How longevity and a family atmosphere help Camp Point FBFM office best serve local producers

FBFM isn’t just a network of offices helping farmers with their financial management: it’s a group of like-minded professionals working to improve strategic farm management. In each location across Indiana and Illinois, local professionals make recommendations based on their own understanding of the region, the realities of farming, and your specific operation. 

In Camp Point, Illinois, a family atmosphere combines with deep local ties to make the office feel like an easy spot for cooperators to swing by and stay for a while. 

Regionally rooted, longstanding relationships

The Camp Point branch has operated since 1959 and serviced five counties (Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Brown, Schuyler, and Pike). During that time, FBFM employees have cultivated long-lasting relationships with farm families across generations. These continue to be developed each day. 

“Something unique to the Camp Point office is there’s lots of client traffic in and out of our office,” said Camp Point Farm Business Consultant Kayleigh Fessler, who continued her career with FBFM after starting as a part-time intern in 2022. “We love this because we can go chit chat and catch up with everyone.”

Much like the families they support, many of the Camp Point teammates have been loyal to FBFM for decades. Bob Rhea, Advisor, has over 40 years under his belt, and Jessie Shoopman, Farm Business Consultant and Adams County native, has been with FBFM for nearly 15 years.

“I’m glad to help people in the area that I grew up in who have dealt with the same perseverance and struggles I’ve seen in my lifetime,” Shoopman said. “I’m so happy that this opportunity has been given to me because it’s pretty unique to be welcomed into these people’s homes and operations.”

Not only does staff longevity ensure consistency for the farmers they support, it also lends itself to a close-knit community in the office.

For employees like Farm Business Consultant Emily Mathews, who aren’t originally from the area, the Camp Point office feels like home. When Mathews first settled in Camp Point, she didn’t own a lawn mower. One of her teammates graciously offered theirs after only a short time working together. This is the mentality that continues to foster a community in the office, and extends to the cooperators the team supports.

How Camp Point helps producers navigate their biggest decisions

Even though most of their time is spent advising corn and soybean producers, the Camp Point team also supports two top-producing hog counties (Pike and Hancock). In addition to row crops, many of the cooperators in those counties operate sow units or feeding operations. 

Many of the Camp Point teammates have personal experience to help local producers manage their complex businesses. Shoopman grew up on a first generation row crop and cattle operation while Mathews grew up on a Cass County family farm with row crops and open feedlot hogs. Mathews always knew she wanted to work in agriculture, and her family had been FBFM members since its inception more than 100 years ago. With her deep-rooted history, joining FBFM as an employee was a natural fit. 

The entire Camp Point office instinctively understands the cyclical nature of agriculture and the role it plays within agricultural accounting. The team has its own rhythms throughout the year to ensure tax deadlines are met and cooperators feel supported during their busiest seasons. 

Each team member has their own responsibilities and priorities. Together, each of those puzzle pieces form a well-oiled machine that keeps running even during the busiest seasons – whether that be tax filing and financial planning or planting and harvest.

Between October and December, for example, is tax planning season, where the FBFM team helps farmers look ahead. This time of year is a good time to make strategic decisions on capital purchases, maximizing longer term tax planning strategies, and optimizing cost of production. 

With margins getting tighter every year, regular break-even analysis and other tools FBFM provides can help you project future income and make strategic business decisions.

Year round, the Camp Point office also works to help producers balance the needs of each generation. This equilibrium helps ensure farms in the Camp Point coverage area stay strong for years to come.

When discussing transition and estate planning Mathews said, “You’re trying to balance cash flow for the incoming generation, while maintaining equity and minimizing tax implications for the retiring generation, all while staying in line with regulations from the IRS and other taxing authorities.” 

The Camp Point office prides itself on being a steady pillar within their cooperators’ larger support structure. 

“Your team (accountant, lender, and attorney) working together as a unit helps the producer follow a good, structured plan,” Shoopman said. 

Learn more about the people who support farmers in your region. Find your local FBFM office and connect with our team.