Board Voter booklet.indd - Northwest Farm Credit Services

Notice of
Annual Stockholders Meeting
and
Information Statement
Notice of Annual Stockholders Meeting
and Information Statement
Northwest Farm Credit Services,
Agricultural Credit Association (Northwest FCS)
As a customer of Northwest Farm Credit Services, PCA or Northwest Farm Credit Services, FLCA, you own stock in and are
a member of Northwest FCS. You are invited to attend Northwest FCS’ Annual Stockholders Meeting (Annual Meeting) on
February 3, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. (PST) at The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post Street, Spokane, WA. You do not have to attend this
meeting to vote in the 2015 elections. Voting for the director positions and the Nominating Committee will be conducted
by mail with an online voting option. Ballots and detailed voting information will be mailed to all voting stockholders, as
of the Record Date, following the Annual Meeting in early February. The 2015 director candidates will each speak briefly
to those in attendance directly following the Annual Meeting on February 3. Those speeches will be recorded and posted
on www.northwestfcs.com beginning the week of February 9. Other business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting will
include an update on the condition and operations of the association.
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving your financial needs in 2015.
K ren Schott, Chair
Ka
Karen
Phil DiPofi, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Board of Directors
Tom Nak
N
Nakano,
kano, Chief Administrative
Administra
Ad
inistra
Officer and Chief Financial Officer
2015 ELECTION PROCESS AND MATTERS TO BE VOTED ON
Director Elections
Northwest FCS’ Board of Directors consists of 14 positions. Eleven positions are held by voting stockholders and are
elected by voting stockholders. Three positions are board-elected. Both stockholder elected and board elected directors
serve as the joint board of Northwest FCS, ACA, Northwest FCS, PCA and Northwest FCS, FLCA. Director terms are five
years. In 2015, stockholder-elected director positions are up for election in Regions 7, 8 and 9.
Voters will be asked to: (1) vote for candidates from Region 7 (Beaverton, Salem, Eugene), Region 8 (Roseburg, Central
Point, Klamath Falls, Redmond) and Region 9 (Baker City, Ontario, Pendleton, The Dalles) to serve on the Board of
Directors; and (2) to vote for candidates for the 2015 Nominating Committee. The 2015 director candidates from each of
the three regions are as follows:
1
Region 7 Nominees
Lawrence B. (Larry) George, age 46
Duane M. (Skip) Gray, age 59
16785 SW Parrett Mtn. Rd.,
Sherwood, OR 97140
38024 Conser Rd NE
Albany, OR 97321
Business: 19748 Hwy 99 E
Hubbard, OR 97032
Principal Occupation/Employment (for past 5 years): Founder/CEO
of George Packing Company and Golden Tree, Inc., and co-owner of
Northwest Hazelnut Company and George Farms LLC. Oregon State
Senator (2007-2015)
Principal Occupation/Employment (for past 5 years): Gray Farms,
Inc., CEO/President/Farmhand; Lakeside Ag-Ventures, LLC, Member/
Manager; Earthsource Investments, LLC, Member/Manager
Current Operation Description: A very diversified crop production
business that produces vegetable and flower seeds, processed
vegetables, peppermint, hazelnuts, and grass seed. In a typical
year, we grow 50-60 different crops on approximately 1350 irrigated
acres. We also enjoy additional presence in the value chain through
the utilization of greenhouse and transplanting, innovative and
specialized equipment, and processing and packaging facilities.
Current Operation Description: My brother and I founded George
Packing Company and we own and operate a number of other hazelnut
related companies. Our companies process and market nearly 45% of the
US hazelnut crop (Oregon/Washington). Golden Tree, Inc., our production
agricultural division, farms between 300-400 acres in the Willamette
Valley. We also have a Hong Kong based sales company with staff and a
warehouse in the New Territories.
Farm Credit Experience: Customer for 34 years. I served on the Local
Advisory Committee for 14 years and took my turn as chair-person.
I’ve also participated in many of the Business Management Center’s
educational opportunities.
Farm Credit Experience: We have been Northwest Farm Credit
customers for 7 years.
