Issue 3 June 2020

FCI Lobbies Reopened June 1 CDC Guidelines Followed as Illinois Enters Phase 3

Guests are asked to wear face masks when inside offices. In addition to lobby access, on-farm visits are also available by member request. Social distancing practices and CDC guidelines will be followed at offices and on farms. Even as offices are open and partially staffed, members can continue communicating with local offices via phone or email. Secure electronic document transfer is available through the my FCI online portal. Providing reliable access to credit and financial services remains our top priority. Open lines of communication are especially important during turbulent times. If you or your farm business experience financial disruption, contact your relationship manager or local office. We are prepared to help you explore potential options and solutions to address unexpected issues.

Weather Outlook Update Wetter & Warmer Summer Weather Forecast

Although 2019 was wetter, most of Illinois has seen yet another very wet spring. This follows the 40-year trend of increased spring precipitation and tightened planting windows. Since 1980, Illinois April-May-June precipitation totals have increased three inches. As summer approaches, the forecast shows warmer and wetter than average weather. How has this weather mix impacted growing crops historically?

Watch Eric Snodgrass' Weather Outlook Update

Financial Relief Resources PPP & EIDL Funds Still Available

Financial resources from the U.S. government are available to qualifying farmers during these challenging times. Learn how the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) could benefit your family farm business.

Learn More

Beginning Farmers Honored with FreshRoots Directors Cup $5,000 Awarded to Young Farmers Building Bright Futures Six young and beginning farmers and farmer couples were named the 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

$100,000 Food Bank Gift Supports COVID-19 Relief Working Together to Feed Families

FCI made a $100,000 donation to the four Feeding Illinois food banks supporting families and communities serving the southern 60 counties of Illinois. The funds assist food banks facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food Bank Gift

Class of 2020 Agriculture Scholars Honored Video Showcases Scholars' Passion for Agriculture

While we couldn’t celebrate our scholars in-person this year, we are proud to recognize and share the achievements of the 2020 FCI Agriculture Scholars. A total of $60,000 was awarded – $2,000 to each scholar.

Learn More About Each Scholar

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Enrollment Open Through Aug. 28

Available through the FSA, CFAP provides direct support based on actual losses to farmers whose prices and market supply chains have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Find program details and requirements, forms, and application link on FCI’s website .

CFAP Resource Guide

Crop Insurance Spring Reminders Contact Your Agent Today with Questions

MAY 31 OR JUNE 5* Soybean (NFAC) and Grain Sorghum Final Plant Date – last date to plant with full coverage JULY 1 Wheat Premium Billing Date – interest on unpaid bills begins accruing after July 31 JULY 5 Soybean (FAC) Final Plant Date – last date to plant with full coverage JULY 15 Corn & Soybean Acreage Reporting – last date to submit signed acreage reports for all spring-planted policies *Contact FCI agent for county-specific dates Contact Your FCI Crop Insurance Agent

Stockholder Leadership Opportunities

Ever considered serving in FCI’s cooperative leadership? Submit your name and information by July 17 with the candidate interest form . Following the deadline, the 2020 nominating committee will review potential candidates to present at the Association’s annual meeting.

Candidate Interest Form

Cash Patronage Distribution Coming Soon #MembershipPays

FCI’s $28 million cash patronage distribution arrives in mailboxes to 8,000 borrowers the week of June 15. Every primary borrower whose loan contributed to FCI earnings will receive a patronage check of at least $50.

Raffles & Reactions Cash Patronage Checks Arrive Week of June 15 Get Social & Win

In addition to the actual patronage check for deposit, members will find a sample $28 million check inside their envelope, which will be mailed the week of June 15. Help FCI celebrate your cooperative membership by capturing a picture of the $28 million check with one of your favorite farm assets and post on social media using #MembershipPays. The first 100 members to post with #MembershipPays will win their choice of FCI sunglasses, hat, or face mask. Only FCI cooperative borrowers are eligible to win. Congratulations to the winners of the Text Club Contest following Issue 2. FCI made a $100 donation in their honor to the following Feeding Illinois Foodbanks.   Alexis McFarland of Richland County – Tri-State Food Bank Dan Coulter of Iroquois County – Eastern Illinois Foodbank Jeff Stahl of Macon County – Central Illinois Foodbank Kenneth Folkerts of Montgomery County – Central Illinois Foodbank Phillip Schuette of Clinton County – St. Louis Area Foodbank

Ag Economy Barometer Producer Sentiment Inches Higher

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