Leader: Rooted in Tradition

Farm Credit

leader

rooted in tradition

Meet the 2018 Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement scholarship winners on page 12!

Volume 23 | ISSUE 2 | $3.95

in this issue farm and land

4 back to basics

Dwayne Peifer of Kirkwood, Pennsylvania owns and operates a 250-head dairy which is rich in tradition, but continues to find ways to become more efficient.

12 14 16 17

6 Growing with Technology 8 A SUCCESSFUL HARVEST Little Bohemia Creek Farms,

located in Warwick, Maryland, has been around for generations, but continues to adapt to changing technology within the industry.

Chad Pries, a potato farmer in Felton, Delaware, uses many of the same farming methods that his father and uncle did a generation ago.

10 A CHANCE AT HISTORY

The Garber family of Timberville, Virginia work together to make sure their farm, now in the eighth generation, continues to thrive by keeping true to their roots.

our association

social media

2018 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

facebook.com/MidAtlanticFarmCredit

ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

@midatfarmcredit

THE TRANSITION PLANNING PROCESS

community Properties for Sale

@midatfarmcredit mafc.com/blog youtube.com/user/MidAtlanticFC

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.

Paul Baumgardner 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

2

| VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com

MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors

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

president’s message

president’s message

Merging the past and present

events | deadlines

JUN

event place

12-14 Family Farm Days

21 Farming for Success Agronomic Field Day 21-24 Worcester County Fair 22-24 Lancaster Farm Show Weekend

Manheim, PA Snow Hill, MD Lancaster, PA

JUL event place

4 14-21

18 19-21 19-28 21-28 7/28-8/3

Independence Day Washington County Ag Expo and Fair Tawes Crab & Clam Bake Kent County Maryland Fair Delaware State Fair Lebanon Area Fair Carroll County Fair

Offices Closed Sharpsburg, MD Crisfield, MD Chestertown, MD Harrington, DE Lebanon, PA Westminster, MD

AUG event place

1-4

2-4 6-11 14-16 12-18 17-19 8/25 -9/1

Caroline Dorchester Fair Great Pocomoke Fair Queen Anne’s County Fair Ag Progress Days Clarke County Fair Wicomico County Fair Shenandoah County Fair

8/23-9/3 Maryland State Fair

Lititz, PA

Denton, MD Pocomoke, MD Centreville, MD PA Furnace, PA Berryville, VA Salisbury, MD Woodstock, VA

One of my favorite parts of working at Farm Credit is talking with our customers and learning about why they do what they do. I grew up in a farming community, and I will admit that I often took that lifestyle for granted. But every time I talk with one of our members and their families—either in the office, at one of our events, or on the farm­—my passion for the field gets reignited, and I walk away inspired.

Some of these stories start with the phrase “back in the day,” reminiscing about how farming used to be when their parents or grandparents started out. Others are looking ahead at what’s to come, and thinking about how they can implement new technologies into their operation, or how they can diversify. And, in many cases, customers are blending the old with the new—holding on to tried-and-true practices while embracing all that technology has to offer.

Dwayne Peifer, a dairy farmer in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania, is very hands-on when it comes to managing his family’s operation. He and his son, Chad, have implemented various techniques to increase efficiency, while remaining “old school” with other aspects of the farm. Dwayne has faced hardships before, and as the dairy industry faces today’s challenges, the family is working together to persevere.

Little Bohemia Creek Farm in Warwick, Maryland, owned and operated

by Jon Quinn, utilizes precision farming methods to get the most out of the operation. By using smartphones, tablets, and apps, Jon is able to control just about every aspect of his equipment from any location, allowing him to be an active advocate for agriculture around the state of Maryland.

A generation ago, Chad Pries’ father and uncle were farming potatoes in Felton, Delaware. Today, Chad continues their legacy, using many of the same farming practices he learned from them. Though some things have changed, Chad remains adamant about doing what is best for the land and producing a quality product.

The Garber family of Timberville, Virginia has been farming for nine generations, and they attribute much of their success to finding the perfect balance between consistency and modernization. Charlie Garber and his wife Marti work closely with Charlie’s parents, Ed and Linda, to continue that school of thought and keep the operation evolving.

Our customers aren’t the only ones thinking about the future of ag—the winners of the 2018 Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program are working toward it. We received over 120 applications this year from talented students across our footprint looking to pursue a career in the industry. You can meet our ten winners on page 12.

This issue also includes a recap of our annual stockholders meetings, held this past April. If you weren’t able to make one of our meetings, please check out page 14 for our election results and to learn how you can view the presentations for this year’s meetings.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I did, and look forward to hearing your story soon.

