Leader: Generations of Success

Farm Credit

leader

generations of success

CHECK OUT PAGE 13 TO SEE THE 2019 CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS!

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 4 | $3.95

in this issue farm and land

4 FROM FAMILY TO FAMILY

Amos and Anna Marie Stoltzfus of Gap, Pennsylvania have worked together to build a farm for the next generation with a Holstein herd that includes strong cow families.

12 13 14 15 16

6 TOGETHER, THEY HAVE IT ALL

The Thomas family of Boonsboro, Maryland is building on the strength and consistency of their farm with each decision they make.

our association 2019 ANNUAL MEETINGS

8 ASSURING CONTINUITY

Paul and Coard Bounds of Berlin, Maryland are proud to remain on the Eastern Shore after 14 generations, running a farm and grain business.

10 THERE’S NO PLACE I WOULD RATHER BE

The Rhoderick family of Mount Airy, Maryland appreciates the lifestyle their kids have and the next generation will have growing up on the family farm.

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CALENDAR WINNERS THE OTHER SIDE OF AG OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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PROPERTIES FOR SALE

questions or ideas

MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA

If you have any questions or ideas for the editorial staff of the Leader, contact Katie Ward at 888.339.3334, email her at kward@mafc.com or write her at MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 45 Aileron Court | Westminster, MD 21157. This publication is for you, our reader. We’d love to hear from you!

Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO

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.

Jennifer L. Rhodes Chairman

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

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MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors

Brian L. Boyd Vice Chairman Gary L. Grossnickle Laura M. Heilinger Dale R. Hershey Walter C. Hopkins Anthony M. Ill T. Jeffery Jennings M. Wayne Lambertson Fred R. Moore Michael S. Nelson Dale J. Ockels Alan N. Siegfried Douglas D. Scott Joseph D. Snapp Fred N. West

president’s message

president’s message

All in the family

events | deadlines

DEC

2-4 Maryland Farm Bureau 6 Grow and Fortify Summit 24-25 Christmas Holiday

JAN 2019

EVENT

EVENT

1 New Year’s Day

5-12 Pennsylvania Farm Show

8-10 Keystone Farm Show

14-19 Delaware Ag Week

17-19 Future Harvest CASA Conference 29-31 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention FEB 2019 EVENT

6-9 PASA Sustainable Agriculture Conference

PLACE

Ocean City, MD Kent Island, MD Offices Closed PLACE

Offices Closed Harrisburg, PA York, PA Harrington, DE

College Park, MD

Hershey, PA PLACE

Lancaster, PA

I always enjoy talking to farmers who run generational operations.

Listening to their stories of acreage being passed down from great-greatgrandparents, improvements made to remain innovative, challenges they’ve faced head-on, and their plans as the next generation moves up the ranks, leaves me feeling a little nostalgic and, as always, inspired.

We have many members who share similar stories—owning and operating farms that have been passed down for decades, sometimes even centuries. Each of the families in this issue have (at one point or another) been faced with making decisions about what the future may hold for their farm. No matter what the circumstances, they have worked together to ensure their legacy lives on.

Amos and Ann Marie Stoltzfus of Gap, Pennsylvania, handed over the day-to-day operations of their family’s dairy farm five years ago to their son, Duane - making him the third generation to farm on their land.

Duane learned everything he knows from Amos, and still appreciates his input on many of the business decisions.

The Thomas family of Boonsboro, Maryland has been farming on the same land since 1949. The operation is a true family affair, with almost everyone being involved in some aspect. Now in the third generation, the Thomas’ are making plans for the future, with the youngest family members already showing an interest in the business.

Paul Bounds and his son, Coard, are the twelfth and thirteenth generations of Bounds family members on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Talk about heritage! The father-son duo work together to run the family’s corn and soybean operation, which is on land purchased by Paul’s grandfather in 1918.

The Rhoderick family has been running a dairy operation in Mount Airy, Maryland since 1937. Today, the family not only continues that tradition with plans to grow, but they have become deeply rooted in their community and are always there to help their neighbors, regardless of the project.

Like these families, and many others we are fortunate to work with, Farm Credit has been supporting America’s agriculture industry for generations. We’ve seen a lot of change over the years, but one thing that has remained constant is our dedication to our members and local communities. This past October, we moved into our new building in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, signifying our continued commitment to supporting Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. We celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, an open house, milkshakes, and a $5,000 donation to the Fill a Glass with Hope campaign—check out page 15 for more details.

We may not all work with family, but as another year comes to a close, I hope you’re able to spend a little time with those you love, making memories and planning for a great year to come.

On behalf of the entire MidAtlantic Farm Credit family, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

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farm and land

FROM

F A M I LY T O

family THE STOLTZFUS FAMILY HAS WORKED TOGETHER ON THEIR FARM IN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA TO BUILD A HOLSTEIN

TO G E T H E R

HERD THAT INCLUDES STRONG COW FAMILIES. AMOS AND ANNA MARIE

they have it all

ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH THEIR SIX

CHILDREN, TWO OF WHICH ARE DUANE AND AMY, PICTURED TO THE RIGHT. SINCE TAKING OVER MANAGEMENT OF THE FARM, DUANE CONTINUES TO ENJOY ALL ASPECTS OF DAIRY FARMING, WORKING WITH HIS FATHER TO MAKE BREEDING DECISIONS.

