Farm Credit East offices, including online banking and payroll processing, will be closed on the following dates:
• Monday, September 7
• Monday, October 12
• Wednesday, November 11
• Thursday, November 26
• Friday, November 27
Back to Our Roots: 2025 Sustainability Report 2025 Northeast Dairy Farm Summary & 2026 Mid-Year Outlook
In late April, stockholders elected the following candidates to serve on the board of directors.
Kyle Thygesen, of Tunbridge, Vt., was elected to a four-year term in the Eastern Region. Kyle is a managing member of the Farmstead at Falls Hill, LLC, a diversified hay and purebred dairy cattle marketing business.
Terry Zittel, of Eden, N.Y., was elected to a four-year term in the Western Region. Terry is business manager and accounting and systems analyst of Amos Zittel & Sons, Inc., a wholesale vegetable and flowers business.
Philip “Jamie” Jones, of Shelton, Conn., was elected to a four-year term in the Central Region. Jamie is a co-owner and manager of Jones Family Farms and Jones Family Farms Winery, a specialty crop farm, winery and greenhouse operation.
At the April 28 reorganization meeting, the board re-elected John Knopf, of Canandaigua, N.Y., as Chair and LouAnne King, of Madrid, N.Y., as Vice Chair. In addition to Chair Knopf and Vice Chair King, the Executive Committee also includes Laurie Griffen, of Schuylerville, N.Y., and James Robbins II, of Searsmont, Maine.
In April, the board also appointed John Kelder of Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, N.Y., to fill a recently vacated director seat in the Central Region. John previously served as a young, beginning, small, veteran (YBSV) advisor to the board. He will serve in this position until the 2027 director election, at which time the seat will be up for election for a 4-year term.
Following John’s YBSV advisor vacancy, the board put out a call for nominations for an additional YBSV advisor to serve alongside Cate Kennedy. In June, they selected Bailey Jordan of Olde Chautauqua Farms in Portland, N.Y., to serve in this position through March 2027.
In 2027, there will be three seats up for election. Learn more about these director seats and how you can become involved in the election process on page 11 of this issue.
Mike Reynolds CEO, Farm Credit East
As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026 alongside many other agricultural organizations, we are proud to shine a spotlight on these important contributors to the agriculture industry in our summer issue.
Across the Northeast, we are fortunate to work with an inspiring group of female agricultural leaders who are shaping their businesses, strengthening their communities and advancing the broader agricultural economy. Their leadership and innovation are helping define what comes next for our industry.
At Farm Credit East, that same spirit is reflected within our own team, where talented women are contributing meaningfully to the success of our customers and our team every day. We look forward to highlighting some of our female leaders via our social media accounts in the months ahead.
In June, the board selected another female agricultural leader, Bailey Jordan of Olde Chautauqua Farms in Portland, N.Y., to serve as a Young, Beginning, Small, and Veteran (YBSV) advisor alongside Cate Kennedy of Wright’s Dairy Farm in North Smithfield, R.I. Together, their next-generation perspectives will help ensure Farm Credit East remains well-positioned to serve the evolving needs of our members.
As featured later in this issue, we are continuing to move our credit delivery strategy forward. By modernizing processes, investing in technology and aligning our team, we are working to provide a more consistent and flexible lending experience for our customers. These efforts are designed to make it easier to access the capital you need, while ensuring we remain a reliable financial partner through all stages of your operation. Progress like this is only possible because of the dedication and expertise of the entire Farm Credit East team who are working hard every day to support your businesses.
Across the Northeast, we are fortunate to work with an inspiring group of female agricultural leaders ... their leadership and innovation are helping define what comes next for our industry.
As we look ahead, there is much to be optimistic about in Northeast agriculture. The future is being shaped not only by today’s leaders, but by those just beginning their journey. We congratulate this year’s 38 scholarships recipients who you will meet later in this issue. We are also pleased to welcome 16 interns to our team this summer. Their passion and curiosity reinforce our confidence in the future of agriculture.
