2024 Board of Directors Elections

Age: 53

Farming Operation

Koester is the co-owner and operator of Koester Brothers Farms, Inc., a diversified dairy and grain operation, located in Southwestern Indiana. The operation milks 250 cows utilizing robotics and produces wheat, yellow corn, food grade white corn, soybeans, and straw for erosion control blankets.

Education

Purdue University, B.S. Agricultural Economics

Board Experience

• Farm Credit Mid-America Board of Directors
  • Director, 2021 to present
  • Audit Committee, Vice Chair, 2021 to present
  • Community Investment Committee, Vice Chair, 2022 to present
  • Special Investigative Committee, Chair, 2023 to present
  • Litigation Steering Committee, Chair, 2024 to present
• Farm Credit Mid-America Advocate Council, 2019-2021
• Farm Credit Mid-America Advisory Board, Evansville Office, 2010-2018
• American Farm Bureau Federation, past Young Farmers and Ranchers National Committee, Vice Chairman
• American Soybean Association, past Young Leader Program
• Dairy Farmers of America, past Young Cooperators Program, Executive Committee
• Indiana Farm Management Association, past President
• Indiana Farm Bureau, past Young Farmer & Rancher Committee, Vice Chair
• Purdue University, past College of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council
• Served in these organizations locally: Posey County Drainage Board, Posey County FSA – County Office Committee, Young Dairymen, Purdue University Vanderburgh County Extension, Vanderburgh County Farm Bureau and Vanderburgh County 4-H Fair

Community and Industry Involvement

• Indiana State Fair, Year of the Farmer, Inaugural Year Farm Family of the Day
• Indiana Soybean Alliance
• Purdue University Farm Management Tour Host
• Knights of St. John and Saint Wendel Church
• 4-H Dairy Judging Coach and 4-H and FFA Supporter

Biographical Information

I was born the 9^th of 10 children on a small dairy and grain farm in Southwestern Indiana. My chores on the farm both morning and night, along with my activities in 4-H and FFA instilled in me a love for the land, the animals, and the equipment. As a first-generation high school graduate, I ventured to Purdue to pursue an Agricultural Economics degree immersing myself in leadership roles and community service. Upon graduation, I possessed a strong desire to pursue farming. With no immediate opportunity, I worked as an agronomist for a local co-op and years later joined my brothers in full-time farming. Actively engaging in agricultural organizations, I transitioned to service leadership roles at local, state, and national levels. Currently, I serve as a Director for Farm Credit Mid-America, finding it fulfilling and a privilege. What began with two cows as a wedding gift for my depression-era parents, our farm has experienced a peaceful 10-children generational transfer focusing now on cousin collaboration. My wife, Lisa (Hefty) Koester, along with our children Travis, Lindsey, and Reagan all serve agriculture and our rural community.

Why do you want to serve on the Farm Credit Mid-America Board?

Great leaders shine brightest when faced with tough decisions, a principle I’ve applied as a Director prioritizing the best interest of our stockholders. I bring fresh insights to the FCMA Board while fostering mutual respect among board members, employees, and customers. With a positive outlook, I view challenges as opportunities for growth striving for level-headedness.  As the only active dairy producer on the Board, I bring valuable diversity and am proud to represent and support a vital livestock industry that is crucial to the success of all customers. I’m driven by a desire for the betterment of our organization and stakeholders, not personal gain. Leading with a servant’s heart and fulfilling the fiduciary duty it is my goal to also help young, beginning, and small farmers fulfill their passion while managing association risks, offering low-interest rates, and maintaining the level of patronage that is so beneficial to all customers.