Leader: Preserving Our Land

Farm Credit

leader

CHECK OUT OUR 2020 CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ON PAGE 14.

VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 4 | $3.95

preserving our land

in this issue farm and land

4 PROTECTING RESOURCES

THROUGH CONSERVATION

Glen and Linda Krall of Lebanon, Pennsylvania implement practices to protect water quality when grain farming.

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6 CONSERVING TO

KEEP FARMING Brothers Donnie and Charlie Lambert of Frederick, Maryland are part of a multi-generational sustainable farming family on Springview Farm.

our association

FOX CHASE FARM

8 CONSERVATION ON

10 STREAM EXCLUSION

Terry Baker of Fox Chase Farm in Millsboro, Delaware has various best management practices on his poultry operation.

John, Holly, and Cody Ruffner of Stanley, Virginia use stream exclusion on their cattle farm to protect their waterways.

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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 Paul D. Baumgardner Gary L. Grossnickle John Travis Hastings Laura M. Heilinger Walter C. Hopkins Anthony M. Ill T. Jeffery Jennings Fred R. Moore Michael S. Nelson Alan N. Siegfried Douglas D. Scott David R. Smith Joseph D. Snapp Fred N. West Charles M. Wright IV

president’s message

president’s message

FARMING for the future

upcoming events

DEC 2019 EVENT

2-3 Women in Dairy Conference

PLACE

Harrisburg, PA

7 Delaware Farm Bureau Banquet

7-10 Maryland Farm Bureau Convention

Ocean City, MD

12 Rural Maryland Council Rural Summit

Annapolis, MD

18 Pennsylvania Women’s Agricultural Network Symposium

Philadelphia, PA

24-25 Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

JAN 2020

Dover, DE

Offices Closed

EVENT

1 New Year’s Day 4-11 Pennsylvania Farm Show

PLACE

Offices Closed Harrisburg, PA

7-9 Keystone Farm Show 8-10 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show

York, PA Baltimore, MD

9 Virginia Agribusiness Council Legislative Appreciation Banquet

13-16 Delaware Ag Week

16-18 Future Harvest Conference

Richmond, VA Harrington, DE East Hyattsville, MD

28-30 MidAtlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference FEB 2020

Hershey, PA

EVENT

5-6 PA Dairy Summit

PLACE

State College, PA

5-8 PASA Farming for the Future Conference 11-12 MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Conference

Lancaster, PA Dover, DE

We talk a lot about what the future of farming looks like.

There was a time when terms like aquaculture, urban farming, and hydroponics were looked at with skepticism, but today, they are commonplace across the industry. And now, we are constantly asking ourselves, “What’s next?”

It’s undeniable that new forms of agriculture are critical to the future of our industry, but just as important are the farmers and ranchers who are working land and raising livestock in ways that consider what is best for the future. The four customers we feature in this issue of the Leader have implemented practices into their operations that help them ensure they are doing their part to protect the environment and leave it better than they found it.

Glen and Linda Krall of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania are one example. From the start, they’ve been implementing conservation practices on their crop farming operation. This includes the use of cover crops, stream bank fencing, and more.

In Frederick, Maryland, brothers Donnie and Charlie Lambert of Springview Farm take pride in caring for their animals and land. In 2017, the brothers upgraded their waste storage system to be more environmentally-friendly. As active members of their community, Donnie and Charlie always consider what they can do best for everyone.

Fox Chase Farm, owned and operated by Terry Baker in Millsboro, Delaware, made changes to his operation after a collapsed poultry house catastrophe. As a result, Terry and a business partner formed Greener Solutions, which provides freezers to poultry farms as a mortality management solution.

And lastly, we feature the Ruffner family of Stanley, Virginia.

Over the past five years, John Ruffner and his son, Cody, have been working with local organizations to develop a plan to protect their community’s waterways. The family is always looking for ways to impact the environment in a positive way.

This issue also includes an article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on conservation practices, written by Kate Zook, a program analyst with the Office of Energy and Environment Policy.

Additionally, we announce our 2020 calendar photo winners and include an overview of some fun events we have planned for our members next year.

And, in our own effort to practice conservation, this is our first ever digital-only issue. We’d love to hear your feedback, and ideas for how we can better your Leader-reading experience.

On behalf of the entire Farm Credit family, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

17 Green Peas Crop Insurance Sales Closing

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E R OT

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through conservation GLEN AND LINDA KRALL PREDICT THEY’LL SOON BE USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO DETERMINE FERTILIZATION NEEDS AND WHERE YIELDS ARE HIGHEST, WHICH WILL FURTHER CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR CONSERVATION EFFORTS. FARM CREDIT LOAN OFFICER SARAH WOROBEY DESCRIBES THE KRALLS AS PROGRESSIVE FARMERS WHO SEE VALUE IN CONSERVATION NOT ONLY TO BENEFIT THEIR OWN PERSONAL OPERATION, BUT THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENT AS WELL. “IT’S REWARDING TO WATCH,” SAYS SARAH, “ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CAN SEE THE EXCEPTIONAL YIELDS THEY PRODUCE, AND HOW THEY GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY TO SHARE THEIR INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE TO BEST IMPLEMENT THESE PRACTICES.”