In 2026, the United Nations recognizes the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This year marks a global acknowledgment of the essential role women play across agrifood systems. For women who work in agriculture every day, what matters most is what they have built: viable businesses, working land and food systems that support their communities year after year, all while advocating for agriculture in leadership positions and committing fully to home and family life.
Across the Northeast and beyond, women farmers shape agriculture in both visible and quietly transformative ways. Some steward operations that have been in their families for generations, while others carved out space for their own ambitions.
Following, we highlight several of these hardworking women who give their best to agriculture every single day.
Did you know New Jersey added 364 female farmers between the 2017 and 2022 census of agriculture? New Jersey is one of four Northeast states to have an increase in female farmers since the previous census.
Co-Owner, Battleview Orchards Freehold, N.J.
Lisa Applegate and her husband, Scott, own and operate Battleview Orchards in Monmouth County, New Jersey. They are the fourth generation of Applegates to run the business and are currently in the process of handing over the reins to their son, Kyle.
Battleview Orchards is the oldest pick-your-own operation in the state of New Jersey. The farm was established in 1908 as a wholesale operation, then opened to the public for pick-your-own in 1972 to keep the farm viable. In her tenure, Lisa has helped transition Battleview to be fully retail, selling all farm produce through its own farm store, in addition to the pick-your-own offerings. They offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, press their own apple cider and have a bakery.
Lisa did not grow up on a farm, nor did she have any agricultural background. In fact, she was intent on becoming a teacher when she first began her higher education. Lisa graduated college with degrees in teaching and psychology — but life had other plans.
“My husband and I met in high school, but after we were married in 1989, I was already being integrated into the farm business because Scott’s father was exiting,” said Lisa. “From graduation day, I started learning all the books. I never went into teaching, but I never regretted a day of that.”
Lisa and Scott ran the business beginning in 1990 and purchased the farm in 1995, officially making themselves full owners. “Back then, all the budgets, payroll, everything was by hand,” she continued. “I learned the hard way, but it was a good, honest knowledge of the business and its records.”
Lisa and Scott’s goals were always to work hard and keep their eyes open for opportunities and change. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it — but it’s ok to make it a little better,” joked Lisa. She said that within the blink of an eye, just over 30 years have passed.
Lisa currently serves on the Farm Credit East Regional Advisory Committee. However, earlier in her career, she was raising three children and working full-time on the farm and did not have much time to be involved in agricultural organizations.
“My business is my passion and it was always my focus,” said Lisa. “With outside boards and organizations, I always felt if I couldn’t give it my all, then I shouldn’t do it.” She is passing the give-it-your-all mentality on to her son, urging him to get involved and become an agricultural leader.
Lisa is looking forward to the next step in Battleview Orchards’ journey. “We’re really blessed to have a son that’s interested in taking over the business,” she said. “There are a lot of farms where that is not the case.”
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, Lisa said, “My vision is to back away enough to provide my son the ability to flourish and run the farm his way.”
She concluded with, “I think farming has given more to me than I can give to farming. I think our generation did well, and that’s good enough for me.”
Co-CEO,
For Emma Marvin, maple was part of the rhythm of family life from the beginning. Her father, a forester, started Butternut Mountain Farm in the 1970s, and her grandfather was a botanist who studied sap flow in maple trees. Emma grew up seeing the work behind the syrup — from the woods and the sugaring season to the relationships and year-round decisions required to build a business around a crop that comes from the forest.
The farm began as a wholesale maple operation, providing their maple syrup to customers in and around Vermont. “By the mid-‘80s, my dad had reached a tipping point and needed to decide if we would continue to supply all our customers from our own operation, or whether we were going to invest in building relationships with other maple producers,” Emma explained.
The farm did decide to bring in others, and currently works with about 350 maple syrup producers, bottling and selling under the Butternut Mountain Farm name, as well as with the retailers’ own brands.
Like many farm kids, Emma took some time away and pursued a degree. She has a natural resource management degree from Cornell University, and after graduation spent time working for a nonprofit organization.
“I joined the business full time in 2004, focusing primarily on customer relationships, marketing and sales,” Emma said. “But in a family business, you learn to do the work that needs to be done. Over the years, that has meant supporting many different parts of the company — from writing food safety plans and serving as the de facto IT department to helping lead the business today.”