DERLY TRANSITIO R O : AN| AMOS STOLTZFUS STARTED DAIRY NFARMING

assuring continuity

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SALLY SCHOLLE IN HONEYBROOK, PENNSYLVANIA, WHERE HE DEVELOPED A SMALL, HIGH-QUALITY HERD OF HOLSTEINS. WHEN HIS FATHER-IN-LAW PURCHASED A VACANT 82 ACRE DAIRY FARM IN NEARBY GAP, AMOS AND HIS WIFE ANNA MARIE MOVED THE HERD AND THEIR GROWING FAMILY TO THAT FARM AND CONTINUED TO BREED SELECT HOLSTEINS.

When he was operating the farm, Amos handled most of the milking, and all six Stoltzfus children helped with milking and other chores. Anna Marie home-schooled the children and helped in the barn and on the tractor.

Today, she manages the secretarial duties for Stolhaven Genetics, Amos’ cattle breeding enterprise.

While Amos and Anna Marie didn’t push any of their children to stay on the farm, their oldest son, Duane, was the most interested in continuing what his father started. Five years ago, Amos and Anna Marie handed the day-to-day operations of the dairy farm to Duane,

who rents the farm from his parents.

The Stoltzfus family has a long history with Farm Credit, starting with Amos’ father. Duane financed his house with Farm Credit and says he “appreciates the ease of doing business with them.” Merlin, another Stoltzfus son, also financed a property with Farm Credit adjacent to the farm.

As Duane grew up on the farm, he milked cows, helped fill silos and took on other daily tasks. He became familiar with nearly every aspect of the dairy farm operation, and observed the changes that took place over the years.

“We built a heifer barn in 1989

RE THE

’S NOWHERE

when we moved to the farm,” says Duane. “We also made some improvements to the tie stall barn, including new stalls and mattresses, and built a dry cow barn in 2000.”

Tunnel ventilation was added to both the tie stall barn and the dry cow barn to optimize cow health. About four years ago, a new calf barn was constructed to house calves from birth until they move to the heifer barn at six or seven months.

Growing up on a farm with good cattle genetics helped Duane learn to choose correct, high-performing cows that last. Following in Amos’ footsteps,

I would rather be

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Duane observes the performance of strong cow families. “I can look at most of my cows and hope they have a heifer calf,” he says. “Before I took over the dairy here, I had bought some good cows, did some flushing and got a lot of heifers from that work.” Duane added that nearly every cow in the barn traces back to cows that other Holstein breeders would recognize as being from strong cow families.

As Duane makes day-to-day management decisions for the farm, he appreciates his father’s hard work in building a high-quality herd. “We like a cow to stay around until she’s seven, eight or nine years old,” says Duane. “The biggest thing is getting her bred back quickly and keeping her udders healthy.”

Both Amos and Duane manage herd reproduction, with Duane making most

of the mating decisions. At one time, Duane bred most of the herd based on heat observation, but has found that a synchronization program has resulted in a more consistent pregnancy rate.

In addition to managing the herd, Duane handles crop work for the farm. He believes that a forage-based diet is important for cow health and production. “A big part of what I push to the cows is forage,” says Duane. “I feed about 60 percent forage and 40 percent concentrate.”

To ensure optimum nutrients in crops, Duane works with an agronomist for soil testing and seeks advice on soil amendments. Primary crops are corn and beans, which are part of a TMR (total mixed ration). Duane also grows triticale, which is preserved as haylage, and completes the ration

with ground roasted soybeans and a TMR supplement.

Like others in the business, Duane admits that dairy farming is challenging, and realizes the importance of staying abreast of the current dairy situation.

“I consider this to be a conventional dairy,” he says. “We aren’t really attached to a niche market or direct market.”

However, Duane is open-minded and prepared to make necessary changes to remain profitable. To supplement his income, Duane is on the sales team for a company that makes steel-framed, fabric-covered structures.

Duane will be the first to admit that this year has been challenging for farmers, but he remains optimistic.

“If you do it right, the cows do well without even trying,” he says, “and that’s when it’s fun.” l VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 4 | mafc.com | 5

farm and land

TO G E T H E R

they have it all STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA HAINES | A SUCCESSFUL BREEDING LINE CAN OFTEN BE TRACED BACK TO METICULOUSLY-SELECTED TRAITS IN THE CATTLE WORLD. DESIRABLE TRAITS OF HARDINESS, PERSISTENCE IN PRODUCTION, AND LONGEVITY (PRODUCTIVE LIFE) ALL PLAY A ROLE IN THE STRENGTH AND CONSISTENCY OF THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.

This concept is also true for many of the agricultural families behind these great animals. The genetic line of the Thomas family is no different, having some of the same traits they look to strengthen their herd, multiple generations of longevity bear the arms of the Thomas family tree.

The resilient line of farmers began with John Carl Thomas in 1949 for his innovation to purchase the property that is based in Boonsboro, Maryland, from a family member. Donald Thomas later obtained the farm from his father, Solomon, in the early 80s to operate with his wife, Esther. Donald and his son, Tracy, named the partnership Thomas and Son Farms, which stands true to today’s namesake. Tracy ran the dairy operation alongside his father, but soon discovered another form of bovine to suit his needs for endurance within a challenging economy—the beef industry.