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STORIES AND PHOTOS BY SALLY COLBY | “IN THE LAST TWENTY YEARS, THERE’S MORE GREEN COUNTRYSIDE OVER

THE WINTER THAN EVER BEFORE,” SAYS GLEN KRALL. “WHOLE FARMS ARE GREEN NOW.”

Glen and Linda Krall, who farm in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, are part of the reason for the green countryside. These experienced crop farmers have been farming since 1983, and currently grow crops on 800 acres and custom farm 300 additional acres.

Their crops provide feed for the cattle on their son’s dairy farm.

From the start of their crop farming enterprise, Glen and Linda have engaged in a variety of conservation measures.

The Kralls’ main focus is close to the Snitz Creek, which feeds into the Swatara Creek, to the Susquehanna River, and eventually, the Chesapeake Bay. Proximity to these bodies of water require carefully planned conservation projects and attention to farming practices.

The Kralls’ early conservation projects, including stream bank fencing and the first manure storage projects, were done through the county conservation district. Their more recent projects are through EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program).

As part of their nutrient program for crops, the Kralls use dairy manure from their son’s farm and imported poultry manure, and test both types for nutrient content prior to application. The Kralls also test the soil to ensure nutrients are applied at the appropriate rate. Instead of applying nitrogen at the beginning of the growing season and risk losing it in rain, they sidedress corn with liquid nitrogen in late June.

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To preserve the nutrients in stored poultry manure, Glen and Linda constructed a covered hoop building, and plan to construct a similar structure at their son’s dairy farm for solid manure storage. Liquid storage for dairy manure allows spreading for optimum crop uptake.

Another aspect of the Kralls’ conservation practices is the use of cover crops. After corn silage is harvested, they apply manure and plant rye. In spring, some rye is chopped for ryelage, and the rest is burned down prior to planting corn and soybeans. The Kralls practice both no-till and minimum till on their operation, with some minimal light disking when necessary to knock down cornstalks. They also combine their own rye for seed.

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As Glen and Linda finished the 2019 harvest, they were thinking about what to plant next spring.

“When we’re in the fields, we can see what we’re combining,” says Linda.

“When I get to a crop that’s really doing well, I make a note of that for future seed purchases.” Glen says that seed salesmen are out visiting farmers before harvest is complete, and he and Linda have an idea of the seed they want for 2020 based on the just-completed harvest. The Kralls select about ten different corn varieties, some for corn and some for silage.

The Kralls host Penn State variety trials on their farm, which means county extension personnel visit the farm regularly to check the crops’ progress. The information gathered is useful for both Glen and Linda , as well as other farmers.

As is the case for farmers every season, the Kralls faced challenges, including weather and field conditions during planting and harvest. Linda recalls that when conditions were less than ideal this past spring, they knew they had to get in the fields as soon as possible and not wait for perfect weather.

Because last year was so wet, Glen pushed harder to get crops in the ground this year. “Last year we started, then all the rain and wet weather came,” he says. “There was a 50-bushel difference in the corn from the first to last planted.”

Both Glen and Linda are formidable competitors in crop contests, including the Pennsylvania Five-Acre Corn Club. The contest requires them to designate acreage in July and provide information about seed variety, fertilizers and other treatments.

Glen has served two terms as a board member on the Lebanon County Conservation District, helping to oversee policies and approve conservation and nutrient management plans.

The Kralls maintain the equipment necessary to carry out each phase of growing a crop. They use a no-till corn planter and a new no-till air drill, and plan to replace their combine soon.

“The technology in equipment today is different compared to a few years ago,” says Linda. “It can tell you which parts of fields are producing better, then tell you how much fertilizer it needs.” And although they don’t have the absolute latest in technology, Linda predicts that technology will be one of their next investments to help them keep producing better every year. l VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 4 | mafc.com | 5

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CO N S E R V I N G

to keep farming STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA HAINES | ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME REALM OF AGRICULTURE CAN

SPEAK ON THE TRUE LINK BETWEEN FARMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT—IT’S A PARTNERSHIP.

The Lambert brothers’ partnership, Donnie and Charlie, is part of a multigenerational farming family in Frederick, Maryland. Like their family predecessors before them, the brothers are wellversed in their farm’s needs along with multiple properties around Frederick County, taking into consideration the needs of their surrounding community.

