s
Farm Credit Lending support to agriculture in America
leader
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Meet the winners of the Farm Credit Foundation’s scholarship program inside!
Volume 22 | ISSUE 2 | $3.95
Women in Agriculture
s MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA
In This Issue
Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO
FARM AND LAND
MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors Paul Baumgardner Chairman Jennifer L. Rhodes Vice Chairman Brian L. Boyd Gary L. Grossnickle Laura M. Heilinger Dale R. Hershey Walter C. Hopkins
4 OEmma ne Woman’s Commitment 6 WHorses riting Her Own Story Cunniff of Pottstown, Pennsylvania have always been a huge part was so inspired by her travels to various farms across the Pacific Northwest that she started Kneehigh Farm to provide food for her community members.
of Abby Gibbon’s life, which is why she opened Fine Idea Farm in Mt. Airy, Maryland, an equine training and boarding facility.
Anthony M. Ill T. Jeffery Jennings M. Wayne Lambertson Fred R. Moore Dale J. Ockels Ralph L. Robertson, Jr. Alan N. Siegfried Douglas D. Scott Joseph D. Snapp Fred N. West
facebook.com/MidAtlanticFarmCredit @midatfarmcredit mafc.com/blog
8 BGeorgie reaking New Ground 10 Mother-daughter For the Love of Horses Cartanza, an organic poultry grower operation Bright Moon from Dover, Delaware, became the first American to win the prestigious Nuffield International Farming Scholarship this past year.
Farm, run by Trish and Karen Conk, is located in Frederick County, Virginia, and offers area horse lovers a place to train.
+MafcMidAtFarmCredit MidAtFarmCredit @midatfarmcredit
OUR ASSOCIATION
12 Ask the Experts 15 #FarmGirlFriday Photos 16 2017 Scholarship Winners 18 Annual Meeting Recap 20 Board Results 20 2018 Calendar Photo Contest COMMUNITY
21 Properties for Sale 2
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questions or ideas If you have any questions or ideas for the editorial staff of the Leader, contact Jenny Kreisher at 888.339.3334, e-mail her at jkreisher@mafc.com or write her at MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 700 Corporate Center Court | Suite L | Westminster, MD 21157. This publication is for you, our reader. We’d love to hear from you! The Leader is published quarterly for stockholders, friends and business associates. If you wish to no longer receive this publication, please email: unsubscribe@mafc.com. Use “Unsubscribe Leader” in the subject. The Farm Credit Administration does not require the association to distribute its quarterly financial reports to shareholders. However, copies of its complete report are available upon request or see quarterly updates online at mafc.com. The shareholders’ investment in the association is materially affected by the financial condition and results of operations of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and copies of its quarterly financial report are available upon request by writing: Susanne Caughman | AgFirst Farm Credit Bank | P.O. Box 1499 | Columbia, SC 29202-1499 Address changes, questions or requests for the association’s quarterly financial report should be directed to: MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA by calling 800.333.7950 or writing: MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 45 Aileron Court | Westminster, MD 21157
s president’s message
Pursuing A Passion for Ag
s events | deadlines Jun
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10 Brewfest at Milkhouse Brewery Mt. Airy, MD 13-15 Family Farm Days Lititz, PA 19 Maryland 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament Myersville, MD 20 PA Farm Bureau Golf Classic Hershey, PA 23 Farming for Success Field Day Manheim, PA 30-July 1 Horse Progress Days Leola, PA JUL
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4 Independence Day Offices Closed 15-22 Washington County Ag Expo and Fair Sharpsburg, MD 21-23 Lancaster Farm Show Weekend Lancaster, PA 28 Frederick County Agri-Business Golf Tournament Walkersville, MD 19 Tawes Crab and Clam Bake Crisfield, MD 20-29 Delaware State Fair Harrington, DE 29-Aug 4 Carroll County Fair Westminster, MD AUG
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5-12 Howard County Fair West Friendship, MD 7-12 Queen Anne’s County Fair Centreville, MD 15-17 Ag Progress Days Pennsylvania Furnace, PA 13-19 Clarke County Fair Berryville, VA 25-Sep 2 Shenandoah County Fair Woodstock, VA
For a full list of events, please visit mafc.com
Living on a farm is tough—the days are long and the work never seems to end. My mom, Lynda, was and still is the backbone of our farm family. She never let us take anything for granted, and taught me (among many other things) that working hard and pitching in to help others are the most rewarding things you can do. These lessons stick with me today, and are what I hope to teach my own kids. Thanks, Mom! Like my mom, the women featured in this issue are daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts, and inspirations. Each of them followed their passion to start their own business, joining the over 1 million women around the country who operate farms today. That number continues to grow, as more and more women find their own path into agriculture. Like Emma Cunniff, owner of Kneehigh Farm in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. She had no farming background when she decided to head out to the West Coast on her own to work in the fields of organic farms. But, she knew right away that was the life for her, and headed to Pennsylvania to open a farm that now feeds members of her local community. Similarly, Abby Gibbon left home to follow her passion, but for creative writing. After a year of working in London, England, she couldn’t shake her love of riding horses, something she had done all her life. She came back to Mt. Airy, Maryland and opened Fine Idea Farm, an equine training and boarding facility. Georgie Cartanza, an organic poultry grower in Dover, Delaware, an extension agent with the University of Delaware, and a longtime Farm Credit friend was recently named the first American to win the prestigious Nuffield Scholarship. This gives her the chance to travel the world to learn more about agriculture and share farming practices we use here in America. That’s a huge accomplishment! Bright Moon Farm in Frederick County, Virginia is owned and operated by Trish Conk and her daughter, Karen. Together, the two manage the equine training and boarding facility. Karen continues to compete internationally in eventing, and trains the horses at their farm. There are also many women who work on the #OtherSideofAg, supporting producers across the country in various roles off the farm. We asked some of them located in our territory for advice on how young women looking to get into agriculture should start, and where they see the future of the industry headed. Their insights can be found beginning on page 12. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who voted in this year’s election, and who attended one of our annual stockholder meetings this past April. They are a wonderful time to catch-up with customers, supporters, directors, and employees, and celebrate how far we’ve come. If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—we provide a recap for you on page 18. We hope to see you next year! Enjoy your summer,
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 3
FARM AND LAND
One woman’s commitment to improving the land Story and photos by Sally Colby
| Emma Cunniff wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after high school, so she spent several
years participating in the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program, traveling and working on farms throughout the Pacific Northwest. Emma Cunniff grows a variety of vegetables on Kneehigh Farm for a 75 member CSA. Emma says that she learns more about farming every year, and that no two seasons are the same.
