More than 7,900 Farm Credit Illinois members will receive their share of a $20 million cash patronage distribution the week of June 17 – the first patronage payment since the Association’s charter.

In this issue of ESSENTIALS, you'll watch a timely weather outlook update from Eric Snodgrass, learn about the new FCI cash patronage program, meet the Director's Cup recipients and also meet the 2019 Summer Interns!

When choosing a lender, consider the advantage of working with a cooperative - owned by its members and not outside investors. Lending cooperatives deliver value by serving the needs of member-borrowers and their communities.

The post-harvest 2018 edition of Cultivation includes useful information about the Farmland Value Study, upcoming Farm Credit College programs, and how to apply for 2019 Scholarships and 4-H/FFA Grants. Cultivations comes out twice a year and is mailed to all FCI cooperative members and crop insurance customers.

In this issue of ESSENTIALS, you'll watch a timely weather outlook update from Eric Snodgrass, learn about the new FCI cash patronage program, meet the Director's Cup recipients and also meet the 2019 Summer Interns!

Lots of great content in this issue: KOHL-laborations, INTERESTing Times, a "Text Club" contest with terrific prizes, meet the 2019 Ag Scholars and Community Grant Recipients, important crop insurance information, Staff in the Spotlight introducing new FCI employees and celebrating milestone anniversaries and more!

Hear from Dr. David Kohl on how to plan for 2019, register to attend a Farm Credit College Estate Planning workshop, register to attend one or more 2019 Fielding Forward crop insurance meetings, and find information about 2019 FCI ag scholarships and community improvement grants.

As you make plans for the 2019 crop year, you may be questioning the impact of each input cost on your bottom line - including crop insurance. Read how investing in crop insurance provides value to your risk management plan over time.

A fascination with American history started the Lieb family of Piatt County on a new venture in 2000.

When choosing a lender, consider the advantage of working with a cooperative - owned by its members and not outside investors. Lending cooperatives deliver value by serving the needs of member-borrowers and their communities.

What does the announcement indicating no expected rate hikes for 2019 reflect about the Fed’s balance sheet and the U.S. and global economies?

How little changes or increased focus can increase a producer's chance of success in today's farm economy.

Don't forget these crop insurance details this spring.