Other Current Boards, Commissions, Affiliations, Leadership
Roles: Currently serving on the board of directors of the Oregon Small
Business Association and the Oregon Family Farm Association. A
member or alternate on the Oregon Hazelnut Marketing Board since
2004, a position authorized by Federal Marketing Order 982. While
serving in that role, between 2007-2009, traveled to the United Nations
in Geneva, Switzerland working with the US government to negotiate
trade standards for tree nuts within the framework of the United Nations
Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Other Current Boards, Commissions, Affiliations, Leadership
Roles: Treasurer for the “Specialty Seed Growers of Western
Oregon”; Government Affairs Committee of Albany Area Chamber
of Commerce; Past President’s Committee for the Association of
Agricultural Professional Executives (AAPEX).
Past Board Memberships/Affiliations: Albany Area Chamber of
Commerce 13 year director--past chair; Linn County Extension
Association 12 year director--past chair; Farm Service Agency County
Committee 12 year director--past chair; TEPAP-- The Executive
Program for Agriculture Producers; AAPEX--past President.
Past Board Memberships/Affiliations: In January 2015 concluded
second term as an Oregon State Senator (2007-2015), choosing not to
seek reelection in 2014 to focus on my family and our agricultural-based
businesses. Most recently served as the Vice-Chair of Senate Finance
and Revenue Committee and as the Vice-Chair of the Senate General
Government, Consumer and Small Business Protection Committee. While
serving in the Oregon State Senate, was a member of a number of other
Senate committees that would be of interest to the NWFCS membership
including: Transportation, Education and Workforce Development.
During the financial crisis of 2008-09 was assigned to serve on the Senate
Committee which oversaw foreclosure, banking, and financial regulatory
issues. From 2009-2013 this committee was responsible for taking and
reviewing testimony concerning financial and banking regulations. In
2012, was elected Deputy Leader by the Oregon Republican Senate
Caucus. I have served on the board of directors for a number of non-profit
organizations including Water For Life, Inc. (working with eastern Oregon
ranchers to preserve water rights) and Oregon Sportsmen’s Association
(working on behalf of hunters and fishermen).
Why I wish to serve on the Board: I would like to serve because I align
with the mission, vision, and values of NWFCS. The work involved
interests and excites me. I appreciate the high expectations that are
apparent within the governance of the association. I think I would
be a good director because of my knowledge of the diversity of
Northwest agriculture, my passion, the enjoyment I get from being a
productive team player, and proficiency in strategic decision making.
Comments about agriculture and Farm Credit: 2014 is the 38th crop
year I’ve experienced since graduating from college. Amidst all the
cycles over those 38 years, very few things remain the same. The
number of full time farmers in our community has reduced by over
86%. A recent article states that less than 2% of the US population
farm. We compete now for global markets, source our supplies
locally, and deal with extreme marketplace volatility, all while dollar
value, weather events, and politics influence how things shake out.
Predictability is difficult if not impossible, and the importance of
“controlling what we can” is huge. Having agricultural lenders that
are knowledgeable, invested, and committed is irreplaceable. Wayne
Gretzky credits his success to “being where the puck is going to be”
and I believe that while NWFCS has a great history of that behavior,
it is imperative to continue. This is why I’m a big fan of the Business
Management Center, special event seminars, local and national
lobbying efforts, outside directors, and of course the advantage
that comes with a working relationship that lasts for decades. We
borrowers need NWFCS to remain a leader as we “figure out where
the puck is going to be” and that comes from awareness from all
perspectives (from the smallest borrower to the CEO of NWFCS) and
strong financial performance that affords this advantage.
Why I wish to serve on the Board: My experience serving in the Oregon
Senate during the financial crisis showed me the importance of the
Farm Credit Services system to agriculture. While other industries were
desperate to find short-term financing and operating capital, much of
agriculture in our state was fairly insulated from the most severe shocks
due to Northwest FCS. I believe that my practical experience, and
technical expertise, in financial regulatory issues could be of service in
maintaining a strong, secure, and vibrant Farm Credit System.
Comments about agriculture and Farm Credit: Northwest FCS has
played a pivotal role in the development and growth of our own business.
My personal experience as an agricultural entrepreneur has taught me the
importance of having a lender like FCS that understands agriculture and
our rapidly changing markets. The exciting future of agriculture is in innovation, technologies, and market developments. I would be honored to be
a member of the board of Northwest FCS to ensure that we are supporting
the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in our industry.
