FBN Resources

With Farmer2Farmer returning this year , we’re looking to bring it back bigger, better and bolder than ever. “Back in the Black” is all about adapting, managing and thriving.  This three day immersive experience will focus on performance, psychology, networking, training sessions, business opportunities, and partnerships that will help drive potential farm profitability for 2023.  This year, we have 3 exciting keynote speakers that will bring a wealth of knowledge to our farmer members. Learn more about Jocko Willink, Alex Honnold and Peter Zeihan before attending the event. You won’t want to miss their keynote presentations! [ Learn more about Farmer2Farmer VI . We look forward to seeing you in Omaha!] About Jocko Willink Jocko Willink is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win , co-author of The Dichotomy of Leadership , host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast , and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer, leadership instructor, speaker and strategic advisor. Jocko spent 20 years in the SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer.  As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the U.S. Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city.  Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. Jocko Willink returned from Iraq to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams.  There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.  Jocko Willink is the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and numerous other personal and unit awards. Upon retiring from the Navy, Jocko Willink co-founded Echelon Front, a premier leadership consulting company , where he teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win.  Jocko also authored the Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual , a New York Times Bestseller, and the best selling Way of the Warrior Kid children’s book series. About Alex Honnold The only human to free solo Yosemite’s 3000 foot rock monolith, El Capitan–no rope, climbing alone. More people will walk on the moon than will do what Alex Honnold has done.  His extremely rare skill, unmatched mental focus, and unique future vision about the sport of climbing means that he is (almost) from another universe. Beyond his 2017 history-making ascent of El Cap, dramatically documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo , Alex is simply one of the hardest working, certainly most accomplished, and greatest climbers to ever live.  His feats have blown the doors wide open on the sport of climbing, placing him in front of mainstream media like 60 Minutes and The New York Times, and on the cover of National Geographic.  Thanks to Alex, most folks in America know about what once was a niche sport but is now a multi-billion dollar industry.  Humble and self-effacing, he is deeply appreciative of the position he holds in culture and uses it for the greater good. In 2012, Alex founded the Honnold Foundation , an environmental non-profit that provides grants to organizations advancing solar energy access all over the world. Its vision is simple: to improve lives and reduce environmental impact.  In 2021 alone, the Honnold Foundation supported 44 communities across 17 countries, all focused on community-centered innovation catalyzed by solar energy.  Host of the wildly successful Climbing Gold Podcast , Alex is a sharp listener and talented conversationalist who loves exploring the fringe, dirtbag stories of climbing culture that originally drew him to the sport.  Despite numerous high profile sponsors and his continued skyrocketing success, he likes to live as simply as possible with his wife Sanni and their daughter June, whether that is out of their van or at their home in the foothills of Red Rocks, Nevada. Both out-of-this-world star and down-to-earth humble, Alex is truly the world ambassador of the sport of climbing for this generation. About Peter Zeihan Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist, which is a fancy way of saying he helps people understand how the world works. Peter combines an expert understanding of demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security to help clients best prepare for an uncertain future. Over the course of his career, Peter has worked for the US State Department in Australia, the DC think tank community, and helped develop the analytical models for Stratfor, one of the world’s premier private intelligence companies.  Peter founded his own firm — Zeihan on Geopolitics — in 2012 in order to provide a select group of clients with direct, custom analytical products. Today those clients represent a vast array of sectors including energy majors, financial institutions, business associations, agricultural interests, universities and the U.S. military.  With a keen eye toward what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, his irreverent approach transforms topics that are normally dense and heavy into accessible, relevant takeaways for audiences of all types. Peter is a critically-acclaimed author whose first two books — The Accidental Superpower and The Absent Superpower — have been recommended by Mitt Romney, Fareed Zakaria and Ian Bremmer. His third title, Disunited Nations: The Scramble for Power in an Ungoverned World was published in November 2019. Get your tickets today Farmer2Farmer is bigger, better and bolder than ever. Get your tickets today.  Join Jocko Willink, Alex Honnold and Peter Zeihan and farmers across North America and Australia for Farmer2Farmer VI on December 6-8 in Omaha, NE! 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.

