Leader: Rural Responders

LEADER

December 2020

Volume 25 | Issue 3

Rural Responders Farm Owners Help Their Communities While Growing Their Businesses

Plus: Winners of our First Ever Virtual Showcase!

In this issue Member Spotlight

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Making it All Fit Volunteer firefighter Jason Sauder and his wife, Melissa, handle a lot of moving parts as they raise their four children and operate their family farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

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Fireman and Farmer: Working Twice as Hard Jonathan Ruff of Bel Air, Maryland, makes his livelihood running a grain and cattle farm while also working as a fireman.

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For Community and Country: Sharing and Service are Core Principles Working as an emergency room nurse practitioner, Ken Blair, along with his wife, Marissa, operate five chicken houses on a 29 acre farm in Belle Haven, Virginia.

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Support Comes in Many Ways With the help of her family, Caroline Boyd Scheulen of Winchester, Virginia operates a growing event-venue business on the family farm while also working as a nurse at a nearby hospital.

Events and Reminders 4 December 2020 - February 2021 Our Association

22 Meet the Winners of Our Virtual Showcase 24 2O21 Calendar Photo Contest Winners

Social Media facebook.com/MidAtlanticFarmCredit @midatfarmcredit @midatfarmcredit

26 Hey Students — Need $10,000?

mafc.com/blog

27 First Responders Day Podcast

youtube.com/user/MidAtlanticFC

Community

mafc.com/podcast

28 Property Listings

Cover photo by Sally Scholle 2 LEADER

DECEMBER 2020

President’s message

NOT ALL

Heroes

WEAR CAPES

W

e’ve heard this phrase a lot over the past several months as teachers, nurses, doctors, medics, and other first responders scrambled to adapt and handle the aftermath of the arrival of COVID-19. It takes a certain person to risk their lives to serve others, and to all of you who made the selfless decision to go into that line of work, I speak for everyone at MidAtlantic Farm Credit when I say thank you.

Many of our neighbors are not only serving their community as a first responder, but also as an agricultural producer. The four members we feature in this issue are on the front lines for hours, battling fires or tending to injuries, then head home to put in more hours in the field or barn.

Jason Sauder of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is one of those members. He joined his local volunteer fire company at the young age of 15. Today, he not only continues to volunteer, but he and his wife, Melissa, host training sessions with the fire company on their farm, where they raise cattle and grow corn and soybeans.

Over in Bel Air, Maryland, Jonathan Ruff is a full-time Lieutenant with the Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department in addition to being a ninth-generation farmer. He owns and operates Ruffs Chance Farm, a 131 acre operation where he grows corn and soybeans, and raises Black Angus cattle.

Ken Blair, Army veteran turned poultry grower, farms 29 acres with his wife, Marissa, in Belle

Haven, Virginia. After leaving the Army, Ken remained in service, becoming a member of the National Guard and firefighter/paramedic. Today, he’s preparing to go through flight surgeon training while sharpening his beekeeping skills. I’d love just an ounce of this guy’s energy.

And lastly, we feature Caroline “Dixie” Boyd Scheulen of Winchester, Virginia. Dixie comes from a long line of farmers, which taught her all about work ethic. She became a nurse, and today, she juggles that with running a 1,000 acre operation and event venue with her family.

This issue is special not only because of these incredible stories, but also because we feature the winners of our first-ever Virtual Showcase, created to give the youth across our footprint an opportunity to share their summer fair projects, as many local fairs looked very different this year.

Check out pages 22-23 and if you recognize any of the names, please help me congratulate them on their accomplishment.

I know we’re all anxiously waiting to close the book on 2020. Despite the many challenges this year brought our way, we’ve all learned a lot about ourselves and the resiliency that makes up the agriculture industry. Without a doubt, we’re all walking into this new year wiser and stronger, and we look forward to working with you every step of the way.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season,

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EVENTS and REMINDERS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events are changing at a rapid pace. Please visit mafc.com/blog/upcoming-farmer-resources-events to stay updated on all virtual and in-person events.

