Shorty is a Rocky Boy rancher running 40 head of Black Angus cows. In 2007, following a devastating outbreak of trichomoniasis, Shorty needed to cull nearly 40% of his herd. Unfortunately, this loss with loan payments looming meant he needed help going forward, and he contacted us for assistance.

Shorty is a fascinating rancher. When I met him, he brought many pages of paper and pocketbooks as he notes everything. The challenge for us was that his extensive information was not organized enough to be useful yet. Working with his records, we created historical data. From this we devised a plan to expand back to 40 head, restructure current debt, and secure operating capital.

After successfully working with his lender, we then met and began a record keeping system that allowed him to grow from his current record keeping to a more standard format. This will enable him to continue to access the capital he will need to thrive as a rancher.

We have worked with many other producers in Indian country. We help bridge gaps of communication between producer and lender. To others, we provide encouragement and help in times of diseases and other natural disasters. Sometimes we just become a vital sounding board for producers, beginning and established, to flesh out their opportunities and challenges. And we provide these critical services where it's needed most--at farm kitchen tables, over ranch fence-wire, and in wheat fields and places where farmers and ranchers work at their highest comfort level.

In the warm words of Chairman Houle, "Without the personal, on-the-farm process, I likely would have thrown my hands up in disgust trying to navigate all the paperwork. I know this process works."

To begin Myron Johnson's narrative, a story from a few years ago illustrates the drive to succeed that Myron has.

After high school Myron participated in regional rodeo events. Bull riding was his event. Now, it takes a pretty special person to attempt to ride 8 seconds on a one ton critter full of muscle, bone, fire, and a general ill-will toward all humankind. Bull riding is not a pastime for the faint of heart.

There was a big rodeo in Connecticut that Myron wanted to enter. Problem was, Connecticut was 2000 miles away from the Johnson ranch in Mandaree, North Dakota. Myron pleaded with his pa to provide money for bus fare and entry fees. He was willing to settle for the cost of a one way ticket, promising to find his own way back.

At the rodeo, Myron decided also to enter bronco busting, not an event in which he had a lot of experience, but he figured the more events tried, the more likely he could get home.

While he did not win the bull riding that weekend, he did do well enough in the bronco events to win a new Dodge pickup truck. He didn’t need a bus ride home; the Dodge drove fine.

Myron got his start on the ranch with a purchase of bred cows in 2006. He now has his third calf crop on the ground. Not only has he been able to maintain his herd successfully, he's managed somehow to use his calf proceeds actually to expand his growing herd to around 180 cows and 9 bulls.

Myron has been a pleasure to work with. Getting a start in ranching successfully guarantees a few realities---long hours and little money left over for one's troubles. Myron and Kinda Johnson have demonstrated a commitment to success to a rare degree.

Not only have Myron and Kinda worked long hours on the ranch and off, they've shown a willingness to learn about budgeting and financing that is also commendable.

If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, the proof of ranching comes at the calf auction. After Myron sold his steers last fall at Dickinson, North Dakota, I checked to see how Myron's calves compared to others in that weight class. The buyers must have been impressed because the steers brought a nickel a pound more than any other in their weight class that day. Now a nickel might not sound like much, but it adds another $27 per 550 weight calf. And that amount over 150 calves becomes a substantial return for good management!

Often new borrowers find the farm loan program documentation and paperwork to be overwhelming. To his credit, Myron isn't afraid to ask questions or for assistance if he needs it. Asked recently about his thoughts about the FSA loan program, Myron made a comment that is so true about the programs. He said simply, "I don't know how else a fellow can get start-up financing."

Indeed, Myron and Kinda! Best wishes to you; helping to make these sorts of programs work for folks like you is an honor for me.

Nathan Black Cloud has fulfilled his dream of becoming a business owner just like his step father after receiving an FSA rural youth loan. Nathan Black Cloud is a Standing Rock Sioux Tribal member and resides in Valley Park, Missouri along with parents Vivian & Dave, brother Seth and sisters Sage, twins: Gracie and Sophie and baby sister Madeline. He is a very enthusiastic twelve year old who is in the sixth grade receiving a home school education. Nathan is the proud owner of a lawn care business providing him with the ultimate home school project. Nathan received assistance from AICOI outreach liaison, Willeen Whipple who assisted him with his business plan, equipment lists and repayment and savings plans. His plan is set up to place 30% of his earnings into his operating fund, 30% will be applied to his FSA loan payment & 40% into a savings account. Nathan received a loan in the amount of $4500 to purchase lawn care equipment. After closing on his loan in early January, Nathan made his first purchase, a snow blower. Missouri received a rare snow storm dumping a foot of snow and this young entrepreneur took advantage of the situation clearing snow for a number of customers averaging $200 a day.

The family owns a tree service company called Diligent Tree Service and Nathan's business is a spin off of his father's business providing services that include: mowing, trimming, pruning, edging, seeding, fertilizing, snow removal, leaf removal etc. He falls under his family's insurance umbrella that helps everyone rest assured with this additional coverage. Nathan has a full summer ahead with numerous contracts set in place. He will provide lawn service to neighbors, church members, and friends in his neighborhood and the surrounding area.

After researching colleges and the cost involved, Nathan is saving for college, a car and his short term goal is to purchase a cell phone. Nathan would like to attend college and major in Mechanical engineering. He is also very interested in smithing—an art that includes forging different kinds of tools.

Nathan would like to thank Farm loan manager, Mike Hinkebein from the St. Francois County office for the excellent opportunity.