Author

Mark Wilson

Mark grew up in a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada where he worked on farms as a teenager. With degrees in History and Journalism from Western University and Algonquin College, he was destined to write. He moved to Central Illinois in 2011 and feels right at home because he’s surrounded by corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see.

At FBN, Mark is the Content Marketing Manager where he strives to create compelling stories that speak to the needs of farmers who want to become more independent and profitable.


Mar 03, 2023

by Mark Wilson

Our ‘Why I Chose  FBN ’ series features stories from employees across different roles, teams, and geographies on how they got to  FBN , what it’s like to work here, and how their teams help fulfill our mission of putting Farmers First®. When did you join FBN , what is your current role at FBN , where are you based, and what are your responsibilities?  I am based in the Bay area and I joined FBN at the very beginning, so back in early 2014. I currently lead our Data and R&D teams.  The Data team is responsible for analyzing all data that FBN works with and that breaks down into two types of use cases for data. One being data analytics that we do for farmer-facing tools that build benchmarking, input recommendations, and data visualization. We really try to build reports to help farmers make decisions in a more transparent and data-driven way. The data team also involves Data Analysts and Data Engineers who are building some of the core business analytics that we use to understand what is going on in the company. This includes things like sales metrics, dashboards, reporting, tracking KPIs, etc. so we can help answer questions like ‘what marketing has been most effective?’ or ‘where do we see the highest customer retention?’  As FBN grew, we launched the R&D group who is responsible for evaluating new technologies in the Ag industry that might be relevant for us. This is most helpful specifically for FBN Direct®. There are new technologies being developed, new types of inputs, new innovators, and we are not going to develop all of those in-house; so we focus on partnering with those companies to figure out what are the technology areas we should be excited about and what impact could there be on the grower.  What was your previous work experience before joining FBN ?  Prior to FBN , I was working at UC Davis in California, a big Ag-focused school. We really focused on helping farmers develop data-driven tools to manage their operations as well, so very related to what we are doing here at FBN . That’s actually how I got connected with Amol. At UC Davis, we were focused on taking the insights from citrus, almond, and cotton growers in California. They would report data on input use, yields, pesticides, etc. and would aggregate that data together to answer questions like ‘when is it the optimal time to spray?’ I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I got interested in Ag originally working on a research farm in Wisconsin throughout high school and college. I really enjoyed working with growers, getting out into the field, and doing something that had practical and real-world implications. What did you first find compelling about FBN that led you to want to learn more?  The mission of helping farmers become more successful and more profitable has always resonated with me. Whether through data offerings or through products, it’s all about helping the grower be more efficient. I think that mission is what drives most people to stay at FBN a long time.  Why did you ultimately decide to join FBN ? What did this thought process look like for you?  The fact that what we were doing, and still do, is very unique appealed to me. This isn’t one of 50 companies doing the same thing with a slightly different perspective - there is only one FBN .  So I was drawn to how unique it was plus joining a startup early on is always a lot of fun.  How would you describe FBN’s culture and what it’s like to work here?  Couple things that stand out to me: First is how genuine the mission alignment is among everyone at the company. Everyone knows what we are trying to do and sees that it actually matters. We actually care about our mission. The excitement about working in agriculture and really helping farmers is unique and makes working here fun.  Another part of it is that there is a lot of openness to good ideas coming from anywhere. You don’t have to be in a certain role or at a certain “level”  to speak up and act on an idea you have. It’s a very flat culture in the sense that people can easily push the bounds of their role beyond what might be on paper.  What kind of impact are you and your team having on the company’s future?  On the data side, I think we view that as a very sustainable part of our competitive advantage going forward. We have unique data sets and relationships with farmers. We have very valuable data that we can use in a way to help our members work with FBN more effectively.  On the R&D side, we are very progressive in thinking about how our portfolio of products can and should change in the future. The Ag input landscape is not going to be the same 10 years from now, and we need to be leaders in evaluating new technologies to be prepared for the future.  How does FBN’s mission come to life in your day-to-day work? How does your work positively impact farmers?  From the data team’s perspective, we are very true to a mission in making sure we are only ever using the data in a way that would be useful to our farmers. We ask ourselves, “If farmers knew we were using data in this way, would they be proud to be an FBN member?” We want to always be using agriculture data to help enable farmers and growers to be more efficient.  On the R&D side, what's exciting is starting with the “farmer problem” and working backwards to come up with the best solution. Whether it's a pest issue or disease issue or an equipment or pricing problem, we work backwards to find the most efficient way to solve the problem. We’re always thinking about things from the farmers perspective.  We know you have a life outside of work - what kinds of things do you do for fun?  I love traveling to new places, though the last few years have made that a little tougher - and that got even tougher with kids. Living in a place with a lot of great outdoor activities, we like to go explore new places, ocean, and mountains, and get a little break from screen time.  What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering FBN ?  Don't worry about fitting your background into a role perfectly. This is not a place where people have rigid definitions of what a role is. If you’ve got the passion and the experience to do well, don't worry about matching the “letter of the law” in the job description. Roles change and people are encouraged to do things they care about and can have an impact on, even if it is outside of their traditional role. Be creative, come with ideas - those are the people who will have the most fun and the most opportunity here. Want to work for FBN ? Outstanding companies are built by outstanding people. The  FBN  team goes to work everyday to ensure farmers stay profitable while they feed the world. Learn more about the  open roles available  at  FBN. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, Farmers First flag logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN," and "Farmers First" are registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Terms and conditions apply.