December 2020 7 Maryland Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

Virtual

24-25 Christmas Eve / Christmas Day Offices Closed

January 2021 1 New Year’s Day

Offices Closed

5-7 Keystone Farm Show

York, PA

6-8 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show

Virtual

14-16 Future Harvest Annual Conference

Virtual

February 2021 1-7 PASA Sustainable Agriculture Conference

Virtual

8-11 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference

Virtual

8-11 PA Dairy Summit

Virtual

15 Green Peas Crop Insurance Sales Closing Deadline

questions or ideas

Leader

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!

MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO

MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors Brian L. Boyd, Chairman Anthony M. Ill, Vice Chairman Paul D. Baumgardner Julie Bolyard John Travis Hastings Laura M. Heilinger

Walter C. Hopkins T. Jeffery Jennings Fred R. Moore Michael S. Nelson Jennifer L. Rhodes

Alan N. Siegfried Douglas D. Scott David R. Smith Fred N. West Charles M. Wright IV

We hope you enjoy this digital-only issue. To receive the Leader in your inbox, send an email to Katie Ward at kward@mafc.com.

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The Leader is published quarterly for stockholders, friends and business associates. If you wish to no longer receive this publication, please email: unsubscribe@mafc.com. Use “Unsubscribe Leader” in the subject.

The Farm Credit Administration does not require the association to distribute its quarterly financial reports to shareholders. However, copies of its complete report are available upon request or see quarterly updates online at mafc.com. The shareholders’ investment in the association is materially affected by the financial condition and results of operations of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and copies of its quarterly financial report are available upon request by writing: Susanne Caughman | AgFirst Farm Credit Bank | P.O. Box 1499 | Columbia, SC 29202-1499 Address changes, questions or requests for the association’s quarterly financial report should be directed to MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA by calling 888.339.3334 or writing: MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 45 Aileron Court | Westminster, MD 21157

THE MIDATLANTIC FARM CREDIT

Annual Meeting

will be held on Thursday, March 25, in our Mount Joy, PA branch. It will be virtual for our members to log in and view the meeting online.

Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!

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member Spotlight

MAKING IT ALL

fit

Story and photos by Sally Scholle

Like those of any farmer, Jason Sauder’s days are full. In addition to raising their four children, Jason and his wife Melissa have been operating their family farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania since taking the reins from Jason’s father.

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M

“

y grandfather Ernest owned it first as a dairy farm,” says Jason, discussing the history of the farm. As Ernest brought both his sons on more with the farm, Jason and his brother Kevin formed a partnership in 2002. The dairy herd was sold in 2009, and Jason began farming on his own, raising dairy calves and heifers for several farms, and currently finishes about 50 of his own steers each year. Jason also hauls pigs for a local grower.

The farm includes hay acreage, which yields three cuttings of high-quality hay each season, and Jason grows corn and soybeans as cash crops. Throughout

the year, Jason might spend the day planting crops, caring for livestock, hauling a load of pigs, making hay, or harvesting grain. He’s also a first responder, which means there’s a chance he might receive a call from the West Hempfield Volunteer Fire Department.

“About ten minutes after I proposed to Melissa, my pager went off,” Jason recalls, adding that he didn’t have to leave for that call. “We’re one hundred percent volunteer, so it varies as far as who’s around for calls.

Sometimes it’s tough to get help during the day — not everyone lives close or can leave work for a call.”

Jason began serving as a volunteer firefighter for

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member Spotlight “Making quick decisions on a fire call is one of the things volunteers must be able to do. Reviewing the actions afterwards is a learning experience for everyone.” the West Hempfield Fire and Rescue when he was 15, and recently stepped down as Chief after holding that position for seven years. The company serves a mixed rural and residential community of around 16,000 and responds to about 600 calls annually.

As volunteers, Jason and fellow firefighters might respond to a vehicle accident, a hay bale fire, or assist another company with a house fire. “Sometimes I can’t leave when a call comes in,” says Jason, adding that activities such as planting, haymaking and harvest time take priority and make it impossible for him to leave the farm.