Tracy has been breeding Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle ever since trialing different breeds and making the decision to focus on them well into the 80s. His interest in these cattle quickly bred attentiveness into Christopher and Lonnie, the sons of Tracy and his wife, Brenda. “Christopher and Lonnie have shown strong interest in pursuing the cattle line,” shares Tracy. “I had four sisters at the time I worked with my father who all helped on the farm doing chores. Not all the children will have an interest in the farm, and that’s okay.” The families, many living in close proximity

to one another, encompass what it is like to be in a family-work setting.

The farm is now home to 140 brood cows and an additional 250 head of cattle, all Limousin, Lim-Flex, Crossbred, and Angus. “Ninety percent of the herd is purebred,” shares Chris. “We have bulls, feeders, fat steers, show heifers, replacement heifers, show steers and embryos for sale year-round.” The family holds an annual sale at their farm on Halloween weekend called “Halloween Hunnies” to sell show cattle. “We have a good time,” explains Tracy excitedly. “We even set up a little Halloween fun for the kids. It’s a real family event.”

The roots run deep in the multigenerational tree of the Thomas family, and the affection of “family warmth” buds through work and play. “We go to many shows throughout the year to exhibit our cattle,” says Chris. “We like to maintain the ‘approachable’ image when exhibiting and marketing our cattle. We like to set up our buyers to succeed and really try to make the time to help the younger generation.”

The Thomas’ have a lot of showing experience to offer. Being experts in their field, they have accepted top honors at nationally acclaimed shows.

Most recently, they were honored with the grand champion banner for exhibiting their Limousin female at the National Junior Limousin Show and Congress and also reserve grand champion honors for their Lim-Flex female in Denver, Colorado this past July.

Chris and Lonnie’s partnership has improved their chances at another generation showing interest in the family business. “My fiancé, Allyson, and I plan to continue with the family tradition,” admits Lonnie. “Chris and his wife, Kelsey, already have backgrounds with both of their families having ties to the beef industry.” Chris and Kelsey’s son, Landon, already has all of the equipment learned, which is evident as the toddler sits atop his grandfather’s lap looking over a dealership flyer.

One part of operating whatever the Thomas family decides to do with their farm has remained consistent over the years—their relationship with Farm Credit. “We’ve had a few loan officers over the years, but each one has been able to accommodate our needs at the time,” shares Donald. “From our homes and builds, to our machinery purchases, we’ve always been able to depend on their services. We like the knowledge they share about the farming industry,” adds Tracy.

Farm Credit loan officer Michelle Trumpower shares, “They are the kind of customer that a loan officer would like 100 more of, just like them. Their business is where it is today because of their hard work and knowledge of what it takes to be successful. They are about their community and would do anything to help others in need.”

The Thomas family’s older members are excited to watch their offspring continue to fulfill the traditions they’ve set before them. l

DERLY TRANSITIO R O N: AN

assuring continuity RE THE

’S NOWHERE

I would rather be

the other side of ag

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THE THOMAS FAMILY HAS PASSED DOWN THE DESIRE TO FARM THROUGH MULTIPLE GENERATIONS. WHILE CATTLE STILL FEEDS THE INTEREST OF ONE GENERATION, ANOTHER TAKES ON THE ROLE OF MANAGING THEIR EXCAVATING OPERATION. TRACY AND FATHER, DONALD, ARE STILL PROVING THAT THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP A FAMILY FARM UP AND RUNNING. NO MATTER WHAT THE ROLE IS OF EACH MEMBER, THE DAY-TO-DAY DISCUSSION REMAINS OPEN FOR PLANNING AND ADVICE WHETHER IN THE BARN, AT THE KITCHEN TABLE OR DURING A RIDE TO THE FIELD.

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farm and land

DERLY TRANSITIO R O N: AN

assuring continuity

STORY BY AND PHOTOS BY NANCY L. SMITH | MANY FARM FAMILIES CAN BE PROUD OF A HERITAGE THAT STRETCHES BACK SEVERAL GENERATIONS—SOME EVEN ATTAIN THE COVETED CENTURY FARM DESIGNATION. BUT PAUL BOUNDS AND HIS SON, COARD, HAVE MOST OF THEM BEAT. PAUL’S ANCESTOR, JOHN BOUNDS, ARRIVED IN THE PRINCESS ANNE, MARYLAND AREA IN 1658.

Although Paul and Coard’s farm in Berlin, Maryland is not on land that John trod more than two hundred and fifty years ago, their Maryland legacy is strong.

“I’m the twelfth generation of continuous Bounds on the shore,” says Paul. “Coard is the thirteenth and he has three sons, so that’s 14 generations.”

“My grandfather was born in 1892 and he farmed, and his father farmed. My father was born in 1919 and he and his brother, who was born in 1932 or 1934, had Bounds Brothers farm operation and took over their father’s operation.

“Bounds Brothers was probably started in the late 50s,” Paul explains, noting that he is still farming some of the land his grandfather purchased around 1918.

’S NOWHERE HERE

“When my father turned 70 in 1989, my brother-in-law, Chris Mason, and I started Newark Grain,” adds Paul.

The corn and soybean operation now farms extensive owned and leased acreage in Worcester County.

At first, it did not appear that Coard would be joining his father and uncle in farming. Paul recalls, “Coard didn’t really show that much interest when he was growing up. I was just too busy working the last 20 or 25 years to think about how it would pan out.”

