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From the Fields: Looking Forward to 2026 WBA Agricultural Bankers Conference

By Lance Lansing

As the agricultural (ag) economy continues to shift under the pressures of weather volatility, market uncertainty, and evolving producer needs, the 2026 WBA Agricultural Bankers Conference arrives at the perfect moment. Held April 16–17, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, the event will bring together more than 110 ag bankers from across Wisconsin for two days of education, insight, and networking.

For me, this conference represents more than an industry gathering — it’s an essential opportunity to sharpen strategic thinking, connect with peers, and bring back actionable value for customers and my organization. Here’s what I’m most looking forward to this year:

High‑impact education from expert speakers.

The conference promises over seven hours of presentations delivered by experts with deep knowledge of ag finance, policy, and economic trends. These sessions offer fresh outlooks on economic and commodity trends, market risk management strategies, and insight into regulatory changes. Some of the well-known lineup include Dr. Steven Johnson and Eric Snodgrass.

Networking with banking peers across the state. 

With more than 110 ag Bankers already registered, the conference provides unparalleled peer connectivity. It’s an opportunity to share best practices, discuss portfolio challenges, and build long‑term professional relationships. For me, these shared experiences often spark new ideas and improve how I collaborate both within my bank and across the industry.

Engaging with exhibitors and ag‑focused solution providers.

The exhibit hall is a valuable space to explore tools and technologies tailored to ag lending, as well as connect with service partners who can support ag banking initiatives. As customer needs become more sophisticated, staying connected to innovative solutions is essential.

Insights into the future of ag banking.

The conference often includes discussions about generational transitions, market volatility, and long‑term shifts in rural economies — topics essential for adapting to the future of agriculture. For 2026, I’m specifically hoping to deepen my understanding of how market dynamics are impacting credit quality, and which emerging opportunities in sustainability, technology adoption, and alternative revenue streams could impact my portfolio.

Practical takeaways to serve customers more effectively.

Ultimately, the goal is to return with insights that help our banks better support producers, improve risk assessment, and navigate uncertainty. Whether it’s improving financial communication with customers, enhancing risk assessments, or rethinking loan structures to align with farm cash-flow cycles, my goal is to return with insights that deliver real value.

If the coming year in agriculture is anything like the last, the insights and connection gained at this conference will be invaluable. And I’m ready for it.

Lansing is vice president – lending at Apple River State Bank in Darlington. Lansing also currently serves as the Vice Chair on the WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

 

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Two Wisconsin Students Awarded the 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship

The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), the charitable arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, has recently awarded two Wisconsin students — Victoria Seif and Janelle Wolfe — with the 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship. Students applied in late 2025, and the scholarships were presented on February 25, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls University Center.

The WBF offers two $1,500 scholarships annually to current students pursuing a degree related to agricultural banking at an accredited Wisconsin college, university, or technical college. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, community involvement, career goals, and financial literacy.

Pictured left to right: Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Chair, Treasurer, and Executive Director Rose Oswald Poels, 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship Winner Victoria Seif, and WBA Ag Section Board Member Cathy Asher of Security Financial Bank.

Victoria Seif is a student at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls pursuing a major in agricultural business. She is an active participant in both campus and community organizations, serving as a member of the UW–River Falls Agricultural Education Society and the Agriculture Business and Management Society. Seif is a standout leader and also served in multiple officer roles with various organizations throughout high school.

In addition to academic and extracurricular leadership, Seif’s professional work experience spans customer service and marketing roles. She has worked as a customer service representative at Russell’s of Neillsville and Citizens State Bank of Loyal, as well as a marketing manager for Erica Lawton Realty. These roles serve as a testament to Seif’s commitment to supporting local communities.

“I am interested in a career in agricultural banking because it ties together my interests in agriculture, economics, and financial planning,” Seif said. “Growing up on a farm gave me an understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with agriculture. I have learned the value of hard work, the importance of planning ahead, and the financial circumstances that come with any agricultural operation. These experiences opened my eyes to the reality of agriculture and fueled my passion for the agriculture industry.”

Janelle Wolfe is a UW–River Falls student studying agricultural business. Wolfe is an active member of the university’s Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Crops and Soils Club, and the Agricultural Business and Marketing Society.

Pictured left to right: Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Chair, Treasurer, and Executive Director Rose Oswald Poels, 2025 WBF Agricultural Banking Scholarship Winner Janelle Wolfe, and WBA Ag Section Board Member Cathy Asher of Security Financial Bank.

