Issue 6 2019 - Winter

Attention Young & Beginning Farmers Save The Date to Attend a FreshRoots Forum February 11 or 12 You’re invited to recharge and reset during a day of learning with renowned ag economist Dr. David Kohl. Go from macro to micro as Dr. Kohl discusses global economic situations affecting the ag industry followed by strategies to apply on your farm to be ready for the next opportunity. Dr. Ronald Hanson will share his insights with a Shark Tank contingency planning discussion. Registration For FreshRoots Forum Opens Jan. 1

KOHL-laborations Mindset: The Competitive Edge Are mindsets and attitudes positive or negative difference makers in your farm business? Maintaining a strong network of people who are collaborative and can think critically will be the seed and fertilizer needed for success.

Mindsets of Successful Leaders

Attention Youth: Scholarships & Grants Available Applications Now Online

Scholarships - Apply Community Improvement Grants - Apply

2020 Fielding Forward Crop Insurance Meetings Attend a Meeting in Your Area

Register to attend an FCI Fielding Forward crop insurance meeting facilitated by Jeff Nalley, Cromwell Ag Radio, as you plan for the next growing season. Register Today

Create a Cash Flow Today Make Informed Decisions Tomorrow

Running a farm business is demanding and time in the office can be fleeting. You need all the time saving tools you can get – so Farm Credit Illinois offers free financial statement templates for download to help you understand your business’ financial standing through an annual cash flow statement.

Learn How a Solid Cash Flow Statement Helps You Make Informed Decisions

On The Block Upcoming Farmland Auctions

Farm Credit Illinois maintains a list of upcoming farmland auctions submitted within the Association’s 60-county marketplace.

View Listings or Submit an Upcoming Farmland Auction

Sign Up for the Upgraded Text Club Receive Timely Updates from FCI

Stay up-to-date with local land sales, crop insurance deadlines, FOMC moves, and office updates through FCI’s Text Club. FIND YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE BELOW AND JOIN TODAY!

DECATUR EFFINGHAM HIGHLAND JACKSONVILLE JERSEYVILLE LAWRENCEVILLE MAHOMET MARION MT. VERNON PARIS RED BUD SHERMAN TAYLORVILLE WATSEKA

Crop Insurance Deadlines Approaching Contact Your Agent Today with Questions

DECEMBER 10, 2019 Spring Crop End of Insurance Coverage – last day crops in the field are covered by insurance; if crops remain, request an extension or appraisal. DECEMBER 15, 2019 2019 Wheat Acreage Reporting Date – last date to report 2020 wheat acreage planted DECEMBER 24, 2019 Corn & Soybean Notice of Loss Deadline – last date to report production to agent/adjuster JANUARY 31, 2020 For the 2019 Crop Year Only – accrual of any interest on unpaid crop insurance premium is deferred until Jan. 31, 2020, for all policies with a premium date of Aug. 15, 2019 FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Corn & Soybeans Production Report Due for Area Plan Policies – signed and completed production report due to agent Contact Your Crop Insurance Agent

Farmer Veteran Coalition Launches Illinois Chapter State Agriculture and Veteran Groups Lead Organization

The Illinois chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) officially launched during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting Dec. 7. FCI is proud to support the organization which connects veteran farmers and veterans interested in pursuing a farming career.  Learn More About FVC

Attention FCI Members Ages 25-40 Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program Accepting Applications

Apply today for the two-year Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program Class of 2022. FCI proudly sponsors the program and provides a $1,000 scholarship to cooperative members who participate. Application deadline is Feb. 29, 2020.

Apply and Learn More

Financial Snapshot 3rd Quarter Business Results

T.I.P. Technology & Information Protection Safe Internet Usage

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s rare to go one day without using the internet. So, it’s important to understand how to navigate it safely. Are you actively practicing the following tips? Browse Safely

Raffles & Reactions Enter to Win One of Eight 64 oz. Ramblers - Drawing held Dec. 30

Keep your drinks hot or cold as you travel to meetings throughout the winter with a 64 oz. RTIC rambler.

Enter to win

Congratulations to the winners of the bluetooth headsets following Issue 5: Dennis Banach of Perry County Stacy Carter of DeWitt County Robert Colantino of Sangamon County Ronald Deterding of Randolph County John Jarzen of Morgan County Susan Justice of Christian County Kris McGinness of Edgar County Ory Olson of Champaign County Carl Schumacher of Shelby County Evan Sievers of Calhoun County In Issue 5 of Essentials , readers were asked the percentage of harvest they had completed as of Oct. 11. Here are the results from 162 respondents:

Ag Economy Barometer Producer Sentiment Jumps to 153

The Ag Economy Barometer measures the health of the U.S. agriculture economy with an index value based on a survey of agricultural producers on economic sentiment. A score of 100 means producer sentiment is unchanged from the six-month baseline research period; a score higher than 100 means sentiment improved from the base period; a score lower than 100 means sentiment declined versus the base period.

Learn More About the Baroumeter's Latest Reading