Project HORIZONS: A Plan for the Future...and we want your help

By Gary Dyer, President and CEO

In 2006 the Farm Credit System will celebrate 90 years of pursuing its mission — to serve agriculture and rural America by providing sound, constructive and dependable credit for a variety of financial needs. Looking ahead to this milestone, the System last year began a national strategic planning initiative called HORIZONS.

Recognizing that almost every aspect of rural America has undergone dramatic change in the years since the Farm Credit System was established, we embarked on HORIZONS to help us better understand the changing needs of U.S. agriculture and rural America, and how we could best meet these new marketplace needs.

A number of HORIZONS committees and task forces — more than 100 individuals from across the System — participated in this planning effort, including Ken Lassen, our Senior Vice President of Agribusiness Financial Services from our Tempe office.

Farm Credit Services Southwest (FCSSW), and the other borrower-owned institutions that make up the Farm Credit System, are reviewing the HORIZONS findings and proposed recommendations in order to:

• develop a consensus within the System about what modest incremental changes in our authorities are required for Farm Credit to continue to best serve rural America
• take whatever action is necessary to implement the recommended changes.

What does HORIZONS mean to you?

HORIZONS will benefit you and others in your local community. This landmark initiative will help Farm Credit identify the changing financial needs of farm families, rural businesses and rural communities — and determine how those needs can best be met.

Ultimately, HORIZONS will help bring more financial resources to agriculture and rural America. Flexible, competitive financial resources will help agricultural producers better compete in the world markets and will help maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America.

Perhaps most importantly, HORIZONS helps ensure that future generations of farmers, ranchers and rural Americans will have continued access to a specialized lender dedicated to serving their unique financial needs.

How can you get involved?

We need your help. Start by evaluating your own business objectives and how Farm Credit can best help you meet them. Think about the state of agriculture in your community and region. In early 2006, your Farm Credit loan officer will contact you to discuss HORIZONS and request your input.

Why should you get involved?

As a Farm Credit customer-owner, your support of the HORIZONS coalition- building effort is vital to helping Farm Credit continue to fulfill its mission of service, dedication and partnership to agriculture and rural America. We all share a strong interest in a vibrant, growing agriculture and rural economy. Joining with us to support HORIZONS will help ensure that Farm Credit remains a competitive choice for your family, business and rural community.

Because of the size and scope of this initiative, we require time and a concerted effort to bring about the needed changes identified by the HORIZONS initiative. To ensure successful implementation, farmers and ranchers must join with others who have an interest in a strong agricultural sector and a vibrant rural America.

In the coming months, our Association will participate in a public policy advocacy campaign to bring about change that will help our customers and enable Farm Credit to continue its mission. We will be writing letters, meeting with farm groups and elected officials sharing our views on how rural America is changing. Working together, we can influence our future and embrace the many opportunities on the horizon. Please join us in making HORIZONS a success.

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