“I got excited about growing food and regenerating landscapes,” says Emma. “I ran with that and started getting different field labor jobs. A job in California was my first paid field job, and I could see myself farming as a career.” Emma moved to the east from California during the serious drought in that state, when she realized that water would always be an issue there. But more importantly, she wanted to farm where fresh food was needed. Emma looked at urban farming as a possibility, but she wanted to grow food on a larger scale. “I’m passionate about people having fresh vegetables,” she says. 4
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Still unsure what kind of agriculture would be the right fit for her, Emma participated in an incubator farm program in the Lehigh Valley area that included taking business classes at Penn State. During her time at that farm, Emma had an opportunity to start her own farm business. With rented equipment and greenhouse space, Kneehigh Farm was created. The first year, Emma grew enough produce for 25 CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members and several wholesale accounts. The following year, she expanded to 45 CSA members and a small farmers market. By the end of her second year at the incubator farm, Emma realized
that renting equipment was less than ideal because it limited how she could manage her system. However, she gained valuable farming experience and resources at that farm, and says that her time there was worthwhile. Last year, Emma moved Kneehigh Farm to rented acreage in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania area. She grew the CSA again, served a larger farmers’ market and added a wholesale account in Philadelphia. This year, Kneehigh Farm will serve 75 CSA customers and two farmers markets. Although Emma is passionate about providing fresh food to her community, she’s also dedicated to
kneehighfarm.com facebook.com/kneehighfarmCSA @kneehighfarm
improving the land. The property she’s currently farming isn’t prime farmland, but she’s determined to manage it appropriately and make it work. One unique aspect of Emma’s management style is her strong belief that not every acre must be used every year. Instead, she’s dedicated to regenerating soil, and part of her plan for this growing season includes allowing some of the acreage to remain fallow with cover crops and compost. Soil tests are an important aspect of crop and land management, and Emma plans to obtain more detailed information about micronutrients and organic matter to provide the best soil health for vegetables. Last season, Kneehigh Farm grew more than 150 different annual vegetables for CSA members. Many of the variety choices are based on Emma’s own personal preferences, but she also likes to introduce CSA members to new fresh vegetables. Emma is aware that many customers may not be familiar with some of the vegetables she grows, so she provides information on each vegetable in the weekly share through a weekly newsletter that includes information on what happened on the farm that week, several recipes, and what’s included in the share. Emma is constantly working on building the social media presence of Kneehigh Farm, including
photographs of vegetables on Instagram. “That’s been the biggest way to get people to sign up for the CSA,” says Emma, adding that she’s trying to teach people about interesting varieties. A high tunnel frame building constructed on the farm has proven to be the most affordable way to create protected space for a cooler and wash area. As a Certified Naturally Grown farm, Emma follows organic protocol. Seedlings are started in a propagation house, and a moveable high tunnel, new on the farm, will protect tender seedlings in spring and also be put to use in fall for late season greens. The fact that she’s a female farmer in a male-dominated field is very real to Emma, and she realizes that her influence as a female farmer in her community and how she operates her farm will impact other women who want to enter farming. As far as female farmers being taken seriously, Emma says, “Sometimes the first assumption is that the woman is the wife of a farmer. I market my farm as a womanrun farm to put it out there that this is a viable lifestyle for a woman; that a woman can be managing the whole thing. I think that will help more female farmers take on owning a business.” Another observation Emma has made about gender roles in farming is
that in some cases, a single woman farmer will meet a man and their roles will fall into traditional places where the female might handle marketing and greenhouse growing while the male does the mechanical and field work. “I’m trying to break that mold and see how we can bring woman into the business as the owner who can do all of the work,” she says. Emma has been working with Farm Credit loan officer Hannah Masser to purchase equipment, some used and some new, that will help her continue to grow her business and improve efficiency. She purchased tillage equipment that helps aerate the soil, another effort toward soil regeneration. An important piece of equipment is a plastic layer that forms beds and lays irrigation tape simultaneously. This year, Emma will be using biodegradable plastic that can be tilled into the soil at the end of the season. As she continues to learn more about the soil and microclimate on her farm, Emma plans to grow produce at her current location for several years. “I see it as an in-between chapter,” she says. “I started my business, I’m figuring out what systems I want, I’m investing in infrastructure and tools. Eventually, I want to own my own land. If you’re committed, add fertility and are aware of the environment, you can grow food pretty much anywhere.” l
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Emma created Kneehigh Farm, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where she grows vegetables for a CSA. She’ll use this moveable high tunnel to protect tender young plants in spring and extend the growing season in fall.
Emma’s CSA customers appreciate the variety of vegetables she grows. Throughout the growing season, CSA customers receive a weekly newsletter that describes the vegetables and includes recipes for vegetables that might be unfamiliar to customers.
Engaged full-time in farming, Emma realizes that there are some barriers to break, but she’s determined to continue learning and building her business. Customers appreciate learning about how she grows vegetables and her determination to build soil health. VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 5
FARM AND LAND
Abby Gibbon is writing her own story at Fine Idea Farm Story and photos by susan walker and Sherri Holdridge Photography
| There’s a story behind why Abby Gibbon named her year and a half old
equestrian boarding and training facility in Mt. Airy, Maryland Fine Idea Farm. The somewhat tongue in cheek name comes from an Elvis Costello lyric: “It was a fine idea at the time. Now it’s a brilliant mistake.” But after thousands of hours of hard work, it’s clear that buying and renovating this derelict farm was anything but a mistake.
When a realtor first showed Abby the 56 acre farm, she described it as “a teardown.” Although the same family had owned the property for 100 years, for the most recent 40 years it had been rented and the land had not been farmed for some time. The house and the outbuildings were all in bad shape, the fields overgrown and choked with weeds. But Abby, an experienced, medal-winning FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) rider from a young age, saw beyond the broken windows and In addition to the horses she boards, Abby also takes in and retrains retired racehorses to compete in eventing.