Coard received a degree in civil engineering from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He says, “I got my surveying license and started a surveying business.”

But in 2011, an orderly transition of

T

farm ownership began. Coard, his father and his uncle Chris signed an agreement by which he would be an employee of Newark Grain for two years and then begin to buy the company.

Business owners, including farmers, often are resistant to transitioning management and leadership to the next generation. “I think [refusal to cede control] is a big mistake,” says Paul. “If you’re going to do the work, I feel like you have to be in charge, too.”

“It’s only a problem if the next generation makes mistakes,” responds Coard.

But his father does not want to deny him the opportunity for his own learning experiences. “I feel like Coard isn’t going to make any more mistakes than I would if I would be making the decisions,” he says.

I would rather be

the other side of ag

PAUL AND NANCY BOUNDS ARE PLEASED THAT SON COARD IS TAKING OVER NEWARK GRAIN IN AN ORDERLY TRANSITION. COARD, HIS WIFE JILL, AND THEIR THREE SONS ARE THE FUTURE OF A MARYLAND TRADITION THAT EXTENDS BACK MORE THAN 250 YEARS. COARD IS NOW HALF OWNER OF THE OPERATION AND IS STILL FARMING SOME OF THE LAND OWNED BY HIS ANCESTORS. HE IS EXPANDING THE OPERATION WITH THE RECENT PURCHASE OF ANOTHER FARM.

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Meanwhile, with his retirement funded by the agreement, Paul jokes, “The future looks so bright I’ve got to wear sun glasses… Having the freedom is so nice. It’s the only period in your life when you have enough money to do the stuff you want to do. When you’re a kid and you don’t have any money, you’ve got to work.”

Coard’s mother Nancy says, “I am pretty happy it’s going so smoothly.

I think it’s satisfying to see Coard just going and doing it. There is not any tension in the family because of how things are being run. That’s certainly a bonus.”

“It would be hard to watch a child wanting to take more responsibility and not being allowed to. I think that would be hard because you would feel like you were torn between spouse and kid,” observes Nancy.

While Paul is no longer involved in every decision related to the farm, he is

not idle. He and Nancy have begun to travel more. Although they may have been able to leave the farm during the summer, “now we have the freedom to go fall and spring. Never had that option before. It’s nice to be able to set your own schedule,” Paul says.

“When you’re busy with the farm, you don’t have that. When it’s time to work with the seasons, you have to stay with the work,” he adds.

While Paul’s retirement is funded through the agreement, he considers the future with a wary eye. “I think as long as the chicken industry stays here [on the shore], the future looks great. But if the chicken industry tapers off, I don’t know what we’ll do.

“There would be tough times around here if they pull out and they could do it overnight, too,” he says.

Despite that uncertainty, Coard is looking to the future. He is continuing to expand the number of irrigated

acres and says, “I’m always looking for a different angle on things and am not happy with the status quo usually.

“I grew sunflowers one year but I didn’t find a market for them before I planted them, and then I harvested them, dried them down, got the test weight, and found it was too low.”

Paul supported this experiment.

“We think about alternative crops. He was testing to see if it was going to be an alternative or not—we’re always wondering what’s going to be next.”

Coard is staking his future on the farm and is looking to the next generation. He and his wife Jill have three sons; Holden is five, Cooper is three and Beau is two and a half months.

He says, “I would like to have at least one of these boys be interested in farming. If they’re not, that’s all right, too. Right now, they are interested in anything that’s big and makes a lot of noise.” l

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farm and land

RE THE

’S NOWHERE

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY SUSAN WALKER | EVEN THOUGH SHE’S ONLY THREE YEARS OLD, ALLI RHODERICK IS ALREADY MAKING A CONTRIBUTION ON THE FAMILY FARM. WITH HER FATHER, CURTIS, BY HER SIDE, ALLI LOVES TO HELP TAKE CARE OF THE CHICKENS, FEED THE HEIFERS AND GATHER STRAW. CURTIS, 29, HIS BROTHER NATHAN, 27, AND SISTER MALORIE, 31, ALSO STARTED WORKING ON THE FAMILY FARM IN MOUNT AIRY, MARYLAND AT A YOUNG AGE.

“It’s a great place for kids to grow

farm, Wayne and Cindy both have taken

When Wayne and Cindy purchased

the other side of ag

up,” says Wayne Rhoderick, Malorie,

on leadership roles in their community.

the farms with their sons, they set up

Curtis and Nathan’s father. “The kids

Cindy has been a member of 4-H

a shared bank account for expenses,

took care of the goats they raised for

leadership for 15 years and secretary

but they handed the responsibility for

4-H before school, then helped with

of the Holstein club for 12 years. Both

the finances of those farms over

milking and driving the tractor after

of them are active in the Farm Bureau

to Curtis and Nathan. “We want them

school,” he adds. “You learn a lot of

and will be joining committees and the

to be prepared to handle all aspects

valuable lessons that you carry with

board respectively this fall.

of the farm after we decide to stop

you throughout your life, like how to

Although dairying can be tough

farming,” explains Wayne. “We contribute

in today’s tight market, diversification

some money to the account, but they’re

offers additional sources of income.

the ones who pay all the bills and

of Wayne and his wife Cindy’s life.

