AN IDEA TAKES ROOT

The year was 1929 - - the year the stock market crashed and precipitated an era of meager profits for agriculture and a generally precarious existence for many. In a year when most are trying simply to hold on to what they had achieved, a forward thinking business man saw the potential in a new idea.

With the help of Bruce Russell, a Former County Agent with a background in farming, the young C.J. Claassen turned his idea into reality late that year. In November of 1929, Claassen implemented the system of farm management - - accomplished efficiently and profitably - - for non-resident landowners, and he offered that system through a firm he named Farmers National Company.

The depression and financial turbulence of the 1930's brought modest profits for Farmers National Company, but the company persevered and persisted, bearing out the contention that non-resident ownership of farmland could be profitable. By 1939, the young company was already managing 1,000 farms for non-resident landowners.

Today, that principle is still proving sound. Farmers National Company is the largest, fastest growing and most successful farm management company in the United States, managing 3,600 farms, ranches and specialty operations across the country.

Farmers National Company's core business is still farm management, but the company has grown and expanded its services to include a complete range of agricultural services. With the availability of management, real estate sales, appraisals, insurance and commodity marketing, Farmers National Company clients are assured of the best and most profitable management of their farm investments.

In 1986 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company purchased Farmers National Company. The year 2000 ushered in a new era for Farmers National Company when the employees of Farmers National Company purchased the company from Met Life.

This is a new chapter in Farmers National Company's history, providing many exciting challenges and opportunities. With a veteran management team in place, and excellent employees at all levels to continue the professional service clients have grown to expect, employee ownership will only enhance the company's already premier level of service to landowners.

Farmers National Company is proud of its history. And it is proud to continue the history of excellent service with every client served by the company's farm managers, associates and staff.