Feb 13, 2023

by Mark Wilson

Trying to decide what seed to buy isn’t always an easy decision. Knowing what seed varieties are going to work best on your operation is determined by a number of factors. So how can you decide which seeds will work for your farm? We’ve developed our FBN Seed Selection Playbook: How to Use Data to Boost Your Seed ROI to help you make informed, educated decisions for your operation. Using our playbook will help you develop a seed strategy that’s focused on ROI and backed by data-driven insights.  [Click here or complete the short form below to unlock the free guide] Download the Playbook below to learn more about setting yourself up for success with a solid seed strategy in place. Here are a few of the key takeaways from the Seed Selection Playbook: Why ROI needs to be your top priority when buying seed Putting data-backed insights to work on your farm Knowing which seeds have the best yields Optimizing planting populations Knowing which seeds are a good fit for your fields Paying a fair price for seed Download the FBN Seed Selection Playbook To get a free copy of the Seed Selection Playbook, click here or simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First", “FBN Direct” , "F2F", and "F2F Genetics Network" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


Jan 27, 2023

by Mark Wilson

Our ‘Why I Chose  FBN ’ series features stories from employees across different roles, teams, and geographies on how they got to  FBN , what it’s like to work here, and how their teams help fulfill our mission of putting Farmers First®. When did you join FBN , what is your current role at FBN , where are you based, and what are your responsibilities?  I joined FBN a little over a year ago, in September 2021. I joined as the Senior Talent Sourcer, and my responsibility, initially, was to go out and find talent in the market. I would search and find passive talent, especially for our hard-to-fill jobs, whether it’s a niche skillset or a difficult market or just a really competitive role (software engineers or drivers, for example). My job has since evolved to continuing sourcing, but now also doing full-cycle recruiting. I’m based in Dallas, Texas. What was your previous work experience before joining FBN ?  I have only ever been a recruiter. That’s all I’ve done since I graduated college. I love it! I love talent acquisition. I love hiring people and building strong teams for organizations, so I’ve been recruiting for the better part of a decade. Actually, this is my 10th year. What did you first find compelling about FBN that led you to want to learn more?  I was very happy in my job, and I was not looking nor was I interested in changing jobs. A friend of mine worked at FBN and she kept telling me that I needed to talk to this company. She kept saying, “Just have one conversation.” Once I had the conversation, I found that the one thing FBN offered that my other employer did not was meaning - being attached to something that mattered in the world. In my mind, there’s nothing as wholesome as supporting family farmers. Having just had my first child, I cared a lot about the food that went into her body and where it came from, so it really resonated with me that I could be a part of an organization that’s supporting those farmers. Why did you ultimately decide to join FBN ? What did this thought process look like for you?  Because I was really happy in my other company, it was a tough decision. I wasn’t looking, and I wasn’t really planning on taking an offer. Ultimately, I decided that leaving something I was really comfortable with was worth the risk to join an organization that was in its early stages, had a lot of growth opportunity, and had a mission that I could connect to more than my previous employer. Also, the people. Everybody that I spoke to was very progressive and forward-thinking, and they really care about the organization. They were also just kind people. It was really lovely to talk to people who weren’t jerks - haha! There were no egos on the team. All of those things factored into the decision.  Now that you’ve joined, how would you describe life at FBN ?  The people are wonderful. They’re the best people I’ve ever worked with. They’re the kind of people that I actually want to go to happy hour with after work. Before, I would say yes to happy hours out of obligation or I would avoid the events at all costs, but now I’m the one organizing the events because I really love the people that I work with. It’s also very challenging, but in a way that helps you grow. Not in a way where I’m getting burnt out or beat down or overworked, but in a way where challenges are new to me and I get to learn to do things in a new way. It’s helping me grow a lot as a professional.  