Other farmers in the area turn to Wayne

take care of decisions like choosing

Wayne’s maternal grandparents bought

for advice and help with a wide range of

insurance. They’re accountable, so when

the family farm in 1937, then sold

projects, from equipment repair and soil

things go right, that’s because of what

the operation to Wayne’s parents in

preparation to wrapping silage. “We’ve

they’ve done, not something I’ve done

1965. In the 90s, Wayne and Cindy

been blessed with a lot of good people

for them.”

purchased the farm from his parents.

in our life,” says Wayne.

manage your responsibilities.”

Farming has always been a part

Since the beginning, it’s been a dairy

Careful financial management

Looking toward the future, Wayne is considering switching his

operation. The Rhodericks currently

is also an important key to the

operation to beef next year. “Dairy is

have 60 head of full registered Holsteins

Rhodericks’ success. “Before they

so unpredictable,” he says. “And it

and milk 20 cows.

make any financial decisions, Wayne

requires you to stay close to the farm

and Cindy always put pencil to paper

at all times. There really aren’t days

management, with the Rhodericks

and run the numbers,” explains Farm

off. Switching to beef would give us

owning more than 300 of those acres,

Credit loan officer Mary Jane Roop,

the flexibility to visit Malorie and our

including farms that Curtis and Nathan

who has worked with the family for

three granddaughters, which is hard

purchased with their parents. In addition

14 years. “They assess all opportunities,

to do now.”

to dairying, they also grow hay, corn,

like purchasing the farms with Curtis

soybeans, and wheat. Curtis and Nathan

and Nathan, very carefully.”

The farm includes 500 acres under

While he’s considering switching the focus of his farm, he’d never

Mary Jane adds, “Good financial

switch jobs. “What I like most about

handles the milking. Malorie and her

stewardship is something that Wayne and

farming is that I’m not working for

husband are also dairy farmers, with a

Cindy have taught their children as well.

someone else,” says Wayne. “I have

farm in Iowa where they have a large

It’s not very common for us to lend money

the freedom to set my own schedule

scale milking operation with 4,700 cows.

to people in their 20s, but Curtis and

and priorities. There’s nowhere I’d

Nathan are responsible and very savvy.”

rather be than on our farm.”

help with the crops, while Wayne

In addition to their work on the

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FARMING AND FAMILY ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN WAYNE AND CINDY RHODERICK’S LIVES. YOUNGEST SON, NATHAN, EVEN GOT MARRIED ON THE FARM HE PURCHASED WITH HIS PARENTS, TRANSFORMING THE BARN INTO A UNIQUE WEDDING VENUE FOR THE OCCASION.

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our association

save the dates:

2019 annual stockholder meetings

ooo

Make plans to join us at the location nearest you in April for our annual stockholder meetings! You don’t want to miss the opportunity to mingle with your community members and Farm Credit staff, and learn about what your association has planned for the year ahead. Oh, and did we mention the food is pretty great, too?

Tuesday

April 2 Thurmont Event Complex | Thurmont, Maryland

Wednesday April 3 Yoder’s Restaurant | New Holland, Pennsylvania Thursday

April 4 Modern Maturity Center | Dover, Delaware

More information will come soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can visit mafc.com/annual-meetings for additional details.

winter wonderland photo contest

It’s that time of year for Christmas decorations and snow covered fields! We want to see your BEST farm holiday photo. All entries will receive a Farm Credit gift, and one lucky winner will be selected to receive a winter prize pack! Please submit all photos with your full name and mailing address, the city and state where the photo was taken, and a photo caption to Katie Ward at kward@mafc.com by December 21.

PLEASE NOTE: Photos may be used in future Leader publications or on our social media channels.

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2019 calendar

contest winners

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo into our 2019 calendar contest! We received a lot of pictures capturing life on the farm or in the country, and it was a tough selection process. If yours didn’t make it into the calendar—don’t worry! It may appear in a future Leader issue, our annual report or on social media.

Stop by the office nearest you today to pick up your calendar!

COVER PHOTO: Lindsey Nell, Aspers, PA

JANUARY

JULY

t Mary Ellen Cathcart

t Meaghan Malinowski

Kennett Square, PA

Salisbury, MD

FEBRUARY t Morgan Figgins Keymar, MD

AUGUST t Katharine Parry Goldsboro, MD

MARCH t Victoria Robinson New Windsor, MD

SEPTEMBER t Lindy Kurtz Elverston, PA

APRIL t Ross Snell Mount Airy, MD

OCTOBER t Miriam Kauffman Gordonville, PA

MAY t Hannah Gaylor Hagerstown, MD

NOVEMBER t Morgan Figgins Keymar, MD

JUNE t Robbin Campbell Elizabethtown, PA

DECEMBER t Sue Younker Fleetwood, PA

Have a photo you want to submit for our 2020 calendar? Visit mafc.com/info/calendar-photo-contest to enter today!

The deadline is August 9, 2019.

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our association

the other side of ag

BY KATIE WARD, FARM CREDIT MARKETING SPECIALIST | THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IS MORE DIVERSE TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE. STUDENTS ARE STUDYING FIELDS LIKE SCIENCE, EDUCATION, NUTRITION, ENGINEERING AND MARKETING—AND RELATING IT ALL BACK TO THE FARM. WITH AGRICULTURE BEING ONE OF OUR NATION’S MOST IMPORTANT AND EVER-CHANGING INDUSTRIES, THE CAREER POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.

