https://www.michellejohnsonwrites.comRSS Feed for Michelle JohnsonenFri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://hpj.com/2026/04/03/when-the-next-generation-has-other-plans/For generations, many farms and ranches have followed a familiar path. Parents build the operation, children grow up helping with chores or working cattle, and eventually the next generation takes over. But today, that transition isn’t always guaranteed. More producers are reaching retirement age without a clear successor waiting in the wings. Sometimes the next generation has chosen a different career. In other cases, family members may not be interested in running the operation full time....Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://hpj.com/2026/04/03/when-the-next-generation-has-other-plans/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/secrets-of-top-farm-producers-what-they-do-differently/During Pinion’s 2026 Northern Agribusiness Summit in Minnesota this past February, Carolina Vargas, Ph.D., economist and farm business management consultant at Pinion, shared a case study that challenged some common assumptions about farm performance. Analyzing four years of data from commodity crop producers across the Midwest, her team found that roughly 20% of farmers consistently outperformed the other 80%. These operations weren’t just having better years — they were widening the gap. The q...Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/secrets-of-top-farm-producers-what-they-do-differently/https://hpj.com/2026/02/28/your-numbers-only-tell-half-the-story-heres-the-rest/Farmers are diligent about watching what they can see. Crops are scouted. Livestock health is monitored. Markets are checked daily. But many operations go years without a clear checkup on the financial health of the business itself. In today’s environment of tighter margins, higher interest rates, and rising input costs, that lack of visibility can quietly increase risk. In agriculture, it’s easy to blame the market. Soybean prices soften. Input costs fluctuate. Interest rates shift. Weath...Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://hpj.com/2026/02/28/your-numbers-only-tell-half-the-story-heres-the-rest/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/how-nonprofits-are-flipping-the-script-on-fiscal-year-end-strategy/For nonprofit leaders, fiscal year-end can feel like a race to the finish line. Financial reporting deadlines, compliance reviews, HR requirements, audit preparation, and donor accountability all converge at once — often while teams are already stretched thin. But this season doesn’t have to be reactive. When approached strategically, it becomes a powerful opportunity to strengthen internal controls, reduce risk, and create clarity that supports better decision-making all year long. Here’s how l...Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/how-nonprofits-are-flipping-the-script-on-fiscal-year-end-strategy/https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/60b6ef5b-3880-40e7-b045-2d5cb5f844f4.jpegFri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/60b6ef5b-3880-40e7-b045-2d5cb5f844f4.jpeghttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/0d3d97b4-a5f7-44c8-86ff-7bb8bead9230.pngI led a social promotion strategy to expand readership of our SME’s monthly High Plains Journal column, using LinkedIn as the primary channel to reach and engage Pinion’s target audience.Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/0d3d97b4-a5f7-44c8-86ff-7bb8bead9230.pnghttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/81e0a448-9e0c-4a52-8969-9365f66a2b80.pdfThu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/81e0a448-9e0c-4a52-8969-9365f66a2b80.pdfhttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/0bc37c37-d0a6-40ea-a8e4-d21add555c87.pdfThu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/0bc37c37-d0a6-40ea-a8e4-d21add555c87.pdfhttp://www.michellejohnsonwrites.comThu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000http://www.michellejohnsonwrites.comhttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/bceb87e9-5304-4937-8e17-b52a33f82dff.jpegThu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/bceb87e9-5304-4937-8e17-b52a33f82dff.jpeghttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/5feea249-7d00-45fe-9a4d-cb7a9e3e754a.jpgProject details: Pinion takes immense pride in its thought leadership, which is a cornerstone of its client relationships. Clients rely on Pinion for innovative insights and expert guidance to navigate their challenges and achieve their goals.Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/5feea249-7d00-45fe-9a4d-cb7a9e3e754a.jpghttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/c2f75b7c-ef46-49bb-bef4-28fbe6cade4a.jpegWed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/images/c2f75b7c-ef46-49bb-bef4-28fbe6cade4a.jpeghttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/c67bba5d-770d-4389-b4b8-f56e2187d8d2.pdfCreated a multi-channel SME positioning campaign that elevated advisors as credible messengers within the agriculture industry. Developed the We Are Food & Ag one-pager series for trade show distribution and extended visibility through recurring newsletter features, reinforcing trust and relatability with clients.Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/c67bba5d-770d-4389-b4b8-f56e2187d8d2.pdfhttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/805e4399-bb88-418f-b682-b93ed2158b35.pdfWed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/805e4399-bb88-418f-b682-b93ed2158b35.pdfhttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/5e2e8214-963d-45e7-bf37-4df7949e39d4.pdfWed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/5e2e8214-963d-45e7-bf37-4df7949e39d4.pdfhttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/8df78d93-e6a0-4131-afe5-e050450c1c54.pdfWed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/495198/uploads/8df78d93-e6a0-4131-afe5-e050450c1c54.pdfhttps://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/efficient-mckinney-vento-transportation-in-the-bay-area/School transportation in California has long faced significant challenges. Unlike other states where nearly 40% of students rely on school buses, only 8% of California’s public-school students use them. This disparity stems largely from historical funding constraints, particularly Proposition 13, which limited property tax increases in 1978 and drastically reduced school transportation budgets. The impacts of these funding cuts persist today, exacerbated by a growing student population and risin...Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/efficient-mckinney-vento-transportation-in-the-bay-area/https://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/5-ways-hopskipdrive-can-help-with-summer-transportation-for-kids/Children across the U.S. are currently enjoying the slower pace of summer vacation, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. This season poses the risk of the dreaded “summer slide,” where academic skills dwindle. Additionally, there’s the added concern about a rise in screen time for kids. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children spend an average of seven hours a day on screens. This figure is likely to skyrocket without the structure and routine of school. That’s why there’...Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/5-ways-hopskipdrive-can-help-with-summer-transportation-for-kids/https://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/navigating-the-school-commute-parent-perspectives/As the 2024-2025 school year gets underway, the routines of early morning and bustling school days return, bringing with them the daily challenge of getting kids to and from school. School districts across the country continue to face bus driver shortages — an issue that is causing districts to revise bus routes, adjust bell times, and in some cases, eliminate bus services altogether. The consequences of this shift are far-reaching, particularly for parents and families. To better understand the...Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/navigating-the-school-commute-parent-perspectives/https://www.farmersnational.com/news/energy/maximizing-your-lands-potential-with-renewable-energyFor generations, farmers have worked tirelessly to cultivate the land. But in today’s shifting economy, more landowners are exploring new ways to maximize their property’s value. Renewable energy leases — such as wind and solar — offer an opportunity to generate stable, long-term income while preserving farmland for the future. These opportunities can allow farmers and ranchers to liquidate debt. It often yields money that can be invested in equipment, exchanges, technology, land expansion, or o...Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.farmersnational.com/news/energy/maximizing-your-lands-potential-with-renewable-energyhttps://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/turning-45z-incentives-into-long-term-stability/The Clean Fuel Production Credit, known as 45Z, has quickly become one of the most financially significant incentives the biofuels industry has ever seen. For many producers, it offers a rare combination of meaningful per-gallon incentives, immediate monetization through transferable credits, and strong federal support for lower-carbon fuels. But alongside this opportunity comes an equally powerful force: uncertainty. Funk recommends evaluating a financial strategy that might include strategic f...Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/turning-45z-incentives-into-long-term-stability/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/is-your-operation-ready-for-what-may-come-in-2026/As you navigate a year marked by sharp swings in policy, costs, and demand — alongside nagging questions surrounding aging ownership/board demographics, timing of ERP replacements, and consolidation considerations — it’s worth taking a step back to assess the fundamentals that keep your operation steady. Talent stability is becoming a higher priority as consolidation continues, ownership demographics shift, and operational complexity increases. A competitive benefits package can play a critical...Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/is-your-operation-ready-for-what-may-come-in-2026/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/become-a-high-performing-financial-institution-by-acting-like-one/Many institutions finish their annual planning cycle with a polished strategy document — but very little momentum. The difference between a plan that gathers dust and one that drives results often comes down to how the process is designed and how it’s treated as a business discipline. Traditional strategic planning often centers on financial forecasts, risk mitigation, and regulatory expectations. While those elements are essential, they’re not sufficient on their own. When planning becomes over...Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/become-a-high-performing-financial-institution-by-acting-like-one/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/work-opportunity-tax-credit-in-limbo/As manufacturers and other industrial employers — including biofuels and food and beverage processors — continue to navigate workforce shortages, rising labor costs, and margin pressure, tax incentives like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) have played an important role in offsetting hiring costs. That’s why news of the credit’s expiration at the end of 2025 has raised questions across these industries. While the WOTC officially sunset on December 31, 2025, history suggests this may not be...Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/work-opportunity-tax-credit-in-limbo/https://hpj.com/2026/01/16/a-new-years-checklist-for-borrowers-what-ag-lenders-want-to-see/As 2026 gets underway, many producers are navigating a familiar mix of uncertainty and resolve. Input costs remain elevated, margins are tighter for many operations, and lenders are taking a closer look at risk than they have in recent years. For producers who may need financing this year—whether for operating loans, refinancing, or long-term planning—understanding what ag lenders are watching can help turn a cautious environment into a workable one. Agriculture lenders are entering 2026 w...Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://hpj.com/2026/01/16/a-new-years-checklist-for-borrowers-what-ag-lenders-want-to-see/https://hpj.com/2025/12/19/help-wanted-seeking-a-legacy-heir/The holidays have a way of bringing families back to the same table where so many important decisions have been made over the years. As stories are shared and traditions passed down, many producers find themselves wondering about the future: Who will carry this farm forward? These moments of togetherness can be the perfect time to talk openly about the legacy you’ve built—and how to ensure it continues for the next generation. Many retiring operators haven’t developed a clear plan for pass...Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://hpj.com/2025/12/19/help-wanted-seeking-a-legacy-heir/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/how-peer-groups-help-food-and-ag-companies-advance-sustainability/Long before sustainability reports and climate risk assessments, farmers were already practicing a form of collective learning. They compared notes in grain elevators, shared weather insights at the feed store, and traded planting advice across fence lines. Those informal exchanges laid the groundwork for a tradition that continues today: learning together to solve shared challenges. As agriculture modernized, so did these learning circles. The late 20th century saw new frameworks emerge like In...Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/how-peer-groups-help-food-and-ag-companies-advance-sustainability/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/what-ag-lenders-are-looking-for-in-2026/Good records are not only essential to see where your dollars are going and where adjustments might make sense, they also provide confidence when sitting across from your banker. He advises producers to track inventory, expenses and cash flow closely – and use this data to make informed decisions about your financial strategy: purchases, sales, and financing. If you haven’t already, consider bringing in an advisor to take a snapshot of your financial well-being and help you formulate a financial...Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/what-ag-lenders-are-looking-for-in-2026/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/5-traits-of-successful-producers/Ag businesses today face the same complex mix of challenges, but it’s the forward-thinking producers that make strategic-based decisions year-round who build the most resilient, adaptable businesses that can survive — and thrive — under pressure. Here are the 5 things that successful producers do to maintain a strong business throughout the year: Strong financial strategy isn’t just about minimizing taxes — it’s about positioning your operation for sustainable, scalable growth. Across today’s ag...Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/5-traits-of-successful-producers/https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/avoid-delays-in-the-construction-loan-draw-process/Managing a construction project efficiently depends on more than just skilled crews and blueprints — it hinges on streamlined project finances. When loan draw requests are delayed, subcontractors wait for payment, suppliers hold back materials, and projects risk coming to a halt. Lenders, meanwhile, need confidence that work is complete, documentation is accurate, and lien risk is controlled before funds are released. With the right financial systems, processes, and strategies in place, you can...Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.pinionglobal.com/blog/avoid-delays-in-the-construction-loan-draw-process/