Service takes many forms — from answering the call to defend our nation to working the land that sustains it. The men and women who do both embody a special kind of dedication, one that inspires all of us.
This edition of the Leader honors our veteran and active-duty military customers who continue to serve their communities through agriculture. Their commitment to excellence, perseverance, and purpose reflects the very values that sustain our industry and strengthen our nation.
Each story in these pages is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues in care for the land, stewardship of family legacies, and investment in future generations.
We are proud to support these remarkable individuals. To all who have served, and to those who continue to do so, thank you for your courage and leadership.
As you read their stories, I hope you feel the same sense of pride and gratitude we do. Their dedication reminds us that service, in all its forms, is the foundation on which strong communities grow.
Tom Truitt Chief Executive Officer
From Service to Stewardship
HOW ONE VETERAN BUILT A THRIVING TIMBER BUSINESS
Story and photos by Andrea Haines
PA
When Eric Abernathy left the U.S. Army, he carried with him discipline, adaptability, and an appreciation for structure. Those qualities later became the backbone of his success in forestry, where he carved out a career that balances business expertise with stewardship of the land.
Eric is the owner of Abernathy Forest Resources, LLC (AFR), which he launched in 2005 after working for another timber business and realizing he wanted to branch out on his own. With a degree in Forest Technology from Pennsylvania College of Technology, Eric combined his technical training with his love for the outdoors.
“I realized early on I’d rather be in the woods than in a classroom,” says Eric. “Now, I get to be a teacher in a different way, educating producers and clients about the types of logs and products we aim to provide.”
Starting AFR wasn’t easy. Eric refinanced his house and rental property, saving enough to make the downpayment needed to get the business moving. Traditional banks were hesitant to support a small, specialized forestry business, but Eric’s prior experience, reputation for hard work, and honesty persuaded suppliers to give him leniency while he built up momentum. “I was careful not to overreach,” he recalls. “Just close enough to what I needed to make it work.”
By 2006, AFR was exporting logs overseas. Today, Eric’s company ships to China, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Canada, to name a few. Each log is carefully selected, graded, barcoded, and tracked from supplier to yard and then shipping container. At home, Eric also owns Abernathy’s 179, which manages 393 acres of forest land in Pennsylvania and New York, giving his business both stability and the ability to supplement inventory when markets fluctuate.
When a company Eric once was prior employed at went bankrupt in 2007, it opened the door for AFR to grow. He hired a yard manager, brought in steady employees, including his father after retirement, and steadily expanded.
“The people around me have been a big part of the progress,” Eric notes. “It takes the right team to make it work. You have to have dependable
Wellsboro,
people at the home base to be able to spend as much time on the road with customers as I do. I am lucky to have long-term employees in key positions that care about the success of the company as much as I do.”
Eric’s Army service played a pivotal role in shaping his adaptability. As a 54B Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist, he trained soldiers in detection and safety. That experience gave him discipline, focus, and the ability to adapt quickly — skills he uses daily in forestry.
“The timber business can be solitary,” he admits. “But it requires precision, patience, and the ability to communicate with landowners, loggers, and buyers. Those skills all channel from my military years.”
In 2018, Eric turned to Farm Credit for financing. Unlike big banks, Farm Credit understood forestry’s unique challenges and opportunities. Their flexible approach gave Eric the ability to invest in timberland for long-term stability.
“Forestry and farming are two sides of the same coin,” Eric says.
“The timber business can be solitary, but it requires precision, patience, and the ability to communicate with landowners, loggers, and buyers. Those skills all channel from my military years.”
— Eric Abernathy
“Sometimes you cut down to make room for new growth, and in the long run, the land is healthier. Farm Credit understood that, and it made all the difference.”
Eric Masters, Farm Credit Ag Relationship Manager, admires Eric’s thorough planning. “Having a detailed plan helps us move quickly to get customers the support they need,” he explains. “Eric comes prepared, which makes the partnership strong.”
Part of Eric’s success comes from his practicality. He hasn’t spent heavily on trucks or machinery — instead, he looks for reliable equipment that will get the job done without overspending. It’s another example of how his steady, disciplined approach keeps the business competitive.
Eric has also expanded his business in recent years to offer mulching and land clearing services, and partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to reduce invasive species. As he looks to the future, his vision is steady growth that is sustainable and supports both the forests and his community.
From soldier to forester and risk-taker to business owner, Eric Abernathy’s journey is proof that resilience and hard work can turn challenges into opportunities. With Farm Credit at his side, he’s continuing to grow a business rooted in longevity, discipline, and respect for the land.
