Issue 5 October 2020

FCI Passes Vision Milestone $5 Billion of Volume

Several ambitious and tangible goals were set five years ago as the cooperative created a 10-year strategic plan – Vision 2025. One significant goal is to reach $7 billion owned, managed, and collaborated volume. As of July 31, 2020, FCI exceeded the $5 billion mark.

$5B Volume Milestone

Weather Outlook Update Harvest Conditions Impacted by Hurricanes Strong La Niña Impacts Winter Forecast

Timely rains earlier in the growing season will keep yields high in southern Illinois, and the drier 10-day forecast favors rapid harvest progress. As the hurricane season and La Niña conditions continue through the month, how will harvest be impacted by weather events? What can you expect for the U.S. winter and South American growing season?

Weather Outlook For Harvest & Winter

Say Goodbye to Lender Fees at Closing Money Costs Less at FCI

Looking for a lender who will lower your cost of borrowing money? Don’t just search for low interest rates; avoid upfront fees that impact how much you pay for a loan. As a farmer-owned cooperative, we understand that every dollar counts – so we said goodbye to lender fees at closings.

Learn How to Save

Crop Insurance Reminders Contact Your Agent with Questions

OCTOBER 20 or 31 - Wheat Final Plant Date Last date to plant with full coverage (county-specific) NOVEMBER 14 - Wheat Production Reporting Date Signed production report due for all 2020 planted wheat NOVEMBER 15 - Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Sales Closing Date Signed application and acreage report due NOVEMBER 30 - Corn and Soybean Crop Insurance Premium Accrual Date For 2020 only, RMA approved a 60-day waiver of interest on Aug. 15 billed premiums; interest will attach to unpaid premiums after Nov. 30 DECEMBER 10 - Corn & Soybean End of Insurance Coverage Request an extension or appraisal for any crops left standing in the field DECEMBER 15 - Wheat Acreage Reporting Date Signed acreage report due for all 2021 planted wheat

Contact Your FCI Crop Insurance Agent

Members Market Promote & Discover Local Products

Do you sell food products from the farm direct to consumer? FCI members are encouraged to list their farm business on FCI’s Farm Fresh Members Market as an additional way to promote your products to the public and fellow members.

Check Out the Farm Fresh Members Market

Do You Have Pasture for Grazing or Haying? PRF Sales Closing Nov. 15 - Contact Your FCI Crop Insurance Agent

With pasture, rangeland, forage (PRF) insurance, you can insure grazing or haying pasture with area-based coverage levels up to 90%. PRF covers replacement feed costs if a loss of forage for grazing or haying for harvest occurs due to a lack of precipitation

Ask Questions or Sign Up for Coverage with an FCI Agent

2021 Focus on Farming Calendar Selections Made 461 Photos Entered

Thanks to all who submitted and liked photos during this year’s contest. This record-breaking year brought amazing visuals of agriculture and rural life. We can’t wait to see what you enter next year!

View the Finalists

Nominate an Outstanding Ag Educator Golden Owl Award Winners Receive $3,000

Help us honor Illinois ag educators for their tremendous contributions, which help grow the next generation of agricultural leaders. The Golden Owl Award winner and Illinois Ag Educator of the Year will receive $3,000 and five additional honorees will win $500. Submit nominations through Dec. 31, 2020.

Nominate an Ag Educator Today

Raffles & Reactions Enter to Win One of Ten Bluetooth Headsets Drawing to be held Oct. 25

Here's a chance to win an "essential" to keep you connected during the harvest season. The slim, durable set has retractable headphones and advanced speaker technology for clear, hands-free conversations.

Enter to win

Congratulations to the winners of the grill kits following Issue 4: ·       Bonnie Nelson of Macon County ·       Daniel Headley of Marion County ·       Edward Fox of Morgan County ·       Elrah Eastin of Douglas County ·       Kathy Likens of Jefferson County ·       Keith Reynolds of Iroquois County ·       Larry Henke of Madison County ·       Marianne Hoosier of Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska ·       Randall Dambacher of Sangamon County ·       Robert Cornelius of Jersey County

Staff in the Spotlight Welcome Aboard & Milestones

Get to know FCI’s newest team members and join us in giving a special tribute to employees who reached significant milestones in years of service to members and rural communities.