Age as of March 1, 2024: 71

Residence Location: Platteville, CO

Place of Operation:  Platteville, CO

Business Experience: We currently have commercial cow/calf operation. I am involved in all phases of the operation from bull selection, marketing of our calves, animal health practices to all the financial responsibilities including cost analysis, projections, tax information collection, accounts receivable and payable. I continue to learn best practices in both financials and herd management.

For 30 years we raised alfalfa hay using small grains as a rotational crop. I worked in all phases of the operation I can and have operated equipment, but my main responsibilities were financial. I took care of accounts payable,

accounts receivable, payroll, projections both financial and yield, loan applications and compliance, state and federal taxes, bank accounts and monthly status reports.

Education: BA, Agricultural Business

Current Boards: American AgCredit

Strategic & Visionary Thinking: As a producer, I think strategically about how the decisions I make will benefit our operation both operationally and financially. Under current conditions, it is vital to carefully analyze strategies and be agile enough to make changes to most efficiently use our resources. We must apply visionary thinking by looking at current conditions as well as looking forward for opportunities and possibilities. We need to be willing to modify our operation and work with entities that support our success.

Corporate Governance: Sound governance, including solid up to date policies, is key to the effective operation of an organization and the performance of its board. Training for board members enables them to be strong decision makers who thoughtfully consider issues, ask questions, and consider best options. Staying abreast of current issues is important for board members. It is vital that board members are fiscally responsible, conduct themselves ethically and professionally, are respectful of others, promote transparency on the board and within the organization, and use the mission statement as the north star.

Financial Expertise: I use accounting best practices for our operation. Timely preparation and reporting of projections, status, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable keep us current on our operation and able to adjust as needed. Accurate financial management is paramount to the success of our business. Keen analysis and understanding financial reports is key to the success of any kind of operation. I have been responsible for financial management in a variety of businesses I have been involved in.

Communication: I consider communication one of my strengths. Open communication and transparency with those in our organization as well as those we deal with makes for a clear understanding of expectations on all sides. All forms of communication – face to face, email, written or phone calls – need to be clear and concise. Effective communication promotes understanding, a sense of being valued and included. Networking and sharing expertise make us all better.

Technology: I am proficient in several programs such as Excel, Outlook, Word, and Quicken. I use Quicken to manage our finances and Excel in my reporting. I use email and cell phone daily. I like to learn new ways to use the programs I use the most and enjoy learning how new programs and applications can enhance our operation. Technology is a great tool, and we have a massive amount of data at our disposal. The challenge is what information is most useful to us in our operation currently, what information may be useful in the future and what information may not be useful at all.

Human Resource Management: I have experience interviewing, hiring, training, and managing employees in my own businesses as well in positions I have held with other organizations. Once you find a good employee, you need to see that they get the training they need, determine their strengths and weaknesses, and support them towards success. The more time you invest in their success the more success your business will have. Compliance with local, state, and federal employment regulations must be maintained.

Risk Management: There are many types of risk–financial, reputational, operational—that need to be thoughtfully addressed. I work closely with experts such as CPA’s, insurance agents, equipment dealerships, and veterinarians to guide me with best practices that work best for our operation. I think it is vital that you consider and mitigate as many types of risk management as you can. You need to be open and honest about what you produce, how it is produced, and stand by your product.

Leadership: I have been elected and appointed to serve on a variety of boards and committees affiliated with a lot of types of organizations. I have made sure that I have taken any training opportunities offered as well as networking and expertise sharing opportunities. I have been able to develop leadership skills that are valuable to the organizations I have worked with. Leadership means that you are willing to invest in training and education to be the best board member you can and to contribute to the success of the organization. Leadership means you do the right thing, which is not always the easy thing.