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untamed fields to the potential that lay dormant in the farm. She purchased the property and immediately began planning how she could transform it into a modern boarding and training operation for horses and riders who want to compete in eventing, dressage, hunter/jumpers, and Pony Club. “I had to figure out what could be renovated, what needed to be built, and where it should be built for the best flow for the horses,” she explains. The first addition was a new 15 stall
barn, which was completed in January 2016. This year, Abby added an 80’ x 160’ square foot indoor arena and four new stalls in the bottom level of the bank barn. Over the next few years, she plans to add an outdoor arena and turn a 20 acre field into a cross country schooling course, a unique feature that she believes will make Fine Idea Farm stand out from other facilities in the Baltimore-Washington region. Abby, who has a degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins, also brings her passion for writing to her life on the
farm. “My experiences are inspiration for the things I’ll write in the future. I’ve also started an equestrian book club that meets here,” she adds. “And I hope to have an equestrian library and writing fellowship on the farm one day too.” If that weren’t enough work, Abby is also simultaneously renovating the farmhouse while living in it. The farm is currently home to 17 horses, with plans to eventually board 22. Abby offers private and group riding lessons, as well as providing Pony Club rating prep and coaching her riders at shows. Her childhood best friend, Paige Wasyluk, an experienced rider and horseperson, recently came on as barn manager. “I’ve been obsessed with horses since I was little,” Abby says. “I started riding lessons at age five and my dad built a four stall barn on our seven acre farmette when I was seven.” She grew up caring for her own four horses, was very involved in Pony Club, took two lessons a week, and competed in all the competitions she could. “What’s great about that lifestyle is that you not only learn horsemanship,
you also learn responsibility,” she adds. “And seeing my dad take care of the farm every day after he got home from work in D.C. and every weekend, I understood that farming is tough but rewarding work, which gave me a good foundation when I bought this farm.” As she grew up, Abby took lessons with several area trainers, including Grand Prix dressage rider Carole Kras at Willow Lake Farm. “I spent every waking moment there,” she remembers. “I loved spending time with Carole and the other riders and realized I’d love to have a boarding and training farm of my own someday.” Abby spent a few years away from the world of riding while at Hopkins, in England earning her masters of studies degree from the University of Oxford, and working in the publishing industry in London for a year, but horses were never far from her mind. “Whenever I came home from college, I’d find a horse to ride and pick up rides to compete in shows,” she says. “When I came back from London, I knew I had to get a horse and get back to this life.” She purchased her mare, Prima, who she says changed her life, and
started looking for a way to transform her passion into a business. After working at Laurel Park, a racing venue in suburban Maryland, for a short time, Abby decided to make the leap and buy her own farm. While the road to getting Fine Idea Farm up and running hasn’t always been smooth (the house’s furnace literally blew up the week before Abby was to move in), Abby wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. “Of course there are challenges. It’s a 24/7 job with no days off,” she says. “But I could always see the potential for what it could be. That and the fact that my mom Linda has been a tireless advocate for me and this project kept me going through rainstorms and snow storms and long days of caring for and riding eight horses because I couldn’t afford help. It’s my passion and I’m extremely fortunate that I can make it my livelihood too.” l fineideafarm.com facebook.comfineideafarm/?fref=ts youtube.com/channel/UCPHc-oZ0XXR_ DhQzBAtA3Vw @fineideafarm
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s Abby was surprised how interested
her friends were in spending time at the farm and getting involved with the renovation.
s Even with all the work of renovating and running the farm, Abby still makes time to enter competitions with Prima.
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TOP: The farm’s rolling hills provide riders with great opportunities for
turnout and hacking, as well as access to trails in a nearby state park. BOTTOM LEFT: “My mom Linda is my role model,” says Abby. BOTTOM RIGHT: Abby says Farm Credit loan officer Kelli Wilson gave her confidence to pursue her dream of creating Fine Idea Farm. VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 7
FARM AND LAND
Young chickens climb an“enrichment device” in one of Georgie’s chicken houses devoted to natural chicken production. Enrichments allow chickens to explore the space and exercise.
Georgie Cartanza Breaks New Ground: will travel the world as a Nuffield scholar Story by Nancy L. Smith | Photos by Nancy L. Smith and Georgie Cartanza
| NFB, meaning “no farm background,” is generally a derisive term
denoting an individual who was not raised on a farm and is not in touch with agriculture or the agricultural community. But Georgie Cartanza of Dover, Delaware is living proof that some such people can not only survive, but succeed spectacularly in agriculture.
Late last year, Georgie, who has worked for Perdue Foods and Mountaire Farms and raises organic chickens for Coleman Natural Foods, became the poultry extension agent for the University of Delaware. Just two weeks after taking that position, she became the first—and only—American to win a prestigious Nuffield International Farming Scholarship. Nuffield scholars travel the world studying agricultural issues in both the developed and developing world. The U.S. has hosted Nuffield study tours in the past, but 2017 is the first year it has 8
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had a scholar. Support for Georgie’s participation and travel has come from MidAtlantic Farm Credit and the Delaware Department of Agriculture. The Nuffield Foundation is a charitable trust established in Great Britain in 1943 by William Morris, Lord Nuffield, the founder of Morris Motors. The foundation supports work in many fields including children and families, early year education and childcare, economic advantage and disadvantage, education, finances of aging, law in society and building research capacity in science and social science.
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, an offshoot of the Foundation, awards “life-changing scholarships that unlock individual potential and broaden horizons through study and travel overseas, with a view to developing farming and agricultural industries.” To date, there have been almost 2,400 Nuffield scholars. After an initial week-long conference in Brazil, Georgie and seven other scholars in her group will endure 22 airline flights over two months while visiting Washington, D.C., New York, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, France, and New Zealand.
s Georgie’s chicken houses are on the right and the manure facility is on
the left. Georgie has been recognized for implementing conservation improvements on her farm including the heavy use area protection pads in front of the chicken house doors.
Following the group’s travel, Georgie will spend several more months of individual study focusing on the poultry industry in Israel, South Korea, China, the Netherlands, Denmark, England and Canada. She will write a 10,000 word report on her findings and give a presentation, which comes naturally to an Extension agent. Georgie says her project “will show how new poultry technology is implemented around the world.” She reports that Israel has some of the most advanced poultry production in the world and she is eager to study it as well as environmental issues, animal welfare, and food safety issues there and in other nations. “I hope to learn about the problems in other places and how they solve them. I want to bring home that knowledge so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” says Georgie, who hopes to gather information to help her anticipate some of the challenges that will face the U.S. poultry industry in the future. In addition, she is interested in examining the transition from traditional poultry production to organic production, a shift she made on her own farm two years ago. Among other concerns, Georgie reports that growing grain organically has a bigger carbon
s s Georgie visits with Thato Moagi, “the The Nuffield scholars visited an area outside Brasilia, Brazil, the site of the largest trash dump in Latin America. Local residents glean materials from the trash for reuse.
footprint than conventional production, complicating the metrics of organic chicken production. Georgie’s path to the Nuffield opportunity began when she went to college with the general desire “to help farmers.” She graduated from Delaware State University and began work as a flock supervisor for Perdue. She became an area supervisor and later worked for Mountaire Farms where she “taught growers to be the best they could be.” She built her first chicken houses and delivered her first flock of large roasters in 2006. Two years ago, she switched to growing organic broilers for Coleman Natural Foods. Georgie explains that growing organic required her to modify her chicken houses to provide natural light to the birds as well as “enrichments,” such as stacked wood pallets, “for the chickens to play with.” Her four 65’ x 600’ houses each hold 37,000 birds. She is proud to be part of modern chicken farming. “We are growing more meat with fewer chickens with fewer houses with less people than in the past,” she says. Georgie’s personal achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she received the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Stewardship
face of the future of agriculture in South Africa,” during a stop on the Nuffield scholar tour.
Award. In 2016, she won the Governor’s Conservation Award. Both honors were in recognition of the practices on the farm including heavy concrete pads outside the chicken houses and manure storage buildings, a vegetative buffer around the entire 20 acre farm, a drainage and retention pond with no outlet that also serves as natural habitat for wildlife, and LED lightbulbs throughout the chicken houses. Georgie, who has two sons and a daughter, aged 10 to 14, says she loves being on the farm. “If there’s anything that would have taken me off the farm, it was the Extension opportunity,” she says. As a woman in agriculture, Georgie considers herself very lucky. “Twenty years ago, Perdue was very femalefriendly, more than other companies of the time,” Georgie recalls. She believes “a woman in agriculture has to be sharper and more emotionally mature to be successful. I take it as a challenge to be better, not to develop a chip on my shoulder.” Georgie reflects on her life which has taken several positive turns in recent months. “I am truly honored and very humbled,” she says of her Nuffield scholarship. “If I didn’t have the support of family and friends, this wouldn’t be possible. I didn’t do this all on my own.” l VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 9
FARM AND LAND
For The Love of Horses Mother-daughter team runs Frederick Farm | For a dozen horses, the 27 acres in Frederick County, Virginia, known as Bright Moon Farm is home. They’re accommodated within wooden rail fences that enclose pastureland and a small, fresh pond; a large, indoor practice ring with its special, soft footing of crushed bluestone and sand; and an airy 10-stall barn where they receive three feedings daily and abundant attention by the hour.