Jason says that as a regular member, he strives to respond to as many calls as possible, but feels less stress when he’s forced to miss a call. Jason added

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that his father served as a volunteer firefighter for the same company for many years.

For Jason, juggling various aspects of farming has helped him handle the high stress situations that come with being a firefighter. “Making quick decisions on a fire call is one of the things volunteers must be able to do,” he says. “Reviewing the actions afterwards is a learning experience for everyone.”

The Sauders host annual on-farm training sessions for the fire company. They’ve used the silos to practice rappelling, and members have received training on how to safely perform silo rescues and handle silo gas.

“We did a simulation of someone passed out on a ladder,” says Jason. “We also did a practice search detail for a lost hunter.” While on the Sauders’ farm

for first-hand experience, volunteer firefighters also learn how to draft water from a stream to use for fires.

Although there are junior fire company members who are eager to start serving, they must undergo training. Jason and other experienced members strive to encourage and mentor young people to keep them interested in becoming full members.

Cooperation among companies and individuals is essential during an emergency. Jason says mutual aid companies working with other companies as needed are one of the keys to providing good service to the community. For example, West Hempfield doesn’t have a ladder truck, but they do have a rescue truck that’s used primarily for vehicle accidents. This allows West Hempfield to provide mutual aid with that vehicle.

The West Hempfield Fire and Rescue is wellsupported by the community. An annual open house hosted by the company features fire truck rides and educational activities. Residents and volunteers alike are proud of a recently completed building project that houses the fire department as well as police and township offices.

Melissa grew up in the area and was involved in 4-H and FFA, and enjoyed participating in livestock

shows. She also has experience milking cows, and enjoys caring for the calves on the farm.

The Sauders’ oldest daughter Jamie is studying to be a surgical technician. Their son Regan works off the farm for a custom farming operation, and recently returned after spending the summer on a wheat harvest crew. He also works on the farm when he’s available. Daughter Kelci is active in FFA and would love a career with horses, and young Kylee will soon be old enough to participate in open livestock shows.

The Sauders have had a relationship with Farm Credit since 2010. After selling the dairy herd the year before, they decided to harvest their own rye and corn, and a Farm Credit EXPRESS loan helped them purchase harvest equipment. In 2020, the Sauders worked with Farm Credit loan officer Sarah Worobey to refinance the farm. “Sarah was so helpful and accommodating throughout the process,” says Melissa.

Melissa explains that Jason’s busy schedule on the farm, off the farm and as a first responder forces him to try to make the best decisions for each aspect. “He tries to prioritize and make up for what he can’t do,” she said. “I try to make it less stressful for him here.”

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member Spotlight

Fireman and Farmer:

WORKING TWICE AS HARD Story and photos by Andrea Haines

Obtaining multiple job positions isn’t too far-fetched for many people in the agricultural industry. Farmers tend to inherit a “giving” or “caretaking” work ethic from family passed down by generations. Caretakers of the land and animals, it is only natural for many producers to align with other services that tend to be in the best interest of their communities.

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J

onathan Ruff of Bel Air, Maryland, is no exception to this livelihood. Working as a grain and cattle farmer, he is also a paid fireman.

Officially holding a position as Lieutenant with the Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department, he leads a crew of firefighters during day-to-day operations, as well as during emergencies as an EMT and HAZMAT

technician. “I have been a firefighter for 18 years,” he shares. “I’ve also been a member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company since 1985.”

The job of a first responder is often demanding with little to no warning when members are needed.

“It can be hard to keep up sometimes with day-today operations,” says Jonathan. “I work a 48-hour

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member Spotlight

“I love farming, and if you do what you love, it’s not work.

I took the firefighting position because I like to help people and it is rewarding, but it also gave me time to farm.” schedule. I’m gone for 48 hours and then off for 48 hours. Trying to get hay done during your ‘time off’ can be challenging. I use most of my vacation days from work during the spring and fall, especially during harvest season.”

Jonathan is a ninth-generation farmer at Ruffs Chance Farm, the son of James “Jimmy” Henry Ruff.