Have a great summer,

Timonium, MD

For a full list of events, please visit mafc.com

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 3

farm and land

B AC K TO

basics Story and photos by Sally Scholle | Dwayne Peifer, his wife Karen, and their son Chad milk cows and grow crops in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania, and are fully aware of the current challenges facing the industry. While the Peifers keep up with technological advances, they also employ many of the cost-saving measures that worked for farmers in the past.

Dwayne has been dairy farming long enough to watch the ups and downs in a highly cyclical enterprise, and says that efficiency is the key to remaining profitable. While many farmers employ custom operators or hire workers for various farm tasks, Dwayne and Chad are committed to doing as much as possible on their own. The family operates the 250-head dairy with one full-time hired employee, several part-time employees and Karen handling the books.

As he was getting started in the dairy business, Dwayne purchased affordable used equipment that he could repair himself. “It’s important that you don’t overextend yourself, especially when you’re starting out,” he says. “You don’t want to get into something you can’t do.” Some of the other cost-saving measures Dwayne and his son handle on their own include a recent revamp of the original milking parlor, hoof trimming, crop harvest, and artificial insemination (A.I.).

Feedstuffs are stored in upright silos, which Dwayne says have higher quality than bunkers. “We don’t chop any hay,” he says. “We feed all wrapped hay. When we switched to baleage, our cow health improved tremendously.”

Dwayne adds that harvesting and storing hay themselves allows them to store a crop at peak nutritional value.

Purchased protein is combined with other feed components in a vertical

GROWING WITH

mixer for a balanced TMR. Dwayne is very hands-on with his dairy business, aiming to be in the pit to milk once a day to observe the herd, track cow health and detect illness. He adds that Chad is his right-hand man, and on his way to becoming a good cow man himself.

The Peifers have found that using genomically-tested young sires is a good cost-saving measure. Heifers are bred with sexed semen for calving ease, and the resulting heifers are retained for the herd. “Somatic cell counts are lower on heifers, and they don’t have as many health issues as multiple lactation cows,” says Dwayne. “We sell cows when they’re at their best health and weight. That helps with overall herd health, which in turn keeps costs down.

My herd average isn’t quite as high because of that, but in the end, I think we do better.”

While Dwayne admits it would be nice to have a new barn with all the latest features, the herd is comfortable and healthy in a refurbished freestall barn with ample space and dry bedding.

Replacement heifers are raised in another freestall barn, which helps them adapt to the housing they’ll move to after freshening. However, the farm’s new freshening barn has been a worthwhile investment.

“We built a new freshening facility,” says Dwayne “We don’t watch the cows closely there because they calve

more easily and naturally without being watched constantly. Our vet recommended it based on a lot of research, and it’s working out. He told us that if we isolate the late gestation cows from other animals, they’ll do much better calving than if they’re disturbed by the presence of people.”

Over the years, Dwayne has purchased neighboring land to add acreage. The family’s Farm Credit loan officer, John Mylin, points out that Dwayne hasn’t overinvested in facilities, which has enabled him to purchase land as it became available. “It’s hard to pay land down after taxes,” says Dwayne. “It isn’t like equipment, cows or buildings that can be written off.”

Dwayne notes that while he’s in the dairy business, he’s also in the beef business. “Dairy is down now, but so is beef,” he says. “I like to say we’re selling our crops through the cows.

We’re getting our crop prices back, plus manure.”

Dwayne and his family have battled some tough times - not just currently, but in the past, including his stroke several years ago and a serious herd health problem that took some time to resolve. But through it all, he remains undaunted, and continues to enjoy farming with his family by his side.

“I’ve had fun,” says Dwayne. “I enjoy the challenges and persevering through.” l

technology

NAL APPROACH O I T I YIE AD LD R S AT

a successful harvest

4

| VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com

A C H A N C E AT

history

The Peifer family has made many important decisions while operating their dairy farm over the years, and their thoughtful decisionmaking has paid off. ALong with operating the farm full time, Dwayne finds time for softball, hunting, tractor pulling, and church activities. their daughter, kelsey, helps milk and feeds the calves.

Dwayne encourages his son Chad to take his time deciding whether he wants to continue dairy farming.

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 5

farm and land

GROWING WITH

technology

Story and photos by Andrea Haines | We’ve come a long way from the backbreaking days of using a hoe and animal traction to produce crops. Today’s modern farmer has bridged the gap with new traditions for many families across the globe. Farmers like Jon Quinn of Little Bohemia Creek Farms in Warwick, Maryland have implemented precision farming to expand their operation.

was a terrific farmer and I could NAL APPROACH Jon O I learn a tremendous amount of best T I YIEpractices through our interactions.”

AD LD R T SJon has a firm grasp on the software A

Jon utilizes these tools to farm various grains and leafy produce such as corn, wheat, soybeans, spinach, and barley, to name a few, on about 2,500 acres on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He double crops 700 acres and custom farms around 1,000 acres, along with a haul and spread chicken manure business.