Emma has a real appreciation for maple, which drives her commitment to the industry. “There are very few things as special as maple syrup,” she said. “Sugaring is an activity that’s gone on for centuries in a very limited geography — only 17 states and provinces.”
Her vision for the business is to support Butternut Mountain Farm and its producers while continuing to grow and have an impact on the maple industry as a whole.
Emma currently serves on the Institute for Maple Syrup (IMSI), the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, the Vermont Council for Rural Development and a local organization called the Friends of Green River Reservoir. She is also currently a member of the Farm Credit East Regional Advisory Committee.
“The opportunity to work in these spaces has allowed me to share my perspective,” said Emma. “Maple is a bit different, but like other agricultural enterprises, it’s really deeply tied to elements of our local communities.”
Emma is excited about the growth in the maple industry in the last 20+ years. One of her main goals at Butternut Mountain Farm is to connect sugar makers to markets that would be too small for independent producers to access individually. “For me, I really appreciate getting to play that role of connector,” she said.
Emma’s focus is and always has been to build something sustainable — creating an organization that will bring value to maple producers, customers and employees for generations to come.
Vice President, Prides Corner Farms
Lebanon, Conn.
Lisa Sellew’s path into agriculture was not a traditional one as she did not grow up on a farm. Raised in a suburb of New York City, she pursued her interest in biology and plant sciences at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, later earning an MBA from Cornell as well. While at Cornell, she met her husband, Mark Sellew, who started Prides Corner Farms, a wholesale nursery in Connecticut.
navigating complex and ever-changing regulations, and Lisa plays a leading role in ensuring it runs smoothly each season.
At the beginning of Gov. Ned Lamont’s tenure, Lisa was appointed to the Agriculture Transition Committee. She also served three terms on the Farm Credit East Board, an experience that reinforced for her the
In the early years of the business, Lisa worked off the farm while Prides Corner was getting established. As she and Mark raised their three sons, the nursery continued to grow, and when the boys reached their teenage years, Lisa joined the business full time.
Today, Prides Corner Farms is a regional wholesale nursery producing more than 3,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, grasses, roses, fruits, vegetables and herbs across more than 650 acres. The company serves more than 2,000 active customers — including independent garden centers, landscapers and landscape distribution yards — throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. During the peak days of the spring season, Prides Corner ships more than 70 tractor trailers of plants each day.
Lisa’s responsibilities center on finance, strategic planning and human resources. “I’m also the person who attempts to keep my husband Mark out of trouble,” she joked.
Of particular importance to Lisa is the H-2A program. The nursery relies on approximately 350 seasonal guest workers each year, making the program essential to its operations. Managing the program requires
importance of maintaining a strong and diverse agricultural economy. Lisa is particularly proud of Farm Credit East’s role in supporting that mission.
The Sellews are also very involved with AmericanHort, an organization that advocates for the greenhouse and nursery industry with policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Preserving Prides Corner’s family-oriented culture remains one of Lisa’s top priorities. With two sons and a daughter-in-law now involved in the business, she and Mark are focused on ensuring a smooth leadership transition for the next generation when the time is right.
Looking back on her career, Lisa’s advice to other agricultural family businesses is simple: remain open to learning. “Listen to your customers, industry peers, and especially your employees,” she said. “Value their input, because it will help you continue to see things differently.”
Females make up nearly 40% of all farmers in Farm Credit East’s eightstate territory, giving the Northeast a higher percentage of female farmers than the national average of 36%.
Bailey Jordan is a third-generation grape farmer, having recently stepped into a leadership role as partner in the family business. However, Bailey wasn’t sure growing up that this was the path she would take.
“Growing up as a farmer’s child, you don’t necessarily see how great you have it on the farm,” said Bailey. But when she went off to college and brought friends back home to visit, they always told her the same thing: “You’re so lucky you got to grow up like this.”
Bailey saw this as a turning point and recognized that she really was lucky, and wanted to continue her family’s legacy.