Wolfe gained extensive hands-on agriculture experience before beginning her college education. She worked as an agronomy crop scout intern with Ag Partners in Elgin, Minnesota and assisted agronomists by scouting crop fields, identifying weeds, diseases, and insects affecting crop development. She also worked as a farm hand at Wolfe Family Farms, assisting with calf care, herd management, and operating farm machinery. Additional work experience includes roles at Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm, St. Boniface Child Center, and Independence State Bank.

“Agriculture has always been a huge part of my life,” Wolfe explained. “I understand the struggles farmers face and I want to be able to help farmers out. I am very passionate about agriculture and enjoy finances which are the two driving factors behind why I am so interested in a career within agricultural banking or finance.”

“Victoria and Janelle are exceptionally passionate students who have bright futures in agriculture,” said WBF Chair Rose Oswald Poels. “We are happy to support their continued education and strengthen the talent pipeline to serve Wisconsin’s rural communities.”

For more information on the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation and its annual scholarships, please visit wisbankfoundation.org.

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Calculator and hundred dollar bills sitting on pile of wheat grain
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From The Fields: Changing the Mentality of Strategic Planning

By Ben Hertel

As the calendar has now flipped to 2026 and we all inevitably take an extra second to think about what date we’re writing on a document, it shows again how habitual a simple task becomes. Habits, by nature, are tough to break. For many, it is easy to fall back into familiar habits, after all, it is what led us to our current point in life or business.

This leads us to ask how we can help our customers break those habits and become more organized. This applies not only to their finances, but also to timely reporting that allows them to utilize those records and reports to learn from the past to apply insights to future strategic planning.

Too many farmers and business owners alike view financial record keeping as a task completed solely to pay Uncle Sam or because their banker requires it, rather than as a tool to stay ahead in their business and plan for the future. Those who are not up to date often become habitual extension filers, producing documentation that is eight to ten months outdated by the time it is filed. By the time returns are produced, the current year’s crop is already in the ground and in some cases, nearly ready for harvest, making the financials largely unusable for planning purposes.

Let’s break this process down into three steps that can help our producers break this cycle.

Step 1: Formalize the Process

  • Resources are crucial and can make this process much easier, not just for us as bankers, but for the customers themselves. Creating a plan to organize all required information into, at a minimum, an Excel spreadsheet or another record keeping platform that suits them the best is a strong first step. Not every customer has a robust system but moving from handwritten records to an Excel sheet can make a significant difference in organization.
  • It is important to recognize that record keeping is not always simple or straightforward. Many producers are balancing long workdays, weather uncertainty, labor constraints and volatile markets, all while trying to keep operations moving forward. When record keeping falls behind, it is often due to time limitations. By acknowledging these challenges, we can better position ourselves as partners in the process. Offering practical solutions, manageable timelines, and realistic expectations can help reduce the burden and make consistent record keeping more achievable.

Step 2: Update Financials in a Timely Manner

  • Procrastination is not our friend and creating a plan to keep financials current on an ongoing basis is essential. Interim financials are important to help with planning priorities for the upcoming year. Encouraging growers to take advantage of available time before cropping season begins is key.

Step 3: Use Financials for Strategic Planning

  • Use the information you have to plan for your future. This includes pushing for accrual adjustments, calculating break-even points and learning from the past to gain efficiencies. While there will always be unpredictable events and circumstances, past performance can still help inform future decisions.
  • As bankers, we can add value when provided with current financials, demonstrating to our customers that we are partners in their future successes. We all want to be there to celebrate our customers’ wins, and successful planning can make that happen.

Breaking a habit does not happen overnight, it takes time, patience and persistence. The goal is to help customers focus on the reward of successful planning while creating an environment where we can work together effectively.

Start the conversation, break the habit, and help ensure success for generations to come.

Hertel is vice president – commercial/ag banking officer at Prevail Bank in Marshfield. Hertel also currently serves on the WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

 

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From The Fields: Supporting WI Agriculture – A Resource Reminder

By Amy Austin

As we close 2025 and begin to discuss 2026 plans with farmers, it can be a stressful time as they review their financials and plan for the year to come, especially with depressed commodity prices. Agriculture bankers, milk truck drivers, technicians and countless others that are involved in day-to-day farm operations are often times the first to know about major life or farm altering events – good and bad. It is important that all of us are aware of signs of severe stress and know how to connect farmers with helpful resources. I urge you to listen carefully to those who may be struggling and help them reach out for a little extra support when needed.