2
Region 8 Nominees
Susan K. Doverspike, age 59
Toby Allen Luther, age 40
30552 Hotchkiss Lane
Burns, OR 97720
2700 Melrose Road
Roseburg, OR 97471
Business: PO Box 1127
Roseburg, OR 97470
Principal Occupation/Employment (for past 5 years): President & CEO,
Lone Rock Timber Management Company in Roseburg OR.
Principal Occupation/Employment (for past 5 years): I own and
operate together with my husband Hotchkiss Company, Inc. and
Doverspike Land LLC, a cattle ranch in the high desert near Burns,
Oregon. We own about 30,000 acres and manage another 100,000 acres
of federal grazing permits.
Current Operation Description: Lone Rock was founded by Fred Sohn in
Roseburg, OR in 1950. Our operations consist of owning and operating over
130,000 acres of timberland and over 3,000 acres of ranch lands, all in Southwest
Oregon. We employ approximately 100 people and our operations include
logging, reforestation, siviculture, sheep ranching, cattle ranching and haying.
Current Operation Description: Cow/calf/yearling operation that
markets to the natural, non hormone treated, age source verified, GAP 4,
non GMO niches. We grow native meadow grass hay to feed our cattle
during the long winter and crested wheat pastures for yearling Spring
and Summer feed.
Farm Credit Experience: I have had a great operating partnership with Farm
Credit over my 13+ years of doing business with them.
Other Current Boards, Commissions, Affiliations, Leadership Roles: I
currently serve as the Vice Chair of the Ford Family Foundation, a private
foundation whose purpose is to “Create Successful Citizens and Vital Rural
Communities”. I also serve on the Governance, Administrative, Investment
Committee (which oversees $900 million in Foundation investments).
Farm Credit Experience: Customer since 1994 and am serving my
second term on the Redmond Local Advisory Committee. I have
attended several Business Management Center classes. We have
contracted with NWFCS Succession Management services to transition
the fifth generation back to the ranch.
In addition, I am on the board of two of our company’s current investments.
One of them is Rosemont Realty, a commercial real estate company based
in Santa Fe, New Mexico with about $2 billion in assets that it manages. The
second is a natural gas company, Aduro Resources, based in Calgary.
Other Current Boards, Commissions, Affiliations, Leadership
Roles: Board of Directors of Harney District Hospital, an independent
comprehensive rural health system comprised of a hospital, medical
clinic, and physical therapy clinic serving an area of 10,226 square miles.
We provide excellent medical care while staying financially solvent.
(Board Secretary, Finance Committee, CEO Search Committee). Oregon
Beef Council (Chair of Range Research Committee and past treasurer.)
Oregon Cattlemen’s Association (member). Harney County Farm Bureau
and Oregon Farm Bureau (member). Oregon CattleWomen Association.
As to forest products industry boards, I currently serve on the National
Alliance of Forest Owners (Executive Committee) and Oregon Forest
Industries Council (Operating Committee).
In my home town of Roseburg, Oregon, I currently serve on the boards of the
Chamber of Commerce, Wildlife Safari and Umpqua Training & Employment.
Past Board Memberships/Affiliations: Sutherlin Family Church (Elder
Board), Umpqua Community Health Center (Board & Treasurer), Riverside
Adolescent Center (Board & Treasurer), Umpqua Valley Babe Ruth (Board),
Douglas County Industrial Development Finance Committee, Umpqua
Community College Bond Oversight Committee, Greater Douglas County
United Way (Site Review & Allocations), Certified Public Accountant with
PricewaterhouseCoopers. I am also active in coaching youth sports.
Past Board Memberships/Affiliations: Harney County Cattlewomen
(past President, Chair of Political committee, Public Image committee)
Why I wish to serve on the Board: As fourth generation cattle ranchers,
my husband and I have expanded our operation 350% by buying two
additional ranches. The cows pay the bills and have done so consistently
and exclusively on both ranches for the last decade. Hotchkiss Company
and Doverspike Land are progressive, high quality cattle operations that
will ensure an opportunity for our children to return if they choose.
