Most of us have had the experience of thinking we understood only to realize after the fact that our knowledge wasn’t much deeper than corn roots grow into the ground. We asked a couple of your directors if they had that same experience when they became board members – expecting to have a pretty good understanding of GreenStone and what makes the cooperative function successfully, only to realize the roots go much deeper.
Here's what two directors had to say - things they have realized while serving on the board, and now appreciate even more about the cooperative.
Michael Feight, Lenawee County, MI
Since I was elected to the board of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, I can honestly say I have not attended a function or meeting without learning something about the connection of the people who work under the GreenStone umbrella, the members, the services we offer to members and/or what it takes behind the scenes. I have come to realize the diverse portfolio GreenStone deals with gives each member an assurance that the employees have an understanding of whatever situation might arise specific to their needs.
Since being on the board of directors, I no longer think of what GreenStone does in relation to just my needs as a crop farmer, but what we do to facilitate those growing fruits and vegetables along the lakes, timber and housing up north, and all forms of livestock across all of the GreenStone territory. The employees representing you have an understanding that it is our dreams they are helping us accomplish.
I have been pleasantly surprised and much impressed when I have attended national meetings with other Farm Credit institutions; GreenStone is always very respected by others attending. As a member of GreenStone myself, it is easy to get caught up with what is going on in my corner of the world, but GreenStone employees are recognized throughout the Farm Credit industry for their excellence. Whether it is information technology, human resources, credit and lending, or legal, we are respected.
My final comment, although I could go on and on, would be that I now recognize the collaboration and respect the leadership team has toward the board and the same can be said for the board members toward leadership and on down through everyone that makes GreenStone what it is. As a board member and as a customer, I have witnessed the knowledge, dedication and professionalism required and demonstrated by GreenStone to help make our dreams come to fruition. Dream Big!
Ed Reed, Cass County, MI
I’ll go with the WOW factor – things that wow me about the cooperative that our members might not otherwise know, realize, or appreciate for what it really means to them as members.
Some things I think are WOW are that GreenStone is still paying Patronage during this high interest rate environment.
- WOW, GreenStone offers subsidized livestock risk protection (LRP) policies for hog and cattle producers.
- WOW, GreenStone will lock in the interest rate on your construction loan for your dream home and will help you through the construction lien process.
- WOW, GreenStone’s portfolio has reached a strong $14 billion. GreenStone benefits more than 28,000 members with this financial strength and support.
- WOW, GreenStone crop insurance professionals are protecting 1.2 million acres of crops in MI and WI.
- WOW, GreenStone’s portfolio is 25% dairy, balanced by many other industries.
- WOW, GreenStone finances the second most diverse portfolio in the Farm Credit System, behind California. Diversity helps create stability.
- WOW, GreenStone is a leader in the Farm Credit System, one of the largest associations throughout the nation – seventh largest, most fiscally responsible, and a leader in innovative advancements to best serve our customers.
- WOW, GreenStone employees have volunteered collectively more than 800 days to support our communities and neighbors in Michigan and Wisconsin where they live and work.
To view the summer 2024 issue of Partners in its entirety, click here.