I want to remind all agriculture bankers and others within the agricultural industry of the resources available through the Wisconsin Farm Center, part of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. From financial consulting, succession planning, and mediation services to their Farmer Wellness Program, the Wisconsin Farm Center is a trusted partner for the farmers we work with every day.

The Farmer Wellness Program offers:

  • 24/7 Helpline – Always available when someone needs a listening ear
  • Counseling vouchers – Assisting to cover the cost of in-person counseling services
  • Tele-health services – Support by phone or video
  • Online support groups – Connecting farmers with others around the state who understand
  • Rural Realties Podcast – Conversations on farm legacy, farm business & mental well-being

All of these offerings are free and confidential to Wisconsin farmers and their extended families.

I encourage you to visit the Wisconsin Farm Center’s website or reach out to their team directly to learn more about the resources available through their Farmer Wellness Program. One-on-one training is available as well. Our Ag Team at Lake Ridge Bank was fortunate to receive training with Karen Endres, the Farmer Wellness Program Coordinator, and Dan Bauer, the Wisconsin Farm Center Program Supervisor.

If a farmer you know is experiencing anxiety, depression, or simply needs someone to talk to, please encourage them to call the 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558 for free, confidential, and immediate support any day, any time.

Austin is an ag & business portfolio specialist at Lake Ridge Bank in Evansville, and a current member of the WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board.

 

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Green combine in corn field during harvest

From the Fields: Where Do Corn and Soybean Prices Go From Here?

By Adam Sommer

As we get closer to the harvest of 2025, prices are a constant source of discussion in coffee shops, banks, and farm offices in Wisconsin. Concerns around production and supply, coupled with trade uncertainty, have led to a lot of head-scratching for farmers in Wisconsin and beyond the state boundaries. Bankers are posing the question of what fall will bring and what is beyond that. Over the past few years there is no doubt that the row crop market has turned in trend from strength to a more tepid pace. Recent USDA reports have only dampened the future crop outlook given the anticipation of record yields. Let’s dig a little deeper on that potential.

Trade in the corn and soybean market is being shaped by record production, shifting export demand, weather impacts, and evolving global competition. Farmers are hearing a variety of bullish and bearish projections and attempting to interpret it all.

Corn Outlook:

Corn prices have trended lower over the past month, falling nearly 3% compared to the previous month and down about 2% year-over-year. Prices are starting with a 3 going into fall and that doesn’t bode particularly well for anyone holding grain or waiting to price the crop. One of the significant factors holding this price down is the projected record crop out of USDA and more supply than the previous fall. Harvested acreage estimates are also up, with over 97 million acres planted.

Despite the robust supply outlook, certain localized risks persist. Drier weather across parts of the “I” states may temper that anticipated yield. So, for the Wisconsin farmer, not all hope is lost.  Export demand is still at a significant level for US corn as well. Depending on the yields that cross the monitor this fall across the Midwest the outlook isn’t bright but may not be as dark as anticipated. In southern Wisconsin the initial perspectives are that yields are strong locally.

Soybean Outlook:

Soybean futures have outperformed corn in recent weeks, hovering over $10 for November soybeans. The USDA predicts a record national average yield of 53.6 bushels per acre but decreased harvested acreage, resulting in declining ending stocks on both domestic and global levels. Exports have also remained relatively stable and that has allowed for prices to remain in a manageable position.

Additionally, rains during August have remained steady and have allowed for the crop to fill out in southern Wisconsin. Yields are an anticipated strength but yet an unknown as we turn the corner to September.

What’s this mean for Bankers?

Ultimately, for those of us that work with farmers, market uncertainty leads to concern and potential for decision-making challenges into the harvest season. The best thing we can do is not only stay on top of the market movement, but also work closely with farmers to keep communication lines open. These are trying times for row crop agriculture but communication and planning can allow farmers to have some peace during harvest. It is a great time to pick up the phone and have that one final conversation before the combine goes from barn to field and provide some communication from the bank on options for the farmer to mull over from the cab of the combine.

Sommer is chief lending officer at Bank of Brodhead. Sommer also currently serves on the WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

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Classic Red Barn in a Corn Field

From The Fields: Navigating the Future of Wisconsin Agriculture – Resilience. Risk. Opportunity.

By Lance Lansing

Wisconsin agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s economy and identity, with dairy, grain, livestock, and specialty crops all contributing to a vibrant, diverse industry. As agricultural lenders, our role extends beyond traditional banking—we are risk managers, strategic advisors, and partners in growth. In today’s climate, that role is more critical than ever.