Why I wish to serve on the Board: I have been a very big proponent of
Northwest FCS since bringing them on to the Lone Rock account in 2001
(when I was the CFO). In 2009, as we were rolling out our new strategy we
moved all of our banking arrangements to the Farm Credit System, with
Northwest FCS as our agent bank. Northwest FCS has been an integral
partner in helping us grow and succeed in our business plan even in a
depressed market cycle. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the entire
team and would be happy to help serve them in return.
NWFCS has been an important part of our expansion and generational
success. I care deeply about the future of Northwest Farm Credit Services
and the ability for self employed family farmers and ranchers to have
credit now and in future generations. It is vital to protect the interests of
the borrower to finance a family operation.
Comments about agriculture and Farm Credit: Agriculture is a cyclical
business with significant ups and downs. Farm Credit has been a proven
lender in our industry and has continued to demonstrate their understanding
and commitment to agricultural businesses. I am interested in seeing Farm
Credit continue to grow and continue to partner with the agricultural sector
to ensure the businesses are able to continue into successive generations.
I live in rural Oregon and my heart and passion is rural. These agricultural
businesses are the key to providing sustainability of rural communities.
I would be honored and privileged to serve on the NWFCS Board.
NWFCS has a grassroots understanding of starting/growing a business,
being strong reliable credit through all economic cycles, and passing a
business on to the next generation.
Comments about agriculture and Farm Credit: It doesn’t matter what
crop a NWFCS stockholder produces. We all have similar issues: the
need for skilled labor, water (both availability and regulation), land
use regulation, regulation of our produce, and the need for reliable,
affordable capital.
My current areas of focus would be: (1) Succession Planning: Farm Credit
has some amazing people with a breadth of knowledge, but I have been
concerned about a wave of upcoming retirements. I have seen some
responsibilities transition to quality mid-career employees but want to
better understand where that transition is to ensure stability for Farm
Credit and its members. (2) Preparation For the Cycle: My other concern is
that most of the Farm Credit book of customers is quite healthy given the
current market cycle. Timber and agriculture, however, are very cyclical
in nature. Is the Farm Credit balance sheet, and that of its customers,
positioned properly for the next big down cycle?
NWFCS is important to all of agriculture. A director will not only need
to advocate for the stockholders, but also for Northwest Farm Credit
Services. Presently the commercial banking institutions have a full court
press to eliminate the Farm Credit System. Furthermore, the government
agency that oversees Farm Credit is trying to place onerous requirements
on directors that could discourage highly qualified candidates from
serving. CoBank could be required by government to place more
regulations on the use of the money Farm Credit loans to producers.
3
Region 9 Nominees
James G. (Jim) Farmer, age 64
William F. (Bill) Martin, age 44
2871 Fairview Drive
Nyssa, OR 97913
73362 Greenberry Rd./P O Box 201
Rufus, OR 97050
Business: 28519 Hwy 20/26
Parma, OR 97913
Business: 73154 Greenberry Road
Rufus, OR 97050
Principal Occupation/Employment (for past 5 years): Owner and operator of
Martin Farms, Inc.; Martin Brothers, Partner, farming and ranching operations
Principal Occupation/Employment (for past 5 years): President, 50%
Owner – Fort Boise Produce; Secretary, 50% Owner – Deseret Farms;
Row Crop Farmer.
Current Operation Description: I am an owner-operator of Martin Farms located
in North Central Oregon, bordering the Columbia River in Sherman County.
With my brother, we own and operate 6,000 acres of dryland wheat and 500
irrigated acres producing mint tea leaf, hay and seed crops. Currently we are in
the process of dedicating irrigated acreage to the production of organic tea leaf.
Additionally, we run a 200 head cow-calf operation.
Current Operation Description: My brother, Warren, and I operate
a 2,000 acre irrigated row crop farm. We produce onions, wheat,
field corn, and dry edible beans for seed. Our operations are located
in Malheur County, Oregon; Canyon County, Idaho; and Payette
County, Idaho. We also have a fresh onion packing shed that markets
approximately 1,000 acres of onions annually, comprised of our
onions and onions from other local farmers. Warren, my son Joe,
and I established TraceProduce.com, an online produce tracing and
inspection program, to enhance the marketing of our onions. I have
been married to my wife Peggy for 41 years and together we have
raised five children.
Farm Credit Experience: Customer for 15 years. I am currently a local advisor. I
have attended various Farm Credit training sessions. Our family was one of the
first to participate in the Farm Credit succession planning. Our operation continues
to have Farm Credit BMC advisors help us fine tune our business strategic plan.