The farm has been in the Ruff family since 1684. “I’ve been farming my entire life,” he adds. “I began raking hay when I was just seven years old.” Jonathan grows corn and soybeans on his 200 acre property. He also does custom combining for farmers in the area, and raises a few Black Angus cattle.

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t really affected the workings of the farm too much. Jonathan has a son and daughter who both work off the farm, but he has additional help if needed. “The pandemic has affected my job mainly in the staffing area. We have been separated, and to maintain our required staffing, you never know if you get to come home after your shift,” Jonathan explains. “Luckily, I work with a lot of guys that will take my overage because they know I 12 LEADER

DECEMBER 2020

have the farm to take care of each day. My girlfriend, Thelma, is a great help feeding and checking on things when I’m at work, too.” He also has a retired firefighter help him run the combine during harvest season.

Speaking of people on Jonathan’s team, Farm Credit loan officer Sherry Gentry has been a great asset to Jonathan during much of his farming career.

“They really came through for me on more than one occasion,” he shares. “When I purchased my first house, it was a short-notice sale. I got financing through Farm Credit, they were very helpful!” After a life change, Jonathan also called on Farm Credit to help devote a plan to keep the farm going. “I came up with a plan and explained my goals to my loan officer,” he says.

“They showed me what they could do for me. Farm Credit understands farming and the dedication that farmers have, and what it takes to make it work, and are willing to work with you to make things happen.”

“Farm Credit has been involved with Jonathan and the farm since 1990,” shares Sherry. “I have been his loan officer for probably the past 15 to 20 years. The Ruff Farm was an original land grant that the family

has been farming for several generations.”

According to Sherry, the Ruff family is highly regarded in Harford County. “Jonathan is a very hard worker, putting in several hours a day at both his firefighter job and into farming,” she explains. “We have had a good working relationship for several years, and he knows that if he’s ever in need of financing, he can always contact us and we will help him complete the process.”

“We live in a changing time and we have to change with it,” shares Jonathan. “I love farming, and if you do what you love, it’s not work. As far as the firefighting position, I took the job because I like to help people and it is rewarding, but it also gave me time to farm.”

Rewards come in many different ideals to people, and to Jonathan, he hopes to expand his custom farming operation after retirement from the fire service.

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member Spotlight

FOR COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY:

SharingARE and Service CORE PRINCIPLES Story and photos by Nancy L. Smith

Is it possible for one man to be a chicken farmer, an emergency room nurse practitioner, a career military officer, a beekeeper, and a novice pig farmer? It is if you are Ken Blair of Belle Haven, Virginia.

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I

n 2004, Ken and his wife, Marissa, purchased a seven and a half acre farm that has grown to 29 acres and includes five chicken houses where they grow for Tyson Food.

Altruism comes naturally to Ken and Marissa.

Ken’s commitment to others began early when he enlisted in the Army right out of high school.

He became an infantry medic, spending 34 years in the Army and was a firefighter/paramedic in both Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia.

Marissa explains how Ken has continued his training throughout his life, completing a paramedic-to-registered nurse program, then “worked full time for Norfolk Fire Department and part time as a nurse while working toward his bachelor’s in nursing and then his master’s degree. All while still serving our country.”

Ken, now a Captain and Senior Medical Officer of his unit, recently returned from his first deployment since 9/11. He continues to train in medical preparedness.

Ken says there’s a strong similarity between

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member Spotlight

“In the ER, we get to help people every day get through some of the worst times of their lives. In farming, we get to help people by providing food for them.” being a medical professional and a farmer. “In the ER, we get to help people every day get through some of the worst times of their lives. In farming, we get to help people by providing food for them.”

He notes proudly that they provide 950,000 pounds of meat for consumers with every flock. “It’s a lot of food we are able to provide for the country,” he says.

In both roles, he says, “You’ve got to be meticulous; you’ve got to be passionate about your job. You’ve got to be willing to do research and learn from other people and be humble in both jobs and always know you’re going to learn something from somebody else.”