Today, farmers make up only two percent of America’s workforce. Though the number of traditional farmers may be smaller than it used to be, the support system around them is larger than ever.

We’ve seen a growth in what we call the “other side of ag”—those who may not be driving a tractor or milking cows, but they work every day to advocate for agriculture and help the industry continue to thrive.

This “other side” is comprised of teachers, economists, bloggers and engineers—just to name a few.

Recognizing this, the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement and its scholarship program was created in 2015 to ensure the future of agriculture remains strong and those looking to pursue a career on the farm (or off) can do so, with a little financial help from Farm Credit.

“Our scholarship program continues to grow each year with more opportunities for students pursuing a career in agriculture,” says Dale Hershey, Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s Chairman.

“We received applications from more than 120 talented students last year. It made the selection process a tough one, but I 14

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have no doubt the future of agriculture is in great hands.”

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program is giving away fifteen scholarships in 2019, each valued at $10,000. That’s a total of $150,000 for local ag students! This program is open to high school seniors or students currently enrolled in a two or four year educational program. All applicants must be planning to pursue a career in agriculture, and must reside in MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s five-state territory.

“The agriculture industry has a bright future ahead based on the passion of our current students,” adds Dale. “This Foundation was formed with the intent of ensuring the industry thrives for the future generations. As a farmer myself, that makes me immensely proud. I encourage all those eligible for this scholarship to apply. We’d love to help you pursue your dream of working in agriculture.”

Part of the application requirements include uploading a video illustrating why the applicant wants to pursue a career in agriculture, and how they hope to impact the industry.

“The video component allows applicants a way to visually demonstrate why ag is important to them and how they plan to make an impact on the industry,” says Dale. “The essay questions are equally important to allow them to touch on specific topics, but videos capture their passion better than any recommendation letter or transcript can.”

Applications are being accepted online only, now through January 11, 2019. Those selected to win will be notified in March 2019.

And remember, a career in agriculture can be on the farm with traditional farming and ranching, the “other side of ag,” or both! There are endless possibilities in this field—so what are you waiting for?

For more information about the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program, or to apply, visit FCFoundationforAg.org.

If you have any question, please email info@FCFoundationforAg.org, or call 888.339.3334.

WE’RE ALL moved IN On October 1, we moved our Lancaster, Pennsylvania office down the road to Mount Joy to better serve our members and the community. The new building has more meeting space and easier access from major roadways.

We’re excited to deepen our roots in Lancaster County, and continue to build our relationships with our fellow community members for years to come!

The office was purchased in November of 2017, and has since undergone tremendous renovations. The building is a total of 25,000 square feet and is equipped with a community room, which is available for local organizations to use for off-site meetings.

More than 350 customers attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and open house event on November 2 to tour the new building and mingle with our staff. We collected donations at the open house for the Fill a Glass with Hope campaign and raised over $300 in donations at the open house. This is the first statewide charitable fresh milk distribution program in the country, allowing us to support the dairy industry and encourage milk consumption. Fill a Glass with Hope now provides well over three million servings of milk to clients of Feeding Pennsylvania’s statewide member food banks.

We invite you to come check out our new building the next time you’re in the area!

Lancaster Mount Joy

The new address is: 15 Eby Chiques Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552

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community Milford, Delaware

Annapolis, Maryland

Boonsboro, Maryland

A horse lover’s dream! Over 17 acres with a barn, six stalls, four pastures, tinsel fencing and two walk-ins with doors. The property also features a nice home that sits back off the road built by Art Bradley. $599,000.

Are you looking for a secluded property with more than 10 acres and protected waterfront along Meredith Creek in Annapolis? Then this is the place for you! Featuring deep water with access to the Chesapeake Bay, an easy commute off Route 50 to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. $1,927,500.

Don’t miss this beautiful 47 acre farm with breathtaking views in Boonsboro! Featuring gently rolling pastures, tillable land, a four bedroom farmhouse, large barn and tool buildings. Great for farming or a vineyard. Zero percent down is possible with a USDA loan for this property. $499,900.

Contact Myra Mitchell at RE/MAX Twin Counties, 302.236.6846.

Contact Dina Baxter at Rosendale Realty, 410.758.0333.

Contact Debra Moser at RE/MAX Achievers, 240.527.4585.

Centreville, Maryland

Chestertown, Maryland

Chestertown, Maryland

Check out this rolling farmland of almost 70 acres, mostly tillable. Incredible views across the fields, babbling brook, beautiful home site. Perc approved in 2016. Private, yet accessible quickly to route 301 and the Bay Bridge. $449,000.

Magnificent 113 acre waterfront farm with a three bay, two story brick colonial house near Historic Chestertown. The property features 98 acres tillable, 14 acres in a Conservation Reserve Program, one acre in Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, and one deep water pond. $1,895,000.

Enjoy these 144 prime acres on the outskirts of Chestertown with two parcels. Featuring a lovely, spacious home, a four acre waterfowl pond, barn, prime soils and excellent hunting.

136 acres are zoned Community Residential, allowing one home per acre. A separate 11 acre wooded lot is also included. $2,450,000.

Contact Michael Rosendale at Rosendale Realty, 410.643.2166

Contact Clint Evans at Cross Street Realtors, 410.708.0630.

Contact Miles Norris at Select Land and Homes Inc., 410.708.5423

Denton, Maryland

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Easton, Maryland

Call Farm Credit at 888.339.3334.