Other Current Boards, Commissions, Affiliations, Leadership Roles: Sherman
County Soil and Water Conservation Director (Board chair 6 years) - 2002-present;
Sherman County School District Director (Board chair 4 years) - 2008-present;
Member of the Oregon Cattlemens Association; Member of the National
Cattlemens Association; Member of the Orgeon Wheat Growers League.
Farm Credit Experience: Farm Credit member for 33 years. Currently
serving as Northwest FCS director. Served two terms on the Ontario
local advisory committee. Attended several Northwest FCS training
programs including Human Capital as a Resource; Excellence in Board
Leadership; Financial Direction of the Enterprise and Managing Risk;
The Role of Boards in Setting Strategy, Alignment and Execution; and
Financial Markets Overview.
Past Board Memberships/Affiliations: North Sherman Watershed Council, 4
years; Masters of Education; Before having an opportunity to return to my roots in
agriculture, I taught in the public school system for 4 years. I have been involved
in coaching basketball and baseball at various levels over the past 20 years.
Why I wish to serve on the Board: Through my association with the local
advisory committee, attending Northwest Farm Credit Services workshops,
and our personal experience with Northwest Farm Credit Services, I have
been able to learn first-hand of the variety of products and services available
to those working in the ever-expanding field of agriculture. Northwest Farm
Credit Services is much more than just a lender. Prior generations would have
a difficult time envisioning the challenging situations facing agriculture today.
We require an organization that is able to provide guidance and expertise to
all; especially to new-comers. Northwest Farm Credit Services has the structure
and ability to meet these demands.
Other Current Boards, Commissions, Affiliations, Leadership
Roles: Secretary - Nyssa Rural Fire Protection District; Member of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Member of Idaho
Society of Certified Public Accountants; Member of Western Growers
Association; Member of Idaho-Oregon Fruit & Vegetable Association;
Member of National Onion Association.
Past Board Memberships/Affiliations: Past president of Nyssa Co-op
Board; Past President of Idaho-Oregon Fruit & Vegetable Association;
Nyssa Volunteer Fire Department (5 years as Fire Chief, 19 years total
service); served two years in the United States Marine Corps (Vietnam,
Japan, and the Philippines); BS in Accounting and BS in Economics
from the University of Utah. Prior to my career in agriculture, I
worked in public accounting for two years (audit) and in corporate
accounting for five years (manager of internal audit).
The cooperative structure of Northwest Farm Credit Services is very appealing
because it is overseen by those who need and use its products and services,
and lends a high level of accountability, unique to the lending structure. It
would be a privilege to work with a Board whose passion to ensure success for
all stockholders is the same as mine.
Comments about agriculture and Farm Credit: Whether one operates a
farm, ranch or a vineyard, a tree farm or grows sugar beets, he or she knows full
well that agriculture faces a myriad of challenges ahead. Economic, political
and global issues will continue to impact producers in unforeseen ways. What
we do know is that operators will need to plan for contingencies as much
as possible. Northwest Farm Credit Services has and will continue to play a
significant role in helping producers stay viable today and into the future.
Why I wish to serve on the Board: We cannot control the agricultural
economic environment or predict its changes precisely, but we must
seek the flexibility to survive drastic fluctuations in crop revenues
and input costs. If I am reelected, my priority will be to keep our
association strong with adequate capital reserves. This will allow
Farm Credit to meet the needs of our customers, maintain significant
member patronage, and strengthen the education programs
currently available to our customers. I believe that these volatile times
will bring about many obstacles for agriculture, but will also allow
for opportunities in the future. My goal is to help NWFCS and our
customers navigate through these interesting times and prosper.
Operations that continue to plan for the future will have an advantage over
ones that sit idle. Northwest Farm Credit Services’ role to not only provide
capital, but other services such as crop insurance, strategic planning guidance
or financial analysis will be crucial. As new ideas become available to help
operations move forward, Northwest Farm Credit Services has the ability to
evaluate those products and ideas most helpful to producers.
Comments about agriculture and Farm Credit: NWFCS is the quality
lender in our area. It was very reassuring these past years to know
that while financial institutions were failing around the world, Farm
Credit was still strong and available as a lender to the agriculture
industry. I think the global economy will be volatile for the next
several years. It is impossible to know the direction the world’s
economies will take. It is important that we are prepared for both
long and short-term surprises.
