AgCredit Said It

Join us on this episode of "AgCredit Said It" as guest host Kayla Laubacher takes us beyond the balance sheet into the world of beekeeping with Greg and Angela Laub of Laub Bee Honey. Discover how this dynamic duo started their honeybee journey, the challenges they face, and the sweet rewards of their labor. Learn about the intricacies of hive management, honey harvesting, and the importance of local honey production. Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just curious about the process, this episode offers valuable insights and tips for anyone interested in diversifying their agricultural operations. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that highlights the passion and dedication behind every jar of honey.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/ep-96-bee-yond-balance-sheet-diversifying-honey-production

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In this episode of "AgCredit Said It," host Libby Wixtead kicks off season five by focusing on the diversification of agricultural operations. The guest for this episode is Melinda Witten, President and CEO of the Ohio Agribusiness Association (OABA). Melinda shares her journey to becoming CEO, emphasizing her lifelong connection to agriculture and her previous experience with the Ohio Farm Bureau. The discussion highlights OABA's mission to enhance the business environment for Ohio agribusinesses through advocacy, education, and fostering a strong industry network. Melinda elaborates on OABA's diverse membership and the importance of communication, policy updates, and professional development, particularly through programs like "Launch," which aims to develop emerging leaders in the industry.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/ep-95-cultivating-success-insights-ohio-agribusiness-associations-leader

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This week we're revisiting another popular episode from Season 4. Season 5 launches in November with new episodes!

In this episode of AgCredit Said It, host Libby Wixtead welcomes back Stacie McCracken, owner of McCracken, an agricultural marketing agency based in Ohio. The discussion centers around the importance of branding and marketing for farm businesses. Stacie explains that branding goes beyond just visual identity, encompassing mission, vision, strategy, goals, and customer experience. She emphasizes the significance of a strong brand identity that aligns with the farm's goals and values. The conversation covers how to leverage unique stories, the role of market research, and the balance between traditional branding strategies and authenticity. Stacie provides practical advice on maintaining consistency across various platforms and the importance of simple, recognizable logos and colors. The episode concludes with tips on overcoming imposter syndrome and the power of sharing one's story to create an emotional connection with consumers.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/episode-77-building-strong-farm-brand-stacie-mccracken

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This week, we're revisiting one of the most downloaded episodes of Season 4.

In this episode of AgCredit Said It, host Libby Wixtead sits down with Ryan Conklin, lead attorney at Wright and Moore law firm, to delve into the intricacies of dower rights and joint survivorship. Ryan shares his expert advice on how these legal concepts impact farm finance, succession planning, and property ownership. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this episode provides valuable insights to help you protect your assets and ensure a smooth transition for future generations. Tune in to learn practical strategies for managing your farm's financial future and avoiding common pitfalls in estate planning.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/episode-76-legal-strategies-farm-families-dower-rights-and-joint-survivorship

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In this episode of "Ag Credit Said It," the hosts gather to recap their favorite episodes from Season 4. The discussion begins with Matt highlighting Episode 74, which focused on navigating interest rates in agriculture with insights from Dan Ebert. The episode delved into historical trends in interest rates, particularly in the agricultural sector, and how they have evolved over the years. Phil then shares his favorite, Episode 86, featuring an interview with Andy Drerup, Director of Precision Ag at Truland Equipment. They discussed the challenges and opportunities in updating farm equipment, the technological advancements in agriculture, and the return on investment for such upgrades. Lastly, Libby talks about Episode 83 with Christy Seyfert from the Farm Credit Council, where they explored how the council advocates for farmers in Washington, D.C., and helps them navigate economic uncertainties. The episode concludes with a teaser for Season 5, which will focus on diversifying operations and income streams.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/ep-92-best-season-4

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In this episode of "AgCredit Said It," the hosts delve into the implications of the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill" (HR 1) and its significance for the agricultural sector. Steve Hamilton from Nationwide joins the discussion to provide insights into the bill's impact on farm finance, policy, and transition planning. The episode covers various aspects of the bill, including its tax provisions, agricultural risk coverage, and support for livestock producers. Key highlights include the reauthorization of farm bill programs, increased price guarantees for major commodities, and changes to tax deductions and estate tax exemptions. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of transition planning for generational farms and the role of Nationwide's Land as Your Legacy program in assisting farm families.