What kind of impact are you and your team having on the company’s future?  Recruiting at any organization is very impactful, because you’re building the team. People are literally the lifeblood of the organization, so we get to be very strategic in our role.  We get to have a lot of influence on why someone should or shouldn’t be considered for a role, or even why a position might not be what the team needs. We can partner together with hiring managers and think through what skillsets are needed, and therefore what roles are truly needed, to help build a stronger team. I think that building strong teams is the impact we’re having.  How does FBN’s mission come to life in your day-to-day work? How does your work positively impact farmers?  We get to hire for really interesting roles - roles that I never would have hired for at any organization prior to working in Ag. We hired a Beef Specialist, a title I never would have heard of before. We’re hiring people who are supporting farmers. We see every single day in the interviews we conduct that people really care about not just the farmers, but the entire agriculture industry.  I love seeing the wholesomeness of wanting to support farmers. People really do have that genuine desire, and it’s very heartwarming. Everybody resonates with it! Because it’s not just the food, it’s our energy, it’s our clothing, it’s everything. Ag is an industry that we literally couldn’t survive without.  We know you have a life outside of work - what kinds of things do you do for fun?  I have a toddler now, and we’re expecting another. So our life right now really revolves around kids. We really enjoy being outside. We love to go on walks, have picnics, explore the city, try new restaurants, and find new parks.  What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering FBN ? If you’re somebody who’s hungry for growth and you want to be part of something that matters, this is a great place for you. In a startup organization, you’re going to be challenged in new ways. There is very little red tape, so you have a lot of ability to create and innovate in ways that I certainly haven’t had the freedom to do in the past. Come into it with a very open mind and a hunger and drive to make things better for your organization, for farmers, and for yourself. What is one thing you are looking forward to in the future at FBN ?  I’m so excited to see where we grow. We went through a really rapid growth period, and now we’re in a “sustain” period, if you will. But we are organically growing and it’s really nice to see, so I’m excited to see where we expand, or if we do expand into other countries. I love seeing how farmers really connect with our business and hearing those success stories, like at Farmer2Farmer. Those are the things that I get excited about seeing more of. Want to work for FBN ? Outstanding companies are built by outstanding people. The  FBN  team goes to work everyday to ensure farmers stay profitable while they feed the world. Learn more about the  open roles available  at  FBN. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, Farmers First flag logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN," and "Farmers First" are registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Terms and conditions apply.


Jan 24, 2023

by Mark Wilson

Field trials can show you what works and what doesn’t work on your ground. Planning your trials and managing them throughout the season will help set your operation up for success. DIY Precision Farming Guide: Running Your Own On-Farm Field Trials will help you better understand why conducting on-farm trials on your own acres could potentially save you time and money.  With a wealth of helpful information about running on-farm trials, the guide will teach you: How to try something new on your farm Planning your trial How to set up and run your trial Data collection and evaluation Reasons why big data is good for the farm How to get the most out of your on-farm trials To get your free copy of the DIY Precision Farming Guide: Running Your Own On-Farm Field Trials , simply fill out the short form at the bottom of the page.  Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First", “FBN Direct” , "F2F", and "F2F Genetics Network" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  The material provided is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific professional advice. Neither Farmer’s Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. The information and opinions expressed by others in this material are their own and are not endorsed or approved by FBN or its affiliates.