Story and photos by maggie wolff perterson
The farm was purchased in 2010 by Trish Conk and her husband, a retired military officer, and is now run by Trish and her daughter Karen, an equestrian. The primary business of the farm is boarding horses, a service that costs boarders $500 per month. But boarding fees for guest horses barely covers the cost of their care. To help ensure the farm’s success, owners must also receive training sessions with Karen. “I enjoy teaching and training the horses,” she says. “And that’s income,” Trish adds. The horses and riders practice eventing, a series of skills that includes show jumping, dressage and cross country. Karen has practiced these competitively worldwide, and last year was awarded Trainer of the Year by the Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association in Virginia. Karen’s teaching and training provides enough net income to enable
her to support herself. The boarding fees are used to support the care and feeding of the horses, as well as related farm expenses. Even horseshoes cost. They have to be replaced about every six weeks, and horses that have sensitive feet need special shoes that cost $300 a set. “Horses are fragile, and you have to practice good horsemanship,” Karen says. But the Conks are involved with Bright Moon Farm for more than fiduciary reasons. They simply love horses. “I rode when I was a girl,” says Trish. Later, she put her children on horseback. The Conks have made a few improvements to the farm, including finishing a former wooden storage building to become a comfortable tack room, with space for feed and areas for clients’ gear. It stores the giant sacks of specialized high-fat, low-starch grain that are individualized for each horse. “Horses are going to have different metabolisms, just like people,” Trish
explains. “Each horse is fed according to its need.” The tack room is wood-paneled, heated in the winter and most importantly, air conditioned. “That helps keep the humidity out in summer and keeps the mold off the leather,” says Trish. Several of the Conks’ animals are retired racehorses, primarily from the Charles Town, West Virginia racing facility at Hollywood Casino. They are thoroughbreds, with elegant conformation and the appearance of wisdom behind their eyes. Each has its own personality, with nine-year-old Marty known as the stall’s “Walmart greeter,” because of his friendly nature. The newest addition, Rex, is more temperamental. And 14-year-old Panshir, a French breed known as Selle Francais, is the farm’s primary training horse because he is so docile. There is a gender gap with horses, according to Karen. Whereas geldings can be made to follow directions,
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Karen competes on the horse, Time for Roses, demonstrating a series of skills known as eventing.
Award ribbons strung in the tack room at Bright Moon Farm show the success Karen has enjoyed in competition.
Trish and Karen take a moment in the tack room at Bright Moon Farm in Frederick County, Virginia.
Photo by GRC Photography.
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Karen cuddles Panshir, a 14-year-old Selle Francais and the most docile horse in the barn.
“you have to negotiate with a mare,” she says. “The same goes for teaching men and women to ride,” she adds. But in the world of competitive eventing, there is less separation of the sexes. It’s the “first Olympic sport where women and men have competed together, since 1952,” Trish says. “We’re a sport that is already blended.” “In the equestrian community, I don’t feel disadvantaged because I’m female,” Karen says. What many people don’t consider is how expensive competition is. Entry fees run into the hundreds of dollars, and horses must be stabled during events that usually transpire over three days. Often there are motel bills, as well. Unlike with many spectator sports, top equestrians do not expect remunerative sponsorships to underwrite their costs. “They’ll give you product more
than they’ll give you money,” Karen says. “It’s not like NASCAR.” She once received something from an English saddle maker, after “clients bought enough saddles,” adds Trish. While Karen is away competing, there is nobody at the farm to teach, so training fees are lost. But, fortunately for Karen, the density of horse facilities in the region means she is rarely more than a couple of hours from home. “I’m lucky in this area,” she explains. “This is a very big area for eventing.” The facility remains a work in progress. One improvement involved installing large windows in the 9,600 square foot indoor ring, a facility necessary for year-round training that contributes to bottom-line costs. facebook.com/BrightMoonEventing
Also, defrosters have been added to the horses’ water troughs. The training area and horse barn do not yet have indoor plumbing for bathroom facilities, but the Conks provide a “blue box,” which is cleaned weekly. Beyond that, there is “constant maintenance,” says Trish. In the barn, frequent mucking of the stalls helps control flies. Other farmers from around the region take the manure and use it on their fields. The Conks have also introduced tiny predator wasps that don’t bother people, but mine horse manure for fly larvae to eat. Barn swallows offer another natural method of pest control. Having once been a boarder, Trish is proud to be the owner of a horse farm. “You always swear you can do it better yourself,” she says. “When I started this place, I put that into action. I love my farm.” l VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 11
FARM AND LAND
Ask The Experts: Women in Agriculture Women are farmers, ranchers, mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, friends—just to name a few. There are also many on the #OtherSideOfAg, working behind the scenes to ensure agriculture thrives! We asked seven agricultural professionals making a difference in their communities about women’s impact on the industry, where they see the future of ag headed, and what advice they would give to young women looking to pursue a career in the industry. Check out their answers!
Ashley Larrimore
Crystal Brumme Pickett
Staci Loop
Coordinator of Programs, Promotions and Public Relations Agricultural Education Foundation
Founder and Publisher The Equiery
Poultry Technical Service Nutritionist Huvepharma
1. What inspired you to work in agriculture? Ashley: Growing up on my family’s farm, I’ve always had a love for agriculture, but it wasn’t until I participated in the Miss Maryland Agriculture Contest that I knew I truly wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. It showed me there was so much more to agriculture than working on a farm! Staci: I’ve always enjoyed science and working with animals, and a career in animal nutrition allowed me to pursue both interests. I think that it was only after I took my first job at a feed mill that I really had that “inspirational” moment. It’s pretty incredible when you step back and think how much care, time and effort that it takes to get a poultry product to market.
It is a huge collaborative effort from farmers, growers, hatcheries, feed mills, processors, etc. to produce and deliver a safe and healthy product to the consumer. Jaclyn: My grandfather and father were both agriculture teachers and FFA Advisors. I did not grow up on a farm, but seeing them both involved with agriculture in a variety of ways and on a regular basis sparked my interest. I learned at a young age the importance of agriculture, agricultural education, and the FFA. Once I started taking agricultural education courses in middle school and joined FFA, I knew that I wanted to be an ag teacher and follow in my family’s footsteps. I fell in love with the content of the courses,
traveling with FFA, and meeting new people. Katie: Growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland exposed me to agriculture at a very young age. I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, so working in the ag industry allows me to support those in my hometown and state who grow the food, fuel and fiber for the world. Sarah: Being involved in agriculture my whole life, it has been imbedded in me to continue down that path. Working more on the livestock and crop sides of agriculture, I was drawn into the lifestyle and passion farmers have for their work, as well as their dedication to this field of work that is extremely inspiring.