Whether you’re planning to expand your operation with a new land purchase, refinance your farm or make improvements to your ranch, the FBN Finance team is ready to help you secure the funding you need to build a stronger financial future.  Get customized financing for your FBN Finance farm land loan in five straightforward steps:  1. Apply in Minutes Complete the brief FBN Finance land loan application securely online or contact a member of our advisory team for additional support. With an average of 15+ years in Ag finance, our loan advisors are dedicated to helping family farmers and happy to use their experience to help guide you. Once submitted, you can track the progress of your application as it is reviewed by our team.  [READY TO GET STARTED? See the FBN Finance land loan application here.]  2. Upload Your Supporting Documents With a guided process to help you complete the submission process more easily and quickly, our secure system will walk you through your necessary document uploads.  3. Receive a Decision Next, our dedicated FBN Finance loan advisors will review your application and determine your approval in as little as 48 hours.  [ ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS : Use the FBN Finance Land Loan Payment Calculator to estimate your potential land loan payments.] 4. Value Your Farm Land If your application and documents are approved, an appraiser will then assess the value of your land. Note that your operation must have a minimum of 10 acres to be eligible for a land loan from FBN Finance.  5. Get Funded Once your farm land appraisal is complete, you’ll secure your land loan interest rate, sign the final documents, and receive your loan funding. [CURRENT RATES: Click here to see the latest FBN Finance farm land loan rates.] Plan Ahead by Estimating Your Land Loan Payments At FBN , our goal is to always put Farmers First® by helping you maximize your operation’s ROI and secure a stronger financial future. Our farm land loan calculator brings actionable transparency and visibility to estimated rates and fees up front to help you better understand your options for buying farm land.   The farm land loan calculator empowers you to compare different loans before purchasing your land to see which options will best suit your operation. The feature will ask you a few simple questions, including your desired loan amount (minimum of $75,000) , estimated land value and credit score, before delivering an estimate of your semi-annual or annual loan payments based on your information and current rates. You’re always welcome to contact an FBN Finance advisor with any questions or for more information on land loans from FBN Finance.  Ready to apply for a land loan? Click here to start your application or complete the form below to have a member of our FBN Finance team guide you through the process.  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  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.

Take control of your crop input plan with FBN® Acre Packs , an exciting new feature now available to farmers through FBN Direct®. By helping you plan, order and save, Acre Packs empower you with greater control of your crop input plan, simplify your planning process and help you save money by combining products for up to 5% of additional discounts (no rebates required!).  How Do I Build an Acre Pack?  Ready to build your Acre Pack? Let’s look at how the process works:  For U.S. Farmers: For Canadian Farmers: How to 1. Pick Your Pack  First, select a crop based on the available options in your country. For farmers in the U.S., the following Acre Pack crop options are currently available:  Corn Soybeans Cotton Wheat Rice For farmers in Canada, the following Acre Packs are currently available:  Wheat   Barley Canola Peas Lentils Winter Wheat Corn Soybeans After you’ve selected your Pack, input your acreage so the tool can customize your Pack building experience.  2. Select Your First Base Product After choosing your crop, select your first base product. The Acre Pack tool allows you to see both the price per gallon and price per acre for your chosen base product. 3. Slide to Set Your Rate Using the slider tool on the page, adjust your rate options to see how you can adjust your usage and price.  4. Choose Your Package Type Once you’ve selected your preferred rate, you can choose your base product package type for your Acre Pack based on the available options. One of the most exciting features of the Acre Pack is that the tool optimizes for the lowest possible quantity left over, meaning you don’t have to do the complicated math to determine exactly how much to order or the best size for your needs. The tool does it all for you automatically. 5. See The Product Description Read through the product description on the right side of the screen to discover more detailed information about your selected product, including:  Specific product details, product characteristics and traits, and safety guidelines The product label with intended usage notes and other information from the manufacturer Available package sizes so you can select the option that works best for your acreage or let the tool make a recommendation for you 6. Stack Your Savings The Acre Pack tool automatically calculates the applicable discounts for you and shows your total savings per acre throughout the Pack building process. For every additional base product added to your Pack, you receive an additional 1% discount off your total. By adding up to five base products, you can receive up to 5% off your Pack order.  