Northwest Farm Credit Services will be invaluable in a rapidly changing
agricultural environment. Whether loaning money, providing training and
services, or presenting education seminars, producers/operators who use the
services Northwest Farm Credit Services provides will be ready to face the
challenges ahead.
Like most of us, this means ensuring the ability to turn a successful operation over
to the next generation. It is a great asset to have Northwest Farm Credit Services
as a “partner” to help us through the almost-guaranteed fluctuating times ahead.
4
Voting Cut-Off and Floor Nominations
Director candidate information will be provided again in the ballot materials to be mailed in early February. To be counted, ballots must
be received by mail or completed online by the voting cut-off date of March 9, 2015.
Northwest FCS’ bylaws allow floor nominations for stockholder-elected director positions, which can only be made when called for
at the Annual Meeting. You must attend this meeting to make a floor nomination or to be nominated from the floor. Candidates may
not nominate themselves and the nomination must be made by another Northwest FCS customer who owns voting stock and who
transacts business within the nominating region that they are making the nomination in. The nominee may only be nominated to a
position that is up for election within the region where the nominee resides or has their operation and the nominee must state that they
accept the nomination.
The eligibility of an individual making a floor nomination will be verified at the time of any such nomination. A person nominated from
the floor must meet all eligibility requirements for board service and must provide all disclosures required by Northwest FCS bylaws,
board policies and Farm Credit Administration regulations within 5 business days of being nominated. Floor nominated candidates will
be entitled to reimbursement of expenses and given the opportunity to address those in attendance at the Annual Meeting.
Disclosure Information
Northwest FCS reviewed all other information required to be submitted by director candidates including family relationships
with Northwest FCS and its customers, transactions other than loans and certain litigation (bankruptcy, criminal proceedings and
injunctions) and determined that all director candidates identified above meet all eligibility requirements.
Nominating Committee
Voters will also be asked to approve members to act as the 2015 Nominating Committee. Each nominating committee member
must own voting stock in Northwest FCS and meet eligibility requirements set forth by the Board of Directors. Floor nominations
for the nominating committee are not permitted. Eligibility of each candidate listed below has been confirmed. Once elected, this
committee will be responsible for (1) selecting candidates whose names will be placed on the ballot for the 2016 director elections
involving Regions 1, 5 and 11; and (2) selecting candidates whose names will be placed on the ballot for the 2016 Nominating
Committee. Voters will have the option to approve candidates individually or check a box to approve the entire slate of candidates.
2015 Nominating Committee Candidates:
Region 1:
Roger L. Canfield, Olympia, WA
Teresa (Leann) Krainick, Enumclaw, WA
Andy J. Werkhoven, Monroe, WA
Region 6:
Tim L. Lake, Polson, MT
Region 7:
David A. Neal, Tangent, OR
Region 8:
Javier Goirigolzarri, Roseburg, OR
Amy S. Kenagy, Roseburg, OR
Fawn A. Kerns, Haines, OR
Region 2:
Doug L. Hammarstrom, Yakima, WA
Region 3:
Dennis C. Rea, Milton-Freewater, OR
Region 9:
Region 4:
Janice Mattson, Chester, MT
Region 10: Drew Eggers, Meridian, ID
Region 5:
Paul M. Stieber, Hardin, MT
Don L. Herzog, Rapelje, MT
Daniel M. Mydland, Joliet, MT
Region 11: Stephanie Mickelsen, Idaho Falls, ID
Ralph Wheatley, McCammon, ID
Berkley Wray, Blackfoot, ID
Record Date for 2015 Election: December 12, 2014
Only designated voters of voting stock, as of the Record Date, may vote in the election.
Voting Requirements
For each regional director position up for election, a majority of votes cast determines the successful candidate.
Attendance at Meetings
All Board members listed on the next page who served in 2014 attended at least 75 percent of board and committee meetings during 2014.
Election results will be announced in early March 2015.
The quorum requirement for the Annual Meeting is 75 voting stockholders, or one percent of the total number
of voting stockholders, whichever is less.
