In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Skyler Brown
A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow
When you’ve got the word “agriculture” in your job title, you’d better know a thing or two about growing things. Vision’s Agriculture Specialists come at their understanding of farming and ranching from different angles: crop science, farm equipment sales and farm supply, but they all have their roots in agriculture and their hearts in helping grow futures for Vision’s food producing members.
Skyler Brown | Vision Agriculture Specialist | Region: Pincher Creek
Did you grow up around ranching operations?
Always. We moved from Manitoba, where we raised rodeo livestock, to Alberta in 2005. My dad managed a cow-calf operation west of Nanton. I’ve been around agriculture my entire life. I was on a horse before I could walk – that’s my first memory.
What effect do you think growing up on a ranch has had on you?
I think the best thing about living in the agriculture world is that you learn responsibility at such a young age. You get to learn the circle of life, seeing things be born and die. You also learn that you have to get up to feed and take care of the animals, and it doesn't matter if you're not feeling great or if you're tired or whatever else... That helps a person develop a good work ethic, which sticks with you for life.
How did you end up working in the credit union system?
After I graduated from high school, I went to Lakeland College in Vermillion and took my agribusiness up there… And then straight out of college, I started working in the financial world with credit unions.
What was it about the credit union system that made you stick around?
I've always been a part of the credit union system. My first bank account was a Fat Cat (credit union) bank account. The thing I like the most is that it's real people, local people managing and making the decisions. We (credit unions) are still very relationship focused, versus other (financial institutions) where it’s just check the boxes and if you fit within the box, you're okay. If you don’t fit, then you’re out of luck.
What drew you to the Agriculture/Commercial Specialist position at Vision Credit Union?
I had the ad sent to me by a friend who saw it and the combination of agriculture and banking grabbed my attention. That’s my background and it’s what I know. It’s also that I think the financial service industry is in a position to be help (food producers) through this tough time.
What do you mean when you say financial institutions can help agriculture through this tough time?
Between some of the severe drought situations, higher input costs and cattle prices being so volatile – whether it's in the feeder market, or cow calf market… As a producer, you need a financial partner who understands the finance world and the actual production side of the business …someone on your side.
I also think it's really beneficial to have someone you hopefully feel comfortable enough to talk to openly about your operation’s finances, the good and the bad; someone who actually understands your business and can help.
Why do you like meeting your members who are food producers in their homes?
I find people are more comfortable in their homes or on their operations and with a financial relationship, you want them to feel comfortable... I also like that when I visit, members get to show off their operation and show their pride in what they have built.
You mentioned that you want members to feel comfortable talking to you about their financial situation. How do you garner that trust?
That goes back to being real people. Because, you know, we've all lived it. I’ve lived high feed expenses, drought, high input costs and all the other things that keep you up at night. I understand the industry because I’ve spent my whole life in agriculture in one way or another. I just take the time to make sure people know that I do understand and I don’t judge.
Get in touch with Skyler at our Pincher Creek branch:
