Investing in the Future: How FCS Financial’s Connect Program Empowers Missouri’s Young Producers
By: FCS Financial -
The agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, presenting a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for producers. For young and beginning farmers in Missouri, navigating this intricate path requires not only passion and grit but also access to crucial resources and support. FCS Financial understands this deeply, which is why we're proud to champion our newly refreshed Connect program – a comprehensive initiative designed to empower the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
At its heart, Connect is about more than just lending; it’s about cultivating the future of Missouri agriculture. We believe that the resilience of our agricultural sector hinges on the success of these producers, and we are committed to investing in their growth.
Understanding the Journey: Challenges and Resilience
Young farmers today face a unique set of hurdles. Access to capital is often a significant barrier, as traditional credit standards may not always reflect the realities of those just starting out. Beyond financing, they grapple with complex financial management, business strategy, and the ever-present volatility of markets and weather. "Having spent over 30 years with FCS Financial, I understand the difficulties young, beginning producers encounter," shares Rob Guinn, Chief Executive Officer of FCS Financial. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how FCS Financial's Connect program prepares them to confidently navigate the complexities of agriculture."
Despite these challenges, Missouri's young producers embody incredible resilience and an inspiring commitment to production agriculture. They are innovative, embracing new technologies and sustainable practices, all while upholding the traditions that are the backbone of our rural communities. They are the heroes of their own stories, tirelessly working to grow their operations and contribute to our state's economic vitality.
FCS Financial’s Role: An Advisor in Their Journey
FCS Financial's Connect program is designed to be a guide in this journey, offering three core components: specialized loans, essential education, and supportive outreach. FCS Financial loan officer Debbie Ragsdale explained how Connect benefited young producer Joey Hepler. “Connect served as a platform for Joey to fine tune his skills in presenting his financials and business plans, which ultimately meant he was prepared to grow his operation. He has become an expert in providing quality balance sheets, cash flows and tax management because he took advantage of what he learned in the program.”
Specialized Loans: Accelerated Access to Capital
Recognizing the unique financial positions of young and beginning producers, Connect provides flexible credit standards, opening doors to crucial funding earlier in their careers. This includes tailored financial solutions like working capital, down-payment assistance, and exclusive loan options for breeding livestock and machinery purchases. This expanded credit access and new loan offerings are designed to deliver solutions young producers actually need. FCS Financial continues to work with USDA/FSA to maximize beginning farmer loan opportunities, ensuring comprehensive support.
Essential Education: Empowering Knowledge and Skills
Beyond capital, Connect empowers farmers with the knowledge and connections to confidently navigate the agricultural landscape. Ragsdale further explained, “Joey mentions the great network that Connect provided him and how he still benefits from that today.” We offer practical learning experiences, both in-person and online, focusing on strong financial management and business skills. Our annual Connect Ag Seminar brings top industry experts to Missouri, providing high-quality, no-cost education and networking opportunities. For a more immersive experience, Connect 30, a unique leadership program, sharpens skills in financial and risk management, communication, leadership, succession planning, and business strategy.
"Connect gives young and beginning farmers the tools they need to succeed—not just financially, but personally and professionally," says Geoff Bowsher, an FCS Financial loan officer. "From hands-on learning about ag finance to building relationships with others in the same stage of their journey, it’s a springboard for long-term success." He adds, "When a young producer goes through Connect, you can see the difference. They understand the business side of agriculture better, they ask sharper questions, and they’re more confident sitting across the table when we talk about loans and growth."
Supportive Outreach: A Community for Success
Connect demonstrates FCS Financial's commitment to supporting young and beginning farmers beyond just lending. We actively support initiatives and organizations across Missouri that benefit these producers, fostering a vital support network. The program also ensures members have direct channels to share their perspectives with FCS Financial leadership through the Connect Stockholder Advisory Committee, ensuring their voices are heard. As Emily Niendick, another FCS Financial staff member, puts it, "It’s more than just a program; it creates a community built for success."
By strengthening the Connect program, FCS Financial is making a tangible investment in the future of Missouri agriculture. Our commitment to serving young and beginning producers is at the heart of our mission as a Farm Credit cooperative, driven by the clear desire of our member-owners to support the next generation.
To learn more about how FCS Financial's Connect program can help young and beginning producers build a strong foundation for their agricultural operations, visit www.myfcsfinancial.com or contact your local FCS Financial office.