The Broken Window That Built a Farmer
A TEENAGE MISTAKE BLOSSOMED INTO A LIFELONG PARTNERSHIP AND THRIVING MARYLAND FARM
Photos and story by Andrea Haines
Bishopville, MD
When Richard Addis of Bishopville, Maryland, was in tenth grade, a moment of frustration changed the course of his life. Tired of being provoked by a classmate on the school bus, he shoved the student and shattered a bus window. This incident brought him a bit of trouble, as well as a glimpse into what he later discovered to be his lifelong calling.
Richard’s mother suggested he work on the farm that the bus driver, Eugene, owned to make amends, and Eugene agreed. What began as punishment turned into mentorship, friendship, and eventually, a farming partnership.
“I was put to work knocking down sawdust in the chicken house corners, cleaning nests, and doing many chores,” Richard recalls. “I enjoyed the work. It reminded me of when I was younger and our neighbor would take me on tractor rides, which piqued my interest in farming, and it just grew from there.”
Eugene became more than a boss to Richard — he became a father figure. Richard credits him with teaching the fundamentals of farming, from planting to harvest planning. Even when Richard left in 2004 to serve in the U.S. Air Force, Eugene’s influence stayed with him. Stationed in South Carolina and working in Electronic Warfare Advanced Programs Division, Richard honed his skills in complex computer systems, leading him to work with NASA.
Those years of technical training proved invaluable when he returned to agriculture. “Tractors and machinery are just computers on wheels,” Richard says. His ability to diagnose equipment problems and even fix firmware bugs, like a faulty corn planter monitor, has saved time and money on the farm. The ability to transition from the service to civilian wasn’t hard for Richard as he always felt that he could continue his work, but in the fields.
Today, Richard and Eugene work side by side, farming about 380 acres of corn and soybeans. Eugene admires Richard’s fresh perspective, saying “He’s younger, more savvy, and brings skills I could never have imagined when I started out.”
Richard’s journey has taken him around the world, from various Air Force bases to South Korea, where he met his wife, Katie. Together, Richard and Katie are now raising three children — Annabelle, Emmitt, and Reese — on their farm.
Katie noticed the special bond between Eugene and Richard early on, and she doesn’t mind sharing her husband with his mentor. “Eugene and Richard are always up to something,” Katie shares. “They work long hours in the fields and can often be found having a bit of fun in the shop. Eugene has become an honorary grandfather to our kids, too.”
For Richard, farming isn’t just about crops. It’s about community, resilience, and carrying forward lessons from mentors like Eugene. Still, challenges remain. As a first-generation farmer, he cites the cost of entry and the scarcity of land as major hurdles.
“You’ve got to be creative,” Richard says. “Sometimes we’re what I call ‘highway farmers’, renting whatever land we can.”
“I enjoyed the work. It reminded me of when I was younger and our neighbor would take me on tractor rides, which piqued my interest in farming, and it just grew from there.”
— Richard Addis
Support from Farm Credit has been key in keeping the farm moving forward. “The customer service outweighs any discount you could get elsewhere,” Richard notes.
Doug Bennett, Farm Credit Ag Relationship Manager, has been one of many representatives that has helped guide the farm’s financial needs. Growing up on a vegetable farm himself, Doug understands the ups and downs of agriculture.
“That’s what makes Farm Credit different,” Doug shares. “It’s stable support in an unstable industry. We are able to assist where we can in a changing world.”
Richard often reflects on the unconventional start to his farming career. His advice to those hoping to follow a similar path? Find a mentor.
“You need someone in agriculture who’s willing to work with you or set a foundation for your plans,” says Richard. “That’s how you get started.”
For Richard, what began with broken glass has led to strong roots. With a mentor’s wisdom, a veteran’s technical skill, and the support of Farm Credit, his fields today stand as proof that unexpected beginnings can grow into lasting legacies.
Family, Service, and Spirits
PATHFINDER FARM BLENDING MORE THAN MILITARY GRIT AND FARMING ROOTS
Photos
and story by
Maria Listman
Keedysville, MD
Perched near the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just steps from well-known hiking trails, sits Pathfinder Farm. The 42-acre property in Keedysville, Maryland is more than preserved agricultural land — it’s the heart of a familyrun distillery where military grit and a touch of adventure collide.
A unique red corn stretches across 25 acres. This special variety, known as bloody butcher, along with fresh spring water from the land, offers the perfect foundation for Pathfinder Farm’s moonshine, bourbons, and whiskey. Distilled in a former carriage house on the farm, every bottle reflects both authenticity and innovation.
