Our business approach

(Matt) We are a cohesive group, but we have diverse roles. Our son Brant manages our cowherd and makes all of the decisions for that part of the business. Our son Blake’s area of expertise is the crop side, and he makes all of the decisions for that part of the business. We all trust each other, and it’s great that everybody is on the same page almost all of the time.

How we make decisions

(Jo) Our FCSAmerica financial officer has been really good about coming to our farm whenever we need to talk to him. We will get the whole family to sit down around the table and have a conversation. He is just like part of the family, because he knows us all so well and helps us out with those decisions. We trust his judgment and he has become a great advisor in our operation.

Why we work with FCSAmerica

(Matt) The first thing is the people. We have developed real relationships with them. They’re always so involved, and we’re really happy with that. With the cash-back dividends, we feel like we own part of FCSAmerica. We know that they are working for us and when they succeed, we succeed. They share that success with us.

Preparing for the future

(Matt) We’re mostly concerned about our family and having the grandkids grow up on the farm. The biggest challenge for the future for us is making sure that there’s a place for them if they ultimately decide to come back and take over the farm someday. We want to prepare them for all the things they will need to do, and for the pressures they will face to continue the operation.

Why I chose agriculture

(Jo) I grew up on a ranch, so farming was a little different for me. But, living in the country is just part of my life. I guess I can’t imagine any other kind of lifestyle.