Award-Winning Agricultural Finance Expert Joins Schrader as Agent

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Since 1983, Joe Kessie has helped farmers throughout Indiana make sound financial decisions and obtain the financing they need to expand or improve their operations. Now, Kessie has joined Schrader Real estate and Auction Company as an agent.

Kessie, who lives in Winona Lake, Indiana, will work with farmers and investors buying and selling farmland. Growing up on a farm, he gained a firm appreciation of the values he learned from his family. He distinguished himself early by winning a national Future Farmers Association award in 1978 and went on to graduate from Purdue. In 2021, the American Bankers Association awarded Kessie the prestigious national Bruning Award in recognition of his significant contributions to agricultural banking.

“We have known Joe for years as one of the most respected experts in farm finance in the industry, and we could not be more excited to have him as part of our team,” said R.D. Schrader, president of the auction company.

“Joe has established a role as a trusted adviser to farmers throughout Indiana, and as he embarks on his new role in a different aspect of the industry, he will no doubt benefit from the name recognition and reputation he has established,” said Schrader.

Kessie said he is excited with his new challenge. “My goal is to earn the confidence of farmers and farmland owners as a Schrader agent. I have known many of the Schrader staff for years and this seemed like a logical next step in my career.”

Kessie can be reached at [e-mail] or 260-609-4640.

Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, based in Columbia City, Indiana, is a leading auctioneer of agricultural land and equipment throughout the United States and is a five-time USA Today/National Auctioneers Association Auction of the Year winner. Those seeking details on upcoming auctions, or those seeking to sell land, may visit www.schraderauction.com or call 800-451-2705.