AgriRoots Conference cultivates connections that grow agricultural success

Texas agricultural producers gathered in College Station for Capital Farm Credit’s third annual AgriRoots Conference, where one message echoed throughout the two-day event – relationships are the roots of resilience and growth in agriculture.

Whether forging personal connections or building professional partnerships, a powerhouse of speakers reminded attendees that strong relationships can transform agricultural businesses, turning everyday challenges into opportunities and laying the foundation for long-term success.

• CFC President and CEO Jeff Norte encouraged attendees to create new relationships with one another so they can network and bounce ideas off each other.
• Keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin emphasized how connections can help open new doors, which has happened repeatedly throughout her career.
• Professor Emeritus Dr. Dave Kohl stressed the importance of one-on-one interactions, especially in the digital age of AI. He also noted it is crucial to have strong relationships with trade partners, not just domestically but also globally.
• Farm Credit Council’s Jenny Mesirow described how Congress’s agriculture committees are working together to pass positive legislation for farmers and ranchers.
• Bar 7 Ranch owners Cody and Erika Archie explained their relationship with Capital Farm Credit helped them get started in their first-generation agribusiness which has garnered social media success.
  

These and other speakers provided wise counsel and guidance for the 150+ conference attendees, who travelled to College Station from across the state for the dynamic presentations and educational sessions.

“At Capital Farm Credit, we are making strides to better connect to our young, beginning, and small operators. We want to not only be your trusted advisor, but a resource for education and growth to enhance your operation,” Norte told the group. “Your success is our success.”

AgriRoots, an initiative by Capital Farm Credit, supports emerging farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners. CFC, led by its Missions and Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) Team, provides resources and financial solutions to help build sustainable and successful agricultural operations by focusing on growth, innovation, and financial literacy.

“The relationships that you build are very important. If it hadn’t been for our CFC relationship manager, we would never have got to the spot we’re at now. We would have never been able to buy that land. We’ve never been able to get out there and get a house built,” Cody Archie said. “Having somebody on your side is important. I could talk through ideas with my Capital Farm Credit relationship manager. Having those lenders that know about farming and ranching is very, very important.”