IN THIS ISSUE:
NEW CONSULTANT We
are
growing
again!
Morrison
&
Company is pleased to announce our newest consultant, Janae Prentice.
NATIONAL FARMERS:
INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF AGRICULTURAL LEADERS
www.nfo.org
Serving over 5,000 livestock, dairy, and feed
are just starting their careers or taking over
grain producers in 26 states provides a unique
a family farm.
perspective on the needs, concerns, and successes of a diverse range of farmers and ranchers. For National Farmers, this insight has propelled the non-profit organization to continually improve and
CHANGING ROLES FOR A GROWING FIRM Geoff Chinnock will take responsibility for Morrison & Company’s daily operations as Managing Principal effective January 1, 2017, while Brent’s duties will focus on strategy, infrastructure, and practice development.
expand educational programs and other services to their members.
be thankful for, including taking the company to a fun Chico Heat game (photo above).
WWW.MORRISONCO.NET
leadership
program
for
program mentors beginning farmers and ranchers and develops them into the next generation of
Iowa, National Farmers employs over 140 people
several current National Farmers board members
today in seven regional offices and provides
have directly benefitted from these efforts.
members sophisticated commodity marketing, price negotiations with major buyers, and agriculture risk management education programs focused on production costs, market fundamentals, and
The
welcomed in fall, we had many moments to
young
future of the industry and the organization itself;
hog, and dairy producers.
team. As we wrapped up summer and
a
second and third generation farmers. The youth
agricultural leaders. These efforts help sustain the
section of conventional and organic grain, cattle,
It’s been another eventful quarter for our
launched
Established in 1955 and headquartered in Ames,
marketing strategies. Members represent a cross-
MORRISON SNAPSHOTS
Paralleling this initiative, the organization has
organization
prides
Morrison & Company has worked with National Farmers for several years, writing competitive grants to help the organization accomplish and expand its vast educational programs. Grants from USDA’s Risk Management Education Program and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program have provided over $870,000 to fund these efforts. In addition, we
a
assisted a joint project by National Farmers, South
collaborative group where members care for one
Dakota Farmers Union, and other prominent farm
another and are treated as family. Nearly half of
proponents by performing an in-depth feasibility
National Farmer’s members produce organic milk,
study to assess possible biomass energy and other
and in recent years the organization has expanded
alternative uses for crop residues. This was made
educational programming for its organic producers
possible by a USDA Value-Added Producer Grant
through
also written by Morrison & Company.
grant-funded
itself
efforts.
on
being
Organic
milk
production brings higher prices than conventional milk but there are significant challenges that growers must be educated on to ensure profitability. Investing in this education promotes an economically sustainable future, particularly for those who
We are honored to have had the opportunity to work with National Farmers to help create meaningful change for farmers and ranchers and look forward to seeing the further results of their hard work.
N E W S L E T T E R | FA L L 2 0 1 6