Jan 18, 2023

by Mark Wilson

It’s calving season and that means it’s time to think of best practices for assisting cows during calving season to be sure you set your operation up for success.  That’s why we created a handy Calving Guide for you to reference. Our Calving Guide provides information on: Disease Prevention Scours and respiratory diseases can severely impact calf survival rates and productivity.  Pharmaceuticals Stock up on electrolytes and antibiotics for calf scours. Nutrition Providing adequate nutrition pre-calving can impact a number of factors. Facilities Learn more about stocking up on necessary equipment and keeping your facility clean. FBN® Calving Kit  Looking for an easy way to get the supplies you need ahead of calving season? To make sure you check all the essential products off your "must buy" list, our FBN Animal Health team created an all-in-one FBN Calving Kit , fully stocked with everything you need for a successful calving season. Get the complete kit for $69.99 ($100 value) until March 31, 2023 .  Every kit includes: OB Chain 60"  OB Handles  Elastrator Bands  Allflex Tag Pen Black  Iodine 1% 16 oz  Chlorhexidine Solution 2% 16 oz  General Lube 8 oz  OB Standard Sleeve 10 count  Shop towels Download the FBN Calving Guide To get a free copy of the FBN Calving Guide, simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First" and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  Note: This is not a protocol recommendation. Please consult a Veterinarian before making any treatment decisions. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LCC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


Dec 15, 2022

by Mark Wilson

Our ‘Why I Chose  FBN ’ series features stories from employees across different roles, teams, and geographies on how they got to  FBN , what it’s like to work here, and how their teams help fulfill our mission of putting Farmers First®. When did you join FBN , what is your current role, where are you based and what are your responsibilities?    I joined FBN in September of 2020 as a Loan Advisor and transitioned to the Loan Advisor Manager role in October 2021. I work remotely from the Nashville, Illinois area which is 60 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. Current responsibilities involve assisting my direct team and any other team needs. Every day is a little different. What was your previous work experience before joining FBN ?   My parents were in the petroleum business, delivering fuel to farmers, so I have been around Ag my whole life. However, my Ag career did not begin until February 2001 when I joined the Farm Credit system. I was with Farm Credit for over 16 years and then with Ag Resource Management (ARM) for almost three years before joining FBN . What did you first find compelling about FBN that led you to want to learn more?   ​​ FBN started showing up on my social media, so I followed them to learn more. I was intrigued by the Farmers First® approach. The more I learned about FBN , the more excited I became about wanting to be a part of FBN . Why did you ultimately decide to join FBN ? What did this thought process look like for you?   The interview process was extensive, which allowed me the opportunity to ask questions and meet potential colleagues. One thing was very clear with everyone I met, they were passionate about FBN and they were focused on putting Farmers First . The more I learned of FBN’s vision, the more I wanted to be a part of FBN . What kind of impact are you and your team having on the company’s future? Although the Finance team is one of the newer business units within FBN , our team has a lot of Ag lending and underwriting experience. Our team wants to help farmers succeed in growing their farming operations. We are here to assist in providing financial solutions to their operations and to provide the best possible financing for their operation in regards to operating, real estate and equipment loans. How does FBN’s mission come to life in your day-to-day work? How does your work positively impact famers?   FBN's mission is to help farmers succeed.  Every farm operation is different and getting to know a farm operation to provide the best financial solutions for their operation is important. Now that you’ve joined, how would you describe FBN’s culture and what it’s like to work here?   How would I describe FBN ...WOW!  The Ag experience within the Finance team is incredible and the collaboration between teams is also incredible in working to put Farmers First . We know you have a life outside of work - what kinds of things do you do for fun?   I enjoy being with family and friends. I also live close to St. Louis so I enjoy attending Cardinal baseball and Blues hockey games. What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering FBN ? Call FBN , let's talk. Give us the opportunity to answer your questions to better understand why you should choose FBN® Finance. Want to work for FBN ? Outstanding companies are built by outstanding people. The  FBN  team goes to work everyday to ensure American farmers stay profitable while they feed the world. Learn more about the  open roles available  at  FBN. Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, Farmers First flag logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN," and "Farmers First" are registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Terms and conditions apply.