Don’t miss this 18 acre farmette with fenced pastures! Great for horses, cows or goats. The house includes six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and living room, beautiful sun room overlooking the in-ground pool, and closet/storage galore. Property has a three car garage along with a barn and other buildings that have electric and heat. $915,000.

Check out this 14+ acre farm along the water in Talbot County! The property consists of a 10 stall L shaped barn with a shower stall, four white fenced paddocks, two with run-in stalls, a half bath and dressing room, heated tack room with washer and dryer, and a feed room. $5,900,000.

Contact Amy Endzel at Champion Realty, 443.786.5189.

Contact Clifford Meredith, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.822.6272.

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Need financing for any of these properties?*

* Financing availability subject to loan approval and property eligibility.

Hampstead, Maryland

Hereford, Maryland

Check out this property being sold as pasture land! Ideal for raising kosher, halal animals or hay production. The parcel is encumbered by a perpetual easement for four radio transmission towers, with no cash flow to the buyer. Tower leases are not for sale. Zoned AR. $450,000.

This picturesque gentleman’s farm features more than 109 acres with a half mile blacktop road for access to a farmhouse and outbuildings. The property has a one acre reserved building lot and is subject to a farm land preservation easement. $900,000.

Enjoy 96 acres in the Hereford Zone, partially wooded with approximately 30 acres of crop land. Featuring multiple streams and one development right for your dream home. Only twenty minutes to Baltimore. $749,000.

Contact Stephen J Ferrandi at Maryland Land Advisors, 410.925.4566.

Contact Larry Haines at Haines Realty, 410.876.1616.

Contact Frank Durkee at Oconor, Mooney and Fitzgerald, 410.409.5067

Laytonsville, Maryland

Bring your horses to this 84 acre boarding and training stable in Laytonsville! Improved by a 54 stall stable with a 220‘x 100‘ indoor, two tack rooms, two feed rooms, four wash stalls, an office with a bathroom and a lighted 300‘ x 100‘ outdoor arena. The property can be subdivided and has access to public water. $2,300,000.

Contact Tim McGrath at 301.606.0066.

New Windsor, Maryland

Marydel, Maryland

New Windsor, Maryland

Bring the family and have the ultimate outdoor sportsman experience. Nearly 39 wooded acres including a 2.8 acre home site with perc. A deer and turkey hunter’s dream property. $225,000.

A picturesque 1800s farmhouse situated just outside the historic town of New Windsor.

This property contains 8.29 acres with a two stall stable, pond, small stable yard, barn and a detached garage. The home has new roofing, siding, thermal windows and wood floors.

Beautiful setting off the road. $385,000.

Contact Bobby Cary at Rosendale Realty, 410.643.2166.

Contact Michelle Sampson at RE/MAX Results, 240.675.5935.

Preston, Maryland

Rock Hall, Maryland

EQUAL HOUSING EQUAL This spectacular rancher sitting onHOUSING 6.6 acres is a OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY must-see! Featuring a fish pond, pergola, invisible dog fence, backup generator, solar panels, alarm system, custom kitchen with granite counter tops and high-end cabinets, wood floors and a large back deck with composite decking. $435,000.

This is the perfect home for you and your horses! The new barn has roomy box stalls and a wash stall, pony sized stalls, and a hay loft in the old barn. The vintage home has been lovingly maintained and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a family room full of natural light and views of the pastures. A total of 9.5 acres. $349,000.

This amazing property on Allens Lane features 140 acres with a half mile of shoreline overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and Huntingfield Creek. The shoreline is fully protected and enhanced for wildlife. Great for hunting, spectacular sunsets and privacy all within a half mile of Rock Hall. $939,500.

OPPORTUNITY Contact Michelle Sampson at RE/MAX OPPORTUNITYResults, 240.675.5935.

Contact Deborah J ‘Deb’ Dawkins at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 410.310.9569.

Contact Joe Hickman at Cross Street Realtors, 410.708.0536.

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Properties for sale

Germantown, Maryland

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community Royal Oak, Maryland

St. Michaels, Maryland

Stevensville, Maryland

Don’t miss this gorgeous waterfront property minutes to Bellevue Ferry Marina. The summer home features expansive views of the Tred Avon River, a private cove and docks with approximately 11 acres. The property has development potential with 29 recorded lots and sewer allocation. $2,249,000.

Build your dream farm your way! 21 acres of land with an expanded perc for a large house.

Very close to downtown St. Michaels in beautiful Talbot County. $1,295,000.

Calling all horse lovers! This property has 6.5 acres fenced and eight wooded along the water in beautiful Stevensville. Featuring a personal vineyard on Carter Creek, a custom-built estate home with 10,000 square feet finished on three levels, an in-law apartment, barn with five stalls and Nelson automatic waters, and a machine shop with an oversized garage door. $1,695,000.

Contact Vincent Payne at Realty Navigator, 410.924.3182.

Contact Henner Gibbons-Neff at Meredith Fine Properties, 410.829.0698.

Contact Petra Quinn at Realty Navigator, 443.600.1986.

Taneytown, Maryland The search for beautiful, private farmland is over! Check out this property featuring 88 acres with some woods and one building lot perked for a sand mound. Owner financing available. $450,000.

Contact Bonnie and John Speak at Long and Foster, 410.984.2302.

