The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer/Quill Publisher
First State Bank of Western Illinois brought their farm customers and friends together in Carthage Monday evening to treat them to an evening of "Ag Strategies" and farm talk, and a dinner that would satisfy any farmer's appetite.
First speaker was Bob Rhea, Western FBFM of Camp Point, who works with farmers in four counties helping with farm management, finance, and tax issues at the state and national level. His "Top 10 Ag Strategies" are:
10-pay more social security tax, gain more retirement benefits.
9-practice negotiations
8-invest in energy efficiency (use vehicle and home credits)
7-Go to Washington D.C.
6-Start 50+ retirement plan
5- Have a good record of costs
4- Evaluate Investment performance.
3- Study: (Poli-sci, Comm, Phil, Psych) for better skills in people areas.
2- Spread Fixed Costs
1- Organize a website co-op..share resources
Contact Bob at 217-593-7233, email: wfbfm@adams.net.
The main speaker was James Rebhuhn, of Iowa, a farm manager with Hertz Farm Management, Inc. He gave a slide presentation of the challenges and advantages of farming in Brazil, the 13th largest trading partner with the U.S. Two years ago, 70 investors purchased 10,000 acres of farm which Jim detailed.
Nowhere in the world is agriculture changing faster than Brazil.
The 19th annual event for First State was held at the Baptist Church Community Room with a delicious meal of ham and steak.
Loan staff members of First State Bank were on hand from LaHarpe, Carthage, Macomb, Hamilton, Blandinsville, and Monmouth branches, along with Ron Peterson, Andy Bastert, and Mindy Moore of the Corporate office.
First State Bank of Western Illinois Ag Strategies XIX with (from left) Andy Bastert, James Rehbuhn, Bob Rhea, and Ron Peterson.