Dec 09, 2022

by Mark Wilson

The final day of Farmer2FarmerVI started with another Crop Circles networking event. Farmers gathered over breakfast to discuss their operations with fellow network members.  Farmers came away from Crop Circles with some interesting takeaways and shared them with us on our Community Forums. A farmer from Indiana said, “There are a lot more opportunities with FBN® than originally thought.” Another farmer from Nebraska said he came away from Crop Circles, “Trying to understand synthetics and how capital funding could benefit me without interrupting my estate plan.” FBN Business Trainings  There were a number of business trainings explaining the wide range of products and financial services available from FBN and FBN® Finance: Crop Protection Lineup, Biologicals & Acre Pack Training Finance & Insurance Programs How to Become an FBN Community Builder Livestock & Livestock Insurance Seed & Seed Treatments Lineup 2023 Sustainability Programs & Contracts Field Trial Program 2023 Canadian Programs 2023 One of the highlights from these sessions came from the Crop Protection Lineup, Biologicals & Acre Pack Training. A few interesting takeaways to consider: 18 of the top 25 crop protection products in the U.S. will be FBN products by 2025. FBN is investing $50M in crop protection R&D in the next 3 years FBN Olympics The FBN Olympics saw stiff competition from many of our farmers and own employees. FBN Co-Founder Charles Baron stepped up to the plate to compete with the tire flip. Watch Charles have some fun flipping tires.  Fireside chat with FBN CEO & Co-Founder Amol Deshpande FBN CEO Amol Deshpande and Co-Founder Charles Baron end Farmer2FarmerVI with a discussion about the entrepreneurial mindset. Amol shared this piece of advice, "This is a message to anybody who’s out there running a company of any kind, you have to think about the organizations. But you have to have the courage to stay the course in the long term and not fall prey to short-term mindset. If you’re going to do that, then all those best laid plans go away." See what you missed Thank you for joining us in Omaha While Farmer2FarmerVI may be over, that doesn’t mean you can’t join us next year in Omaha on December 12-14, 2023 for Farmer2FarmerVII. [Click here to be the first in line to get tickets to Farmer2Farmer 2023] Become an FBN member Not an FBN member? Join a global network of farmers — 48,000+ strong and growing — who are already taking advantage of the opportunity to reduce their cost of production and maximize the value of their crops.  [Become an FBN member today] Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


Dec 08, 2022

by Mark Wilson

Day 2 of Farmer2FarmerVI kicked off with another session of Crop Circles as farmers gathered to enjoy breakfast and network with one another. FBN® Co-Founder Charles Baron kicked off the morning with an intro speech detailing the power of the FBN network and how profitability is at the front and center of what FBN is doing.  “Profitability is always our focus. Our focus is building a platform network to make you more successful on the farm,” said Baron. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack sent a brief video to address the crowd at Farmer2Farmer discussing how the current administration is meeting the needs of farmers. Jocko Willink Keynote speaker Jocko Willink gave an impassioned and energetic talk about his time as a U.S. Navy SEAL in Iraq. Jocko’s 20 years experience in the SEAL Teams led him to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams after returning from Iraq. He is also the co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win as well as the host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast . Jocko co-founded Echelon Front, a premier leadership consulting company upon retiring from the NAVY. With his combat experience and knowledge, he now teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win.  Jocko explained that the only way to take extreme ownership of your destiny is to embrace it. “If you start to take ownership with what’s going on in your world, other people will start to take ownership as well. And it will spread to everyone on your team.” FBN 2023 Announcements Charles Baron took the stage to talk about the future of FBN and how our farmer network is democratizing information and commerce. It all comes down to maximizing profit potential. FBN exists to create a better ROI for your operation.  Getting Back in the Black This year’s theme for Farmer2Farmer was Back in the Black. We know that operational discipline equals freedom.Taking ownership requires having accurate analytics.Charles walked through some of the free tools available to FBN members with our fully integrated platform. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free.) Lunch and learn sessions Lunch and learn sessions were enjoyed by all with topics covering land value outlooks, estate planning, risk management and an Executive Fireside Chat with ADM’s John Grossmann and FBN CEO Amol Deshpande.  Farmer panels The afternoon consisted of a number of farmer panels covering: Seed trends for 2023 Input supply chain outlook for 2023 Precision livestock management Farming in the age of social media Global grain markets outlook for 2023 And there were many more panels for farmers to attend.  Happy hour Farmers, industry professionals and exhibitors alike stayed energized with Happy Hour. Farmers took a moment to enjoy food and cold beverages during a break before Peter Zeihan hit the main stage as the final keynote speaker of Farmer2FarmerVI. Peter Zeihan As a geopolitical strategist, Peter Zeihan helps people better understand how the world works. Peter took the audience through a deep dive of the Ukraine-Russia war and how it’s affecting agriculture not only in Eastern Europe but on a global level. Beyond agriculture, Zeihan theorizes that Germany and China’s economic systems are set to decline within the next decade. “With the absence of Germany and China as economic powers, we are going to double the size of the industrial plant. And if we pull that off, all of our manufacturers will be made here with shorter, simpler, supply chains that use less water and less energy that employ people from North America that sell to the people of North America. These people are broadly immune to international shocks but it’s a steep road to get there. But it will also generate the fastest economic growth in the history of Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is the greatest story of our country’s history. This is a good story.” See what you missed Stay tuned for more coverage of Farmer2FarmerVI over the next few days as we recap each day of the event. Join us in Omaha for Day 3 There’s still time to join us for the last day of Farmer2Farmer! Register here for event admission tickets - free for FBN members - and we’ll see you in Omaha. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free before registering for the event.) Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