“After college, I started working on the farm and I’ve now become the succession plan. My parents and brother own the winery, and my father and I own the farm,” Bailey explained.
Olde Chautauqua Farms is a 500-acre farm, primarily growing grapes for juice and wine. They also operate a farm winery and have seasonal U-pick asparagus and cherries.
In addition to running the farm business, Bailey is also involved in several agricultural leadership positions. She is a board member and treasurer of the Westfield Maid Cooperative, a concord grape marketing cooperative in Western New York. She has also served Farm Credit East as a Nominating Committee member, a member of the Regional Advisory Committee, and was most recently selected as the newest
Young, Beginning, Small and Veteran (YBSV) advisor to its board of directors.
“When I first started back in the business, I wasn’t really the ‘involvement type,’” said Bailey. “But seeing where I am now, involvement has been really good for me.”
New Hampshire has the largest percentage of female farmers in the Northeast, with 44.81% of all farmers being female!
She continued to say that being involved with Westfield Maid and Farm Credit East have given her connections and widened her influence within the ag space. “I’m happy to provide a voice that isn’t often heard, because I am so young within our industry,” she said.
When Bailey entered the business, her main goal was to continue with what her grandfather and father had built from the ground up. As time has passed, Bailey now says her goal is to continue to make a difference in the grape industry as a whole. She’s focused on making sustainable changes and diversifying a market that is currently struggling with longterm solutions.
“I want to make a difference in our industry, and in terms of our farm, I want to be able to leave something that I am proud to have built,” said Bailey. “I want to look at my farm and my community and say that I helped contribute.”
When asked what she is most proud of, Bailey said, “I’m most proud of just being here; just showing up.” It may sound like the simplest thing you can do, but for women in the agricultural world, showing up every day is what makes the world turn.
Farm Credit East also has quite a few female employees who manage farm businesses outside their time in the office. These women dedicate their early mornings and late nights to their farm operations, and the remainder of their day to providing credit and financial services to Farm Credit East customers.
Change Enablement Associate, Farm Credit East
Owner/Operator, Easton Station Farms
While Erin didn’t grow up in production agriculture, she spent her early years involved in 4-H and FFA and always knew she wanted to be a farmer. She was married to husband, Jeremy, and began her career with Farm Credit East in 2009. They purchased their first beef cows in 2010.
“I had seen Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle years ago, and I always wanted to own some,” said Erin. Easton Station Farms raises mainly Blonde d’Aquitaine beef cattle, which is grown and sold through their farm store in Greenwich, N.Y.
The idea for the farm store began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for locally grown food became more prevalent. Being prepared for contactless pickup is what brought the farm store to fruition. “We renovated a small room in our garage, bought a freezer and an iPad, and made everything self-service,” said Erin. “The farm store really runs itself now, allowing me to balance my career with my passion for farming.”
Erin is the president of the Blonde d’Aquitaine Association, a member of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) and New York Beef Producers Association as well as sitting on the Washington County Fair board and being a 4-H leader.
Consulting Specialist, Farm Credit East Owner/Operator, Sunset View Creamery
Jess grew up with an agricultural background and has always been involved in farming, even throughout her 15-year tenure at Farm Credit East. She is also an active member in New York Farm Bureau.
She and her husband currently own and operate Sunset View Creamery in Odessa, N.Y. “We milk around 40 cows, mostly Swiss and Holstein with one Ayrshire,” said Jess. “We process about 80% of milk onsite for the creamery, and the rest gets picked up by the co-op.”
Sunset View Creamery sells raw milk, pasteurized milk in four flavors, as well as several varieties of cheeses. Jess says gelato will be the next addition to the menu.
Did you know nearly 22,000 of New York’s 58,000 farmers are women?
Jess works part-time as a consulting specialist with Farm Credit East. “I’m thankful that Farm Credit gives us the flexibility to do our jobs while still pursuing our passions.”
By Deanna Becker, Director of Information Security, Farm Credit East
As online security practices continue to evolve, safeguarding login information can quickly become complicated and time consuming. Below are some simple tips to reduce problems, like forgetting passwords or losing control of your accounts.
