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Jolene Brown

Water Street EDGE Farm Business Seminar – Willmar, MN on Feb. 16th-17th, 2015

January 13, 2015 by Summer

Can you believe that it’s 2015 already! With a new year brings new changes and challenges in farming. The Water Street EDGE Farm Business Seminar provides educational sessions that will teach you the skills needed to successfully manage your farm operation in 2015 and beyond. Take a look at the two-day seminar schedule listed below.

Day One

  • 12:00-1:00 PM – Registration
  • 1:00-2:00 PM – Market Sense for a High-Frequency World
    Arlan Suderman, Senior Market Analyst at Water Street Solutions will build your understanding of the key drivers in today’s markets and help you consider how to approach market volatility – in such a wayFarm Business Seminar that your plan makes sense with the long-term goals of your operation.
  • 2:30-3:30 PM & 4:00-5:00 PM – Rebooting Farm Leadership
    Richard Hadden, CSP will provide current and future farm leaders with real-world applications of key leadership practices – as well as revealing the skills farm leaders will need to lead in a changing world.
  • 5:30-7:30 PM – Reception & Dinner
  • 7:30-8:30 PM- Keynote: It’s a Jungle Out There! Blazing New Trails for Agriculture
    Jolene Brown, CSP will explore the four major influencers that affect decision-making for ourselves and our customers. With lots of laughter, you’ll learn how to build important bridges for a joy-filled journey in today’s agricultural ‘jungle’!

Day Two

  • 8:00-10:00 AM – Straight Talk, Straight Actions: Agriculture in a Changing Economy
    Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Ag Economics at Virginia Tech will help you consider what it will take to run your farm business successfully in the shifting ag economy.
  • 10:30-11:30 AM – Farm-Level Financials: Key Foundations for Decision-Making
    Mike Gustafson, Chief Operating Officer at Water Street Solutions will focus on farm financials and how you’re making decisions for your operation. Through a case study approach, this workshop-style session will apply concepts from Dr. Kohl’s economic view at the individual farm level.
  • 11:30-1:00 PM – Table Topics Lunch
    Back by popular demand, we’ll host Table Topics, a chance to sit and discuss topics of your choice in a small group setting.
  • 1:00-2:00 PM – Cultivating Communication: Grow Your Skills, Grow Your Edge
    Darren Frye, President and CEO at Water Street Solutions will share four core skills to use as you communicate each day with family members, non-family employees, vendors, advisors, landlords and lenders.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM AGENDA (PDF)

Corn Capital Co-Sponsoring

Corn Capital Innovations is proud to be co-sponsoring this event along with Water Street Solutions at the Best Western Plus in Willmar, MN. We are firm believers in the importance of continuing education to achieve future farm success. We encourage all farmers in our area to attend.

Develop Your EDGE

Develop your EDGE! Attend the Water Street EDGE Farm Business Seminar on February 16th-17th, 2015. Time is running out, register today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

Are you attending Water Street EDGE? What learning sessions are you most looking forward to?

Categories: Farm Profitability, General | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Who’s Hiding the Humor?” Customer Appreciation Event a Success!

December 3, 2014 by Summer

In the CCI office this morning, we are still smiling and chuckling from our customer appreciation event last night. It was definitely not one of those regular seed meeting that we find ourselves attending throughout the year. It was a night to honor our clients! A night of good conversation, even better company and a speaker who was honest, inspirational and humorous!

Who’s Hiding the Humor? – Jolene Brown

We were honored to have Jolene Brown come to Olivia and speak to a full house with over 140 in attendance! Her passion for ag advocacy, appreciation of hard work and ability to find the humor in any situation rang true during her entire speech. Everyone left the event with a more positive mindset than they came with. It was the perfect way to end the evening.

For those of you who were unable to attend our event, you’re in luck! Jolene will be returning to the area on Feb. 16th-17th, 2015 to speak at the Water Street EDGE Farm Business Seminar in Willmar, MN. Jolene is part of a group of top speaker who will share their expertise about managing a modern farming operation. We encourage all of you to attend and as an added bonus we are extending the Early Bird Rate to all CCI customers through December 31st, 2014. Please contact us for more information and to register.

Thank You!

Thank you for celebrating another great year with us, we enjoyed spending time with our amazing clients, co-workers and friends. The event was a wonderful success and we truly are grateful for your patronage over the last year. Please enjoy our collection of photos from the event below.

What hit home most with you after hearing Jolene’s speech? Were you inspired to advocate for your industry and look for the humor in life? Please share in the comments.

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

Categories: General, Mindset | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Farm Business Seminar – Early Bird Discount Ends Nov 17th

November 7, 2014 by Summer

The Water Street EDGE Farm Business Seminar is coming to Willmar, MN on Feb. 16th-17th, 2015. Based on the success of the 2014 event, you won’t want to miss it! Here’s your chance to take advantage of the Early Bird Rate of $249! Regular price is $399, that’s a savings of $150!