2. Where do you see the industry evolving over the next few decades? Ashley: In the next few decades I see consumers wanting to be more involved in agriculture. I think consumers will 12
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want to know the farmers that are growing their food and products, as well as wanting to learn more about modern agriculture practices.
Crystal: I see the definition of ag continuing to evolve, maintaining as its root the concept of economically
Hannah Masser
Jaclyn Marie Roller Ryan
Katie Ward
Sarah Worobey
Farm Credit Loan Officer Lancaster, PA
Agriculture Instructor and FFA Advisor Signal Knob Middle School Strasburg, VA
Communications Specialist Maryland Farm Bureau
Farm Credit Loan Officer Lancaster, PA
productive land, the land producing and nurturing, but how that land might be agriculturally productive continues to evolve.
and promote all the incredible attributes that the agriculture industry has to offer.
myself and my students aware of modern technology and new niche agricultural markets, but ultimately, even with new and improved ways coming about, my mission and that of our agricultural community needs to be public education. Additionally, with the average age of a farmer increasing, we need younger generations to consider a career in agriculture. In order for our industry to continue to improve, we must inform our youth of possible careers and provide support.
Katie: I see the ag industry becoming a global leader in technology and innovation in the next few decades. With the increasing demand for safe, healthy and affordable food, our farmers will rely even more on technology to produce and grow on less land. The industry will also cultivate more “ag-vocates” in the next few decades as conversations about our food production supply continue.
Hannah: I see a lot of opportunity in operations that embrace consumer changes and preferences. The landscape of how people eat is changing. Embracing the connection that people feel to the food they eat creates an opportunity to educate
Jaclyn: There are so many new and upcoming ideas in the industry that it makes me excited to see what the next few decades hold for ag. We are going to have to continue to be more creative to innovate ways to feed more people with less land while trying to effectively manage use of energy and water. I try to keep
3. What is a common misconception about the ag industry? Ashley: Aside from the obvious misconceptions of how agriculture products are raised, I think a huge misconception is that farmers and agriculturists are always male! Every year, I have the opportunity to read a book about agriculture to elementary students and I always ask if they think I could be a farmer. Usually they say no and are amazed when I tell them I help on my family’s farm every day!
Crystal: That “farming” is a “non-commercial” activity. That “farming” is about bucolic scenery or lifestyle, and not an economic activity that individuals and families depend upon to earn a living, as owners, managers and/ or employees. This misconception is the reason “right to farm” laws had to be established in some jurisdictions. This misconception is, more often than not, how regulations end up inadvertently
being established by otherwise, well-meaning but uninformed people, and end up stifling legitimate ag activities. Staci: In poultry, there is a huge misconception about how we are able to produce such a big broiler chicken. Some people think that we use growth hormones or steroids and it’s just not true. In fact, the FDA prohibits those in poultry. We are able to achieve such growth
because of advancements in known nutrient requirements, as well as the fact that only the best growing birds are selected for breeding. Katie: A common misconception about the ag industry is that all farmers are just in the business for the money. After working with farmers for the last three years, I am certain that is not the case. Every farmer I have met has a strong passion for what (continued on page 14) volume 22 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 13
FARM AND LAND they do and wants to work hard to preserve our natural resources. Sarah: That farmers are out to “make a quick buck.” They are not doing that, and I
have never personally seen a farmer out skipping steps and cutting corners to get a product out faster. They also have to supply themselves and their families with quality food and ag-related products. Farmers are business people
with a vision. They too want to be successful and also impact the world positively with their selfless work. Another misconception would be that our food is not safe. The United States food supply is the world’s safest,
most affordable and highest quality in the world. The United States sets the standards for the world and many consumers don’t realize that. It is truly miraculous what our farmers do every day for us.
4. What kind of impact do women have on the industry? Ashley: Women not only are the backbone to many operations (thanks Mom!) but many women are the main operators and leading agriculture groups! Every day I see more and more women opening their own agriculture businesses, taking leaderships roles, and working in agriculture. Staci: I think that diversity within the workplace is a good thing. Women, men, new graduates and seasoned professionals all bring something different to the table, subsequently, bringing different perspectives when trying to solve problems.
Hannah: I’ve sat at a lot of kitchen tables where the farmer’s wife could tell me every fact and figure I needed. Most times they are the silent partner in the background that keep the entire operation in movement. Women bring the tractor around, feed the animals and keep the books. I see women in agriculture as the often unspoken force that drives the industry forward. Jaclyn: I find it very exciting to see so many women stepping up to take on new roles in agriculture, whether that be farming, taking on leadership roles in agricultural organizations, or becoming agriculture
teachers. We see women not afraid to take on roles that traditionally have been filled by men. On the education side, we see women in the roles of agriculture teachers and FFA advisors all across the country. These women are educating our youth and providing them countless opportunities to be involved in agriculture, which is encouraging young adults to pursue agricultural related careers. Women in our industry are persistent, professional, and know how to get results. I am so thankful that we have several women in Virginia involved with meeting with legislative officials on a regular basis to advocate for agriculture. It also makes me so proud to see women holding
conferences and workshops on various topics in order to support other women in ag and help them prosper in their agricultural endeavors. Katie: Women have such a strong impact on the ag industry because they are sharing the story of agriculture with consumers. Many women who work on the farm or in agri-business are beginning to educate the general public about how their food is produced via blogs, social media and in the classroom. As a communicator, I feel that this is such an important milestone for the ag industry because of the rising concern in animal husbandry and food safety.
5. What would your advice be to young women looking to pursue ag as a career path? Ashley: My advice to young women would be to explore all different types of agriculture careers. Agriculture has so many different avenues of employment and opportunity! And, take internships and network with fellow agriculturists. Crystal: If you love a segment of the ag industry (whatever segment that may be: horses, dairy cows, petunias, trees, 14
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pick-your-owns), you can make that industry your career, even if you don’t want a hands-on career. You don’t have to just be a grower or livestock manager or farm manager (or riding instructor). You can use any other talent or interest you have, and your segment of the ag industry will have a career path to accommodate that talent. You could work in the ag industry, but be in retail, financial services, education, medicine, manufacturing, research, publishing, marketing
—you name it! The options in ag are as rich and varied as the options in the “non-ag” world. Staci: I would encourage anyone to pursue a career in agriculture. Population increases mean more people to feed with the same amount of space to do it in. We’ll need all the help that we can get to discover new ways to become more efficient while still attempting to meet consumer demands regarding animal husbandry and
nutrition. There are so many little known careers in agricuture, so talk with industry professionals and educators about your interests and you just might find the perfect career in agriculture that you didn’t even know existed! Hannah: I would encourage young women to jump in and pursue their passions. Perhaps it won’t always be easy, but a lot of paths aren’t. One of the greatest aspects of the
agricultural industry, is that it is a community that is often willing to help each other in times of need and that creates an incredible environment for young farmers. Jaclyn: Get involved with agricultural and civic organizations. The more people you meet and the more professional development opportunities you attend, the more capable you will become to create your path that will take you to where you want to be. Educate yourself, shadow others, read agricultural publications, and network with others in the industry. There are programs designed specifically to help those wanting to be involved in the agriculture industry. You are not alone. Our industry needs women leaders willing to take on the challenges to come, be innovative in their ways, and keep a positive outlook on the future of agriculture.
