FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2021
Investor Contact: Aaron Holt
VP, Shareholder Relations
217-258-0463
aholt@firstmid.com Media Contact: Laura ZuHone
VP, Director of Marketing
217-258-0675
lzuhone@firstmid.com
MATTOON, IL — First Mid Ag Services, a division of First Mid Wealth Management, is pleased to announce that three farm managers have been awarded the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA).
Accredited Farm Managers are specifically educated and experienced in agricultural management and understand efficient production and profitable marketing by focusing on procedure, analysis, critical thinking, and innovation. Farm Managers have specialized expertise in production, business, environmental issues, and government activities. Accredited Farm Managers possess additional specialized expertise and are connected to a national network of professional resources and information.
Farm Managers Craig Thompson, Casey Watson, and Justin Wheeler have each earned the AFM designation by meeting stringent requirements in experience and education in addition to passing rigorous written examination and abiding by the American Society's Code of Ethics. Thompson, Watson, and Wheeler join a select 45 percent of the ASFMRA membership who have received the Accredited status and currently maintain it through the ASFMRA continuing education program.
Craig Thompson serves as a Farm Manager as well as an Illinois and South Dakota Real Estate Broker for First Mid Ag Services out of the Bloomington, IL office. He joined the predecessor of First Mid, Soy Capital Ag Services, in 2014. Thompson manages over 26,000 acres in seven Illinois counties.
Casey Watson is the Regional Manager of the Peoria Office of First Mid Ag Services. He joined First Mid Ag through the acquisition of Soy Capital Ag Services in 2018. Watson is a licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker.
Justin Wheeler started his farm management career with Soy Capital Ag Services and joined First Mid Ag Services through acquisition in 2018. In addition to the AFM designation, he holds the Managing Broker License for the Decatur, IL office, an Illinois Auctioneers License, and a FAA UAS Remote Pilot’s License. Since his start in farm management in 2014, he has been involved with over 9,000 acres of farm brokerage and farm management acquisitions.
About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid Bank & Trust was first chartered in 1865 and has since grown into a $6.0 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services through a network of banking centers in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas, and a loan production office in the greater Indianapolis area. More information about the Company is available on our website at firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH.” The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell First Mid Bancshares.
About The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®): (ASFMRA®) is the largest professional society for rural property land experts, boasting over 2100 members in 31 chapters throughout the United States. ASFMRA truly represents The Most Trusted Rural Property Professionals and is the organization for individuals who provide management, consultation, and valuation services, as well as real estate services on rural and agricultural assets. The land experts who hold membership in ASFMRA work under a professional code of ethics, which includes continuing education requirements. You can rest assured that if you’re working with someone who is an accredited member of the Society, you are truly working with a competent land expert and agricultural professional who can assist you with all of your property, land and asset needs.