Economic Headwinds and Financial Stress

Inflationary pressures, higher interest rates, and volatile commodity prices are reshaping the financial outlook for Wisconsin farmers. While some have benefited from strong milk and grain prices in recent years, rising input costs—particularly fuel, fertilizer, and feed—have cut into margins. The net result is greater financial stress on operations with tight working capital and high leverage.

As lenders, we must balance risk with long-term relationships. Tools like cash flow projections, margin analysis, and stress testing remain vital, particularly when evaluating renewals or new lending opportunities in sectors such as grain, where volatility remains high.

Climate and Conservation: A Growing Focus

Weather extremes—from drought in northern counties to excessive rainfall in southern regions—underscore the need for climate resilience. Many Wisconsin farmers are adopting conservation practices, such as cover cropping, no-till planting, and managed grazing, to build soil health and mitigate environmental risk.

These efforts present unique lending opportunities. Lenders can play a proactive role by supporting farmers through USDA conservation programs or by exploring green financing models that reward sustainability practices with lower borrowing costs.

Generational Transition: Planning Ahead

An estimated 60% of Wisconsin’s farms are expected to change hands in the next 10–15 years. However, fewer than half have a formal succession plan. This generational transition presents both a challenge and a chance for agricultural bankers to add value. We can support clients with planning services, facilitate land transfer strategies, and provide the capital needed for younger generations to step into ownership.

It’s also critical that we build strong relationships with the next generation of producers—offering financial literacy, tech-savvy lending platforms, and flexible loan products that align with the evolving priorities of younger farm operators.

Technology and Innovation in Lending

Precision agriculture, robotics, and data analytics are transforming farm management. These technologies can improve efficiency and profitability—but they also require capital. Banks that understand the ROI of ag tech investments can offer more targeted financing solutions, such as equipment loans, leasing programs, or partnerships with tech providers.

Additionally, digital lending platforms are streamlining loan applications and approvals, particularly for smaller operations and rural customers. Embracing innovation in lending processes will be key to staying competitive and responsive in this fast-changing environment.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s agricultural landscape is evolving, and so too must our approach to agricultural banking. By deepening our understanding of the challenges our clients face—and proactively offering strategic, customized solutions—we can continue to be trusted partners in Wisconsin’s agricultural success.

Lansing is vice president – lending at Apple River State Bank in Darlington. Lansing also currently serves as the Vice Chair of the WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

 

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From the Fields: Making an Impact

By Nicholas Felder

One of the many responsibilities and pleasures of working at a bank is the opportunity to sit on charitable boards and committees that further the interests of your bank, your community, or your personal life. Many of which are intertwined and drive personal and professional growth alike. As the newly appointed Chair of the 2025-2026 WBA Agricultural Section Board of Directors, I believe this statement is true and I look forward to the breadth and depth of the boards to which I participate.

The most recent iteration of these opportunities happened over a recent 11-day stretch to begin June. On June 3rd, I sat in on the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association board meeting to discuss the state of corn in Wisconsin as well as new or continuing ways to promote its growth and its uses. That meeting rolled into a joint meeting with the Wisconsin Biofuels Association who hosted Preston Brown from incite.ag to discuss 45Z and the Clean Fuel Production Credit. What was most interesting was how that tax credit incentivizes grain buyers to collect data from grain producers generating a fairly arbitrary Carbon Intensity score and how the US Treasury values a producer’s farming practices. Confusing and more to come I would guess.

One week later, I assisted in the execution of Grant County’s FREE Rural Safety Day who hosted 210 second through eighth graders for a day of sessions learning about Kindness & Mental Health, Weather Safety, Animal Safety, PTO Safety, ATV/UTV Safety, Electrical safety (my favorite because the local electrical co-op fully charges a small power line and electrocutes hot dogs in front of the kids), Substance Abuse awareness, and Nutrition. The kids get fed three times and all are sent home with T-shirts and other small safety items, some get cash give-a-ways, and two kids get to take bicycles home! I have served on this committee for at least 10 years, and it is a highlight of the start of my summer!