Marissa, a certified nurse-midwife with a postmaster’s certificate in midwifery, adds, “It’s (farming) like the medical field where you want to do well for your fellow man. It’s more than good will,” she asserts, “It’s about being a good neighbor.”

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She is a member of a local “better birth outcomes” committee, a multi-agency work group focusing on “reducing the number of pre-term and low birth weight babies in our community and increasing education and access to care.”

Concern for others has led to many environmentally friendly practices on the farm.

“We do our best to control odors by implementing control measures,” they say, pointing out strategically placed trees and grasses to control dust.

“Manure stays in the houses in windrowed litter,” Ken explains. “We try to be good neighbors and good stewards of the land.”

Loan officer Lynn Thornton notes, “Marissa and Ken are always trying to improve their operation. A lot of people are satisfied with the status quo, but that has never been the case with them.”

Ken has a new interest — three beehives. “We’re not

selling honey because I’m not a good businessman — I give a lot of stuff away,” he says.

With a pollinator grant from NRCS, Marissa and Ken have planted 15 acres of wildflowers around their property, and even that has a community emphasis. “Since we’ve done the wildflowers, we have had people stop by to take pictures.

When there were no proms, people came in their prom dresses and were taking pictures in

our driveway,” Marissa recalls with pleasure.

Ken’s next project is to raise pastured pigs. His “grand plan” is to raise “as many pigs as I can handle — maybe 20, but no more than 50,” in pasture and woods. He plans to butcher the pigs for his family and those in the area who are less fortunate.

Lynn observes, “They definitely are all about the community.”

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member Spotlight

SUPPORT

COMES IN

many ways

Story by Andrea Haines, photos by Andrea Haines and Cloverdale Farm

In the middle of what has been described as an “economic disaster”, a certain family drives through every day as a tight unit, each member playing a vital role in their team dynamic. One family member in particular juggles roles as a farmer, event-venue owner, and nurse.

Caroline “Dixie” Boyd Scheulen of Winchester, Virginia, comes from a long line of farmers, so strong work ethic is ingrained.

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Cloverdale Barn

T

he Boyd family farm is now home to an event complex, hosting a variety of events from weddings to baby showers and corporate meetings. “We welcome anything,” shares Dixie.

“Weddings are our niche, but we welcome with open arms, any type of gathering of people.”

Dixie’s interest in the event complex began with her mother, Claire Boyd. As an event host herself,

Claire began inviting guests to their family’s farm after holding their own events at Cloverdale Barn.

“The barn was rapidly deteriorating,” explains Claire.

“Hefty snows, winds, and a direct hit by a tornado seemed to guarantee the end.” Construction started with some hurdles, later to call in reinforcements from Amish builders. “All was completed for our son, Stewart’s wedding in August 2008,” she shares.

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member Spotlight

“We are excited about what the future holds for our children being raised on the farm and having the venue in the family.”

“Dixie was married there in September of 2011.”

As Claire had almost 10 years of experience leasing Cloverdale Barn for events, she was invaluable to the process of developing Fox Meadow Barn, a new construction. “We approached the local county office in spring of 2017, our final permits were issued in July 2019,” explains Dixie. The family had many challenges to overcome with the building project and learned many hard lessons along the way.

One decision, however, was a “no brainer” according to Dixie. “We did not second guess the idea to work with Farm Credit,” she shares. “There is a strong team of lenders that truly want to see your vision unfold. Their commitment did not stop at contract signing and it feels good to patronize a company that is so supportive of our community.”

Farm Credit loan officer Ryan Clouse says, “Taking heed of past experiences in their business and leaning on their strengths, the family saw a growing market for their services and built a plan.” The family has worked with Farm Credit with an “open mind” for generations.

“Farm Credit has always influenced our family over the years, financing two homes and numerous 20 LEADER

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loans for our family farm,” shares Dixie. Her father, Bob, has been working the farm for 36 years. The premise of the family operation is 300 head of beef cattle, hay crops, and 80 sheep farmed on the approximately 1,000 acres, and sometimes rented acreage. Cloverdale Farm was started in 1952

by Frederick Boyd and his son, Dr. Robert Boyd, making Dixie’s children the fifth generation.