Password managers are helpful tools that can quickly generate secure passwords, keep all of your accounts in one place and only require you to remember one strong password. Passwords stored in password managers are all kept in a secure, encrypted location. This means there are safeguards in place to keep passwords out of the hands of bad actors, even in the event this data is breached.
Many password managers also have functionality to detect when a password you’ve used has been compromised and can bring you to the website to assist changing it. Be sure to use a strong, unique master password and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your password manager.
Multi-factor Authentication
Use MFA as an added layer of protection for your accounts. Think of
it like securing a gate with more than one lock — if one fails, the other still holds. Relying only on a password can leave your accounts exposed, especially if that password is stolen through scams or data breaches.
When setting up MFA, choose stronger options like authentication apps or passkeys rather than text messages when possible. If you do only one thing to protect your accounts, enable MFA.
Passkeys are a new, simple and safe way to sign in without needing to remember passwords. Once you’ve signed in to a website that supports passkeys, you can create a trusted key tied to your device or password manager. Passwords can be guessed or stolen, which puts multiple accounts at risk if one gets compromised. Passkeys reduce that problem as they can only be used from your trusted device or password manager and check for things like your face, fingerprint or a PIN.
Regularly review your account recovery options like backup email addresses, phone numbers and security questions.
Outdated or poorly protected recovery details can give someone an easy way into your account without needing your password. Avoid security question answers that can be easily guessed or include information that may be publicly available. Taking the time to secure these recovery paths helps close off alternate ways someone could take over your account.
While all of these items take a little time to set up, they can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run. Simple habits like these make it easier to access your accounts when you need them and help prevent someone else from getting in. At Farm Credit East, we use these same practices to help protect our own systems, and we encourage you to do the same to keep your information secure.
“The strength of our board begins with the strength of our Nominating Committee. In my experience, it’s not prior board service that makes a strong director — it’s a willingness to grow and contribute.”
–John Knopf, Board Chair
As a customer-owner, your voice plays a direct role in how Farm Credit East is governed. Integral to that governance is the Association’s Nominating Committee. Operating independently of the board, this committee serves an important role in identifying and advancing candidates for the board of directors.
Our Nominating Committee includes two voting members and two alternates per management region, for a total of 14 voting members and 14 alternate members. For more information on the structure of the Nominating Committee and how it operates as well as to view the members of the 2027 Nominating Committee, visit FarmCreditEast.com/Elections.
Director Seats up for Election in 2027:
• Eastern Region: One 4-year seat
• Central Region: One 4-year seat
• Western Region: One 4-year seat
Any borrower who owns voting stock is eligible to be considered for a position on Farm Credit East’s Nominating Committee or the Board of Directors.
2028 Nominating Committee nominations must be received by November 2, 2026. Nominees are encouraged to attend the Regional Advisory Committee meeting being held November 4, 2026, in Verona, N.Y.
Nominations for candidates for the 2027 director elections must be received by December 15, 2026.
To nominate yourself or another individual to serve on the Nominating Committee or Board of Directors, visit FarmCreditEast.com/Elections, or contact a member of your Regional Advisory Committee, the Nominating Committee or a Farm Credit East representative.
Start your nomination: FarmCreditEast.com/Elections
SCELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF NY FARMNET
Since 1986, NY FarmNet has helped New York farms through times of growth, challenge and opportunity. Founded in response to the national farm crisis, NY FarmNet ensures any farmer, farm family or agribusiness employee in New York has access to free, confidential on-farm consultation services.
NY FarmNet consultants focus not only on farm business optics, but also personal or mental health challenges. “The issues many farmers face, such as financial pressures and business transitions, all have a mental health aspect to them. We’ve found that addressing both sides of the issue is the best way to help,” said Adam Howell, NY FarmNet Outreach Director. “Our program has spent decades establishing trust with the community of farmers in New York, and that’s something we are proud of.”