Shared by: @flute.boss
Shared by: Taylor Ziegler
Submitted by: April Reid
Keep sharing your favorite women in ag pics with us using #FarmGirlFriday!
Katie: Take every chance you have to visit a farm and talk to a farmer during your career in agriculture. Each farm is different and you will learn something new with each conversation. Connections are key in this industry! Sarah: Get involved and explore all the options. Agriculture is diverse and unique. You don’t have to be a “traditional” farmer—you can be the person who helps them financially with their operation, supports their crop growth, become a veterinarian who takes care of livestock, or a scientist or developing technology—the options are unlimited!
Submitted by: Hannah Cawley Shared by: Michelle Anderson, @michelleysue
Shared by @thechronicmuse Submitted by: Frances Baker
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OUR ASSOCIATION
Meet the 2017 Scholarship Winners!
The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement has announced the winners of their inaugural scholarship program. Over 130 applications were received from students across our five state territory—each with a truly unique story to tell. It was a tough decision to make, but after much deliberation, these ten talented students were awarded $10,000 each to help them pursue their
Shara Allman
Allyson Balmer
Kenneth Fest
Ariana Gaston
William Horning
Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Manheim, Pennsylvania
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Townsend, Delaware
Denver, Pennsylvania
Shara, a high school senior at Donegal High School, is known as a leader in her church, community, and school. Her father, a dairy herdsman, inspired Shara with his stories of his work experiences so much that she plans on following in his footsteps and become a dairy herd manager. Shara also aspires to coach young girls so that she can inspire them the way her coaches did while she was growing up. She is looking forward to being a part of the next generation of farmers and continuing to promote the many aspects of agriculture.
Allyson is a junior at Penn State University and an active member in a variety of community organizations, including the collegiate FFA and Farm Bureau. She has a strong passion for helping others succeed and reach their goals, and finds being a positive role model for others extremely rewarding. She plans to carry this passion over into a career as an ag educator. Growing up on a dairy farm taught her a lot about agriculture, and she plans to always continue being an advocate for the industry.
Kenneth is a college sophomore at Cornell University. His family owns a third-generation wholesale nursery in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, which Kenneth plans to return to after graduation to help grow the business and explore new ventures. He hopes to promote agriculture by hosting workshops in an outdoor classroom, and finding ways for area farmers to connect and share ideas. Kenneth has always been ambitious. In fact, he owns his own business called Solebury Cuttings, which sells Christmas greens and is currently growing Christmas trees.
Ariana is currently a senior at Middletown High School, and will be attending Colorado State University this fall. She is a member of FFA and the National Honor Society, and is an aspiring environmentalist. Seeing the effects of urbanization on farm land, Ariana wants to educate others on the important of conservation and preservation. Having an inspiring FFA advisor influenced her to pursue a career in ag education, and she plans to be an FFA advisor herself one day. Her ultimate goal is to educate the next generation about agriculture.
William is an extremely successful senior at Garden Spot High School, being an active participant in FFA, a member of the National Honor Society, and an entrepreneur – he raises dairy beef steers and rents land to farm. He’ll be attending the State University of New York’s College of Ag and Technology at Cobleskill, and plans to turn his passion for equipment technology into a career as an agricultural mechanic.
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careers in agriculture. Congratulations to each of the winners! For information about our 2018 scholarship program, please check FCFoundationforAg.org, and follow #OtherSideofAg on social media!
Glenn Jones
Karoline Kent
Jared Schrader
Hanum Wensil-Strow
Ashley Yanego
Silver Spring, Maryland
Lititz, Pennsylvania
Earleville, Maryland
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Strasburg, Virginia
Growing up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Glenn has seen the impact of food deserts first-hand. Unlike many of his peers, Glenn spent summers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with his grandparents, where he fell in love with nature and the environment. Currently a high school senior at Paint Branch High School, Glenn will be attending North Carolina A&T this fall and plans to study the environment to find ways to address the issues impacting the area watersheds. He also plans to educate others on the importance of sustainable food options and making sure future generations have access to healthy, fresh foods.
Karoline is currently a sophomore at Penn State University. Her position as the President of the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council gave her an understanding and appreciation of the agriculture industry. That, coupled with her love of horses and commitment to bettering her community, led to her decision to study animal science, with a minor in both equine science and agribusiness. After graduation, she plans to be an equine and livestock nutritionist. Karoline believes if you’re going to do something, you better do it to the best of your ability. And we whole-heartedly agree!
Jared will be attending McDaniel College next semester to study molecular biology. As an Eagle Scout, captain of his school’s marching band, president of his 4-H Club, and treasurer of Band Council, Jared has challenged himself in a variety of leadership roles. Additionally, he has been an extremely active volunteer within his community. Inspired by his love of science and his life experiences while growing up on his family’s dairy farm, Jared plans to pursue a career as a genetic researcher within agriculture.
After receiving degrees in animal science and environmental science and policy from the University of Maryland, Hanum is currently in her third year at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Her years of studying have included trips across the country and internationally to further explore the world of veterinary medicine. Growing up on a small farm, Hanum gained respect for the environment and found a love of community. After graduation, she plans to combine her interest in research and clinical medicine to become a large animal veterinarian.
Ashley will be a freshman at Virginia Tech. She is currently the Virginia State FFA President, which has only deepened her love for agriculture and broadened her leadership skills. Growing up, her ag teachers played a huge role in her life and inspired her to pursue a career in the field. After graduation, Ashley plans to continue to advocate for agriculture by either becoming an ag educator herself or a lobbyist. Whichever path she chooses, her ultimate goal is to educate those not as familiar with ag, and help them understand the importance of a strong agriculture industry.
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OUR ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting Recap: We Couldn’t Have Done It Without You! This year’s annual stockholder meetings were held April 4-6 in Walkersville, Maryland; New Holland, Pennsylvania; and Dover, Delaware. We changed the meetings up this year by adding a networking hour with delicious appetizers, raffling off some cool new prizes, and announcing the winners of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program!
Walkersville, Maryland
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New Holland, Pennsylvania
Thank you to everyone who came out to one of our meetings this year. They were a giant success, and it was wonderful to spend time with our customers and supporters. See you again next year! If you were able to make it to a meeting this year, we want to hear from you! Please visit surveymonkey.com/r/ annualmeetingsurvey17 to fill out a brief survey, and be entered to win a fun Farm Credit prize.
Dover, Delaware
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Emma Main helps guests register for the custom-wrapped John Deere Gator.
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We changed up our meetings this year by adding a networking hour, appetizers, unique lighting, and music to welcome everyone!
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We are so proud of our Scholarship winners and know the future of ag is in great hands—Ag can’t do it without you! (Pictured L-R: Ralph Robertson, Chairman of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, Scholarship winner Glenn Jones, Scholarship winner Ashley Yanego, Tony Ill, Vice Chair of the Foundation).
