The customer-owned cooperative also reported stable assets at $20.0 billion and a slight increase in loan volume to $17.8 billion from $17.7 billion during that same time period 2013. Credit quality improved since the end of 2013, with adversely classified loans dropping to 2.3 percent from 2.4 percent. The association’s risk assets continued at acceptable levels, with non-accrual loans unchanged at 1.2 percent of total loans.

“While grain prices are down from last year, earnings have been good for livestock, dairy and poultry,” said Bill Johnson, president and CEO, Farm Credit Mid-America. “We expect most customers will have a profitable year. This in turn will further enable us to continue experiencing the growth and strength needed to provide the financial tools and services they need to be successful.”

To see complete mid-year results, go to www.e-farmcredit.com, select “News,” then click “Quarterly Report.”

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative serving the credit needs of farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

Courtney raises burley tobacco, grain, vegetable produce and cattle on more than 600 acres in central Kentucky. Along with her husband, Shane, they co-own Courtney Farms and Lawns of Perfection. She serves on the board of the Shelby County Farm Bureau and is a member of the Shelby County Extension Council.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Ag Economics, she started farming full time with her husband in 2008. In 2013, the Courtneys were named Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young Farm Family.

Farm Credit Mid-America is customer-owned agricultural credit cooperative spanning four states and serving almost 100,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners. The Board is comprised of 18 members who meet regularly to set policy and provide overall direction for the association.

Courtney filled a vacancy left by Dan Flanagan of Campbellsville who is now serving on the AgriBank Board of Directors. AgriBank, one of four Farm Credit System Banks located throughout the nation, provides funding and other services to Farm Credit Mid-America and 16 other Farm Credit associations throughout the mid-west.

Mary Courtney is shown here with her husband and two of their three children. The family is expecting a fourth child this fall.

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative serving the credit needs of farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America employs more than 1,100 staff and provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

The meetings, hosted in cooperation with other agricultural organizations in each state, will focus on how the changes in the new Farm Bill will impact producers and their operations. Topics that will be covered include an overview of programs and changes, deadlines and requirements and an introduction to what tools are available in the marketplace. Each meeting will feature experts in farm policy and crop commodity programs.

“The changes in commodity programs in the 2014 Farm Bill will have far-reaching impacts on farmers and landowners,” said Jason Alexander, vice president crop insurance, Farm Credit. “These meetings will help attendees learn about and compare the new programs to make the best decisions for their unique operations. We’re excited to help facilitate discussions between farmers, landowners and policy experts to provide valuable insights and information.”

The meetings are open to the public, but an RSVP is requested. To register for one of the Ohio meetings, visit http://go.osu.edu/summer2014farmbill. To register for a meeting in Indiana, Kentucky or Tennessee, visit www.e-farmcredit.com/farmbill2014.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

Indiana
Events hosted with Indiana Farm Bureau and the Indiana Farm Service Agency.
Speakers:

• Dr. Chris Hurt, professor of agricultural economics, Purdue University College of Agriculture
• Julia Wickard, director, Indiana Farm Service Agency

Events:

• Wabash – Tuesday, August 19th
  9:30 AM EST
  Honeywell Center
  275 W Market St, Wabash, IN 46992
• West Lafayette – Tuesday, August 19th
  6:30 PM EST
  The Trails Banquet Facility and Conference Center
  325 Burnetts Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906
• Shelbyville – Wednesday, August 20th
  9:30 AM EST
  Indiana Grand Racing Casino
  4300 N Michigan Rd, Shelbyville, IN 46176
• Huntingburg – Wednesday, August 20th
• 6:30 PM EST
  Huntingburg Event Center
  200 E 14th St, Huntingburg, IN 47542

Ohio

Events hosted with Ohio Farm Bureau, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Speakers:

• Jon Coppess, clinical assistant professor of law and policy, University of Illinois Department of Agriculture and Consumer Economics
• Dr. Carl Zulauf, professor, The Ohio State University Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics

Events:

• Wooster – Monday, August 18th
  1:00 PM
  Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Fisher Auditorium
  1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 46691
• Defiance – Tuesday, August 19th
  9:00 AM
  Defiance College George M. Smart Athletic Center
  701 N. Clinton Street, Defiance, OH
• Wilmington – Tuesday, August 19th
  7:00 PM
  Boyd Cultural Arts Center, Wilmington College
  1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, OH 45177
• Farm Science Review – Tuesday, September 16^th
  2:00 PM
  Molly Caren Agricultural Center, Vice President’s Tent
  135 State Route 38 NE, London, OH 43140

Kentucky
Events hosted with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and Kentucky Farm Bureau
Speakers:

• Dr. Todd Davis, assistant professor and Extension economist, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
• Dr. Will Snell, co-director of the Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
• Joe Cain, director, commodity division, Kentucky Farm Bureau.

Events:

• Princeton – August 25, 2014
  7:00 pm CST
  Adams’ Breezy Hill Farm and Restaurant
  1222 Cadiz Road, Princeton, KY 42445
• Owensboro – August 26, 2014
  9:00 am CST
  Owensboro Convention Center
  501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301
• Bowling Green – August 26, 2014 – 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm CST
  Holiday Inn University Plaza Hotel and Sloan Convention Center
  1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green, KY 42103
• Elizabethtown – August 27, 2014
  9:00 am EST
  Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau (Heartland Room)
  1030 North Mulberry Street, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
• Lexington – August 27, 2014
  7:00 pm EST
  Four Points by Sheraton Lexington
  1938 Stanton Way, Lexington, KY 40511

Tennessee
Events hosted with Tennessee Farm Bureau, University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Soybean Association.
Speakers:

• Dr. Aaron Smith, assistant extension professor, University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Dr. Jason Fewell, assistant extension professor, University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Chuck Danehower, area farm management specialist, University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resouces

Events:

• Jackson – August 18, 2014
  7:00 PM CST
  West Tennessee Research Center
  605 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301
• Dyersburg – August 19, 2014
  7:00 PM CST
  Tennessee Tractor LLC
  500 Community Park Drive, Dyersburg, TN 38024
• Fayetteville – August 20, 2014 – 2:00 PM CST
  Lincoln County Fairgrounds
  1003 Hedgemont Ave., Fayetteville, TN 37334
• Knoxville – August 21, 2014
  7:00 PM EST
  Plant Biotechnology Building
  2505 E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative, and has served the credit needs of farmers and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

The results were determined from employee input about the work environment, the company’s ability to embrace innovation and new ideas, people practices and personal growth opportunities and development. Companies were honored at an April 23 Awards Banquet held at the Lexington Convention Center.

“We’re committed to providing employees with a challenging and rewarding work environment,” says Heather Hornback, senior vice president – human capital.  ”Our people understand agriculture and love to get to know and listen to the farmers and people who live in rural America.”

A good example is Aaron Miller who started as an intern with Farm Credit Mid-America and today is one of the organization’s leaders.  “About two weeks into my internship, I decided that Farm Credit is where I wanted to work when I graduated,” says Miller.  “It’s a great place to work. They’re committed to agriculture, and equally committed to their staff. I really enjoy my customers too. I like to think of my job as ‘financing dreams for people who enjoy agriculture.’ It’s very rewarding when you can do that every day.”

Farm Credit Mid-America is part of the national Farm Credit System and brings almost a century of agricultural lending experience to rural America.  With 93 offices located throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, more than 400 employees serve the Kentucky market, which includes their headquarters located in Louisville.

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative serving the credit needs of farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America employs more than 1,100 staff and provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

“Strong capital and earnings allow us to better assist customers as they seek tools to help manage long-term risk for their operations,” says Bill Johnson, president and CEO, Farm Credit Mid-America. “We want our customers to know that we are well positioned to serve their financial needs both today and in the future.”