A barn adorned with the name, Springview Farm, rests on the property they call the “home farm”. Alongside that is the home their mother, Esther, shared with their late father, Paul “Sonny” Lambert, who passed away in 2011. “We learned much of what we know today from our parents,” shares Donnie. “They were very involved with the daily operations and in the community. Mom still is, as she is the farm bookkeeper.”

The farm is family-run with seven full-time employees. “We are milking 270 head of Holsteins and Jerseys,” says Charlie. “We built a new heifer facility recently and they have been doing well.” The brothers raise close to 300 heifers, and farm over 1,200 acres of properties within Frederick County.

Crops raised on the properties are corn, soybeans, triticale, barley, and rye.

Donnie mentions, “The majority of the crops we grow are harvested for animal consumption.”

The brothers have been implementing a more environmentallyfriendly method with their manure handling. “In 2017, the Lamberts installed an upgrade to their waste

storage system,” explains a release provided by Denny Remsburg, district manager for local soil conservation.

“Included was the decommission of their current waste structure built in the 70s. The heavy-use area was reshaped and graded to ensure any wastewater was directed into the reception pit that replaced the decommissioned pit. The bunker silos were changed to a high-low flow system to capture and treat silage leachate (leakage).”

The brothers especially liked that they were able to incorporate the highlow flow system. “It really captures the water and drains in the direction we want the waste,” shares Charlie. “Beforehand, when we had wet weather, the water flowed through the cows’ lot and collected manure that would run down into places undesired. Now, it just flows under the lot and into the wastewater.”

The final project was construction of a 2.7 million gallon Slurrystore tank to receive manure from the reception pit. This addition allows the Lamberts to store manure until they are ready to apply it to fields.

“We can already tell a difference in yield from last year,” shares Donnie.

“Having more flexibility to apply manure to fields when we actually ‘need it’ versus when we ‘have to’ has been a positive outcome.” The brothers also use a new mode of manure application: reduced tillage by injection. “The speed and overall coverage is definitely beneficial,” comments Charlie. “By injecting the manure into the disc path,

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there is less tillage of the soil, resulting in less runoff. The manure spreader is also state-owned, meaning less cost in the end for us, too.”

However, funding hasn’t been a primary stronghold in the decision making of the Lambert brothers. “The ag industry has been hard at times, especially lately,” expresses Donnie.

“We’ve always had a strong relationship with Farm Credit and they’ve taken care of our needs.” Farm Credit loan officer Kelli Wilson started working with the Lambert family when their parents were, so to speak, “still meeting around the kitchen table.” Kelli reminisces, “I have an ag background, but I also learn a lot from our customers. The Lamberts’ home was where I had some of my very first meetings.”

Donnie chuckles, “It feels like we have her on speed dial sometimes.

In all seriousness, the availability and structure of the staff at Farm Credit has been great. They are knowledgeable about agriculture and especially in low-economic times, they are able to flow with the farmers to work as a team.”

Charlie says, “Well, how can we not trust a company that has ‘Farm’ in the name?

We figured we’d keep on with them.”

The Lamberts are cherished by their community through other avenues in their church, carriage rides and horses, youth events, and so forth. “It’s important to work with our surroundings and this is just another opportunity to do the best we can for everyone,” shares Donnie. l

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THE FAMILY’S MOST RECENT PROJECT IS A COMBINATION-ROOFED HEAVY USE AND MANURE STORAGE AREA FOR THEIR DAIRY HEIFERS THAT WERE MOVED CLOSER TO HOME. THIS 288’X 40’ BUILDING INCLUDES SIX SECTIONS TO HOUSE THE ANIMALS BASED ON AGE AND SIZE, AND A DRY MANURE STACKING AREA TO STORE BED-PACK MANURE UNTIL OPTIMAL SPREADING CONDITIONS ARE AVAILABLE. PLANS ARE IN THE WORKS FOR ANOTHER ROOFED HEAVY USE AREA/STACKER FOR MORE HEIFERS. IN 2018, THE FAMILY WAS HONORED WITH THE FREDERICK COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR TITLE.

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it’s all about conservation STORY AND PHOTOS BY NANCY L. SMITH | IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE ANYTHING GOOD COMING OUT OF A

CHICKEN HOUSE COLLAPSE THAT KILLED 20,000 BIRDS AT TERRY BAKER’S FOX CHASE FARM IN MILLSBORO, DELAWARE. TERRY FACED A MASSIVE CLEAN-UP CHALLENGE AND, AFTER THAT 2010 DISASTER, HE STARTED THINKING THERE HAD TO BE A BETTER WAY TO DISPOSE OF DECEASED CHICKENS.

Although such catastrophic losses are

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part of the manure relocation program.