Farming is a multi-generational occurrence for Jon, as his greatgrandfather started farming in the late 1800s. Staying just over the Kent and Cecil County lines, Jon’s father, James (Jim) Quinn expanded the operation in the 1950s, later to pass it on to him in 1988.

Since taking the reins, Jon has always been intrigued by the wonders of technology. “He certainly isn’t afraid to try something new,” shares Farm Credit loan officer Geoff Delamater. “Jon is constantly searching for ways to strengthen and grow his business—he is heavily involved in various agricultural groups, programs, and boards.”

Geoff reflects on the first time he met Jon, “As a new loan officer, Jon was one of the first people Bruce Yerkes [Farm Credit loan officer now retired] took me to meet. It was apparent, even to an agricultural-lending newbie, that

a successful harvest

Jon wears many hats when it comes to his work, although some will tell you that he’s most at ease in one of his tractors. Precision farming has benefitted Jon’s business greatly. By touching a button, he can guide the system to plant seeds at a certain depth, in any location of the field, while adding the correct amount of fertilizer. A fine-tuned mind and machine makes all the difference when it comes to quality production. Jon’s children Caitlyn and Logan remain close to agriculture, helping their father out when possible.

6

| VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com

A C H A N C E AT

history

and information at his fingertips. “I usually depend on the dealer to teach me how it all works,” shares Jon. “There’s loads of tools that I can access. I can pinpoint soil changes which helps me with seeding and Nitrogen levels,” Jon says, as he points to a grid of his land on a tablet screen.

One of Jon’s favorite apps he uses is FieldView to manage his fields.

Jon also runs his machinery under a precision system by AgFiniti mobile (site specific crop management by use of a satellite and GPS). As Jon’s

farm is close to Maryland’s prominent wetlands, he is on top of the programs set forth to help control his nutrient supplies. “We are better able to preserve resources and gain a higher yield with the use of this technology,” he says. “The 4R Alliance program, through the Nature Conservatory, has used drones to remotely sense sections of land to come up with a nutrient plan for the best possible outcome. It just removes the guesswork.”

As anyone may guess, this boost in modernization often comes with a hefty price tag, which is why dealing with a local bank just wasn’t cutting it for Jon. “I needed someone that would understand the markets,” explains Jon. “Farm Credit was able to help supplement my goals by looking at the bigger picture. We quickly found there was going to be return for the investment, and we became great partners.

In the end, we were able to expand

the business reach due to the amount of supplies we saved and the higher efficiency of production.” Jon even caught his father’s eye with the newly-improved information. Jon reflects, “My father even loved looking at all the land data well into his 90s when he rode the combine.”

It was no surprise to Geoff that Bruce, the previous loan officer, believed in Jon’s ambition. “He really has his finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends,” shares Geoff. “He lives, breathes, and eats farming. His involvement within the industry is commendable.”

When Jon isn’t in the combine, he can be found attending meetings varying from national to local levels in Farm Bureau or at a soil conservation event. He’s even been to testify in Annapolis to advocate for agriculture while serving on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s technology committee in Washington, D.C.

“Like it or not, we are the true voice of agriculture,” he shares. “These organizations were designed to outreach to consumers and legislature.” Jon believes that by working closely with your local agriculture organizations, it helps to gather “like minds” to bounce ideas from one to another. Jon takes these messages home and implements them with his daughter, Caitlyn Garland and son, Logan Quinn. Both children grew up working on the farm and lend a hand when they can, but still advocate for agriculture within their own careers just like Jon. Jon plans to continue to be a good steward of the land and believe in the technology that expanded his farm. “I look forward to working with Jon for many years to come,” says Geoff. “I plan to pass on what I learn from him to other start-ups and smaller farm operations.” l

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 7

farm and land

TIONAL APPROACH YI I D ELD RA T S A

a successful harvest Delaware potato grower Chad Pries still uses many of the same planting and harvesting techniques his father and uncle taught him when he was a teenager. That traditional approach and a respect for

A C H A N C E AT

history

the land are the foundation of Chad’s ongoing success in a highly competitive market.

Story by Susan Walker, Photos by Susan Walker, Katie Ward and Jodi Pries | From GPS-guided planting systems to automated soil samplers and optical sensors designed to measure the health of plants, farmers have a growing number of high-tech tools at their disposal. And while these tools can be very helpful, Chad Pries still uses and values many of the traditional farming methods his father and uncle taught him.

Chad, who started working on his

father, Sandy Pries, and uncle, Francis

You leave the straw and the corn fodder

family’s potato farm near Dover Air

Bergold, did a generation ago.” Chad

on the soil. Don’t get on it when it’s wet.

Force Base in Delaware when he was

explains. “Not a lot has changed, and

Over the years, if you take care of the soil,

a teenager, currently has 800 acres in

we’ve always been very successful with

that’s a tremendous help to growing a

Felton, