Board Spotlight: Rick Allen

Rick Allen owns and operates Crabapple Valley Farms, a 78-acre farm. He serves as a director on the Fayette County Holstein Board and co-chair of the Fayette County Fair dairy show committee. We asked Rick a few questions about what inspired him to join Horizon. Check out his answers below, and be sure to say hello at our next event!

One fun fact about your business or career:
I developed an agri-entertainment business in 1980 out of necessity to supplement the dairy farm. Today, the Haunted Hayride is the main enterprise at Allen-Hill Dairy.

Why did you choose to work with Horizon for your financing needs? 
My father was a Farm Credit customer. I never considered another lender. 

Why did you decide to run for the Board of Directors? 
I serve on local and state boards with other agriculture organizations. When the opportunity came to run for the Horizon Board, I wanted to serve. 

How has the Cooperative changed through the years? 
In my 10 years, I witnessed a strong desire and commitment by management to help improve the lives of all Horizon customer-owners.

Advice you’d share with other customer-owners considering running for the nominating committee or a board seat in the future?
Make your intentions to serve known to a nominating committee member in your region. If the committee nominates you, research the history of the Farm Credit System. It is truly amazing how much this cooperative has done in the past 100 plus years!

Horizon has the pleasure of working with a dynamic Board of Directors that helps to provide strategic direction and oversight. Interested in becoming more involved with Horizon?