7. Add Your Pack To The Cart Once you’ve added any additional products you’d like to include in your Pack and taken full advantage of all possible stacked savings, you’re ready to add your Pack to your cart. By hovering your mouse over the discounts section at the bottom of the cart view, you can see how much you’re saving based on the products you’ve added to your Pack.   8. Pick Your Delivery Once you’re ready to finish the check out process, pick your delivery address and delivery date. You can also update an existing address or add a new one at this stage to ensure your delivery goes to the correct destination.  9. Pick Your Flexible Way To Pay Finally, select your preferred payment method or financing option, which could include an FBN® Operating Line (for farmers in the U.S.), ACH, credit card, or other payment type. After selecting your payment option, you’re ready to submit your order.  That’s it! With more control of your crop input plan, you can approach next season with confidence. Try it for yourself by building your Pack at FBN.com today.  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “FBN”, and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct in the United States are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct in Canada are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page 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. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal, state and provincial law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal, provincial and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, provincial, and local laws.  In all applicable jurisdictions,you must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer to use restricted use pesticides.   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. 

Farmer2Farmer VI , FBN®’s global conference for ag professionals, is themed around optimizing the potential ROI of your Ag operation and the idea of being “Back in the Black” for its sixth annual event this year. With three days packed full of insightful educational sessions, expert presentations, networking and business opportunities, inspirational keynote speakers, trade show demonstrations, and more, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than previous years.  Keep reading for a preview of some of the most anticipated sessions at Farmer2Farmer 2022.  Day 1: FBN University Training Sessions Livestock University Cow-Calf, Swine & Dairy, and Feedlot sessions will feature in-depth educational training with our expert veterinarians, nutritionists, insurance and biosecurity experts.  Farm Finance University  Aimed at helping you up your game as farm CEO with more advanced tactics, these sessions will include presentations from FBN experts on risk management, insurance, and farmland insights drawing from the latest research and data from the FBN network. Climate in Ag Summit with NASA Harvest With three overarching sessions on themes including “How to Maintain Farm Profitability Despite Weather Volatility” and “How to Prepare Your Operation for a Changing Climate,” the Summit will explore the critical role farmer engagement plays in shaping the frontier of today’s digital agricultural revolution. Featured speakers from NASA Harvest, FBN , farming and ranching operations, and other groups will also discuss how to assess the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and the business case for adopting more data-driven conservation practices across your farming operation without sacrificing long-term profitability.  [READ: 5 Reasons to Attend Farmer2Farmer 2022] Day 2: Insightful Panels and Presentations Biologicals: Do They Work? What Farmers Need to Know While once considered just an option for organics, biologicals are now mainstream in both conventional and organic operations. This session will offer the latest insights on the state of biologicals, show you how to determine if biological products could help your operation, and highlight which biological products producers are finding success with.  Farm Bill: Show Me the Money The Farm Bill has been the main policy vehicle for farmers and rural America, but has its impact shifted in light of recent developments? Distinguished farm policy leaders will delve into whether the Farm Bill offers support or potential resolution for critical issues like input pricing, supply chain disruptions, labor and immigration, environmental regulations, and water access. Seed Trends for 2023 When it's time to order seed, why are you choosing the seeds you’re purchasing? For most growers, the answer to that question has become quite complex. Join us as our featured agronomic speakers discuss which trends and innovations in the seed world they think about heading into the next planting season — from hybrids to traits to treatments. Financial Management: Cash Flow in a High Interest Rate Environment As interest rates continue to rise, it’s important to review your cash flow and management strategies. Hear what our panelists have to say about short-term operating lines or long-term debt strategies and refinancing options in order to secure better rates and put your operation in the best position. Implementing & Monetizing Regenerative Ag: Successes and Failures Conservation practices can have major benefits on the long term health and profitability of your farm. In this session, our featured speakers will honestly discuss both their wins and losses in implementing and monetizing regenerative practices in their operations. Want to Start Farming? The Most Innovative Strategies from Startup Farmers Hear from the next generation of farmers about how they leverage online platforms to get started and cement their unique place in farming.  