March Madness! KSU, my alma mater is making a run in the men's tournament and it sure has been fun. The story behind this team is pretty special and has application in many aspects of life. ow.ly/n5Lf50NrwRc

Great Farm Bill primer with good background on spending limits and how the CBO baseline plays out in the world of commodities. Also feel compelled to always remind people, most of "farm" bill funding is not about commodities. ow.ly/y4RM50NnVBB

Thanks for the warm welcome Iowa. We had a very engaged group of ag bankers discussing the value of accurate balance sheets and five impactful ratios. Wrapped up with a focus on how they come together to build customer value!

Come visit with Country Banker Systems at the Iowa Ag Bankers Conference early next week in Ames. I'm excited to be on the program for their opening session on Monday. ow.ly/2KfW50NlTkB

Reflecting on Missouri's Ag Bankers Conference this weekend. I will always applaud senior lenders who keep on learning despite years of experience and bank leaders who invest in new lenders by allowing attendance at conferences and schools. New knowledge and networks matter.

Next up - Missouri - it was a good day at the KBA Annual Ag Bankers Conference. I was honored to be asked to facilitate a panel discussion. I appreciate my Kansas ag banker friends.

Big week next week - Kansas Ag Bankers and Missouri Ag Bankers - I'm coming your way. Different topics, different approaches, both are going to be energizing and informative. Thanks for the invitation #KBA and #MBA

Late February marks our bank holding company annual meeting. Lots to remember about where we started and where we are now. Thankful for the communities we call home and the chance to serve customers across generations. Looking toward a bright future, but where did the time go?

Perspective is everything. ow.ly/lnQQ50MVJ23

I'm ready for March. Looking forward to presentations for #KBA Ag Bankers Conference and also the #MBA Ag Seminar. Focused learning - lessons from the 1980's farm crisis, proper balance sheet categorization, inflation and trends to monitor.

FFA is always a good investment. hpj.com/ag_news/agco-s-fendt…

It's farm and ranch meeting season. I encourage all lenders to attend a few of these events each year. They are networking opportunities with current and prospective customers and you also meet new ag business people in your area. Don't stay behind the desk.

We have had a beautiful snow across much of the Midwest bringing needed moisture and ground cover. Hopefully the beginning to a growing season with more timely rain.

What a great day in Bismarck. Trekking home to Kansas now, but sure blessed to be part of a great day. Thanks for the energy #NDBankers. ow.ly/9pei50MvF6I

Our Country Banker newsletter this month will focus on #ruralmentalhealth. Get informed and be the person who asks the question. Consider taking #questionpersuderefer training - you need to know CPR right? Why not QPR too?

On the road next week to Bismarck - thankful to spend some time with the ND bankers as we learn together. Now I just need the weather and airlines to cooperate.

Getting ready to network with bankers in Bismarck North Dakota in two weeks. Bring all your great questions and insights to the #NDBA Management Conference and we'll have a robust discussion.

Happy New Year! Lets make 2023 better because of us - build/nourish relationships, give our best and make bold choices.

Working on some new content for speaking engagements after the first of the year - what's on your mind that I should include?

Merry Christmas! May you be well during this most amazing time of the year and in the days ahead.