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Congratulations to Lola Null for winning the Yeti Cooler raffle - perfect for those hot summer days.
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We definitely had a full (carriage) house at our New Holland meeting!
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Julie Chronister helps welcome our guests and catches up with directors and customers.
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If you were looking for inspiration at these meetings, here you go! We were honored to present four of our scholarship winners at our New Holland meeting. (Pictured L-R: Tony Ill, Vice Chairman of the Foundation, Scholarship winners Karoline Kent, William Horning, Allyson Balmer, Shara Allman, and Foundation Chairman Ralph Robertson).
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Congratulations to Jacqui England for winning the beautiful Amish quilt raffle.
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Thank you to all of the staff at Modern Maturity Center for setting up a beautiful banquet hall and serving us a delicious dinner!
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Congratulations to two of our scholarship winners at Dover’s dinner! (Pictured L-R: Tony Ill, Vice Chairman, Scholarship Winner Kenneth Fest, Scholarship Winner Ariana Gaston, Foundation Chairman, Ralph Robertson).
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Thank you to all of our legislative representatives for coming out to support our cooperative. (Pictured L-R: Paul Baumgardner, Chairman of the board, Tom Truitt, President and CEO, Joe Bartenfelder, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, Michael Scuse, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture, DE State Representative, Bobby Outten, DE State Representative Dave Wilson, Vice Chairman, Jenny Rhodes, and DE State Representative Harvey Kenton).
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Congratulations to Charles Patterson for winning the UE Megaboom Bluetooth Speaker raffle. Enjoy it!
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OUR ASSOCIATION
MidAtlantic Farm Credit 2017 Election Results Board of Directors (4 year terms of office) Central Maryland Election Region: No director positions open Chesapeake Election Region: No director positions open Delaware Election Region: Walter C. Hopkins Keystone Election Region: No director positions open Marva Election Region: Fred R. Moore, Jr. Valley Election Region:
See ya later, Gator! Congratulations to Allen Hildebrand of Woodsboro, Maryland, who won our custom-wrapped 2017 John Deere Gator. We know you’ll put it to good use! You could be the lucky winner next year. We hope to see you at one of our 2018 annual meetings!
Joseph D. Snapp
2018 Nominating Committee (1 year terms of office) Central Maryland Election Region: Dwight D. Dotterer and Charles E. Fry Chesapeake Election Region:
Jennifer A. Debnam and Christy N. Brown
Delaware Election Region: Timothy J. Rogers and Jay R. Ryder Keystone Election Region:
Leon E. Ziegler and John P. Flynn
Marva Election Region:
Charles M. Wright V and Charles T. Webster
Valley Election Region:
Jason S. McDonald and John R. Marker, Jr.
Love taking pictures? Enter to be in our 2018 Farm Credit calendar!
We need your help! Do you live near a beautiful country landscape? Is there a certain fair you can’t miss each summer? Did you take a nice picture of the small amount of snow we had this winter? We want to see them! Even if your photo isn’t selected for the 2018 calendar, it may end up in a future issue of the Leader, our annual report, or on our social media networks. Contest rules and the submission form can be found at mafc.com/info/ calendar-photo-contest. The deadline to send in your photos is August 11th. We can’t wait to see ag through your lens! 20
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Allen’s loan officer, Mary Jane Roop, delivered the Gator to Allen and his nephew, Jackson.
Georgetown, Delaware
Harrington, Delaware
Newark, Delaware
Equine estate, custom built contractor’s home surrounded by mature trees, very tranquil setting. Multi-level deck overlooks pasture. Barn with four stalls, tack room and shaving shed. Separate building used as professional office. Attached two car garage and separate garage with storage. $499,000.
22.5 acres running along a blue water stream of the Nanticoke! Home site would be secluded. Septic borings were taken about 1,100 feet from the road front. Nice clearings and a ton of options for hunting along this deep parcel with woods and tax ditch crossings! $99,900.
48 +/- acres located just west of Newark and Glasgow, and north of Route 40. The tract is fully wooded with mature trees and rolling topography. This is an opportunity to own a rarely available large piece of ground in this New Castle County location. There are recorded restrictions against development. $240,000.
Contact Teresa L. Rogers, Wilgus Associates Inc., 302.645.9215.
Contact Wes Cromer, Masten Realty, 302.448.1032.
Contact Jamie Masten, Masten Realty, 302.422.1850
Boonsboro, Maryland
Clear Spring, Maryland
Denton, Maryland
Pristine property situated on 26.65 +/- acres. Cape Cod features approximately 4,350 square feet of living space. Three bedrooms, three and a half baths. Main level master bedroom, large kitchen with granite, and a gas fireplace in living room. Finished lower level. Multiple barns and sheds. Fenced for livestock. Quiet location. Minutes to highways. One year home warranty. $784,999.
Bring your horses! Four bedroom home on 23+ acres. Features include hardwood floors, family room, stone fireplace, and sunroom. Also has an open kitchen with lots of custommade storage, Koi pond, horse trails, pastures, barn, and two other ponds. Two story heated garage/workshop. Wood burning furnace for efficiency. Divide ability written into deed. $484,900.
Beautiful home in the desired Savannah Overlook development. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths, spacious living room, eat-in kitchen, dining room, walk-in closets, added bonus room on the upper level, and the list goes on! Large fenced-in backyard with a deck. Two car garage with plenty of driveway parking. A must see! $230,000.
Contact Jason Hose, Mackintosh Inc., REALTORS, 301.491.2625.
Contact Frank Getz, Coldwell Banker Innovations, 301.992.9652.
Contact Kim Raeder, Champion Realty, Inc., 410.320.9630.
Dickerson, Maryland
Charming historic farm house circa 1825 EQUAL HOUSING EQUAL HOUSING —a Frederick County Landmark Foundation OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY Historic home located a stone’s throw from the Montgomery County line. 18+ acres with pond and park-like setting. Out buildings include smoke house and stable/barn. Ideal for gentleman farmer, located in the shadows of Sugar Loaf Mountain. $650,000. REALTOR ®
EQUAL HOUSING
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY Contact Buzz Mackintosh, Mackintosh REALTORS, 240.529.0176. OPPORTUNITY
Properties for sale
COMMUNITY
Elkton, Maryland
Jefferson, Maryland
Gorgeous horse property near Fair Hill. Fully fenced and gated with multiple paddocks, eight stall shed row, 30’ x 50’ barn with hay loft, water and electric. All of this and guest quarters conveniently located next to the stables. Beautiful landscaping and tennis court round out this unique property. $399,000.
Highly productive 105 acre beef farm in Middletown Valley. Many farming options possible with barns, loafing sheds, stream, and pond on property. The residence is a remodeled farm house with lots of country charm and great views. East location for commuting and agri-business. $1,249,950.
Contact Karen Kunda, Patterson Price, 443.466.5375.