Freezers have been used to store

management methods, including

a game changer. There are no buzzards.

environmental inclusion daily mortality for all poultry farms on nothing to eat. The smell is gone. ” Bay Program is studying mortality uncommon, Terry estimates that routine/ the Eastern Shore totals about 70,000

There are no fox dens anymore; there’s

Terry reports the Chesapeake

tons annually, creating an environmental

mortality in the South for more than 30

composting, incineration, landfill

headache and lots of work.

years. “This is a proven technology, but

disposal, and freezing and rendering.

it didn’t exist here. We think it’s because

The panel will determine the credits

composting was adopted across the board.”

that states get toward their nutrient

In 2012, with the memory of the disaster still fresh, Terry and a friend started Greener Solutions, a company that installs large freezer storage units on chicken farms. Greener Solutions empties the

The Natural Resources Conservation

reduction goals. “As soon as the panel’s

VE THE DATE: SA of the freezers and concrete pads. In

work is done, the state will get retro

averages $300 to $400 depending on

have interim Best Management Practice

mileage and the number of freezers, as

(BMP) status.

Service (NRCS) cost shares 75 percent

credit for everything they’ve done for

Delaware, farmers are reimbursed for the past three years, if the assessment 2020 customer events carcasses to a rendering plant for recycling.

75 percent of the collection fee, which is positive,” says Terry. Freezers already units between flocks and hauls the frozen Switching from composting to

freezing on his own farm, says Terry, “was

TERRY BAKER AND HIS WIFE, FILOMENA, HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND A NEPHEW WHO LIVES WITH THEM. TERRY IS A MEMBER OF LEADELAWARE CLASS V, WHICH HE SAYS “HAS BEEN A REALLY GREAT EXPERIENCE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF THINGS I WOULD NEVER HAVE DONE. THEY LIKE TO GET YOU TO PUSH YOUR LIMITS.” HE WILL TRAVEL TO VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA WITH HIS CLASS IN FEBRUARY AS THE CAPSTONE OF THE PROGRAM. FARM CREDIT LOAN OFFICER STEVE MORRIS HAS ENCOURAGED AND ADVISED TERRY ON HIS CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND PRAISES FREEZERS AS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE BIOSECURITY OF THE FARM. 8

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In addition to reducing runoff, smell, flies and vermin, Terry says freezing reduces labor and time spent composting. “We have estimated that one farmer who composts can take care of four chicken houses, but if you add freezers, you’d free up enough time for the farmer to take care of another chicken house.

“If you compost properly, it’s a lot of work, whereas with the freezers, you open the door, place it in, and close the door. That’s the last time the farmer has anything to do with it.”

Terry’s conservation efforts also include a 222 kilowatt solar installation that went online in 2018. It produces 110 percent of the power used on the farm. “I used to average $38,000 per year for electricity bills. My payments for the panels are only

$32,000 so it’s saving $6,000 per year right off the top. In 12 years, I will own the panels.”

The system conserves both electricity and cash. Terry says, “I get depreciation and 30 percent tax credits.” Additionally, the Energize Delaware program offers two percent interest loans and Delmarva Power buys “S Reg credits” for an extra $8,000 a year or so for 10 years.

Terry’s farm could be a model site for conservation planting projects. He has planted Miscanthus grass in front of his tunnel fans. The grass “sucks up ammonia and dust particles so they don’t spread into the atmosphere. Some other plants won’t live in front of the fans, but that does.”

He planted a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees when he built his latest chicken houses. They block the wind, so winter heating costs go down, he explains.

Also, “transpiration cools the air. I planted the evergreens and trees between the houses, so in the summertime when you suck the air into the houses, it’s cooler air and you get better livability of the birds.”

A quarter to half acre bee pollinator garden reduces grass cutting, which saves “fuel, the environment, the bees, and time.” There is also a bog to filter rainwater.

“Nobody’s paying for that. It collects the rainwater that filters through the ditch and cleans up anything that is being washed into the ditches.”

For his extensive conservation work, Terry was awarded the 2018 Environmental Steward of the Year award by the US Poultry and Egg Association. His efforts with the poultry freezers, solar panels and bee pollinator garden are making a lasting impact to protect our bountiful environment. l

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environmental inclusion THE RUFFNERS ARE PLANNING TO INSTALL NINE WATERING TROUGHS IN THE FIELDS FOR CATTLE TO UTILIZE. FENCING OFF THE WATERWAYS WILL AIDE IN KEEPING CREEK BEDS FROM EROSION AND IMPROVE THE OVERALL HEALTH OF THE CATTLE. THIS YEAR, MUCH OF THE CREEK BEDS

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HAVE BEEN DRY, GIVING THEM THE

