Candidate · CoBank Board of Directors · Central Region
Nick Jorgensen
CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle, a fourth-generation farm and cattle business in Ideal, South Dakota. Former Board Chair of Farm Credit Services of America. Asking for your vote.
Why I'm running
CoBank exists to serve the cooperatives and rural businesses that keep rural America running: the electric lines, the water systems, the broadband, the elevators and the processors. I've spent my career on both sides of that relationship, as a borrower running a family ag business and as a director of a Farm Credit association.
I want to bring that view to the CoBank board: a voice that knows what a margin call at harvest feels like, what it costs to serve a rural customer at the end of a long line, and what a board owes the members who own the institution.
I also understand rural cooperatives from the customer side. My operation buys inputs from and sells grain to agricultural cooperatives, and we depend on our local electric, water and telecommunications cooperatives every day. As former chair of Farm Credit Services of America, I also understand how CoBank's lending partners work and where agriculture and rural America are headed. I want to help CoBank serve all of its customers well as that change comes.
What I'd focus on for each of you
Electric power
Rural lines and substations cost far more per customer than in town. Long-term, affordable capital for that infrastructure matters.
Rural water systems
Families and towns depend on rural water. In my own county, Tripp County Rural Water is how many neighbors get it. Systems like these need a lender that understands them.
Communications
Broadband is now as basic as power and water. Rural telcos building it out need patient financing.
Agribusiness
Elevator margin calls, working capital in volatile markets and processor margins. I live these on my own operation.
Experience
Farm Credit governance
Director of Farm Credit Services of America since 2016, serving as Vice Chair and then Board Chair. As Chair, led the joint management agreement between FCSAmerica, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Frontier Farm Credit, which took effect in April 2024. Currently a Board-Appointed Stockholder Director.
Running a family ag business
CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle since 2019, a fourth-generation operation homesteaded near Ideal in 1909 and one of the country's largest Angus seedstock producers. Also leads Ideal Soil Solutions and Lazy J Sporting Club.
Industry service
Former director, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, where I presented the proposal to the Legislature for a precision agriculture center at SDSU.
Education
B.S., South Dakota State University, 2013
M.S., South Dakota State University, 2014
MBA, Dakota Wesleyan University, 2016
Family
I live near Ideal, South Dakota, with my wife, Ashley, and our five kids: Hayes, Porter, twins Harvey and Walker, and Scottie. Most evenings and weekends you'll find us at the ballfield. I coach the kids' baseball teams, and they spend plenty of time with Ashley in the garden. I also serve on the finance committee at the Winner Methodist Church.
Listen and read
Podcasts
Beyond Money with Adam Cox: How a 4th-generation family farm became a multi-business operation The Growing Small Towns Show with Rebecca Undem: Farming, family and the future of small towns The Future of Beef Show: Genomics with Nick JorgensenIn the news
FCSAmerica: Three Farm Credit associations announce collaboration (2023) Drovers: Managing the financial risks of conservation Dakota Farmer: Wearable tech assists rotational grazing High Plains Journal: Sustainable ranching for generations to come Agweek: Lazy J Grand Lodge gives ag education to huntersI'd welcome a conversation
If you have questions about where I stand or what your organization needs from CoBank, call or email me directly.