Emerging Leader Institute brings agribusiness success
Want a stronger agribusiness? Do what Jaime Halfmann did and attend Capital Farm Credit’s Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI).
ELI is a free self-paced online training course developed to help producers strengthen business and financial skills. The free, six-part series has provided dozens of business owners like Jaime valuable information to help them be successful.
“After spending many years in the corporate world as a Human Resources professional, I knew my heart was in the cattle industry,” she said. “Focusing on our cattle operation was my solution to fulfilling my passion. “I knew we needed to create a formal business plan, but I just didn't know where to start on my own,” she explained. “The program provided resources and materials that made it so easy to finally put our business plan in writing.”
For over 12 years, Jaime and her husband have run a commercial cow/calf operation. Four years ago, they began raising registered Brahmans, and they recently started building a registered polled Hereford herd.
Her first love was horses, and she spent many years showing horses before turning to cattle.
“I’ve always had a love of agriculture,” she said. “My husband is the one that got me interested in cattle as he grew up with his family raising cattle. I enjoyed raising our commercial herd, but it wasn’t until we purchased our first registered Brahmans, did I truly find my passion. Once I started learning pedigrees, I was hooked!”
Jaime said ELI has had a positive impact on their operation, and they are working toward achieving their short- and long-term goals. They also are working with Capital Farm Credit and planning to purchase land soon to help further expand their operations.
“Having our financial documents created and up to date will help simplify the process once it becomes time to start the loan process,” she said.
Her favorite part of ELI was developing a business plan, but she said creating financial statements and learning the importance of succession planning, regardless of an operation’s size, were also key.
“We recently changed our operation's business type from a sole proprietorship to an LLC to gain the added liability protections, as well as created our wills and a trust to help secure the legacy of our operation.”
It’s been over six months since taking ELI courses, and Jaime recommends others take the course if they are serious about building their agribusinesses.
“The modules are each taught in a way that they will be beneficial to all levels, from beginners to experienced business owners,” she said. “I have an MBA degree and felt like the program was the perfect refresher to give me the kickstart I needed to help my growing operation prosper!”
To learn more and register for a session, visit our website.