Issue 3 2019 - Summer

Weather Outlook Update Unprecedented Wetness & Growing Season Forecast The past 12 months (June 2018 — May 2019) are the second wettest in the past 124 years for Illinois. Will June turn to warmer, dryer conditions or will wet weather continue? And what do long-range forecasts predict for the remainder of the irregular growing season?

Beginning Farmers Honored with FreshRoots Directors Cup $5,000 Award Recognizes Commitment to Bright Futures

Six young and beginning farmers or farmer couples were named the inaugural FreshRoots Directors Cup honorees – celebrating their commitment to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community. Honoree Profiles

Inaugural Cash Patronage Distribution Coming Soon #MembershipPays

FCI’s inaugural $20 million cash patronage distribution arrives to more than 7,900 stockholder-members the week of June 17-21. Every primary borrower whose loan contributed to FCI earnings will receive a patronage check of at least $50. Learn More

The Cooperative Advantage for Farm Families and Ag Borrowers #MembershipPays

When choosing a lender, consider the advantages of working with a cooperative owned by its members and not outside investors. Lending cooperatives deliver value by serving the needs of borrower-members and their communities.

Cooperative Advantage

Class of 2019 Agriculture Scholars Honored Scholarship Luncheon Held May 30

Twenty-five of the 28 scholars and their guests attended a scholarship recognition luncheon at the cooperative’s central office in Mahomet on May 30. A total of $56,000 was awarded – $2,000 to each scholar. This marks the 16 th year of the Farm Credit agriculture scholarship program, which has awarded $456,000 to 357 students pursuing agriculture related college degrees since 2004.

Learn More About Each Scholar

Prevented & Delayed Planting Crop Insurance Information

Continued wet weather conditions are raising questions about delayed and prevented planting coverage levels. It is crucial for farmers to understand their insurance policies’ options and requirements as they face planting decisions – especially if they are considering switching acres to another crop.

What You Need to Know About Prevent Planting

Cooperative Leadership Opportunities Submit Interest by July 15

Ever considered serving on FCI’s nominating committee or board of directors? Interested stockholders should fill out a candidate interest form to submit their name and information by July 15. Following the deadline, the 2019 nominating committee will review potential candidates to present at the Association’s annual meeting.

Candidate Interest Form

#FridayFresh Weekly Tips, Trivia, & Ideas this Growing Season

Make the most of freshly grown Illinois products by following FCI’s social media channels for weekly #FridayFresh posts. Find Illinois farmers and products at www.farmcreditIL.com/farmfresh .

Farm Fresh Members Market

2020 Focus on Farming Photo Calendar Contest Accepting Entries June 10

Your image could be selected to appear in FCI’s 2020 Focus on Farming calendar and distributed to members, media, businesses, and schools throughout our territory. Follow FCI on Facebook and watch for details on the contest, launching June 10. Be sure to like your favorites. Likes will be taken into consideration during the selection process. Good luck!.

See Reba in Concert at the State Fair Tickets Go On Sale to Members July 10

Join FCI at the Illinois State Fair Aug. 18, for the Reba McEntire concert with access to the Stage Side Tent. The $120 FCI member-exclusive package includes two racetrack standing tickets, two fair admission passes, an infield parking pass near the Tent, and access to the FCI Stage Side Tent featuring complimentary beer, wine, soda, live music feed, and limited seating during the concert (retail value +$150). Look for details mailed to FCI members in early July.

Staff in the Spotlight Welcome FCI Summer Interns

Four college students started a 12-week summer internship in May based out of the financial cooperative’s central office in Mahomet .

Raffles & Reactions Cash patronage checks arrive June 17-21 Show your Smiles & Get Social for a Chance to Win Reba Tickets

Help FCI celebrate cooperative members by capturing a picture of your farm family with your patronage check in its envelope. Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #MembershipPays and @farmcreditIL to be entered to win. Three pairs of tickets to the Aug. 18, Reba McEntire concert including access to the FCI Stage Side Tent will be given away. FCI cooperative borrower-member are the only ones who will receive patronage checks and eligible to win the tickets.

Congratulations to the winners of the Text Club Contest following Issue 2: Cheryl Baker of Logan County Duane Behrends of Iroquois County Jennifer Slifer of Shelby County Keith Weigel of Calhoun County Kevin Wienke of Champaign County Michele Hubert of Randolph County Paul Loucks of Montgomery County Ruth Gill of Macoupin County

Ag Economy Barometer Producer Sentiment Drops to 101

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 Barometer's Latest Reading