Pathfinder Farm is powered by a family team — husband and wife veterans Nate and Natalie Kraft, and Nate’s sister, Liz Kraft Weiss, who is an Army Reservist currently called to active duty. Military service has shaped their discipline and determination, with Nate serving 10 years in the Navy, Natalie serving six years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and Liz being active in the Army since 2008.
Nate and Liz grew up near their grandparents and great-grandparents who had a farmette and instilled respect for hard work and a love of the land. When it came time to name their business venture, Pathfinder felt fitting — a nod to Nate’s time in the Boy Scouts, an acknowledgement to their Pennsylvania Dutch heritage where “scout” translates to Pathfinder in German, and a tribute to their location near the Appalachian Trail.
That pioneering spirit took root years earlier when Nate completed his time with the Navy. He and Natalie traded uniforms for adventure, purchasing a sailboat and setting off on a year-and-a-half long trip around Mexico with a baby on board. Their lifestyle was far removed from their upbringing but sparked new dreams.
When Liz flew in to visit during their travels, the three found themselves envisioning a shared future — one where family, agriculture and entrepreneurship converged.
“That’s when we started talking about how crazy our lives are compared
to the way that we grew up,” says Liz. “We wondered how we could do something together.”
As their sailing journey came to an end, Nate and Natalie knew their next chapter needed to be rooted in the land. Nate dreamed of owning a farm, and with family members who dabbled in hobby distilling, the idea of growing their own corn and crafting spirits felt like the perfect fit. The plan began to take shape and when Liz returned from another Army deployment, she wanted in.
“If there’s a safe bet in the world, it’s these two,” Liz shares.
What started as a vision for a new way of life soon became a family venture. Natalie and Nate chose to settle down in Maryland and with support from Farm Credit, the family purchased their farm and equipment and started planting bloody butcher corn.
Known for its deep red color, the variety adds distinctive character to their craft beverages. From the beginning, they were committed to doing things with integrity — real fruit infused in jars, fresh spring water from their land, and spirits crafted with care. The first three moonshine flavors were chosen as a tribute to a family member’s favorites, tying the generations together.
— Nate Kraft
“We like to say that we turn sunshine into moonshine, because we grow the corn and make the whiskey ourselves.”
Their small batches crafted during the pandemic quickly scaled into a professional operation. Now, they own and operate a tasting room and cocktail bar on Main Street in nearby Boonsboro. Guests can sample their top seller, Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is Nate’s personal favorite. Or, they can sip on Liz’s pick, Daily Driver, and Natalie’s choice, Orange Cranberry Moonshine. The team is also developing ready-to-drink cocktails, giving people new ways to enjoy the farm’s flavors wherever they are.
You don’t have to look far to find Pathfinder Farm spirits in the community at local farmers markets and special events, where customers can meet them face-to-face and hear the story behind each bottle. Their products are also sold in over 90 stores throughout the state and ship to 45 states, providing plenty of ways to enjoy spirits that start on a local farm in Keedysville. Pathfinder Farm was recently named America’s Best Farmer Distiller Bourbon by the American Craft Spirits Association, a worthy recognition for a small-town distillery whose reach and reputation continue to grow far beyond Maryland.
Pathfinder Farm is more than a business — it’s a shared leap of faith, born at the sea and anchored in Maryland soil. It’s proof that service, adventure and family can come together to create something meaningful for their community.
Visit pathfinder.farm to learn more.
Your Vote. Your Voice.
WHY VOTING IN FARM CREDIT ELECTIONS MATTERS
As a Farm Credit member, you’re more than a borrower — you’re an owner. That ownership gives you a real stake in how your cooperative is run, serves agriculture, and returns value to you. The most direct way to exercise your voice as a member-owner is by voting in the annual elections for the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee.
The annual elections directly impact your experience and bottom line. That’s why your participation truly matters, and why every vote helps strengthen our Association.
GOVERNANCE GROUNDED IN MEMBER ACCOUNTABILITY
One of the foundational differences between Farm Credit being a cooperative and a traditional financial institution is that Farm Credit is ultimately governed by our members. Board members are fellow farmers and member-owners elected by you, the stockholders, to represent your interests.
When you vote, you help ensure that those making decisions for the Association understand the realities of your operation and prioritize strategies that serve the membership.