OPPORTUNITY TO INSTALL FENCING WITH MORE EASE. ONCE THE WET SEASON

COMES ALONG, THE CREEKS ARE FULL TO THE BRIM, AND THE FENCING WILL KEEP CATTLE OUT. THE NEW CONSTRUCTION OF THE BED-PACK BARN HAS FED THE NEED FOR AUTOMATIC WATERERS TO BE INSTALLED IN DIFFERENT CATTLE GROUPINGS. DRILLING FOR WATER TO

ACCOMMODATE THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE PROJECTS ON THE FARM’S CHECK-OFF LIST TO REACH THEIR ENVIRONMENTALLYFRIENDLY GOAL. STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA HAINES | MANY RESPONSIBLE LAND OWNERS TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE

VALUABLE ESSENTIALS WHEN IT COMES TO PROPERTY VALUE: NUTRIENT BASE, LONGEVITY OF ANIMAL INHABITATION, AND WATER SOURCES, TO NAME A FEW.

John and Holly Ruffner and family, along with their son, Cody who is a full-time caretaker of the farm, have some major plans for their Virginiabased property. The Page County land is nestled in Stanley, Virginia, home to Angus x Simmental cow and calves, and replacements. “We own around 500 acres of land and lease 850 acres,” explains John. “Our beef cattle numbers run about 275 head for the cow and calf operation.”

For the past five years, John and his son have been setting the new project in motion on their farm.

“Stream exclusion has already been implemented by some neighboring 10

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farmers,” expresses John. “We’ve been working with the local NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) to develop a plan to protect our waterways and build a bed-pack barn for our livestock to preserve the land.”

As described in a press release by NRCS, “Farmers in 22 Virginia counties have applied for funding to help improve Chesapeake Bay water quality through livestock exclusion and forestry practices in targeted rivers and streams.

The new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project will focus on fencing, watering systems, and establishing/maintaining forested areas along waterways.”

John advises that the process takes some time. “We weren’t approved in the beginning,” he shares.

“I would urge others not to give up on the process.” They can already see the benefits, even in the early stages of the project. “Our cattle won’t be muddy and feeding will be more convenient and controlled,” he says.

“The groupings of animals will allow us to be able to keep tabs on health concerns, too.” This is referring to the new bed-pack barn currently in construction that they began building this year because of the extra wet season in 2018. John and Cody have visited other beef operations so that

they can consult their building needs. “Manure will be contained and driveways will be installed to make for a cleaner environment for the cattle, but also for the land,” expresses Cody.

NRCS advises that, “Keeping cattle and other livestock out of streams is critical for clean water.

The wading animals erode stream banks and excrete waste, increasing bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution for those downstream.” John also notes that clean cattle are healthier, suffering less foot and leg injuries from slippery mud and bacteria.

“We also have to think about our crops,” says John. The family grows corn and barley for animal consumption. “We want to be able to

preserve the land as much as possible to keep the nutrients in the soil for future yields. Our family’s history is four-generations long, with some portions of the farm being in our family since the 1700s with land grants from Lord Fairfax.”

“I believe that no farmer is willing to pollute the environment,” shares John from atop a hill overlooking his home, surrounded by cattle. “We don’t overuse pesticides and we recycle nutrients for the next season when we can.” Just like many farming operations, John and his son run soil tests and work closely with their soil conservation program.

While RCPP encourages farmers to work in cooperation with other conservation partners, the Ruffners have been working closely with

Farm Credit for years. “Farm Credit understands agriculture, many of the employees have an existing agricultural background,” explains John. “They’ve been great people to work with over the years and seem just as invested in our business as us.”

Jason Miller is the family’s current loan officer. “He comes to the farm, walks around the properties,” shares Cody. “It’s nice because we are busy most of the time, it’s just more convenient for him to come to us.”

Overall, the Ruffners feel that by implementing these changes to their property, they’re headed in the right direction. “We are always looking for ways to improve the land and environment, just like any other farmer,” concludes John. l VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 4 | mafc.com | 11

our association

USDA REPORT IS FIRST TO PROVIDE CONSOLIDATED DATA

on conservation practices by U.S. farmers

BY KATE ZOOK, PROGRAM ANALYST, OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, USDA OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST IN CONSERVATION

Increasingly, food companies, environmental organizations, and agricultural commodity groups are setting ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farms. These goals are realized through conservation practices such as reduced tillage farming, and precision technologies, like autosteer tractors. Yet, there’s not much nationally consistent data to help farmers and policymakers know which practices are being used, and how the adoption of those practices is changing over time.

