HPFC President and CEO, Kevin Swayne, returns for another round of President’s Insights… and this time, he’s reflecting on his 30-year anniversary with Farm Credit and the factors that have brought him to this milestone.

Family is often the backbone of farm life. Many farms are multigenerational, with knowledge, land, and responsibilities passed down through families. This continuity fosters a strong work ethic, shared purpose, and a deep emotional investment in the land. When family members grow up working together, they develop trust, resilience, and a culture of cooperation—qualities that are essential for navigating the unpredictable nature of farming.

I recently had somebody ask me, “Why do you farm? Don’t you have enough stress in your life?”  It has everything to do with family. Mom and Dad worked their tails off to keep our operation together and grow. It is a blessing to spend time with my family and work beside my parents, uncle, sister, wife, and kids to get the job done. I often think about those that do not farm and how they crave family time that comes natural with taking care of the land and animals that God has entrusted with us. The truth of the matter is this world was a much better place when farmers and ranchers were a larger percentage of the population.

I grew up on a small dairy farm and would ride along with Mom and Dad to the Farm Credit office. As a kid, I did not know everything, but I did know when there were good times and not-so-good times. Farm Credit supported my folks during all those times, and it always stuck with me. Thirty years ago, I had a choice to either take a job in Omaha or apply for a job at Farm Credit. It did not take me long to decide to work for a company that has the most noble mission of all: Helping Farmers and Ranchers.

Faith often provides spiritual grounding and emotional strength. Farming is filled with uncertainty—weather, markets, and crop yields can all shift dramatically. Many farmers turn to faith as a source of hope, patience, and perseverance. It also reinforces values like stewardship of the land, care for animals, and service to the community.

I am a devoted Christian man. I know it may not seem politically correct or even as popular as it used to be, but that should not deter anyone from expressing their faith. I am not sure how you can farm and ranch without faith and I am grateful to have faith to lean on throughout my career. I have also been blessed with an amazing partner in life and Christ, my wife, Jo. She has witnessed and supported me through the challenges and sacrifices it takes to not only farm but also have a career in Farm Credit.

Over the years I have made some tough decisions and delivered difficult news numerous times. Jo led Children’s Ministry for over 20 years and before she would do a Children’s Moment or lead a group of children she would pray and end her prayer with, “Father, please let my words be Your words.”  I have prayed a lot over the years and ended some of my prayers in the same manner. Fifteen years ago, I told her we could make a difference for our family and other families if I took a 30% pay cut and move to Hays from Wichita. I felt called to move and like most difficult things, it was not an immediate “Yes,” but we did move our young family. Our lives have been enriched by those we have met in this area and within Farm Credit.

Someday my time in Farm Credit will be over and per tradition there will be a retirement party. On that day, I will not stand alone at the podium for long. I will call Jo up to stand with me so she can see all the people in the room and get the recognition she deserves. I would not have achieved as much in my life without her love, support, and strong Christian example.

Family and Faith are deeply rooted rural American values which create a culture of responsibility, self-reliance, and long-term thinking. I try to run High Plains Farm Credit with these values at the forefront, just like you run your operation. Our HPFC team strives to establish long-term relationships with our customer-stockholders and our staff. When employees join our team, they become members of our family. We are not a family just because we work together. Instead, we are a family built on respect, trust, and care for each other and our stockholders.

I meet with every new employee for about an hour to tell them about High Plains Farm Credit and what a special place it is to work. The most important thing I tell them is this:  Think about your favorite farmer and rancher – for me it is my mom and dad – and imagine them looking over your shoulder while you work. At the end of the day if you think you made them proud, then you had a good day at work and you understand the mission here at High Plains Farm Credit.

Thank you for blessing and trusting HPFC to be a partner in your family’s operation.

– Kevin