Formerly, the fields were an orchard and are currently grazing and hay fields for their beef cattle.

“My siblings, Stewart and Katie, and myself grew up helping with hay, resurrecting newborn lambs in the sink and calves in the kitchen,” explains Dixie. “In the sixth grade, I was given a loan to start a herd of 30 sheep and was able to learn the trade and repay the debt within two years.”

This strong work ethic has helped Dixie in her other job as a nurse. Although a graduate from Virginia Tech in Animal Science, she was able to explore many fields of interest, rounding back to a nursing career.

“The hospital kept me intrigued as my grandfather was a surgeon,” she shares. “I completed schooling at Shenandoah University and was able to start a job in

Fox Meadow Barn

the emergency department. I loved coming to a work environment that each day involved critical thinking.”

“When the pandemic struck, I will never forget the first day clocking into the hospital’s COVID-19 unit, the initial nervousness of what I could bring home to my family, and the fear of using a PAPR (positive airway pressure respirator) for the first time in real life,” explains Dixie. “From the venue standpoint, it was a paperwork and email nightmare. I dreaded each new panicked email. Standing alongside us was support, including Farm Credit — the lenders became family and helped us along our path.”

Maintaining a nursing career, farming, and an event venue has its challenges on a regular day, but

with the pandemic, Dixie’s family has been pitching in full-throttle. “We schedule everything anyway,” she explains. “We maintain a shared calendar, texts, and emails to manage children, sheep, and cattle.” Each guests’ plans had to be tweaked due to COVID-19.

“Most have not been able to unveil the same wedding they had anticipated, but we have allowed transfers in dates,” she says.

Although challenging, Dixie says, “There’s no better feeling than being surrounded by people who are enjoying the happiest day of their life at our venue.

We are excited about what the future holds for our children being raised on the farm and having the venue in the family.”

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Our Association

We are excited to announce the winners of our first ever Virtual Showcase!

This contest was created to give our 4-H and FFA youth an opportunity to share their summer fair projects, as many shows looked different this year during the pandemic. We received submissions for livestock, dairy, horse, poultry, and rabbit projects, and our selection committee thoroughly enjoyed reviewing all of the inspiring entries.

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MEET THE WINNERS Participants submitted either a written essay of no more than 500 words, or a video no longer than three minutes, answering the following question: What was your summer fair project and what life lessons have you learned from your experience?

We received entries from youth across our footprint, and thank everyone who submitted!

For more information, head over to mafc.com/showcase.

Essay Award Winners

Video Award Winners

Champion– Kaitlyn Bradley, Vienna, MD

Champion– Emma Musser , Mount Joy, PA

Reserve Champion– Jenna Everhart, Martinsburg, WV

Reserve Champion– Lake Vasey, Lincoln, DE

Junior Division

Junior Division

Brileigh Francis, Centerville, MD

Ryleigh Archer, Milton, DE

Noelle Whalen, Berryville, VA

Cohen Miller, Marietta, PA

Elizabeth (Libby) Green, New Windsor, MD

Mikayla Britz, Reisterstown, MD

Braelyn Francis, Centerville, MD

Yardley Lockridge, Winchester, VA

Leah Stout, Winchester, VA

Alan Espenshade, Bainbridge, PA

Senior Division

Senior Division

Kaitlyn Bradley, Vienna, MD

Emma Musser, Mount Joy, PA

Jenna Everhart, Martinsburg, WV

Lake Vasey, Lincoln, DE

Lindsey Rigby, Woodstock, VA

Caleb Miller, Marietta, PA

Cheyenne Estep, Mount Jackson, VA

Elizabeth Handlin, Bear, DE

Melissa Griswold, Chadds Ford, PA

Kimberly Laue, Winchester, VA VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 3

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Our Association

2O21 Calendar

PHOTO CONTEST

Winners 2021 Calendar Cover Rachel Reiff, Pequea, PA

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo for our 2021 calendar contest. We received hundreds of beautiful images that portray the rural landscape of our region, making it a difficult selection process. If yours didn’t make the cut this year, keep an eye out for it possibly being used in a future publication, on our website, or social media accounts!

