Farmers National Management System
The Farmers National Company system is a comprehensive farm management service
for landowners. We begin with each client with a discussion to determine goals
as well as specific short and long-term objectives and other considerations. A
landowner
may identify some or all of these objectives as
important in their overall plan for their property and it's management:
- Increased income
- Asset conservation
- Management continuity
- Consistent communications
- Budgeting to achieve cost control
- Improved crop marketing to increase profits
Based on client goals, Farmers National Company
will handle all day-to-day operations of farm management, always keeping the
client informed about changes in agriculture and their impact on the operation.
Throughout the association with Farmers National Company, we will keep the
lines of communication open.
Resource Evaluation
Once we have determined our clients' goals, we conduct a thorough initial farm
analysis and environmental review. Our local professional farm manager will
conduct the analysis and develop an inventory of available resources on the
property from soil types to buildings. The local manager also may prepare a
computer generated lease analysis and perform other evaluations to provide
recommendations about options to achieve your goals. From this information, a
comprehensive farm management plan is developed.
Working with the Operator
Teamwork is the order of the day when it comes to the operation of the farm.
Because a good working relationship with the farm operator is essential to the
success of the Farmers National Company system - - and the success of the farm
- - the manager and operator will work closely throughout the year. At the
start of every crop year, the manager will develop a farm management plan and
operating budget with the farm operator. The plan, as well as any changes
considered necessary during the year, will be submitted for your approval.
If a new operator is needed on the farm,
the local farm manager will interview likely candidates in the area, and make a
recommendation to you for operator selection. Then with your approval, a new
operator can be selected and placed on the farm.
Timely Farm Inspections and Written
Reports
After each farm visit, our local farm manager supplies our client with various
reports and records. The Crop Acreage Report is prepared each spring, and
includes a Plat of the farm and a field by field crop acreage. Regular farm
inspections are made through the growing season followed by written reports to
you to keep you informed of what is going on on the farm. Supplemental Reports
are sent as required for special projects and approvals. Within two weeks of
harvest, harvest results are reported, inventory is accounted and a marketing plan
is developed for any unsold inventory. At the end of the crop year, clients
receive a complete analysis of the farm's performance for the season.
Profitable Crop Marketing
Crop marketing is a full-time job at Farmers National Company. Devoted solely
to evaluating and taking advantage of marketing trends, Farmers National's
marketing specialist works consistently to improve your profits.
A marketing plan is developed yearly and
updated daily for each farm that is under our management. Specific sales goals
are established by our commodity marketer, and implemented by the local farm
manager based on local conditions. The plan is designed to sell crops, under
our control, in the top one-third of the yearly market range, and avoid the
bottom one-third of the market where 75% of the grain grown in the US is
currently sold. We have a proven track record at Farmers National Company, and
would be glad to provide you specific examples of our marketing success from
past years.
Financial Reporting
The Farmers National Company system is more than just local farm management.
When you are working with Farmers National Company, you hire a team of
professionals. Each
local farm manager has a farm accountant at the
home office that works with them to do the financial reporting on all managed
farms.
Along with the farm managers, our
financial professionals will maintain the farm account, reviewing and paying
bills and depositing funds.
As a client at Farmers National Company,
you will receive monthly financial reporting statements (if there is activity
in the account). Financial reports on multiple owner properties are available
at either the farm or the owner level, or both, depending on your needs. At the
end of the year you will receive a summary of income and expenses and cash
flows for use in tax preparation.
As a client you have two options for cash
management. We can establish an interest bearing account on your behalf, and
hold funds there to pay expenses as bills come in, and deposit funds there as
income comes into the farm. The interest bearing account is an on demand
account, and you may take the cash out at any time.
We also offer a funds advanced account,
set up so that you receive, or pay your cash balance (as appropriate) at the
end of the month.
Care and Conservation of the Land
and the Environment
Farmers National Company understands the benefits
of soil and water conservation as well as clean environment and expects
responsible soil stewardship on every managed farm. We encourage practices that
minimize soil and wind erosion, such as terracing, contouring and no-till
farming - - practices which in turn improve productivity in both short and long
term.
Farm managers
are encouraged to develop a strong soil and water conservation ethic. Each year
Farmers National Company presents Wes Furrer Conservation Awards to farm
managers and farm owners for outstanding conservation work completed on Farmers
National Company managed farms. The award is named for our Past President, Wes
Furrer, now retired. Mr. Furrer is credited with instilling a conservation
ethic at Farmers National Company that carries through to all of our managers
today.