Thurmont, Maryland So many possibilities for this rancher on six acres of certified organic land! Ready as an organic farm, perfect for horses or greenhouses with close access to Route 15. Currently both sides of the dwelling are separate and rented to steady tenants on a month to month lease, but could be converted back to a single family home. $499,900.

Contact Taylor Huffman at Long and Foster Real Estate, 240.315.8133.

Templeville, Maryland Don’t miss out on this 230 acre grain farm located near the Delaware line in Queen Anne’s County!

Featuring 125 tillable acres, a small brick cabin, several pond sights, hedgerows and 91 wooded acres.

Priced below $4,700 per acre. $1,075,000.

Contact Charles Darrell at Select Land and Homes Inc., 302.270.0545.

Germansville, Pennsylvania

Woodbine, Maryland An exceptional countryside paradise on 41 acres of meadow and woodlands adjacent to a state park. Possible minor-subdivide could yield up to four lots. The property includes a two and a half story home with a tree lined driveway. $1,350,000.

Contact Gary Haines at Haines Realty, 410.876.1616.

Woodbine, Maryland This famous horse farm is owned by the Palmer Family and is located on 27 beautiful acres with 22 stalls. The property includes an indoor riding hall, multiple pastures and a fully fenced outside riding ring. The estate home is a traditional two story home with four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a main level family room with a fireplace. $1,450,000.

Contact Randy Weeber at RE/MAX of Reading, 610.670.2770.

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This gorgeous farm is situated in the rolling hills of Heidelberg Township in Lehigh County. The spectacular 41 acre preserved property features a 19th century, two story house with four bedrooms and one bath. The buildings include a smoke house, bank barn, pole building, etc.

There are 34 acres of fields and six acres across EQUAL HOUSING the road. $495,000.

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Contact Gary Coles at New Pennsylvania Realty, 570.386.5000.

These listings were submitted by individual real estate agents. MidAtlantic Farm Credit is not responsible for typographical errors or pricing OPPORTUNITY discrepancies.

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Newmanstown, Pennsylvania

A charming 1850s farmhouse on 10 acres of organic farmland. Featuring four bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms in the house, a blooming orchard, commercial sized chicken house, summer kitchen with electric and water, large barn with an attached garage, workshop and solar-fenced pastures. $269,900.

Contact Ed Spayd at RE/MAX of Reading, 610.670.2770.

Lebanon, Pennsylvania If you’re looking for a private country location, look no further! This four bedroom rancher is located on more than 11 acres with a mountain stone fireplace, eat-in kitchen, hall-entered full bath and a master bath with a jetted tub and shower. The property also features a two car garage, pool, gazebo and shed. $399,900.

Contact Roxanne Carpenter at RE/MAX Cornerstone, 717.304.9362.

Check out this two year old ranch home on more than nine acres in the country! The house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open floor plan with nine foot ceilings. Features include granite counter tops, hardwood floors and a large main-floor laundry room. There is a detached, oversized five car garage with two 12 foot doors and three 8 foot doors. $395,000.

Contact Ginger Parker at Howard Hanna Krall Real Estate, 484.955.0904.

Berryville, Virginia

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania This exceptional 350 acre farm is located in Lynn and Albany Townships in Lehigh County, PA. Featuring a large center hall stone farmhouse, a five bedroom frame farmhouse and two bank barns. It has rolling, fertile farmland, beautiful views, lush pastures, woodland, an ever-flowing trout stream, and a two acre pond. $3,500,000.

Properties for sale

Hamburg, Pennsylvania

Contact Perry Long at New Pennsylvania Realty, 610.398.2559.

The William Stoddard Inn is located on two beautiful acres. The first floor housed the restaurant and the second and third floors consist of living quarters for the owners or tenants. This Inn can serve many purposes such as a primary residence, bed and breakfast, three apartments or a restaurant. $175,000.

Don’t miss this farm in Berryville with more than 167 acres! Featuring four D.U.R.s, a 48‘ x 96‘ barn wit electric, a 100‘ x 260‘ indoor riding arena with electric, a 32‘ x 96‘ machine shed, a 32‘ x 36‘ workshop, a spring fed pond, three automatic waterers, a farm well with hydrant, wood, wire and centurion fencing. Beautiful pastoral and mountain views in Clarke County. $1,195,000.

Contact Jonathan Coles at New Pennsylvania Realty, 570.449.8197.

Contact Lisette Turner at Century 21 New Valley Realty, 540.955.2500.

Leighton, Pennsylvania

What puts the life in your lifestyle?

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 EQUAL HOUSING EQUALto HOUSING your puppy safe and close home, or even a brand new OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY farm that would give everyone a little more room—call your local Farm Credit office. We want to be your lender for life.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BALTIMORE, MD PERMIT NO. 1608

45 Aileron Court Westminster MD 21157

t o g e v We’

0 0 0 10,

u o y y h w s n o s a re . g a y d u t s d l u o sh The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is giving away fifteen $10,000 scholarships to students looking to pursue a career in agriculture.

That’s a total of $150,000 for local students!

Agriculture doesn’t just mean farming — there’s another side, made up of food scientists, veterinarians, engineers, and many others, helping the industry evolve and thrive.

Think you fit the bill?

Applications will be accepted through January 11, 2019.

Please visit FCFoundationForAg.org for eligibility requirements and to apply.

FCFoundationForAg.org #OtherSideOfAg