Visit mafc.com/info/calendar-photo-contest to submit photos to be featured in our 2022 calendar.

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January

Brenda Ripley, New Windsor MD

April

Julie Bolyard, Martinsburg WV

July

Hannah Canon, Hanover PA

October

Ben Guttman, Parkton MD

February

Hannah Canon, Hanover PA

May

Robbin Campbell, Elizabethtown PA

August

Rachel Reiff, Pequea PA

November

Robbin Campbell, Elizabethtown PA

March

Ryan Ewing, Mount Airy MD

June

Robbin Campbell, Elizabethtown PA

September

Julie Bolyard, Martinsburg WV

December

Sam Miller, White Post VA VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 3

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Our Association

WE’LL MEET YOU ON THE

#OtherSideOfAg

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is giving away TEN scholarships, each worth $10,000! That’s right — a total of $100,000 is up for grabs in 2021 for students pursuing a career in agriculture.

The #OtherSideofAg recognizes jobs in the agricultural industry that go beyond farming — like becoming a veterinarian, food nutritionist, soil scientist, or an ag educator, just to name a few.

Applications will be accepted online only until January 8, 2021. Please visit FCFoundationForAg.org for eligibility requirements and to apply.

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We recognized First Responders Day on October 28 this year by interviewing Katie Winstead Reuwer on The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast!

Hear all about her journey to become a poultry grower and a nurse, and how she now manages both essential careers as a farmer and nursing teacher. Visit mafc.com/podcast to listen!

We are now offering ACH Disbursements for Patronage to eligible member-borrowers, to make sure you get your patronage distribution check as quickly as possible, beginning with 2021 distributions.

Contact your loan officer, email* ach@mafc.com, or give us a call at 888.339.3334 during regular business hours, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to sign up for ACH Patronage disbursements.

You’ll still receive a letter and a check “stub” in the mail that you can keep for your records, but now you can enjoy your patronage check the same day the payment is issued! No more trips to the post office to check the P.O. box in time or to the bank to deposit the paper check.

If there is a special patronage return before year-end of 2020, you’ll still receive a paper check, as the ACH program will begin in 2021. *Please put the name of your MAFC account in the subject line of the email.

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Community Felton, Delaware

Greenwood, Delaware

Cordova, Maryland

Come enjoy this fully wooded farm with ample frontage on Chandlers and Sandtown Roads. The land has been select cut, offering open views, along with trees and undergrowth. The development rights are still intact. High areas would be ideal for home sites. $433,300.

Check out this beautiful farm with half tillable and half woodlands. Mature trees have value; development rights have not been sold. Ponds and trails throughout make this a great riding (horse or ATV) farm. There is a beautiful high ground setting overlooking the pond that would be perfect for a home site. $824,500.

Imagine the possibilities on this rural six acre building lot suitable for equestrian farming. Well maintained grass pasture at present with a one-third mile turf training track and two 12x24’ run-in shelters. Fully fenced with rubberized fencing split in two paddocks.

Perc tested for sand mound system. Survey in progress. $195,000.

Contact Jamie Masten, Masten Realty LLC, 302.422.1850, jamie@mastenrealty.com

Contact Wes Cromer, Masten Realty LLC, 302.448.1032, wcromer@mastenrealty.com.

Contact Karla Wieland-Cherry, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.310.8421, dkcherry4@aol.com.

Easton, Maryland

Easton, Maryland

Easton, Maryland

Looking for land with possibilities? This almost new Cape Cod sits on 22+ acres of a partially wooded site, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open floor plan. In addition to the attached two car garage with workspace, there is a three-bay, 30’x60’x14’ post frame building with concrete floors. $749,000.

Check out this 10 acre waterfront lot on Maxmore Creek in highly sought-after Travelers Rest, centrally located between Easton and St. Michaels. Featuring deep water, a recorded plat. And perc approved for a four bedroom house. Horses permitted. $1,125,000.