Canadian Market Outlook 2023 A huge 2022 harvest following last year’s drought-induced short crop has produced a record-breaking harvest in Canada. Hear from commodity experts and producer specialists as they share their lessons learned from the rebound harvest of ‘22, the conditions that will or have already impacted ‘23, and what producers across the country need to know about next year’s market. Data Science in Agriculture What is data science, and how can it benefit your farm? A perennial Farmer2Farmer favorite, this talk has historically helped thousands of producers better understand how to leverage data on their operations. Listen to FBN ’s Data Science leaders as they walk through the basics of statistical analysis, the benefits of data-driven decision making, and the insights and tools that FBN has developed to give you a unique advantage in your operation. Day 3: FBN Business Trainings Learn about a range of products and financial services available through FBN and FBN Finance, including:  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 Click here to get access to these insightful, expert-led sessions by registering for free tickets to Farmer2Farmer V1 today. Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “FBN”, and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Take control of your crop input plan with FBN® Hectare Packs , a revolutionary new feature now available to farmers from FBN Direct®. By helping you strategise, select products and save, Hectare Packs help you take greater control of your crop input plan, streamline your input planning process and help you save money by combining products for up to 5% of additional, instant discounts (without rebates!).  How Do I Build a Hectare Pack?  Ready to build your Hectare Pack? Here’s how the process works:  1. Pick Your Pack  First, select a crop based on the available options in your country. For farmers in Australia, the following Hectare Pack crop options are currently available:  Wheat Barley Canola Cotton Sorghum After you’ve chosen your preferred Pack, input your hectares so the tool can customise your Pack building experience to your specific needs.  2. Select Your First Base Product After selecting your crop, choose your first base product. The Hectare Pack tool allows you to see both the price per litre and price per hectare for your chosen base product. 3. Slide to Set Your Rate Using the slider tool on the page, adjust your rate options to see how you can adjust your usage and price.  4. Choose Your Package Type Once you’ve selected your preferred rate, you can choose your base product package size for your Hectare Pack based on the options available.  Hectare Packs are particularly unique and useful to growers thanks to the tool’s ability to automatically optimise for the lowest possible amount left over for that crop, meaning you don’t have to do the complicated maths to determine exactly how much to order or the best size for your needs. The tool does it all for you by making customised recommendations for your specific operation.  5. See The Product Description Read through the product description on the right side of the screen to review more details about your selected product, including:  Specific product notes and safety guidelines The product label with intended usage notes and other information from the manufacturer Available package sizes  6. Stack Your Savings The Hectare Pack tool automatically calculates the applicable discounts for you and shows your total savings per hectare throughout the Pack building process. Save an additional 1% on your base herbicide product, such as Glyphosate, for every additional product added to the Pack, up to 5% off. The FBN Hectare Pack tool automatically calculates these discounts for you and shows your total savings per hectare. 7. Add Your Pack To The Cart Once you’ve added any additional products you’d like to include in your Pack to take advantage of all possible discounts, you’re ready to add your Pack to your cart. By hovering your mouse over the discounts section at the bottom of the cart view, you can see how much you’re saving based on the products you’ve added to your Pack.   8. Pick Your Delivery Once you’re ready to check out, choose your preferred delivery address and delivery date. At this time you may also update an existing address or add a new one to make sure your delivery goes to the correct location.  9. Pick Your Flexible Way To Pay Finally, select your preferred payment method, which could include credit or debit card, bank transfer or cheque, or commercial trade credit (28 day terms). After you’ve selected your preferred payment option, you’re ready to submit your order.  That’s it! With more control of your crop input plan, you can approach next season with confidence. Try it for yourself by building your Pack at FBN.com today. Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty. Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. 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. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/territory law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered chemical product is a violation of federal and/or state/territory law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, territory and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must be authorised to use restricted chemical products under applicable state or territory law. Please consult your applicable state or territory authority for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted chemical products as some products require specific record-keeping requirements.