The association’s portfolio credit quality showed year-over-year improvement, as adversely classified loans ended the quarter at 2.4 percent. Improved profitability in the livestock and poultry industries and a strengthening economy have helped keep the credit quality of the association strong.

Farm Credit also maintained its legacy of serving local communities by investing in programs that champion youth and young farmers. Annually, the association contributes more than $2 million in community engagement initiatives.

For complete results, view Farm Credit Mid-America’s 1^st Quarter Financial Report.

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative serving the credit needs of farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

Fund is the First of Upcoming Announcements on Boosting Investment in Rural America; White House Rural Opportunity Investment Conference to be Held in July

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 21, 2014 – As part of the Obama Administration’s new “Made in Rural America” export and investment initiative, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the creation of a new investment fund that will help propel the growth of small businesses across rural America.  The new Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) will now allow USDA to facilitate private equity investments in agriculture-related businesses. Currently, USDA programs exist to help provide loans or loan guarantees to help rural businesses grow, but many small cutting-edge businesses also need equity support in addition to or instead of borrowed funds.

Advantage Capital Partners, which will manage the new fund, and their partners from eight Farm Credit institutions have pledged to invest nearly $150 million into the new effort.

“This new fund will allow innovative small businesses throughout rural America to access the capital they need to grow and create jobs,” Vilsack said. “One of USDA’s top priorities is to help reenergize the rural economy, and we now have a powerful new tool available to help achieve that goal. This new partnership will allow us to facilitate private investment in businesses working in bio-manufacturing, advanced energy production, local and regional food systems, improved farming technologies and other cutting-edge fields.”

The fund is being formed under the USDA’s Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP). USDA utilizes RBIP to license funds to invest in enterprises that will create growth and job opportunities in rural areas, with an emphasis on smaller enterprises. Working through the USDA program enables licensed funds to raise capital from Farm Credit System banks and associations.

The Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and lending associations specifically chartered to serve agriculture and the U.S. rural economy, is an essential provider of credit to agriculture and rural America. This new partnership between Farm Credit institutions and Advantage Capital, a leading growth capital and small business finance firm, brings together resources and people that are focused on providing more private capital, small business investment and quality jobs to rural America. This public-private partnership will have a tangible positive impact on our rural economy and is a model of how government can serve as a catalyst for private investment in rural America.

Eight Farm Credit institutions providing initial investments in the RBIC fund are: AgStar Financial Services (Mankato, Minn.); AgriBank (St. Paul, Minn.); Capital Farm Credit (Bryan, Texas); CoBank (Denver, Colo.); Farm Credit Bank of Texas (Austin, Texas); Farm Credit Services of America (Omaha, Neb.); Farm Credit Mid-America (Louisville, Ky.); and United Farm Credit Services (Willmar, Minn.).

USDA also announced that it is accepting new applications for other new Rural Business Investment Companies such as the one announced today.  Interested applicants have until July 29^th to submit their applications for review in FY2014.  Any application accepted after this deadline will be held for consideration next year.  USDA intends to accept RBIC applications through 2016, detailed information including application materials and instructions can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBIP.html

In addition, Secretary Vilsack said that the White House Rural Council, as part of the Made in Rural America initiative, will convene the Rural Opportunity Investment Conference later this year to attract additional investments to rural America by connecting major investors with rural business leaders, government officials, economic development experts and other partners.  This conference will promote opportunities to invest in rural America by highlighting successful projects in energy, biofuels and bioproducts, infrastructure, transportation, water systems, telecommunications, health care, manufacturing, and local and regional food systems.  To learn more about the conference, visit www.usda.gov/investmentconference.