As NY FarmNet celebrates 40 years of service in 2026, Farm Credit East is proud to help support its important work across rural New York. Through ongoing fiscal contributions and collaboration, Farm Credit East helps advance NY FarmNet’s ongoing efforts to provide farmers and rural communities with tools and guidance that promote mental wellbeing. Earlier this year, NY FarmNet hosted a mental health awareness training for Farm Credit East employees, equipping our team with valuable information to support customers. Since its founding, NY FarmNet has served thousands of farmers across New York and has become a trusted resource for Northeast agriculture.
In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness month in May, Farm Credit East Cares donated $40,000 to rural mental health initiatives throughout the Northeast. Multiple organizations across Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory of New York, New Jersey and New England, including NY FarmNet, received funds to support their work in providing mental health resources to rural communities.
Driven by our mission to be your trusted financial partner, Farm Credit East continues to enhance our credit processes to give you more control over your financing and a more consistent borrowing experience.
A loan or fee advance or interest rate change will auto-recalculate the payment as explained in the following three scenarios.
1 2
When the auto-recalculation feature is added to your line of credit at your next loan servicing, the loan balance will recalculate back to the original term.
Following a loan or fee advance, the loan balance will recalculate over the original loan term (in the below example this is a 5-year term). This may result in a lower payment even if your balance increased.
EXAMPLE:
$350,000 line of credit on 5-year (60 months) term at 7.25% interest
Current balance: $224,957 Monthly
3
When rates change, your current loan balance will recalculate over the remaining loan term, ensuring your payment reflects your real-time loan balance.
Earlier this year, we launched an enhanced feature for certain lines of credit that automatically adjusts payments following loan advances or interest rate changes. This ensures your payment reflects your loan balance in real time.
How is this beneficial to my line of credit?
Recalculating the loan in real time ensures that your loan balance is always paying down appropriately and avoids large payments at the end of the loan term.
Why is my payment different?
There was an activity on your account that triggered a recalculation of the balance and corresponding payments. Loan activities are reflected on a monthly cycle, so depending on when the activity took place, changes may be delayed a billing cycle.
Will loan payments recalculate the loan balance?
No, payments will not recalculate the loan. This allows you to make additional payments at any
As we continue in year three of the extended 2018 Farm Bill, we finally have some progress to report. This spring, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, more commonly referred to as the 2026 Farm Bill or “Farm Bill 2.0.” At the end of June, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, John Boozman (AR), introduced a Farm Bill 2.0 “discussion draft.” This is meant to be a starting point for feedback and continued conversation in preparation for a committee mark-up, potentially before the August recess period. Several Farm Credit priorities were included in the House passed legislation as well as the Senate draft language. We are hopeful these priorities, focused on updating and strengthening Title Five (credit) will remain in the final Senate version.
While we have seen this process stall before, there is a new urgency to get the 2026 Farm Bill across the finish line. Between high input costs and a stressed ag economy, the looming mid-term elections threaten a potential leadership change in both chambers of Congress and respective agriculture committees.
This session marks the end of Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (PA-15) chairmanship on the House Agriculture Committee. Unless Thompson petitions for an extension to the term, there will be a new chairperson for the next Congress.
On the other side of the chamber, Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) is running for Governor of Minnesota, potentially leaving the leadership role up for grabs. It has been rumored that Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) would be a likely successor and, pending election outcomes, could land as chair of the committee.
If Congress fails to pass the 2026 Farm Bill, they will likely start from square one next session, potentially with new leaders at the helm. While there are a myriad of issues that could be potential sticking points, such as supplemental nutrition, year-round sale of E15 fuel, California’s Proposition 12 and pest management, there is real urgency to move this legislation forward.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 20252030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking a significant shift in federal nutrition policy and the visual return of a revamped, inverted food pyramid.
Now is an excellent time to engage with your local members of Congress, specifically Senators, and encourage them to support the 2026 Farm Bill.
The updated guidance emphasizes an “eat real food” approach, prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods such as protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains. The guidelines encourage limiting highly processed foods, added sugars and refined carbohydrates. The changes reflect a broader policy push to address rising rates of diet-related chronic disease, though they have sparked debate among nutrition experts about the balance of food groups and long-standing dietary recommendations.
