What A Melon

Life in agriculture represents a small piece of a larger puzzle that not only impacts rural communities, but the entire world. Mike Helle understands this principle. Born and raised in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, Helle is a next generation farmer who understands the impact his operation has on food production and sustaining one of the world’s most noble professions.  

“I’m a third-generation farmer,” said Helle. “My grandpa came down in the late 30s, and my dad started farming. I took over in the 90s, farming vegetables—row crops.” 

Currently Helle’s operation is growing onions, tomatoes and a variety of melons.  

Managing a farming operation often brings the realization that growing crops is only part of the challenge. There is also the constant need to manage irrigation, fertility, pests, and drought, along with navigating financing. 

“Those are the two things that you have to be able to navigate to be successful in this business,” said Helle. 

When Helle first started farming nearly 35 years ago, he used a local bank. At the time, banks were getting bought out left and right. Soon he found his way to the lending team at Capital Farm Credit.  

“Capital Farm Credit knows what we’re doing. They know our hardships. We get the paperwork in. We’re all on the same team,” he said. “They get it done and on time. Everything works smoothly, and it feels good to know that somebody is lending for agriculture.” 

Capital Farm Credit’s industry knowledge is what keeps Helle coming back.  

“Navigating tough times is survival in this business,” he said. “But the main thing is they know agriculture. They have that background, what it takes to bring something to market. Support of the American farmer is extremely important in the grand scheme of things.” 

With the demand for produce year-round and the seasonal changes that affect yields, having the support of a lending cooperative whose mission is to support ag producers makes all the difference.  

“Having a partner like Capital Farm Credit helps you put a foot in the door and hopefully stay in and continue to do what we love.”