Farmers and ranchers know that taking time away from the operation is never easy and the reason to do so had better be worth it….

For three pairs of High Plains Farm Credit customers, a recent trip to Utah justified the time away from home.

With High Plains Farm Credit sponsoring all trip-related and conference expenses for the selected applicants, the Mocks, Molitors, and McClarens headed west with the hope of connecting with other producers outside Kansas.

“We were interested in meeting other young farm couples who face similar challenges as us,” Kristin McClaren said. “We hoped it would be valuable to see how other young farmers are tackling financial challenges, working with family, and making efforts to raise better crops and livestock.”

The Molitors traveled to Utah with similar goals.

“It seemed like great opportunity to learn more about the Farm Credit banking system and network with other young producers around the country,” Marc Molitor said.

The YBS producers didn’t attend the conference alone as HPFC Chief Lending Officer, Rob DeWeese, and AVP Loan Officer, Sarah Linenberger, were excited to join the event in support of these customers.

“I look forward to the networking opportunity created by attending the forum,” Rob said. “The YBS borrowers get to meet producers from other areas of the country with similar and different challenges and can connect in a very safe environment for sharing information.”

The GYFF event changes venue from year to year and the third annual forum boasted a variety of activities that allowed for hands-on learning and collaboration opportunities.

Young, Beginning, and Small producers toured Ballerina Farm and attended a Utah Jazz game, all the while getting to know and sharing information with producers from around the country.

This was the highlight of the experience for the Molitors who enjoyed “having opportunities to visit with the other attendees when we went to the Jazz game, riding the bus out to Ballerina Farm, those more informal times getting to network.”

Similarly, the McClarens found value in connecting with other farmers and lenders in attendance.

“We got to pick the brains of some other cattleman and get new ideas, and it was also interesting to hear from farmers across the country who have completely different crops from ours,” Kristin said.

The Grow Your Future Forum extended beyond tours, basketball games, and networking. In fact, educational opportunities for producers remained central to the conference. Whether absorbing content from a producer panel, completing a financial analysis workshop, or taking notes during sessions, each group of HPFC customers discovered different takeaways.

“Brett Stuart’s presentation Friday morning was hands down the most informative and interesting, in my opinion,” Marc said.

However, he suggested his greatest takeaway came from the relationships formed with other conference attendees when he stated that, “… as young producers, we’re really all facing similar challenges with labor shortages, lack of communication about family transition plans, and work/life balance in ag.”

The McClarens also enjoyed the opportunity to explore global ag economics through Stuart’s expert lens and to share information with young farmers and ranchers. However, the couple found Dr. David Kohl’s keynote content most beneficial.

During his presentation, Dr. Kohl emphasized the importance of global trade as well as maintaining working capital. He also provided a framework to help producers accomplish goals.

“Dr. Kohl presented on his R.E.M. gameplan (Respond, Execute, Monitor), including a checklist to follow to set and accomplish your goals on the farm,” Kristin said. “It was helpful for me and Cole to go through the checklist and see which things on it we already do, and which things we needed to go home and tackle.”

The HPFC team at the conference also found this session to be particularly impactful for YBS borrowers.

“The session led by Dr. Kohl was very powerful for attendees,” Rob said. “He was able to engage the audience and make attendees think about their own operations in a different light.”

Like the Molitors’ experience, HPFC’s Chief Lending Officer found that his greatest takeaway was rooted in connecting with producers at the conference, adding that, “I am always amazed that regardless of where you reside in the country, most of the challenges facing YBS borrowers are similar.”

With these similarities and opportunities to grow in mind, Rob offered his encouragement for Young, Beginning, and Small producers considering attendance in 2026.

“High Plains Farm Credit is proud to be able to provide this type of education and networking opportunity to our borrowers,” he said.  “Every YBS producer should apply and take advantage of the opportunities that the forum offers.”

Even as the HPFC team looks forward to next year’s Grow Your Future Forum, we’re excited to continue to offer unique benefits to members of the Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Program.

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about the program or next year’s event!