As two new Directors take on the role of helping to lead GreenStone on the board of directors, they took time to share a bit more about themselves. Trent Hilding and Marilyn Thelen both joined the board in June bringing varied backgrounds and a diverse perspective.
Perspective from Trent Hilding
The Hilding farmstead has been in the family for over 100 years. I am the fifth generation to work the dirt on the farm. My wife, Diana and I have four children which we hope will continue to appreciate the opportunity to farm and will become the sixth generation. Currently, the family farm consists of a beef cow herd of 65 head of Simmental/Angus cow calf pairs, along with 2500 acres of irrigated row crops of hay, corn, soybeans, and oats.
As the farm grows, I would like to add on farm storage for grain and a fertilizer storage facility. As the kids get accustomed to the cattle on the farm, I would like to make sure we explore all options to diversify that enterprise into something that supports additional generations coming back to the farm.
Why I serve: I decided to serve the GreenStone cooperative to educate myself more thoroughly on the Farm Credit System to be a better resource for my district of borrowers. With the economic times we are in, it seemed like an opportune time to serve and be part of the GreenStone board.
With current inflation, rising interest rates, and mounting input costs, I would like to be involved on the finance committee to make sure we keep members informed and handle changes effectively.
The cooperative is strong. We need to continue to keep it strong to handle the transition of leadership as well as the new era of rising interest rates and inflation. GreenStone needs to be able to handle the many changes that lie ahead, all while being mindful of areas to grow without risking the current position. Despite the risks and challenges that lie ahead, there is likely to be opportunity to continue to strengthen the cooperative. I look forward to my input contributing to the betterment of GreenStone, its members, and future opportunities.
Perspective from Marilyn Thelen
My husband Lee and I are partners in Thelen Farms, a 2000-acre cash crop farm raising corn, soybeans, wheat and finishing about 150 head of Holstein steers. We have a reduced tillage operation paying close attention to soil health.
We are also partners in Thelen Ag Products, a short-line ag equipment and parts business that sells grain carts, augers, wheels, and other parts. I am the bookkeeper for this business and develop reports for tax planning and preparation, banking and business planning for both operations.
A long-time goal has been to build a farm business that is sustainable both financially and environmentally. This continues to be a goal as we look to the future. The volatility of weather, markets and the economy make this goal as important as ever. We feel that building a resilient system is key to weathering the ups and downs of farming.
Why I serve: I have worked for MSU Extension for 25 years, many of those years in Clinton County providing science-based education and resources to farmers. GreenStone has been a key partner throughout those years supporting educational opportunities for farmers with both financial support and technical expertise.
I am also a partner in our farm and business; when we obtained our operating loan through GreenStone years ago, it was a game changer for our ability to manage the business. When the opportunity to serve on the GreenStone board was suggested, I felt it was way to give back to an organization that had been a partner helping our farm and business to grow as well as a partner during my career with Extension.
I see this as an opportunity to assist the next generation of farmers grow their business. Having a good partner in managing business finances is an important part of success. I would like to be a part of ensuring that GreenStone remains a strong partner for many members.
I plan to bring my over 38 years of experience to the table. I have worked with farmers throughout my career and work with Lee on our farm and business. These experiences provide me with perspective. I would like to use my experiences to complement the experience that fellow board members bring to the table.
To view the article in the online 2022 Summer Partners Magazine, click here.
