm, spiced flavors of apple cider, garlic, and herbs, creating a rich and comforting dish. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for the ultimate feast.” Check out their website for more pork recipes and resources!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Season pork with salt and pepper.
• Add oil to a Dutch oven or any coverable, oven-ready pot. Heat on high.
• Sear the pork until all sides are browned. Remove pork to a plate.
• Add onions and garlic to the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add apple cider, chicken stock, and thyme. Stir well and bring to a boil.
• Remove from the heat and add the pork back into the pot. Cover with sliced apples.
• Place the lid on the pot and cook in the oven for 2 ½ hours or until tender (175 degrees).
• Remove from the oven and allow the pork to rest in the braising liquid for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  * Whole muscle pork cuts are safe to eat when cooked to 145 degrees and allowed to rest 3 minutes.

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