In a new report, USDA is offering consolidated data on ten years’ worth of GHG-reducing conservation practices in the United States. Agricultural Conservation on Working Lands: Trends from 2004 to Present (PDF, 7.6 MB) combines USDA survey data to track adoption of practices including precision agriculture technologies, nitrogen management, no-till and mulch-till, and cover crop adoption, all of which

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reduce GHG emissions and/or store carbon in the soil. The report focuses on conservation practices for three major crops: corn, soy, and wheat, and reports trends by region and farm size. The report notes that these practices result in additional benefits, such as reduced production costs, increased yields, and improved soil and water quality.

As one example finds, the report looks at the increasing popularity of autosteer technology (tractor guidance systems using GPS). This practice requires a GPS system, software, and hardware.

Autosteer has been widely adopted. For corn crop farming alone, autosteer use jumped from 13 percent in 2005 to 56 percent in 2016. The benefits are many: autosteer has been found to improve efficiency, save money, reduce operator fatigue, improve seeding of field row crops, and reduce both fuel use and over-application of nitrogen fertilizer.

The report gathers several USDA survey datasets on food production and

conservation practices. These surveys usually focus on a particular location or crop in a single year and, until now, the conservation-related data they collected were not reported in one place. This made it difficult to develop a complete picture of conservation practice adoption across the farming sector and over time. Data sources include the Economic Research Service and National Agricultural Statistic Service’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). The resulting statistics provide a more complete picture of conservation adoption practices across the farming sector.

Ultimately, this report and collected data can help public and private sector organizations develop more effective strategies to increase future adoption of these conservation practices. Visit usda.gov to learn more.

This article originally appeared on the USDA Blog on March 12, 2019.

SAVE THE DATE:

2020 customer events In order to better serve our community and agricultural mission, we are changing the style of our annual stockholder meetings and moving the networking portion to regional state and county fairs in 2020!

We are happy to announce the following fairs that we are partnering with to offer our members a Farm Credit Day of fun next year: • Delaware State Fair • Lebanon County Fair • Shenandoah County Fair • The Great Frederick Fair Stay tuned for more information and the announcement of the official dates.

If you are still interested in hearing the financial report and plans for the year ahead, join us at our Mount Joy, Pennsylvania office on March 26, 2020 for the official annual meeting. Visit mafc.com/annual-meeting for more information.

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2020 Calendar photo contest winners

our association

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo in our 2020 calendar contest! We received a lot of pictures capturing the rural lifestyle throughout our communities, 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 the office closest to you today to pick up your calendar!

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COVER PHOTO: Karen Henninger, Maxatawny, PA

JANUARY t Johanna Rhorer Manheim, PA

JULY t Linda Myers Forest Hil, MD

FEBRUARY t Susan Younker Fleetwood, PA

AUGUST t Johanna Rohrer Manheim, PA

MARCH t Victoria Hoff New Windsor, MD

SEPTEMBER t BreAnn Fields Keymar, MD

APRIL t Robbin Campbell Elizabethtown, PA

OCTOBER t Timi Bauscher Kempton, PA

MAY

NOVEMBER

t Morgan Figgins

t Robbin Campbell

Keymar, MD

Elizabethtown, PA

JUNE

DECEMBER

t Samuel Shoge

t Nicole Mcginnis

Chestertown, MD

White Hall, MD

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community Little Heaven, Delaware

Greenwood, Delaware

Magnolia, Delaware

Fall in love with this all brick home ranch with a sunroom on one acre. Look out on 60 acres in the front and 20 acres in the back. Featuring a two car attached and two car detached garage with electric and driveway, all kitchen appliances, brand new hall bath, new carpet and paint. Young heater and new standard septic.

Close to Route 1 and Bowers Beach. $255,800.

Picture your dream home overlooking a pond on this property! The land is half tillable and half wooded with mature trees. Ponds and trails throughout make this a great riding (horse or ATV) farm. Beautiful high ground setting overlooking a pond that would be perfect for home site. Approximately 102 acres, pending final survey and subdivision. Development rights have not been sold. $999,900.

This secluded property would make a great homestead or horse farm! Over 36 acres of land, just outside of the Magnolia town limits.

Approximately 31 acres tillable. Deeded access to Irish Hill Road and South State Street. Land is currently leased. $399,500.

Contact Gail Light, RE/MAX Horizons, 302-242-1714.

Contact Wes Cromer, Masten Realty, 302-448-1032.

Contact Jamie Masten, Masten Realty, 302-422-1850.

Townsend, Delaware

Darlington, Maryland

Elkton, Maryland

The ideal parcel for country living and easy commuting! Enjoy more than 120 acres in rural Townsend and the much sought after Appoquinimink School District. Tax free shopping and minutes from the new Route 301 Bypass with easy access to I95 and Route 1. $1,522,000.