With a Farmers First® mindset at the forefront of everything we do at FBN®, we developed our new Farm Land Loan Calculator to bring much needed transparency to the typically ambiguous farm land loan process. By estimating rates and fees up front, the free calculator helps you effectively plan and strategize your financial options for future land purchases, which can include farms, ranches, timberland, and hunting land. Compare different loan options prior to a land purchase to determine which path forward will work best for your Ag operation.  [READ: How We Made Calculating Farmland Payments Easier Than Ever] How to Estimate Land Loan Payments To estimate your land loan payments with FBN Finance, use the Farm Land Loan Calculator by:  1. Answering a few questions to provide basic information about your loan, including:  Your desired loan amount (minimum of $75,000 required) Estimated land value and acreage (minimum of 10 acres required) Your credit score 2. Receiving an estimate of your semi-annual or annual loan payments based on the information you provided and our current rates at FBN Finance . To proactively calculate your farm land loan payments and determine the best financial option for your farm, try the Farm Land Loan Calculator here or complete the form below to contact an FBN Finance advisor for further assistance. Farm Land Loans from FBN Finance At FBN , our team strives to put Farmers First by helping you secure a successful financial future for your Ag operation. Whether you’re planning to expand your operation with a new land purchase, refinance your farm or make improvements to your ranch, the FBN Finance team is ready to help you secure the funding you need to build a stronger financial future. Learn more about our farm land loan options here.  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  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.

[Do you know what your farmland is worth? Unlock the free Illinois Farmland Values Report from the FBN® Research team today.] Fueled by high commodity prices and low interest rates, U.S. farmland prices increased at a record pace in late 2021 through the first half of 2022. The end of fall harvest ushers in the peak season of farmland buying and selling. Will farmland values continue to climb this year?  While it is impossible to forecast precisely how these factors will play out in future months, there are a few key trends in farmland values that will continue to shape the farmland marketplace. Increasing Farmland Valuation Trends: With high commodity prices and government payments augmenting farm income, American farmers had more cash savings available to buy more land, thus escalating farmland values.  Historically low interest rates for land loans enabled farmers to obtain larger loans to purchase more land.  Low interest rates for bonds and treasuries, which were below inflation, meant that those alternative investments were less attractive, while farmland as an investment asset quickly became more appealing for farmers. Current mortgage rates are still below inflation, which is typically associated with positive increases in farmland values. (See the Farmland at Risk: An FBN Special Report for more information on these trends.)  Persistently high inflation makes farmland an attractive hedge due to its historical capacity to increase value during inflationary periods.  Decreasing Farmland Valuation Trends:  Since the start of 2022, the Fed interest rate has increased from 0.08% in January to 3.08% in October. This is one of the sharpest interest rate increases in a generation.  Higher interest rates generally reduce the attractiveness, and therefore value, of any risk-based asset class as risk-free alternatives become more attractive from a return and price-to-earnings perspective.  Agricultural production costs have increased substantially, primarily mainly by higher fuel and fertilizer costs. (See the 2022 FBN Fall Fertilizer Price Transparency Report for more information on these price increases and related fertilizer usage trends).  High costs reduce farm profits, which could slow the upward momentum in farmland values.  Illinois as a State-specific Case Study Illinois farmland prices surged to record levels in 2021 and early 2022, with an above average volume of higher-quality parcels for sale in some regions. Across most of the state, the price of parcels with excellent-quality soil grew at a faster pace than parcels with lower-quality soils. This period also boasted a record-high farmland acreage sales volume, with many sales happening even with crops still standing in the field. Though it is still early, trends in the data from the first part of 2022 may signal what’s to come. To date in 2022, farmland sales volume on an acreage basis is lower than 2021 figures and closer to the average of previous years. That may indicate that farmland owners tempted to sell by high prices did so already, and volume is now returning to average levels. However, decreasing sales volume does not necessarily signal decreasing prices. In fact, sales for the first part of 2022 indicate a slight increase in farmland prices for lower quality soils and similar prices for high quality soils, using the Illinois Soil Productivity Index (ILPI) as a measure of relative quality.  This may indicate that earlier increases in farmland values have now spread to lower- and middle quality farmland. Importantly, observed trends vary significantly across the state. District-level analysis is essential for understanding how soil quality, yield, and farm production revenue shapes trends in farmland values. For more insights into the current state of farmland valuation in Illinois, including statewide and regional trends, download the latest report from the FBN Research team. Based on soil quality data, land productivity analysis, historical ag yield data, and real estate transaction records, the team provides expert analysis around the current land values throughout nine Illinois regions. Fill out the form below or click here to unlock the free report .  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  The material provided is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific investment, business or any other 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.