And finally, three days later I wrapped up my stretch with my WBA Agricultural Section Board Meeting where we had the opportunity to sit and chat with WI DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. He took time to answer our questions and talk about informational (not inflammatory) topics like Federal cuts and how that is affecting USDA/FSA/DATCP; the National Milk Testing Strategy and how our state was an integral part in the creation of a reasonable and actionable plan to protect our dairy farms; and about the State Budget and how the Wisconsin Farm Center remains a priority to assisting rural Wisconsinites deal with stress and mental health as well as how the Governor has prioritized rural infrastructure through programs like ARIP (Ag Road Improvement Program). You can read more about full conversation here: WBA Ag Section Board Met With DATCP Secretary Romanski – Wisconsin Bankers Association

All these organizations need the leadership, direction, and manpower that we, as Ag Bankers here in the state, can provide. But most importantly the idea that every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them. Take that knowledge and share with others who can use it to grow and improve themselves or others around them. That action builds community and that, specifically, is why I have chosen this career. Please take time to volunteer and lead which will make someone else’s day better.

Cheers to timely rains and sunshine for those that need it! Hope you all have a great summer with family and friends!

Felder is vice president – commercial and agricultural banking at MidWestOne Bank in Lancaster. Felder also serves as Chair on the 2025–2026 WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

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2025 WBA Ag Bankers Conference presentation
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From the Fields: WBA Ag Bankers Conference Recap

By Jeff Wilke

Another WBA Ag Bankers Conference is in the books.

It was very exciting to see such a strong contingent of nearly 150 conference attendees. As in past years, attendees were provided with a strong line up of ag industry and ag banking presenters. Ample time was also available to network with peers and 15 exhibitors.

Matt Reardon, Senior Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions, kicked off the conference with his forecast for the upcoming growing season. March was the windiest on record, greatly impacted by the large temperature contrasts experienced. A strong Bermuda High helped create the recent high moisture/severe storm events in the mid-south and central US. An active weather pattern throughout the Midwest is predicted to continue into early May, with temperatures a little cooler than normal. Over the summer, based on current data, Matt predicts the Midwest to have temperatures a little above normal and below normal moisture.  However, a lot will depend on what happens with sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Alaska.

Ed Elfmann from the ABA provided the ABA’s ag banking priorities for this year, which included: Increasing FSA guaranteed loan limits; re-examining FSA interest assist; providing consistent funding for Rural Development programs; modernizing technology for USDA loan programs; providing resources that bankers and state associations can use to help lawmakers understand the value and benefits the ACRE Act will provide to rural America by making it easier for farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners to access low-cost credit; pushing for more oversight reform for the Farm Credit System.

Dr. Steven Johnson from the Iowa State Extension Outreach gave an in-depth presentation on the crop price outlook, with a prediction of corn prices averaging around $4.20/bushel and soybean prices averaging around $10/bushel. He wrapped up the presentation with strategies to manage crop insurance decisions and with a written marketing plan to capture higher futures prices.

Abdullah Hussaini from Equity Cooperative provided a beef market update. We are seeing record beef prices because of continued demand and limited supply. Rebuilding the beef herd will take time. Thus, prices are projected to remain elevated well into the future.

Leonard Polzin, UW-Madison Extension, provided a dairy outlook. The revised Federal Milk Marketing Orders will increase Make Allowances and Class I differentials, both predicted to put some downward price pressure on Class III milk. Key takeaways: $20/CWT projected average mailbox milk price, with price pressure in the second ½ of the year (mostly from Class III).

Bobbi Kubish and Joe Seubert from the The Food + Farm Exploration Center, gave a presentation on all that the Center has to offer to the public. The Center, located in Plover, WI, opened in December 2023.  Its mission is to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability for Wisconsin growing crops and vegetables through 60 interactive exhibits, four 1.2 acre demonstration fields and a kitchen lab.

Dr. David Kohl again provided an energetic presentation on agricultural and ag lending circa 2025, including Bell Bank’s Lynn Paulson and ag consultant/former banker Sam Miller in some Q&A. Both global and ag economies are “bifurcated”. The US is doing relatively well, while the global economy is struggling. The grain industry is struggling financially, while livestock and more diversified ag businesses are faring much better. Tariffs are/will continue to negatively impact commodity prices and have damaged long-term relationships with US allies. Areas ag bankers need to keep an eye on: Producer’s non-reporting of vendor credit; non-financial factors (divorce, death, disability) move the credit quality needle quickly; set proper customer expectations at closing;  customer willingness to understand and embrace their financials; “monitor, monitor, monitor”.

Jack Kasel from the Anthony Cole Training Group wrapped up the conference with an enlightened look at tailoring sales strategies for Boomer, Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z prospects by being able to speak each generation’s language and preferred communication type.

Wilke is vice president – ag banking officer at Nicolet National Bank in De Pere. Wilke also serves as Chair on the 2024–2025 WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

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