Northwest FCS’ Annual Report
The 2013 Annual Report was mailed to all stockholders in March 2014 and is posted on www.northwestfcs.com. The 2014 Annual Report
will be posted on the website by March 15, 2015 and mailed to all stockholders at the end of March.
5
Current Northwest FCS Board of Directors
Term expirations and types of agriculture engaged in by each director - Ages as of January 1, 2015
5
Karen Schott, Chair (Age 47)
Broadview, MT
Term expires 2016 - Served since 2006
Raises winter wheat, spring wheat, peas and
manages a lease pasture operation
Dave Nisbet, Vice Chair (Age 63)
Board-elected stockholder
Bay Center, WA
Term expires 2017 - Served since 2007
Grows Pacific oysters, owns a shellfish
processing plant and hatchery operation
8
9
Mark Gehring (Age 70)
1
Dave Hedlin (Age 64)
Salem, OR
Term expires 2015 - Served since 2010
Raises Marionberries, blackberries, radish seed
and turf grasses for seed
John Helle (Age 50)
Dillon, MT
Term expires 2017 - Served since 2012
Operates a commercial and purebred sheep
operation, runs cow-calf pairs, farms small grains/
hay, and part owner in a vertically integrated
apparel company taking wool from sheep to shelf
10
Greg Hirai (Age 44)
Callahan, CA
Term expires 2015 - Served since 2010
Operates a cow-calf operation with some timber; produces grass hay for the horse market
Jim Farmer (Age 64)
Nyssa, OR
Term expires 2015 - Served since 2010
Operates an irrigated row crop farm and produces onions, wheat, field corn and dry edible
beans for seed
2
Kevin Riel (Age 49)
Yakima, WA
Term expires 2017 - Served since 2007
Raises hops, apples and Concord grapes
3
Nate Riggers (Age 50)
Nezperce, ID
Term expires 2019 - Served since 2014
Raises wheat, barley, canola and grass seed
Mt Vernon, WA
Term expires 2016 - Served since 2006
Raises vegetable seed, pickling cucumbers,
pumpkins and wheat
6
Rick Barnes (Age 62)
Christy Burmeister-Smith (Age 57)
Board-elected Outside Director
Newman Lake, WA
Term expires 2020 - Served since 2010
VP-Controller & Principal Accounting Officer at
Avista Corp. in Spokane, WA
7
4
Wendell, ID
Term expires 2019 - Served since 2014
Grows wheat and barley, and produces varieties
of potatoes for processing, as well as corn and
alfalfa and triticale as feed for local dairies
Julie Shiflett (Age 47)
Board-elected Outside Director
Spokane, WA
Term expires 2018 - Served since 2008
Founding partner of Northwest CFO, which
assists emerging and mid-market companies in increasing cash flow, profitability,
sales and company value
11
Shawn Walters (Age 53)
Newdale, ID
Term expires 2016 - Served since 2010
Operates a family farm and fresh pack
potato facility, grows wheat, barley, alfalfa
and multiple varieties of potatoes
Herb Karst (Age 66)
Sunburst/Billings, MT
Term expires 2018 - Served since 2008
Raises wheat, barley, canola and hay
1 Burlington
5 Havre
4
5 Glasgow
Spokane
3
Wenatchee
1 Seattle
2
Colfax
2
Pasco
Beaverton
9
Missoula
3 Lewiston
Yakima 2
Sunnyside 2
Sidney 5
4 Great Falls
3
2 Othello
Chehalis 1
7
Conrad 4
2 Moses Lake
Walla Walla
Lewistown 4
6
3
5 Miles City
Cottonwood
3
6 Bozeman
9 Pendleton
5 Billings
The Dalles
6 Dillon
Baker City 9
Salem 7
7 Eugene
8 Redmond
Ontario 9
Nominating Regions
Rexburg 11
10 Nampa
Idaho Falls 11
Blackfoot 11
8 Roseburg
11 American Falls
8 Central Point
8 Klamath Falls
Twin Falls 10
10 Burley
Preston 11
6
REGION 1
REGION 2
REGION 3
REGION 4
REGION 5
REGION 6
REGION 7
REGION 8
REGION 9
REGION 10
REGION 11
# Voting Stockholders
740
1241
1041
980
643
529
1634
821
21
1163
1227
609
TOTAL VOTING
STOCKHOLDERS
10,628