To take action, call the House of Representatives at (202) 225-3121 or the Senate at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative or senators.
These and other MAHA driven initiatives continue to influence agriculture and nutrition
policy, including the farm bill. Ultimately, the consumer will have the most influence on what trends stick.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is currently entering a critical phase, as the three countries prepare for the agreement’s first mandatory six year joint review on July 1, 2026. This review will determine whether to extend, revise or continue renegotiating the pact. Negotiations are already underway, particularly between the United States and Mexico, with additional rounds addressing key issues including agriculture, rules of origin and tariff disputes.
Most analysts expect the agreement to be maintained with targeted updates, though uncertainty remains as U.S. trade officials have signaled that renewal will likely require changes. Ongoing disputes, including Mexico’s biotech corn policies and general market access concerns will likely be prominent points of negotiation and shape North American trade flows moving forward.
Thank you to previous author of this column, Dave Lane, for 15 years of service to Farm Credit, including most recently as Senior Vice President for Public Relations and Sustainability. As Dave retired in late May, we were pleased to welcome Danielle Cummins to the Farm Credit East team as Legislative Affairs Officer.
Taking over the reins, Danielle monitors state and federal policy developments and advocates on behalf of Northeast agriculture, rural communities and the Farm Credit System. A Western New York native raised on her family’s farm, she brings firsthand agricultural experience along with a professional background in agriculture policy, market research, conservation and industry relations. Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Oswego and remains actively involved in agricultural leadership and community organizations.
Each Earned $ 5,000
Farm Credit East congratulates our 38 scholarship winners, all aspiring to make a difference in their agricultural communities. Our scholarship supports students with a diversity of agricultural career aspirations and backgrounds from across our eight-state territory.
Tyler Anderson Sharon, Conn.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Agricultural power machinery
Career Path: Agricultural equipment mechanic
Meredith Cope Middletown, Conn.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Sophia Garguilo Woodbury, Conn.
Auburn University
Major: Veterinary science
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
In addition to this year’s Farm Credit East “Futures” recipients, students earned a collective $206,000 in scholarships to help them on their way to becoming the Northeast’s future leaders. Congratulations to these deserving students and best wishes for a successful educational experience.
Lily Brown
Exeter, Maine
Oklahoma State University
Major: Agribusiness & accounting
Career Path: Agriculture financial consultant & accountant
Nickie Deschaine
Mars Hill, Maine
Cornell University
Major: Agricultural sciences
Career Path: Agribusiness consultant
Delaney Dutton
Fryeburg, Maine
University of Connecticut
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Beef cattle nutritionist
Ava Constantine North Reading, Mass.
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Major: Applied plant & soil sciences
Career Path: Plant biotechnology technician/researcher
Lauren DeCoste Attleboro, Mass.
Cornell University
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Animal nutritionist
Samantha Doyle Nashua, N.H.
University of New Hampshire
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Animal veterinarian
Oliver Leandro Gilford, N.H.
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
Major: Livestock industry management
Career Path: Ranch manager
Hannah Beck Stewartsville, N.J.
Purdue University
Major: Landscape architecture
Career Path: Landscape architect/horticulturist
Carolyn Bilyk Belvidere, N.J.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Beef & livestock studies
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Rachel Ewing Flemington, N.J.
The Ohio State University
Major: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Kate McHale
Sea Isle City, N.J.
The Ohio State University
Major: PhD in agricultural communication, education & leadership
Career Path: Extension educator
Benjamin Agle Eden, N.Y.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Agricultural equipment technology
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Madison Cresanti Bemus Point, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Justin Deleo Batavia, N.Y.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Agricultural equipment technology & agricultural business
Career Path: Farm owner & ag mechanic
Zachary Doyle Hammondsport, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Agricultural sciences
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
William Dupree Water Mill, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Agricultural sciences & engineering
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Mason Hill Candor, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Kaitlyn Kahrmann Chester, N.Y.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Hailey Lincoln Williamson
Chase Mills, N.Y.