Contact Sue Kelley, Kelley Real Estate Professionals, 240.674.1089.
volume 22 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 21 EQUAL HOUSING
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COMMUNITY Libertytown, Maryland
Sharpsburg, Maryland
131+ acre turnkey horse farm. Improved with two homes, a total of 23 stalls, round pen, grass gallop, two spring fed ponds, fenced and cross fenced. All in good condition. The primary dwelling is a four bedroom, three full bath Cape Cod built in 2007 overlooking a large pond. $1,650,000.
A boatman’s paradise with two 70’ slips, two boat lifts, and jet ski lift. This waterfront estate is on the Wye River. Colonial residence with southern exposures. This exceptional 16 acre pastoral parcel contains guest, carriage and green houses, a lap pool, and a wide dock. $2,949,000.
131 acres, indoor arena (100’ x 150’), outdoor ring (100’ x 200’), cross-country course, 20 stall barn, 106’ equipment/hay storage building, rolling hills, and hay fields. Five bedroom, five bath home built in 2000. Near Antietam National Battlefield, C&O Canal Towpath, and the Potomac River. 73 miles to the heart of Washington, DC. $1,250,000.
Contact Tim McGrath, Mackintosh Inc. Realtors, 800.292.3547.
Contact David Kaufmann, Exit Gold Realty, 443.223.3026.
Contact Carlyn Lowery, Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland, 410.268.0160.
Taneytown, Maryland
Taneytown, Maryland
Westminster, Maryland
Stunning 1790’s 43 acre farm in Carroll County. Custom outdoor wood pizza oven, stone fireplace, paver patio, swimming pool, wet bar, stainless wine fridge, six burner stainless range, fridge and dishwasher, granite counters/island, claw foot tubs, solar panels, barn, carport, multiple out buildings. $664,900.
83+ acre farm featuring large improved bank barn, spring house, new fencing, auto water in every field, stream, and 16+ acres in hay production. The old brick farm house is 200+ years old and has been lovingly restored and updated from top to bottom. Turnkey with endless possibilities—cattle farm, winery, horses, etc. $599,900.
110.9 acre farm. Two and a half story, four bedroom farm house with bank barn and approximately one acre farm pond. Being sold to settle estate in Ag Preservation. $665,000.
Contact Vicki Finn, Keller Williams Realty Centre, 410.365.9624.
Contact Karen E. Hecht, Heritage Realty, 443.277.9780.
Contact Larry Haines, Haines Realty, 410.876.1616.
Need financing for any of these properties? Call your local Farm Credit office.
All of the properties listed on these pages are offered for sale by local, licensed Realtors and Auctioneers. MidAtlantic Farm Credit is not affiliated with these properties, nor are we responsible for content or typographical errors. Please call the Realtor or Auctioneer listed for more information.
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Queenstown, Maryland
Ashland, Pennsylvania
Situated in a rural area of Schuylkill County is a dream farmette on 12+ acres. Eight year old Colonial-style home has three bedrooms, three baths and open floor plan. The 60’ x 35’ barn has seven horse stalls, mare & foal stall, wet wash rack, and tack room. $389,900. Contact David Zoschke, RE/MAX of Reading, 610.670.2770.
Hamburg, Pennsylvania
28+ certified organic farm. Mostly level and EQUAL HOUSING all fields in hay. Historic farmhouse with OPPORTUNITY wrap-around porch, lower level finished with exposed stone and radiant heat in the floor. Spring, a four car garage, two car garage with workshop, and a two car garage attached to the barn with full second floor at ground level. Additional two car pavilion. $519,900. REALTOR
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OPPORTUNITY Contact Wasyl M. Onulack, Jr., Century 21 Keim Realtors, 610.823.7850. EQUAL HOUSING
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Frederick County, Virginia
Winchester, Virginia
Totally renovated three bedroom, two bath bi-level home in Fairview Township with over 1,850 square feet of living space. New kitchen with granite countertops and a beautiful kitchen island, new laminate flooring, walls freshly painted throughout, and a brand new furnace and central air. All that is missing is you! $276,400.
Stoney Lonesome Farm. 72 acre farm located 2.7 miles from Winchester. Features a stone home whose log portion was built in 1740. In near original condition, house is ripe for full restoration. Hay and pasture with views of both the Blue Ridge & Massanutten Mountains. Barn, many outbuildings, and pond. Private. $700,000.
More than a weekend getaway. Furnished home on 50 acres with beautiful views in a gated community where wildlife abounds. Trails cut in woods for hunting or nature walks. Over-sized garage with workshop. $340,000.
Contact Michael Yingling, RE/MAX Delta Group, Inc., 717.648.8303.
Contact Dave Shore, Harmony Properties Real Estate, Inc., 540.665.2197.
Contact Bonnie Sue Edwards, ERA Oakcrest Realty, 540.323.2290.
Nottingham, Pennsylvania
Charles Town, West Virginia
Properties for sale
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
61.593 acres of vacant land. Good combination of tillable and woods. Great home site options. Design your own farm. Southern Lancaster County. Can be purchased in two smaller tracts. $900,000. Contact Christ W. Taylor, Beiler-Campbell Realtors, 717.786.8000.
Strasburg, Virginia 564 Jesse Lane, Strasburg, Virginia. 64 +/- acres of undeveloped wooded mountain land. Convenient to I-81 and I-66 for traveling, shopping and work. Build your home with potential for views or recreational use. Currently being used as a hunting camp. $250,000.
Great value! Less than $6,200/acre for this beautiful 146 acre horse farm, minutes from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races! When you buy the acreage, you also get a 30,000 square foot training facility with 52 stalls, a (six horse stall) kraft training wheel, and the farm house. Call today for more details! $899,000.
Contact David Barden, Skyline Team Real Estate, 540.630.0061.
Contact Eric Butler, Century 21 Sterling Realty, 304.261.8255.
5,500 square foot barn with electric, tack room and 15 stalls. 20 acres fully fenced with pond and stream. Fish, hunt or just enjoy nature. Scenic views. 3,700 square foot home with stone fireplace, main floor master, large walk-in closet, bonus room, office, kitchen, garage, and more. Home warranty. Minutes to Shepherdstown, Route 340 and MARC. $599,900. Contact Valerie O’Roke, Century 21 Sterling Realty, 301.839.4408.
EQUAL HOUSING
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What puts the life your lifestyle? inREALTOR ®
If you have a dream to add more life to your lifestyle—whether it’s a pond for your kids to enjoy, fencing to keep your puppy safe and close to home, or even a brand new farm that would give everyone a little more room—call your local Farm Credit office. We want to be your lender for life.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
EQUAL HOUSING
REALTOR
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OPPORTUNITY
888.339.3334 | mafc.com
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Outstanding in your field, and ours too. Are you looking for a lender that understands you and your dreams? One who knows that you’re not like your neighbor, even if you are in the same business or live on the same street? Look no further than Farm Credit. We’re the largest agricultural and rural lender on the East Coast. We know that there’s a difference between dairy farmers and chicken growers. Between a CSA and a large agribusiness transporting product across the country. Other lenders may know that each industry has its own needs and challenges. At Farm Credit, we know that you are an individual, with individual goals and individual challenges. If you’re looking for someone to help you overcome your challenges, and get where you want to be, give us a call today.
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