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 in April 2022 as a Driver and I’m based out of Newton, IA. I drive a straight truck or semi-truck to deliver orders to the farmers. I really enjoy the one-on-one time I get with the farmers and I make an effort to visit with each of them; that’s just an extra special touch that you won't get from other companies. Plus, I get to try out their fresh milk or cheese from straight off the farm.    What was your previous work experience before joining FBN ?  I have over 45 years of truck driving experience. I actually started driving a straight truck at 7 years old for my grandfather on the farm. I would drive 1 mile to the elevator and then hop out of the truck and I was given cookies and a soda pop. Eventually, I joined the US Army and in my time drove and was a mechanic for the service. I started a truck driving company and then had various other driving and warehouse jobs. Through my time in those warehouse jobs, I learned about chemicals and about visiting with farmers which was great because that is more my nature. I love to greet people with a, “good morning, how are you?” and if anyone is ever having a bad day, I take the time to listen. As such, I have a great following of farmers from the relationships I’ve built over the years.  What did you first find compelling about FBN that led you to want to learn more?  Kevin Feeney’s persistence saying “I’ve heard about what you do and how you treat people.” I put him off for a few months and then appreciated the persistence. I had heard so many good things about FBN . I’d never heard of unlimited time off. I’ve been a manager myself in the past, and I really appreciated how persistent Kevin was in building the right team.    Why did you ultimately decide to join FBN ? What did this thought process look like for you?  Finally, after doing more research and talking to my wife, we both thought it was “too good to be true,” but I was ready for a change. I thought I was in my retirement job, working from 6 - 2, until finding FBN . Now of course I work longer hours, but I enjoy being at FBN . The benefits were so great and Kevin’s persistence really intrigued me. I also took the time to stop FBN drivers and other employees as I came across them to ask them about the company. They all spoke of the flexibility at FBN , and the willingness to accommodate you as a person, instead of you as just a number. Ultimately, that influenced my decision to join FBN .  Now that you’ve joined, how would you describe life at FBN ?  I have turned to recruiting. I have told farmers and at least 10 different drivers about FBN . I have no reason to make this up - it is just the truth! I truly enjoy the people and the atmosphere at FBN . What kind of impact are you and your team having on the company’s future?   We move the business forward because of the relationships between the drivers and the people we are delivering to.  How does FBN’s mission come to life in your day-to-day work? How does your work positively impact farmers?  Us being able to deliver within a few days of order. The farmers are shocked that they are getting products so quickly. We, as FBN , have our own trucks and equipment. We are standing up to what our word is by getting things to customers as quickly as possible.  We know you have a life outside of work - what kinds of things do you do for fun?  I’m an avid motorcyclist. I love camping. I love spending time with my family. I have 7 kids and 18 grand babies.  What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering FBN ? If you’re looking for a secure job and peace of mind at a family-oriented business, pick FBN hands down! I wish I would have found this job 20 years ago. I would tell people, “Make sure you are ready to work at your forever job.” It has just been a real pleasure.  What is one thing you are looking forward to in the future at FBN ?  I’m looking forward to actually utilizing the benefits and not being nervous about taking time off. It’s hard to go from having “x” amount of days to use, to having the flexibility to take the time that you need, when you need it. I’m glad that FBN encourages people to take advantage of the time off policy. FBN is really trying to make the best work environment for their people.  What made you want to join the "Veterans @ FBN " Employee Resource Group? I'm interested in this group to show support for my fellow Veterans who might, with the help of others with shared experiences, make it through one more day; and give hope to a person who feels there's no hope left. Why do you celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month? To express my thanks and honor to those who served before me. Giving their life and limbs for everyone they fought for both foreign and domestic. My father and his father, his brother and my brothers, my mom and sisters. I am proud to call myself an American. Where freedom has never been free. We have fought and earned our place in history; however big or small our jobs were in the service. Thank you to all Veterans and the private workers. Thank you all for supporting them. 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.