How Do You Develop Your EDGE?

Farming is changing – and the skills needed today to lead and manage an operation are different than in the past. Water Street EDGE has enlisted a group of farm experts to help you navigate these changes. Let’s meet them!

Speaker Sessions

  • Straight Talk, Straight Actions: Agriculture in a Changing Economy
    In a high-energy, no-holds-barred session, Dr. David Kohl brings his signature ‘straight talk’ on the global economic trends impacting your decision-making and the bottom line of your farm business.
  • Market Sense for a High Frequency World
    Leading market analyst Arlan Suderman will build your understanding of the key drivers in today’s market and help you consider how to approach market volatility – in such a way that your plan makes sense with the long-term goals of your operation.
  • Rebooting Farm Leadership
    Through practical insight and humor, Richard Hadden will provide current and future farm leaders with real-world applications of key leadership practices – as well as revealing the skills farm leaders will need to lead in a changing world.
  • It’s a Jungle Out There! Blazing New Trails for Agriculture
    Keynote speaker Jolene Brown will explore the four major influencers that affect decision-making for farms and their customers. With lots of laughter, you’ll learn how to build important bridges for a joy-filled journey in today’s agricultural ‘jungle’.

Get an exclusive preview of what Jolene Brown has to offer at our customer appreciation gathering. Jolene is the keynote speaker at our “Who’s Hiding the Humor” Event on Dec. 2nd! Invitations coming soon!

Educational Events

Water Street Edge On top of the excellent speaker sessions, this seminar offers additional educational and networking opportunities including:

  • Workshops
  • Table Topics Luncheon
  • Peer Networking Opportunities
  • Reception
  • Dinner banquet
  • And More!
Click Here to Download the Full Program Agenda (PDF)

Corn Capital Co-Sponsoring

Corn Capital Innovations is proud to be co-sponsoring this event along with Water Street Solutions at the Best Western Plus in Willmar, MN. We are firm believers in the importance of continuing education to achieve future farm success. We encourage all of our customers to attend.

Register Now & Save

Don’t delay. Register before November 17, 2014 to receive the Early Bird rate of $249/person. Remember the price increases after this date to $399/person.

Click Here to Register

 

Did you register for Water Street EDGE? What speaker are you most looking forward to?

Categories: Farm Profitability, General | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Who’s Hiding The Humor?” Event Coming on Dec. 2nd!

October 9, 2014 by Summer

Jolene BrownIt’s our pleasure to invite you, our patrons, to join us for a fun evening at Max’s Grill in Olivia on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm to show our appreciation.

Jolene Brown, professional speaker, Author and Family Business Consultant, will be our keynote speaker. Jolene encourages, teaches, and celebrates the people of agriculture who feed, clothe and fuel the world.

Jolene spoke at a farm business seminar that we co-sponsored earlier this year. We were so impressed with her extensive knowledge, speaking ability and popularity with the audience, that it was a unanimous decision to invite her to speak at this event. Jolene will be presenting again at the Water Street Edge Farm Business Seminar on Feb. 16th-17th, 2015 in Willmar, MN.

“Who’s Hiding the Humor?”

Here is a short description of Jolene’s presentation:

All folks have a sense of humor; it’s just that some folks have a bad one! They haven’t learned that the benefits of a positive sense of humor extend to better health, understanding of rural issues, and positive farm family relationships. How long has it been since you’ve really laughed and celebrated who you are and what you do? We’ll do both as we answer the question “Who’s Hiding the Humor?”

Join Us!

We hope you can join us for an evening of great company, tasty food, and top notch entertainment! A formal invitation will follow in the mail.

The entire Corn Capital Innovations Team looks forward to thanking you in person at this event!

Categories: General, Mindset | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Preparing for the Future: A Recap of Water Street Edge 2014

March 26, 2014 by Summer

AdEdge with Corn Capital Innovations and Water Street SolutionsWhat is your farm’s strategy for the future?  Water Street Edge 2014 attendees at the Willmar, MN event on Februrary 17 & 18, 2014, were engaged in education and conversations around thinking to the future in your ag business.

Because farming is a business, we know how vital education is to running a successful farm operation. Having the opportunity to co-sponsor an Water Street Edge event with Water Street Solutions, right here in our area, made for an exciting two days of learning and networking with other farming businesses and families.

It was thrilling to see so many farmers at the event and we really enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones. For those of you who were unable to attend, we wanted to share a bit of information about what attendees learned during a few of the sessions.