SUNY Morrisville
Major: Agricultural science & agricultural business
Career Path: Agriculture policy
Lily Marshman Oxford, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Agriculture policy
Anna Maxwell Cambridge, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Logan Mills Canastota, N.Y.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Plant science
Career Path: Farm owner & arborist
Arthur Schreiber Williamson, N.Y.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Agricultural equipment technology
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Dannielle Snyder Cattaraugus, N.Y.
Trocaire College
Major: Veterinary technology
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Abigail White Locke, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Agricultural sciences
Career Path: Dairy sustainability consultant
Delana Wood Walton, N.Y.
SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Livestock embryologist
Cole Ziehm
Hoosick Falls, N.Y.
Cornell University
Major: Industrial labor relations
Career Path: Agricultural law & consultant
Tricia Lourenco Boucher
Wakefield, R.I.
The University of Rhode Island
Major: MBA
Career Path: Extension program leader
Liviya Russo Lunenburg, Vt.
University of Vermont
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Amy Vaughan South Ryegate, Vt.
Cornell University
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Large animal veterinarian
Maxwell Wagner Enosburg Falls, Vt.
University of Vermont
Major: Environmental engineering
Career Path: Environmental/agricultural engineer
Farm Credit East awarded an additional $4,000 scholarship to students committed to careers in production agriculture, forestry or commercial fishing. This scholarship was awarded upon a secondary, in-depth review of the applications and is in addition to the $5,000 Farm Credit East scholarship.
Brycen Aukema Castle Creek, N.Y.
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Dairy management
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Dennis Azevedo Easthampton, Mass.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Major: Sustainable food & farming
Career Path: Urban farm owner/manager
Brycen plans a career in the dairy industry with the goal of one day owning and operating his own farm, while continuing to raise livestock, including his registered Suffolk sheep flock. He aims to learn and implement the latest technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of his operation.
With a passion for sustainable food systems, Dennis plans to build a career that combines urban food production and agricultural education. He plans to expand his indoor vertical farm to increase access to fresh food and inspire the next generation of growers by involving the local community.
Megan Klossner Turin, N.Y.
SUNY Morrisville
Major: Dairy management
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
After college, Megan plans to return to her family’s dairy farm and eventually take on a leadership role within the business. Through her education in animal genetics and nutrition, Megan aims to expand and modernize her family’s operation.
Isabella Wilbur Orwell, Vt.
Cornell University
Major: Animal science
Career Path: Farm owner/manager
Isabella plans to take what she’s learned from her education and experiences back to her family’s organic dairy farm in Vermont. She plans to continue her parents’ hard work of raising quality heifers and cows, eventually becoming owner and manager of the farm.
To be a candidate for a 2027 scholarship, contact a Farm Credit East office or visit FarmCreditEast.com The 2027 application will open in January 2027.
FINANCIAL PARTNER is for the customers, employees and friends of Farm Credit East. Farm Credit East is a customerowned lending cooperative serving the farm, commercial fishing and forest products businesses in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Part of the national Farm Credit System, Farm Credit East is a full-service lender dedicated to the growth and prosperity of agriculture.
HOW TO REACH US: Whether you want to praise us, complain, ask our advice or just let us know what’s on your mind, we’d like to hear from you.
WRITE: Kristie Matuszewski, Editor, Farm Credit East, 240 South Road, Enfield, CT 06082-4451 CALL: 860.741.4380
E-MAIL: kristie.matuszewski@farmcrediteast.com
©2026 by Farm Credit East, ACA. All rights reserved. Farm Credit East is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
FINANCIAL PARTNER is printed on recycled paper.
Farm Credit East
240 South Road
Enfield, CT 06082-4451
Change Service Requested
Optimal for next generation operators of Northeast agricultural businesses, GenerationNext will help you:
• Identify areas for personal growth and development
• Acquire tools to help manage an agricultural business
• Network with other young industry leaders
Each session includes group discussions, idea sharing and networking opportunities. GenerationNext sessions will kick off in the fall with meetings throughout the winter months. In-person and online sessions are available. Space is limited.
Learn more and reserve your spot at FarmCreditEast.com/GenerationNext.