Spend your days on this six acre waterfront lot on Glebe Creek off of the Miles River. Improved with a small cottage that is currently rented for $700 per month. Adjoining building lots and farm land available. $485,000.

Contact Melissa Tippett, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.241.7409, melissa.tippett@outlook.com

Contact Cliff Meredith, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.822.6272, mre@goeaston.net.

Contact Henner Gibbons-Neff, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.829.0698, hennerneff@yahoo.com.

Elkton, Maryland

Forest Hill, Maryland

Hagerstown, Maryland

Take a look at this 360 acre farm with three homes.

Including a cattle facility, run-in cattle shed, trench silo, two equipment sheds, two story barn, two large ponds, and wildlife. The land has 175 tillable acres, 125 wooded acres, 50 pasture acres, and five CREP acres. $3,200,000.

Calling all horse lovers, your dream home is here!

Five bedroom, four and a half bath colonial with attached two car garage situated on over 21 acres.

Featuring three master bedrooms with attached full baths. 22 horse stalls and fenced pasture. Plenty of acreage left for growing your own food or leasing out the fields for farming. $849,900.

Don’t miss this turnkey professional 30 acre horse farm with 29 stalls and an indoor/outdoor arena, complete with an updated four bedroom farmhouse with two full baths. State of the art barn and indoor arena with heated observation lounge as well as all-weather lighted outdoor. Equipment offered too! $850,000.

Contact Elvin Stoltzfus, Beioler-Campbell Realtors, 610.333.5447, elvin@beiler-campbell.com.

Contact Deborah Bressi, Advance Realty Inc., 410.446.9299, Deborahb310@gmail.com.

Contact Melisa Klem, Hagan Realty, 301.602.8117, mklem@haganrealty.com.

28 LEADER

DECEMBER 2020

New Market, Maryland

Welcome to Darby’s Delight, a beautiful stone manor setting with over 57 acres of forested areas and open fields perfectly situated in one of the most popular areas of Frederick County. Beautiful 2017 addition adds to the charm of the aptly named Darby’s Delight, featuring 3,286 square feet above grade with three bedrooms, two full baths and two half baths. $1,196,000.

Contact Jay Doll, RE/MAX RESULTS, 301.606.4823, jrdrealestatemd@gmail.com.

Trappe, Maryland

ASSISTANCE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST The uncertainty of this year has taken a toll on all of us. With our Member Assistance Program, you (and anyone in your household) can utilize the following benefits for FREE: • Counseling: marital, parenting, aging, work life • Legal & Financial Services • Identity Theft Recovery • And more

Don’t miss these 37 acres with easy access to Rt 50 on the edge of Trappe. The land is zoned industrial with town water and sewer available. Would possibly make a great spot for a solar farm and has subdivision potential. House and shed on property being sold “as is”. $495,000.

All of these services can be used on-demand and are 100% anonymous. Visit mafc.com/map for more information, or call the 24/7 hotline at 800.633.3353.

Contact Traci L. Jordan, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.310.8606, tljordan520@gmail.com.

Timberville, Virginia

Winchester, Virginia

A rare custom built log home in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley sits on 87 pristine acres with 360 degree views! Featuring a handcrafted Tulikivi soapstone wood-stove, Chert-Stone foundation, black cherry kitchen cabinets, a main level master with two beds upstairs, remarkable finishes, tile sink, claw foot tub, jet-tub and more! $999,999.

This gorgeous 67+ acre farm has two homes, each with well and septic. One charming farmhouse with modern conveniences has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. One brick ranch has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Includes several springs, outbuildings, spring fed stocked pond, a historic log barn, and both open and forested land. $779,900.

Contact Steve Buck, Sager Real Estate, 540.335.0493, stevebuckrealtor@gmail.com.

Contact Abby Walters, Sager Real Estate, 540.335.2582, abby@teamabbywalters.com.

VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 3

LEADER

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Happy Holidays!

From all of us at Farm Credit, we wish you and your family a joyous holiday season.

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