Unlimited possibilities on this 17 acre farm. A nice space and notable charm in this 1900’s three story farmhouse, featuring a 48 x 24 in-ground saltwater pool with pool house, two car detached garage with attached greenhouse and woodshop, barn, utility building, hay storage, and stable. Bring you horses! $650,000.

Contact Karen Kunda, Patterson Price Real Estate, 443-466-5375.

Contact Lisa at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 410-262-5871.

Don’t miss this beautiful 73 acre waterfront estate along the Elk River. Located in a private setting with a four bedroom main house and an attached three bedroom apartment over the four car garage. A total of 6,815 square feet of living area plus a full basement. Includes a private dock and duck blind with 1,500 feet of river frontage. $1,800,000.

Frederick, Maryland

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Keedysville, Maryland

Contact Philip Giesing, Long and Foster, 443-553-7306.

Laytonsville, Maryland

Charming turn of the century farm house on 19 acres. Featuring a new well and septic, replacement double pane windows, real hardwood floors, and a woodstove. The property includes a large barn with water and electric and five stalls, but could be reconfigured for whatever livestock or equipment you might have. Close to Route 340, the MARC, and town. $499,950.

Don’t miss this spectacular property bordering Little Antietam Creek. Featuring six and a half acres with mountain views overlooking the Antietam National Battlefield Park. Easy commute to Northern Virginia and Baltimore.

Perc approved and utilities within 50 feet. One of the largest lots in the Harvest Acres subdivision. Plat recorded and approved. $225,000.

Jump on this rare chance to purchase an 84 acre boarding and training stable on the Eastern edge of the AR zone. Many other uses permitted, such as on farm alcohol production.

Public water is available to the farm. One subdivision right conveys. Great access to park bridle trails. Just 30 minutes to the METRO. $1,950,000.

Contact Laura-Lee Jones, Long and Foster, 410-480-3338.

Contact Frank Getz, Coldwell Banker Innovations, 301-992-9652.

Contact Tim McGrath, Mackintosh Inc. Realtors, 800-292-3547.

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Pocomoke, Maryland

Poolesville, Maryland

Calling all wildlife lovers! This 4,067 square foot home situated on a 39 acre private oasis is quite the impressive locale. The property is perfect for hunting, bird watching, and those who simply appreciate all that nature has to offer. Enjoy scenic views from multiple decks and balconies. $850,000.

Start making a profit on the biggest industry on the Eastern Shore. This turnkey operation features 10 acres of land, four active chicken houses and a three bedroom, two bath home with lots of upgrades.$1,250,000.

This outstanding estate property offers the best of country living with the finest equestrian facility just 35 minutes to Washington, D.C. Featuring an indoor ring and all-weather outdoor ring and stunning custom built manor home. Ideal for the professional equestrian or a private enclave. $2,100,000.

Contact Ashley Hogate, Cross Street Realtors, 302-363-1768.

Contact Bob Faith, Dockside Properties, 757-894-1479.

Contact Toni Koerber, Long and Foster, 301-802-6770.

Reisterstown, Maryland

Rocky Ridge, Maryland

Your dream home awaits! This 64 acre complex offers 25,000 square feet of living space. The three level main house is more than 14,000 square feet with two kitchens, an 18 seat theatre, and a gym. The property features a three car garage with apartment, a second residence, filtered swimming pond, two three-bedroom apartments, multiple outbuildings, and two potential building lots. $1,750,000.

Breathtaking views in all directions on this 203 acre farm. Featuring an updated all brick custom built colonial home with five bedrooms and three and a half baths, two ponds and a stream, and a 12 x 60 foot metal pole barn. The land has 167 acres of cropland and 25 wooded acres and is not in preservation or conservation. $1,900,000.

Contact Stephen Ferrandi, Maryland Land Advisors, 866-910-5263.

Contact Gary Duckworth, RE/MAX Results, 240-285-5787.

Need financing for any of these properties?*

Call Farm Credit at 888.339.3334.

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OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY * Financing availability subject to loan approval and property eligibility.

Properties for sale

North East, Maryland

Sharpsburg, Maryland

A true gem in Washington County since 1850.

This privately-owned farm adjacent to Antietam National Battlefield has 130 rolling acres of impeccable land and 3,000 feet of private Antietam Creek frontage. Featuring a magnificent 3,744 square foot home with high ceilings, country charm, and plenty of historic luxury. $1,399,000.

Contact Gary Geston, 301-646-0046.

Street, Maryland

Union Bridge, Maryland

Check out this beautiful open rancher with four bedrooms and two and a half baths on more than 30 acres of land. Gorgeous farm views from the back porch. Imagine being able to fish or tube from your backyard. Bring your ATV or build a barn for your horses. It has one subdivision right according to Harford County. $750,000.

Attention small and beginning farmers! This circa 1776 historic five bedroom stone home with a lovely wraparound porch sits on 91 acres.