About the White House Rural Council

To address challenges in Rural America, build on the Administration’s rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council. The Council coordinates the Administration’s efforts in rural America by streamlining and improving the effectiveness of federal programs serving rural America; engage stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens, on issues and solutions in rural communities; and promoting and coordinating private-sector partnerships. With the signing of the Farm Bill in early February, President Obama directed the Council to lead a new “Made in Rural America” export and investment initiative, charged with bringing together Federal resources to help rural businesses and leaders take advantage of new investment opportunities and access new customers and markets abroad. The work of the White House Rural Council and USDA to bring investment to rural America is an example of how the Administration is creating smart partnerships with the private sector to better support Americans in all parts of the country.

About USDA’s Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP)

The Rural Business Investment Program promotes economic development in mostly rural areas by helping to meet the equity capital investment needs of smaller enterprises in such areas. USDA licenses newly formed for-profit investment fund entities as Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs). RBICs use the equity raised in capitalizing their fund to make equity and equity-like investments mostly in smaller enterprises located primarily in rural areas.

About the Farm Credit System
For nearly a century, Farm Credit has been a national provider of credit and related services to rural America through its cooperative network of customer-owned lending institutions. Farm Credit provides more than $200 billion in loans and leases to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, aquatic producers, timber harvesters, agribusinesses, and agricultural and rural utility cooperatives. For more information about the Farm Credit System, please visit www.farmcredit.com.

About Advantage Capital Partners

Advantage Capital Partners is a growth capital and small business finance firm focused on providing growth capital and other investments supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm’s typical forms of investment include venture, expansion equity, mezzanine financing, senior and subordinated loans and government-guaranteed lending.  With offices and partners in New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago and other U.S. cities, Advantage Capital has invested more than $1.6 billion since 1992.  The firm invests in small businesses across a wide range of industries that are located in geographic areas underserved by traditional sources of capital.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

Farm Credit grew loan volume by more than $1 billion to $17.7 billion and saw assets grow by nearly $1 billion to $20 billion, a 5.1 percent increase over 2012.  Driven by strong activity in mortgage lending, net income was $308.4 million, which represented nearly seven percent growth over 2012 earnings.

“Years with strong net farm income and a well-performing agricultural sector are great for the industry, but can be a challenge when growing a loan portfolio,” said Bill Johnson, president and CEO, Farm Credit Mid-America. “Our continued growth shows that even during good years, farmers wisely seek out lending institutions and financial tools to help them manage long-term risk.”

The association’s portfolio credit quality showed year-over-year improvement, as adversely classified loans decreased to 2.4 percent in 2013, down from 3.4 percent in 2012. The decrease resulted from improved profitability in the livestock and poultry industries as well as improvement in the general economy.

Farm Credit’s capital plan continued to provide security for its members with a 15.9 percent permanent capital ratio, far exceeding regulatory requirements.

“Meeting and protecting the current and future interests of our members is important to us and a reason we design our capital plan to maintain a healthy amount of surplus that can be invested back into the association in the form of more competitive interest rates,” said Johnson. “It is through this careful approach to growth that we provide value to existing members and lay the foundation for the association’s future success.”

Farm Credit also maintained its legacy of serving local communities and in 2013 invested more than $2 million in programs championing youth and young farmers, local food production and fighting hunger.

For complete results, view Farm Credit Mid-America’s 2013 Annual Report.

Farm Credit Mid-America representatives Dan Flanagan (Board Vice Chair), Bill Johnson (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Barney Barnett (Board Member).

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative serving the credit needs of farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

The winners of this year’s Kentucky contest are: Ally Knore, Bourbon County, 9-13 year old division; Julia Scott, Hart County, 14-17 year old division; and Brian Chism, Meade County, 18-21 year old division. The winners of the Tennessee contest are: Allison Davis, Bedford County, greenhorn division; Sorrell Garrell, Marshall County, junior division; and Collin Stanley, Williamson County, senior division.

The competition helps ensure youth continue to have a vested interest in the cattle industry by providing them the means to purchase a heifer and begin a herd or participate in a state fair. The program provides three youth in each state $2,000 each toward the purchase of his or her own heifer. Applicants are evaluated through an essay and interview process.