Your participation also helps ensure that your region, operation type, and perspective are represented at the Board table. This diversity of experience leads to better discussions, stronger strategies, and decisions that benefit all members across the Association.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND POLICY DECISIONS
The Board of Directors influences the strategic direction of the Association, including growth plans, risk management, financial decisions, patronage programs, and lending priorities. The Board also oversees governance, ethics, and major capital decisions.
Similarly, the Nominating Committee plays a critical role in the Assocation’s direction. This member-elected committee identifies, evaluates and presents a slate of qualified candidates for open Board seats. A comprehensive nominating process ensures that candidates have relevant experience, bring diverse perspectives and experiences, helping maintain a leadership pipeline that reflects all of our membership.
HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS ON WHY VOTING MATTERS.
PATRONAGE DISTRIBUTIONS
Each year, Farm Credit returns earnings to members through patronage distributions, and the decisions that make those returns possible start with the Board of Directors. The Board determines how much profit should be retained to capitalize future growth, support investments and ensure financial stability, and how much can be distributed back to members.
By electing knowledgeable, engaged directors who understand the realities of agriculture, you help ensure the cooperative remains strong, well-managed, and positioned to deliver consistent value year after year.
YOUR COOPERATIVE. YOUR FUTURE. YOUR VOTE.
Every vote strengthens the cooperative and helps ensure that Farm Credit remains focused on what matters most — supporting agriculture, rural communities, and the members who make it all possible. By voting, you help build a stronger cooperative today and for generations to come.
When ballots arrive in your mailbox or email inbox, take a few minutes to cast your vote and shape the future of our Association. Your voice matters, and your vote can make a real difference.
For more information about the voting process or to see the slate of candidates, check your Annual Meeting Information Statement, mailed in early October, visit horizonfc.com, or contact us at 888.339.3334.
GET YOUR PATRONAGE DISTRIBUTIONS
Faster & Safer
With check fraud on the rise, protecting your patronage distribution has never been more important. By enrolling in direct deposit, you can have your spring patronage distributions automatically deposited into your checking or savings account the same day checks are issued.
That means no waiting for the mail or making a special trip to deposit your check. You’ll have peace of mind and confidence of knowing your money is safely delivered where it belongs. You’ll continue to receive your patronage notice and related communications by mail, and there is no additional cost for choosing this convenient option.
If you’re ready to simplify and secure the way you receive your patronage distributions, give us a call at 888.339.3334 or visit horizonfc.com/patronage to get started.
Bank Smarter
Managing your finances has never been easier. With Digital Banking, you can make secure payments anytime — no need to mail a check or make a call — schedule payments in advance so you never miss a due date, and use FastCash transfers to have funds in your account as soon as the next business day.
Digital Banking allows you to access your loan details, balances, and payment history 24/7, and view up to 25 months of billing statements all in one place. You can even go paperless for faster access to your statements and records. Co-borrowers can also be given access to view and manage accounts together. Plus, with enhanced security features, you can trust that your information is protected.
To enroll in Digital Banking, visit horizonfc.com/digitalbanking or download the Horizon Farm Credit Mobile app to take your account with you wherever you go.
CULTIVATE YOUR FUTURE IN AGRICULTURE
DREAMS IN AGRICULTURE!
Your passion for agriculture deserves to grow. Whether you aspire to farm and feed communities, become an agriculture teacher impacting the next generation, or dream of being a scientist innovating our food systems, we’re here to help make it happen.
The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is awarding at least $350,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in the agriculture industry. Scholarships are valued up to $10,000 each, helping you turn your goals into reality.
High school seniors, trade or technical students, and current college students enrolled in two- or four-year programs are eligible to apply. Applicants must reside within Horizon Farm Credit’s 100-county territory or Washington, D.C.
Applications are open now through January 2, 2026. Take the next step toward your future in agriculture by applying today at FCFoundationForAg.org.
Contact info@fcfoundationforag.org with questions.
ARE YOU A YOUNG OR BEGINNING FARMER?
GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS WITH JANUARY - MARCH 2026
AG BIZ MASTERS
On-demand, self-paced online or text learning modules.
YEAR
1
Megatrends in Agriculture
Strategic Business Planning
Preparing Information for Your Lender
Constructing a Balance Sheet
Constructing an Income
Statement & Cash Flow Projection
YEAR
2
Understanding Lending Decisions
Farm Business Management Factors & Benchmarks
Growth & Transition Management
Personal Financial Management
Communications, Ethics & Leadership
ENROLLMENT RUNS FROM OCTOBER 20 THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2025
Warm Wishes
from
As we enter the season of gratitude and celebration, we’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our communities. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