Nationwide's Land as Your Legacy Program

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In this episode of AgCredit Said It, host Phil Young engages in a conversation with David Marrison, a field specialist in farm management from Ohio State University, to discuss the critical topic of farm transition planning. David shares his extensive experience in farm management, having worked as a county extension educator since 1997 and as a field specialist since 2022. The discussion delves into the importance of farm transition planning, which encompasses succession planning, estate transfer, tax management, and business organization structure. David emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes developing future leadership, establishing family communication plans, and creating contingency plans for unforeseen events. He highlights the significance of starting the planning process early, ideally 7 to 10 years before the senior generation plans to retire, to ensure a smooth transition. The conversation also touches on the challenges of family dynamics and communication in planning for the future of farm businesses. David recommends resources such as the book "Crucial Conversations" and Elaine Fra's book on farm coaching to help families navigate these discussions. He also mentions the Ohio Farm Resolution Services, which assists families in having sensitive conversations about farm transitions. The episode concludes with a call to action for families to commit to regular meetings and utilize available resources to develop a strategic transition plan.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/ep-90-planning-tomorrow-farm-transition-strategies-david-marrison

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In this episode of AgCredit Said It, guest host Kendra Heffelfinger sits down with Alexis Burnham, Vice President of Operations at Burnham Orchards, a family-owned farm with over 210 years of history. Alexis shares her journey as part of the seventh generation managing the farm, discussing innovative strategies for increasing sales and engaging with customers. Discover how Burnham Orchards is integrating AI technology to enhance fruit quality and expanding community access through educational initiatives. Learn about their successful venture into hard cider production and the exciting future plans for the orchard. Join us for an inspiring conversation on farm finance, local sourcing, and the importance of authenticity in marketing. Whether you're a farmer, a foodie, or simply curious about the world of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of farm operations.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/episode-89-talking-farm-table-alexis-burnham

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In this episode of "AgCredit Said It," guest host Kendra Heffelfinger leads a discussion with members of the Young Beginning and Small Farmer advisory group from Ag Credit, including Zach Maag, Cora Willeke, and Brent Orians. The focus is on the importance of supporting young, beginning, and small farmers (YBS) as the next generation in the farming industry. The panel discusses various programs and partnerships that AgCredit offers to assist YBS farmers, such as collaboration with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for down payment and participation loans, and the AgStart program which provides tailored financial solutions. They also highlight the Ohio Ag Link program, which helps reduce interest rates on operating loans, and other opportunities like grain facility loans and EQUIP programs. The conversation emphasizes the role of AgCredit in providing not just financial support but also educational resources and networking opportunities, such as the Emerge conference, to help farmers plan for succession and improve their operations. The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges faced by YBS farmers, including land accessibility and rising input costs, and how AgCredit aims to be a solution-driven partner through these challenges.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/episode-88-empowering-next-generation-through-ybs

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In this episode of "AgCredit Said It," guest host Kendra Heffelfinger, Sales and Marketing Director, is joined by Brian Ricker, President and CEO of AgCredit. They discuss the association's performance in the first half of 2025, highlighting a 10% growth in total loans, surpassing $3.5 billion. Despite a slight dip in net income due to lower commodity prices, AgCredit maintains strong capital and efficiency. They celebrate milestones such as a successful Emerge conference and a robust patronage return of $22 million. Challenges include lower prices and higher inputs in corn and soybean sectors, leading to loan restructuring for some members. AgCredit emphasizes early communication for members facing financial difficulties. Looking ahead, they focus on technology upgrades, including a new loan origination system and enhanced digital banking app, to improve efficiency. The episode also highlights AgCredit's commitment to community service through their mission fund and the importance of adapting to market changes while maintaining a strong financial position.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/ep-87-mid-year-insights-brian-ricker

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