When it’s time to buy Ag chemicals for your operation, there are a lot of decisions to be made. There are also a lot of things to remember. The good news is that buying ag inputs , crop protection, crop nutrition and seed products is easy when you purchase through FBN Direct® .  FBN Direct gives farmers the visibility, transparency and confidence to make smart and efficient choices when purchasing inputs. When you shop with FBN Direct , you’ll see comprehensive information on thousands of Ag products and be able to easily compare prices between chemicals using the same active ingredient.  There’s never been a better time to buy inputs online. This checklist will help you keep track of the five things to remember when buying chem online. 1. Consider generic vs. branded Ag chemicals While it may be easy to think that a branded product is better than a generic product, that’s not always the case.  While generic products are not identical to their branded equivalents, they tend to be very similar in terms of performance. In fact, to receive an EPA registration, a generic product must have the same technical make-up as the branded version. Often generic and branded products are even manufactured by the same companies. Generic companies routinely perform field trials to evaluate their products against the branded equivalents. And because generic manufacturers must use EPA approved surfactants and inert ingredients in their formulation, they do not use lower quality surfactants.  2. Consider FBN Acre Packs When you’re thinking about your crop plan, you need to factor in the quantity and size of your purchase. Determining what you need to buy is now even easier when you’re shopping at FBN Direct .  FBN Acre Packs are a new and innovative way to give you control over your crop inputs plan with simple online tools that allow you to plan, order and save up to an additional 5% off your order .  ​​Picking your pack is as easy as three simple steps: a. Plan your Pack  FBN Acre Packs will help guide you to the seed, crop protection and crop nutrition products labeled for your crop. You’ll be able to build your Pack directly online with the flexibility to pick the right products for your operation. b. Order your Pack Ditch complicated math and let FBN Acre Packs do the work for you. Input your acres and select your rate from the labeled range. FBN Acre Packs automatically calculate how much you need and will display your cost per unit and per acre.  c. Save The more you buy, the more you’ll unlock upfront discounts. Never get burned with a rebate bundle again.  [Read more: Introducing New FBN Acre Packs: Controlling Your Crop Plan is Simple] 3. Submit your paperwork Check your FBN member profile to see if you’ve provided all of the necessary information required before checking out on your next order.  You may need to provide some of the following documentation: Upload any relevant tax exemption forms for your operation Review and sign the Master Distribution Agreement (MDA) Submit the Grower Technology Agreement if you plan on purchasing traited seed If you plan to purchase crop protection, upload Crop Protection Compliance paperwork, aka Restricted Use Product (RUP) certificate Complete either the RUP certificate requirements for yourself or on someone else’s behalf by uploading a photo of the RUP license [ Upload your Crop Protection Compliance paperwork to your profile. ] 4.Know what you’re paying for Our modern logistics network has fulfillment and logistics centers located around North America and beyond to ensure a dedicated supply chain for agriculture.  FBN Direct brought price transparency to the Ag industry that allows our 48,000+ member farmers to see market averages, quotes and invoiced prices on thousands of inputs.  It’s not only changing the way farmers like you are doing business on your operation, it’s helping you secure huge savings along the way.  It’s easy to use the app and the way it compares the prices. I took the prices from FBN on the products I wanted to use this year to my local retailer and it was almost $13,000 in savings to go with FBN. It’s an unbelievable tool. Jeremy Edger, FBN Member from Ohio And with so many quality products to choose from on the FBN store, you can get both generic and branded products that directly pass on the savings to your operation.  [Read more: 6 Things You’re Missing If You’re Not Buying from FBN Direct] 5. Plan your delivery date One of the benefits of ordering from FBN Direct is that you’re in control of when your product is delivered. Schedule the time that is right for your operation to have direct-to-farm delivery. Select your preferred delivery date when checking out and our team will bring your order on the scheduled delivery date.  With FBN Direct, you’re in control.  [Read more: Three Myths About Buying Ag Chemicals in the Winter] Take control of your Ag Chem needs With an incredibly diverse crop nutrition product portfolio, FBN Direct has the crop protection products you need. Now’s the time to check out what you’ve been missing. Become an FBN member today.  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. 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, LLC 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.

Let’s face it, health insurance can be confusing. Answering these five questions will help you get started on making your decision. While it’s important to do your own research, be sure to reach out to an insurance agent you trust with specific questions for your unique situation. 1. How much will it cost? This is the first thing most people want to know when shopping for health coverage. Depending on the type of plan you are looking at, the costs can vary dramatically. For example, plans that are medically underwritten like the ones FBN® Health offers, have rates that are based on factors such as age, general health and gender. Other, more traditional offerings may have a flat rate based on age and state. It is important to look at more than just the price when determining which plan is right for you. Make sure you are looking at the total costs including premium (what you pay each month/year), deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket maximum amounts. 2. What are my options if I have a pre-existing condition? Depending on what your pre-existing conditions are you could potentially be limited in your plan options. Plans through Healthcare.gov are not allowed to exclude your participation for pre-existing conditions. Other offerings, such as those that are medically underwritten may exclude certain pre-existing conditions. If you question whether or not you may be denied coverage, be sure to ask your licensed health agent what options may be available to you. 3. How can I find out if my provider is in the network? It is important to do your research before enrolling in a new health plan. Part of that research should include reviewing the plan’s provider network. Check the plan’s website or ask your agent to verify ahead of time that providers and facilities you need are considered to be in network. 4. Are dental and vision included with my health plan?  In most cases, these items will be separate. Make sure you ask your agent during your research if they are included or not. Never assume additional coverage is included without verifying through your agent and your plan paperwork. 5. Are my prescriptions covered?  Prescription drug coverage is an important part of your health plan. Just like with providers, make sure you do your research to verify that necessary drugs are included in your plan. You should be able to request a copy of your plan’s formulary, or list of covered drugs,  if you have specific questions.  Still have questions? If you have questions regarding health coverage for your farm, reach out to FBN Health at 877-892-3303 to talk to one of our experts or visit fbn.com/insurance/health-insurance to get a custom quote. FBN does not offer traditional health insurance. But while we do not offer traditional health insurance, we do offer FBN Health. FBN Health is marketed by FBN Insurance LLC. FBN Insurance LLC is not a licensed insurance company or agency and its employees and representatives are not licensed life and health insurance agents. Policies marketed by FBN Health are level-funded group health benefit plans offered and administered by Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc. (“BPA”) and Employers Business Alliance ("EBA") and available only where BPA and EBA are licensed." If you submit the Get A Quote Form, a licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you on behalf of BPA or EBA. You cannot obtain coverage under a health plan until you complete and submit an application for the plan and your application is approved and accepted by BPA or EBA. Eligibility and benefit exclusions and limitations apply. FBN Health is currently available in all 50 states.