GreenStone remains committed in our pledge to cultivate a robust, thriving community and empower farmers through collaborations with industry partners. In addition to numerous year-round activities, GreenStone is honored to partner with countless organizations with similar missions of serving rural communities and agriculture. As we reflect on the past year, two of those key partners are Dairy Girl Network and Michigan Grown, Michigan Great. Both are resource-driven and crucial contributors to agriculture and the communities we serve. Their valuable resources and impact have a ripple effect creating vast opportunity of knowledge, awareness and growth for all they touch.
Dairy Girl Network
GreenStone partners with the Dairy Girl Network to further solidifying our commitment to being your first choice. Through an ongoing collaboration, GreenStone Farm Credit Services and the Dairy Girl Network have joined forces on a mission—to sprinkle a bit of magic on women and farmers in the ever evolving agricultural dairy industry. Based in Wisconsin with members from across the nation, Dairy Girl Network is designed by women in dairy for women in dairy. They understand the challenges women often face in the industry and have joined together to offer a safe space to connect and strengthen one another through connection and knowledge.
This dynamic partnership is all about creating a strong support system for women in dairy by providing resources to assist in navigating the ever-changing landscapes of today’s market. These resources range from monthly webinars covering current topics and decision-making insight to participation during the annual World Dairy Expo and countless opportunities to create connections through networking. These connections instill confidence in women, both in their ability to lead their families and make sound business decisions on their farm.
“At Dairy Girl Network, we believe in the power of community and knowledge-sharing. Our collaboration with GreenStone is more than just a partnership; it's a shared commitment to creating a supportive space for women in dairy. Together, we strive to sprinkle a bit of magic on the challenges faced by women and farmers in the ever-evolving agricultural dairy industry,” says Amanda Borkowski, Dairy Girl Network Partnership Lead. “With Farm Credit’s generosity and resources, we're not just addressing immediate needs; we're cultivating connections that empower women, fostering confidence in their ability to lead and make sound business decisions on their farms.”
By fostering a supportive community, this partnership not only addresses immediate challenges but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of agriculture. As GreenStone continues its collaboration with the Dairy Girl Network, extending generosity and resources, we further solidify our commitment to being your first choice by helping empower women and farmers in the ever-evolving agricultural dairy industry.
Michigan Grown, Michigan Great
Supporting rural America goes beyond providing farmers and growers with resources; it entails educating and informing consumers about agriculture, the origins of their food, the meticulous care farmers take, and their dedication to feeding the world. To champion the diverse commodities Michigan offers, GreenStone proudly serves as a supporting partner on the Michigan Ag Council, a pivotal force behind the Michigan Grown, Michigan Great (MGMG) brand. The Michigan Ag Council, comprised of commodity groups and agribusinesses, collaborates to enhance awareness of food and agriculture today, contributing to the state's enjoyment of over 300 high-quality fresh foods and products from more than 46,000 local farming families.
MGMG represents these fine foods and products, along with the farmers and agribusinesses committed to providing them to our neighbors and communities. By promoting Michigan farmers and agriculture, MGMG aims to heighten awareness of locally grown produce, ultimately encouraging consumers to buy and support local.
Farm families take pride in mastering the art and science of cultivating fresh, high-quality foods and products year after year. Together with their partners, the Michigan Ag Council, under the MGMG brand, spotlights Michigan commodities, agricultural practices, and the diligent farm families tirelessly working to supply Michigan with safe, high-quality foods and products.
MGMG annually hosts the Down on MI Farm event, shedding light on agriculture through engaging gatherings. At each of the three 2023 Down on MI Farm events, attendees, including dietitians and food and family influencers, community leaders, change-makers, and local farmers, connected over good food and compelling topics. Each event featured a farm tour, providing attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at farm operations and highlighting the day-to-day activities on a farm.
In addition to hosting and attending industry events, MGMG offers a wealth of consumer information on local Farm Markets, agritourism venues, recipes for locally grown produce, and farms to visit. Educating consumers on the origins of their food is a vital component in ensuring the success of the agriculture industry.
GreenStone is honored to be an ongoing partner of the Michigan Ag Council and ensuring that consumers continue selecting Michigan grown products as their first choice for their families.
Community Outreach
As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, GreenStone remains steadfast in our commitment to empowering farmers and fostering resilient and thriving communities. This member-first mindset resonates throughout our dedicated team, actively involved in supporting local communities.
Through our 35 branches and association-wide initiatives, GreenStone allocates time and resources to various organizations aligned with our mission of shaping a stronger tomorrow. In the past year alone, we’re proud to have contributed over 6,450 hours and $630,500 to the community. The total hours include dedicated staff participation in local events, youth engagement, county fairs, dairy programs, agriculture-awareness organizations and more—an investment that would be equivalent to more than three fulltime staff solely dedicated to volunteering to create a brighter future. We’re honored to have staff who live our Core Four values of Giving Back and Doing the Right Thing both in and out of the office.
Our collective enthusiasm and passion for our members, the community, and agriculture are the driving forces behind GreenStone's continued position as a first-choice leader in the rural community.
Beyond community initiatives, GreenStone recognizes the paramount importance of investing in the education of our youth. In 2023, we proudly awarded $60,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in the industry, bringing our total scholarship commitments since 2010 to over $440,000. GreenStone also continues to offer continuous internship opportunities, contributing to the personal development of dozens of students. We recognize that future success in agriculture isn’t possible without the commitment and education of youth today and ensuring they have the learning opportunities to shape them into future leaders.
Through our commitment to the next generation, GreenStone's dedication includes supporting women, minority groups and young, beginning and small farmers through strategic educational investments and partnerships. Our support is centered on providing the tools, resources and opportunities to cultivate connections that turn into success. As a leader in the agriculture industry, our members’ preferred financial partner, a rural community neighbor, and a member-owned cooperative, GreenStone approaches every decision with the future and our members best interest at the forefront.
Through partnerships with organizations dedicated to community and industry growth, we are shaping a more robust tomorrow. The alliances formed today will echo in the future of our local communities, influence today's youth, and pave the way for the next generation of farmers. GreenStone takes pride in its ongoing commitment to progress, actively contributing and aligning with organizations that stand as the first choice for agriculture and rural communities.
This article was originally published in GreenStone's 2023 annual report. You can view the annual report in its entirety here.