The property includes a stone spring house, workshop, and a huge towering stone barn.

There is a charming cape-cod cottage adjacent to the main house and many lovely vistas on this farm. $1,100,000.

Contact Dale Hevesy, Garceau Realty, 443-604-8859.

Contact Laura Rosen, Long and Foster, 443-865-5356.

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community Cochranville, Pennsylvania

Halifax, Pennsylvania

Imagine owning as far as your eye can see!

Pristine Chester County farm with approximately 160 acres of land, an impeccable farmhouse and pool. Beautiful first floor master bedroom/bathroom, bank barn with game room, apartment, and horse stalls. A magical sanctuary perfect for riding, farming, and stream for fishing. $3,300,000.

This beautiful farmette in Halifax could be yours. Featuring a two story garage for any use you can imagine, a beautiful barn with water, stables with outlets at each stall, 50 foot round pen, hitching post outside the barn, and more!

This really is a dream come true on over five acres. $320,000. Contact

Contact Bill Gero, RE/MAX, 610-363-4088.

Don’t miss this spectacular West Hanover Township home with over 4,400 square feet of living space. Featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, expansion space in the lower level, a two bay internal and three bay detached garage. This exquisite house could grace the pages of Architectural Digest. $637,900.

Contact Michael Yingling, 717-648-8303.

Kintersville, Pennsylvania

Media, Pennsylvania

Paradise, Pennsylvania

Sunset Hill Farm is a turnkey horse property with an authentic Vermont log home, offering an abundance of exquisite views, grassy pastures, and low taxes. An adjoining 10 acre parcel can be purchased to create a large estate.

Featuring an above ground pool, tiki-bar, sandy area with a fire pit, and pergola with hanging chairs. $685,000.

A truly unique converted barn home sits on 5.9 acres in conservancy. The property includes a garage, wood shop, and stable with pasture, woods, a pond, stream and preserved trails.

The house has five bedrooms and four and a half baths and is constructed of field stone.

Agriculture income possible. $1,500,000.

A true Home Sweet Rural Home! This one acre property offers a serene setting with a stable for two horses, a pasture, a beautiful home with a bright and cheery sun room, and a lovely finished lower level. This calm rural setting welcomes you home from the hectic hustle and bustle of everyday living. $460,000.

Contact Cindy Stys, Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, 610-849-1790.

Contact Elizabeth and Christina Cardone, Keller Williams Real Estate, 610-291-5727.

Contact Cheryl Fuss, Gateway Realty Inc., 717-587-2046.

Eastville, Virginia

A historic property along the Chesapeake Bay! This farm was known as Camp Hegor during the Civil War with trenches still remaining. It was also the home place of the Bowdoin’s of Bowdoin College. The land is sub dividable with western exposure and state maintained road frontage. $1,500,000.

Contact Elizabeth Goffigon, Ralph W. Dodd & Associates, 757-678-5377.

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Cynthia K. Armour-Helm, Homes and Gardens Real Estate Capital Area, 717-920-3948.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Hallwood, Virginia

Mount Jackson, Virginia

An investment property awaits! These 44 acres are currently used as leased farmland with a home near the center. The lot has been permitted as a potential 42 lot subdivision called Pointe West, with approximately 1,500 feet of highway frontage. $399,000.

Unlimited opportunities to live your dream on this 25 acre property. Featuring a 17,000 EQUAL HOUSING square foot heated greenhouse, solar, OPPORTUNITY 20,000 rain water reservoirs, a cooler, pasture or crop fields, a barn for agritourism events, and animal stalls. Includes an upgraded 4,000 square foot farmhouse with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C. $699,900.

Contact Jennifer Faith, Dockside Properties, 757-894-1480.

Contact Cheryl Adkins, Long and Foster / Webber & Associates, 703-501-1453.

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Onancock, Virginia

Timberville, Virginia

Beautiful lot in Bullbegger at Winding Creek.

Currently farmland which you can keep as is, or build your dream home on site. Quiet area with water views. $25,000.

Located near the town of Onancock, this property boasts approximately 20 cleared acres with frontage on two state roads. Currently leased for farming, this is deal for a farmette, pasture land, etc. Near two public boat ramps and the Chesapeake Bay. $70,000.

Rare and stunning custom built log home located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

Situated on 87 pristine acres with commanding views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Perennial stream and spring fed pond, 38 acres of mature hardwood forest, and 50 acres of fenced pasture. $1,180,000.

Contact America Pace, Dockside Properties, 757-894-7086.

Contact William Chandler, Coldwell Banker Harbour Realty, 757-787-1305.

Contact Steve Buck, Sager Associates, 540-465-3771.

Properties for sale

New Church, Virginia

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