Rooted in Community. Banking Where UBelong.

A National Ag Day Farmer Spotlight Featuring Nick & Candace Spitzley Farms

Agriculture is built on dedication, resilience and strong relationships—values that shape both farming, families and the communities they call home. On National Ag Day, Union Bank is proud to spotlight customers who live those values every day, including Nick & Candace Spitzley Farms, a fourth‑generation farming operation deeply rooted in family, tradition and community trust.

A Legacy Built to Last

Farming has always been a way of life for Nick Spitzley. As a fourth‑generation farmer, he has been involved in agriculture for as long as he can remember and began farming full-time in his early 20s. With the help of his father, he secured 400 acres of rented land to get started—laying the foundation for steady growth over time.

When his parents retired, he and his wife of 16 years, Candace, purchased the family home and farm shop. The transition was more than a business milestone—it preserved a legacy that now spans generations.

“It’s where I grew up, and now our three children are growing up in the same house.”

Today, the farm is not only a livelihood, but a place where values are passed down and the next generation is learning the importance of hard work, responsibility and caring for the land.

Farming Through Every Season

Nick & Candace Spitzley Farms produces corn, soybeans and wheat, managing each crop with care and intention throughout the year. While the operation previously included beef cattle, the family made the decision to step away from livestock to better balance farm responsibilities with raising three young children.

Each season brings its own rhythm:

• Winter is spent servicing equipment, maintaining the grain system and hauling corn.
• Spring marks planting season.
• Summer stays busy with spraying and spreading, followed by wheat harvest, soil sampling and fertilization.
• Fall completes the cycle with bean and corn harvest.

Through every phase, stewardship of the land remains a top priority.

The Rewards That Matter Most

While farming comes with long hours and constant challenges, the rewards extend far beyond the harvest.

“I enjoy watching the crops grow and caring for them throughout the season. I also feel extremely fortunate to be able to raise my children on a farm. I truly believe it’s a great environment for them.”

That connection—to the land, to family and to the future—is what continues to drive the operation forward year after year.

Meeting Challenges with Resilience

Like many agricultural operations today, Nick & Candace Spitzley Farms faces rising input costs and lower grain prices. Profitability has been challenging in recent years, but strong yields and careful management have helped the farm remain resilient.

The operation has grown steadily thanks to trusted relationships with community members and family who rent land to the farm.

“We take care of rented ground the same way we take care of our own. We want everyone involved to feel good about the partnership.”

That commitment to honesty and fairness has helped build long‑term relationships that benefit everyone involved.

A Banking Partner Who Understands Agriculture

For Nick & Candace Spitzley Farms, choosing Union Bank was about finding a banking partner who truly understands agriculture—not just the numbers, but the realities behind them.

“They don’t just look at numbers—they look at the big picture.”

That understanding was built through a long‑standing relationship with Union Bank Commercial Banker Doug Flessner. When he retired in December 2025, Union Bank had already identified and prepared his successor, ensuring continuity for customers. Like many customers, there were initial questions about the transition.

Those questions were quickly put to rest with Scott Rueff, Vice President, Commercial Banker, who now focuses exclusively on agribusiness. With more than 27 years of experience serving Michigan’s agricultural community, Scott brings deep knowledge of farm operations and a relationship‑driven approach that aligns seamlessly with Union Bank’s commitment to agriculture.

“He has been great to work with. I’ve been extremely happy with the relationship.”

By focusing on agribusiness and collaborating closely with Union Bank’s local teams, Scott continues the same level of trusted support farmers expect—so customers feel confident, understood and supported through every season.

While digital tools are available, Nick continues to value personal connection—choosing to bank in person or by phone and knowing he has a trusted partner who understands his operation and stands behind it.

Banking Where You Belong

“Having a banking partner you can rely on provides peace of mind. Knowing someone is there to stand behind you when you need it makes a big difference.”

At Union Bank, Banking Where You Belong means understanding the people behind each operation, the challenges they face and the communities they support. On National Ag Day—and every day—we’re proud to stand alongside farmers like Nick & Candace Spitzley Farms, who are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to growing something lasting.