Dec 07, 2022

by Mark Wilson

3,000+ farmers from across the country and Canada converged on the CHI Health Center in Omaha for the first day of Farmer2Farmer VI. After being away for a few years, we’re back, bigger, better and bolder than ever! FBN® University Day 1 saw the introduction of FBN University with a number of educational seminars covering all aspects of farming and agriculture from livestock to finance to agronomy. Tradeshow Our tradeshow also kicked off with industry trendsetters and all the latest tech, products and offerings from the FBN network. We also have plenty of FBN merchandise available so grab something while it’s still available. Crop Circles Farmers also participated in Crop Circles and heard from keynote speaker and legendary free climber Alex Honnold later in the evening. Crop Circles connect farmers with other farmers to share their experiences and ideas. With topics ranging from production practices to candid conversations, Crop Circles help farmers build community with other members across the FBN network. It was incredible to see more than 3,000 farmers in attendance at tonight’s opening session. We asked farmers participating in Crop Circles what the biggest takeaway from day 1 of Farmer2Farmer was: A farmer from East Central, KS told us, “It was absolutely fascinating how many of the same issues both the USA and Canada are facing!” And a farmer from Arkansas told us, “I have missed out big time on the previous #F2F events!” Welcome Session FBN Co-Founder Charles Baron kicked off the evening sessions with a welcome speech to lay the foundation for what’s to come at Farmer2FarmerVI. After a brief introductory speech, Charles welcomed Alex Honnold to the stage to share his story. And it was a keynote that did not disappoint.  Keynote Speaker: Alex Honnold “​​You just have to prepare and work hard enough to expand your comfort zone to face your fears.” That’s a quote from legendary free climber Alex Honnold who kicked off Day 1 with an inspiring story of courage, determination and how risk management can play into every aspect of life. He shared stories of his journey to make Free Solo and how it taught him to continue to challenge himself even in the most fearful situations.  But despite all of Alex’s accomplishments, he was amazed at the size and enormity of the crowd at FarmerFarmerVI. “I have to be honest, I’ve never seen so many farmers. I’ve never seen a room this big or anything quite like this. It’s slightly intimidating. I can’t get over this audio and mic. I feel like I’m Beyoncé. I feel like I should start dancing.”  See what you missed Stay tuned for more coverage of Farmer2FarmerVI over the next few days as we recap each day of the event. Join us in Omaha There’s still time to join us this week! Register here for event admission tickets - free for FBN members - and we’ll see you in Omaha. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free before registering for the event.) Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  


Dec 05, 2022

by Mark Wilson

Join Cody Bills (Director, US Market Advisory and Brokerage), Kevin McNew (Chief Economist at FBN®), TJ Wilson (Director of Sales at FBN Finance) as they discuss inflation, interest rates and what farmers should be focused on in this unpredictable market.  What you'll learn Reviewing your loan strategy now Reviewing capital needs and risk management Tax planning Protecting profitability and working capital Watch now Get started today When you're ready to get started, fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call us directly . Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network” and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. Terms and conditions apply. Land financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC, provided in connection with Farmer Mac and our underwriting partners, and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.