“The Heifer Initiative creates a solid base of exceptional youth who will be future leaders in the cattle industry,” said Joel Oney, regional vice president with Farm Credit in eastern Kentucky. “It’s exciting to see the accomplishments of today’s youth and read about their passion for agriculture. Each year my confidence in the youth of Kentucky and Tennessee is strengthened even further through my involvement with this competition.”

“Cultivating these early interests in agriculture will allow for a smooth transition from one generation of farmers to the next,” said Farm Credit’s board chair, Kevin Cox, who encourages Farm Credit’s involvement in multiple initiatives, sponsorships and scholarships. “Involvement with the Heifer Initiative and other similar youth projects is our way of reinvesting into the future of agriculture.”

From left, Shane Williams, Farm Credit Mid-America; Collin Stanley, senior division winner; Tanner Reese, runner up; Abigayle Pollock, runner up; Ella Pollock, runner up; Allison Davis, greenhorn division winner; and Harold Hayes, Farm Credit Mid-America.

From left, Michael Smith, Farm Credit Mid-America; Ally Knore, 9-13 year old division winner; Julia Scott, 14-17 year old division winner; Adam Loy, Farm Credit Mid-America; and Joel Oney, Farm Credit Mid-America.

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a financial services cooperative, and has served the credit needs of farmers and rural residents across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for nearly a century. Backed by the strength of nearly 100,000 customer-members and $20 billion in assets, Farm Credit Mid-America provides loans for real estate, operating, equipment, housing and related services such as crop insurance, and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

The award, presented in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. and the Louisville area Chamber of Commerce, was announced at the Farm City Luncheon, held on November 15^th at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Judging criteria included community involvement, growth and financial stability, economic impact, employee relations, leadership and contributions to the agribusiness community in the Louisville and surrounding areas.

“As a cooperative, our business is owned and guided by our customers, and our success is due to their hard work, growth and passion for agriculture,” said Bill Johnson, Farm Credit’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of our customers and employees. Our Board of Directors sets a clear direction for supporting all communities in which we operate, and our employees embrace this direction and work very hard to help our customers succeed. We sincerely thank the Agribusiness Industry Network and Greater Louisville, Inc. for recognizing us as the 2013 Agribusiness of the Year.”

“Farm Credit is very deserving of this award,” said Dan Flanagan, a grain, poultry and produce farmer in Campbellsville, Kentucky who serves as vice chair of Farm Credit’s Board of Directors. “It is rewarding to see others recognize the great work that Farm Credit does in serving farmers and rural communities. As a member of the Board, I am proud to be a part of the Farm Credit team that thinks first and foremost of what it can do to best serve agriculture.”

Farm Credit Mid-America representatives Dan Flanagan (Board Vice Chair), Bill Johnson (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Barney Barnett (Board Member).

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a $19.4 billion financial services cooperative serving more than 95,500 farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. The association provides loans for farm and rural living purposes including real estate, operating, equipment and housing, and related services such as crop insurance and vehicle, equipment, and building leases. For more information about Farm Credit, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.

The lending cooperative also saw owned and managed assets grow by more than $940.4 million to $20.2 billion, a 4.9 percent increase compared to September 2012.  Improved economic conditions and a stronger housing market have driven increased activity in farm and home mortgage lending which has resulted in a portfolio growth during the first nine months of 2013.

The association’s risk assets continued to remain at acceptable levels with non-accrual loans representing 1.2 percent of total loans.

To see the complete results, go to www.e-farmcredit.com, select News, then Quarterly Report.

About Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a $19.4 billion financial services cooperative serving more than 95,500 farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. The association provides loans for farm and rural living purposes including real estate, operating, equipment and housing, and related services such as crop insurance and vehicle, equipment, and building leases. For more information about Farm Credit, call 1-800-444-FARM or visit them on the web at www.e-farmcredit.com.