AgriBank Celebrates Farm Credit 95th Anniversary And Minnesota’s Ag Heritage
Representatives from across Minnesota’s ag industry attended the April gathering.
AgriBank celebrated the 95th Anniversary of the Farm Credit System and the contributions of Minnesota farmers at an Open House of its new St. Paul headquarters. Representatives from state and local government, as well as Minnesota agribusinesses, participated in the celebration, attended by about 100 people.
Bill York, AgriBank CEO, welcomed everyone to the April 19th gathering. “We’re here today to honor Minnesota’s farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses, who support not only Minnesota but our U.S. and global economy,” said York. “This is a celebration of what we’ve done and continue to do to support rural America. AgriBank is proud to partner as the funding Bank for many of the country’s most successful Associations. We honor the farmer owners and their local, national and international contributions of feeding, clothing and fueling the world.”
Following York’s opening statement, Jim Boerboom, Deputy Commissioner, MN Department of Agriculture, spoke of agriculture’s contribution to Minnesota’s history, heritage and economy. “In Minnesota, agriculture is our economic driver,” Boerboom said. “Crop and livestock products total close to $16 billion every year, and that’s just the farm-based sales. That economic activity creates about 360,000 jobs statewide, and the farm sector employs about 1 out of every 5 Minnesotans. About 8% of the jobs in ag are on the off-farm side of it, in processing, production, transportation and distribution systems.”
AgriBank recognizes a three-generation Minnesota farm family
(Left to right) Bill York, AgriBank CEO; Paul DeBriyn, AgStar President and CEO;
and Dover, MN farmers Sue and Jim Vermilya
Photo courtesy of: farmprogress.com
Boerboom praised Minnesota farmers for their ability to adapt to new technology, and the Farm Credit System for its role providing credit and seeking new opportunities in emerging markets. “They help people realize their personal and financial goals, and the opportunities they see in the marketplace. When you look at the role of credit and the role of AgriBank, we have a very bright future in the state of Minnesota, so congratulations.”
Paul DeBriyn, AgStar President & Chief Executive Officer, talked about the changes he’s witnessed in technology, science and risk management during 35 years he has worked in the Farm Credit System. “In good times and bad times, enduring values are the common denominators that unite the ag community: passion, conviction, integrity, devotion and tradition. These powerful forces are what drive us to do the best we can everyday to bring the highest quality products to the marketplace.”
DeBriyn also presented an award to Jim and Sue Vermillia of Vermillia farms for their long-standing relationship with AgStar and “for three generations of feeding a hungry world.”
Bill York is presented a proclamation from Jim Boerboom declaring April 19, 2012 as
"Farm Credit Day"
Photo courtesy of: farmindustrynews.com
Dick Davidson, AgriBank Board Chair, spoke to the group. “Collectively, our goal is to preserve and strengthen and improve the capital products delivered to the agriculture industry of Minnesota. Farm Credit has been a strong partner through all cycles of the farm economy, including some tough times, and they’ve been here for multiple generations,” said Davidson.
Matt Kramer, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce President, rounded out the celebration by reading a proclamation from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, who declared April 19, 2012, as “Farm Credit Day in St. Paul.”
Following the presentations, AgriBank employees led attendees on tours of the new AgriBank headquarters, which is located in the Wells Fargo Building in downtown St. Paul, and opened last November.