Making Sense of the Markets by Arlan Suderman of Water Street Solutions

 

Arlan started off his segment with a good question for the audience; “What keeps me from being a better commodity marketer?.  Arlan presented on important topics and gave excellent advice, which also included the suggestion that wives make better marketers because they have not “attached” themselves to the crop.

Arlan Suderman’s presentation included:

  • World Economy – keep an eye on the Middle East.
  • Trends – take time weekly to learn about non-ag issues.
  • Global Protein Shortage
  • Global Weather Patterns

Arlan gave some final thoughts on 2014 weather as well.  “It is cold and below average on precipitation, but May looks good here in Minnesota.”

Top Ten Stupid Things Families Do to Break Up Their Business by Jolene Brown, CSP

 

Jolene is author of the book “Sometimes You Need More Than a 2×4!  How-to-tips to successfully grow a family business”.  Jolene talked about how precious and enduring a family farm is and how to successfully grow and profit from your family business.  Jolene provided valuable information and had the entire audience engaged.

Jolene discussed these Top Ten topics around Successfully Grow a Family Farm Business:

  1. Assuming all genetic relationships equal good working relationships
  2. Believing the business can financially support any and all family members who want to work together.
  3. Assuming others will/ should/ must change and not me.
  4. Presuming a conversation is a contract.
  5. Believing mind reading is an acceptable form of communication.
  6. Failing to build communication skills and meeting tools when the times are good so they’ll be in place to use when the times get tough.
  7. Ignoring the in-laws and off site family.
  8. Forgetting to use common courtesy.
  9. Having no legal and discussed estate, management transfer plan, or buy/sell agreement.
  10. Neglecting vital facts of fair and equal, paying cash for emotional debts, and failing to celebrate.

Memorable Quotes From Jolene

  • “Do you want a family-first business or a business-first family?”
  • “Acceptance in a family is unconditional.  Acceptance in a business is conditional.  It is not a birth right.”
  • “Parents don’t owe their kids a business.  We do owe our children:  morals, values, opportunity for an education, legal and discussed plans & listing of details.”/

Managing in the Great Super Cycle of Agriculture by Dr. David Kohl of Virginia Tech

 

Dr. David Kohl is Professor Emeritus, Agriculture and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.  Dr. Kohl is known for his over 1,200 articles written about ag business and finance.  His presentation was based on Managing in the Great Ag Super Cycle.

Dr. Kohl covered topics that included:

  • Global Economy
  • Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Barometer
  • US Farm Real Estate Values
  • Goal Setting
  • Working Capital
  • Family Living Budget
  • Business Equation for Success

Top Two Quotes from Dr. David Kohl:

  1. “I’m a firm believer in good old fashion goals setting! Setting goals help you focus.”
  2. “Your success is directly correlated with the people you do business with! Surround yourself with talented people.”

Landlords and Lenders:  Leveraging your Business Relationships

 

A panel of experts were brought together to discuss landlord & lender relationships. Attendees had the opportunity to interact and learn during the discussion.

Staggering Statistics:

  • 57 is the average age of a farmer.
  • 65 is the average age of a lander.
  • 40% of land is owned by women.
  • 42% of US farm land is rented or leased.
  • 60% of land rented or leased (110 million acres) will change hands over the next 20 years.

Take Home Thoughts from the Panelists

  • Communication is key!
  • Involve the next generation early and often.
  • Develop and share your farm story via newsletter, farm website or social media.
  • Gather a team of trusted advisors.

Farm Metrics You Can Count On by Darren Frye, Water Street Solutions President & CEO

 

Darren began by sharing a photo of the farm he grew up on and how his father measured success by how hard he worked, how many hours he put in and how many different crops he could grow.

Topics Darren Covered:

  1. Production
  2. Crop Insurance
  3. Marketing
  4. Finance

Take Home Quotes from Darren:

  • “All growth happens outside comfort zones! We get a lot of chances in other things in life but not farming.”
  • “Be a master of your assets not a slave to them!”
  • “If we are not changing our behavior based on what we’ve learned, we are wasting our time!”
  • “Measure what matters most! But remember that not everything can be measured & not everything that can be measured matters. “

Closing out Darren’s presentation, he talked about Don Mann of Seal Team Six.  “Reaching Beyond Boundaries” is a story about Don Mann who believes anything is possible if you “turn macro goals into micro goals.”  You can read this moving story in The Progressive Farmer, which includes the steps used by Seal Team Six to help achieve your goals.

Thank you from Corn Capital Innovations

 

Finally, we want to thank all of the speakers, panelists, attendees and coordinators of this event. It’s great to know that the valuable information presented will be utilized throughout the year by successful farm businesses in south-central Minnesota.

What educational information or quote did you find most useful? How have you incorporated the lessons shared into your farm business?

Categories: Farm Profitability, General, Mindset | Tags: , , , , ,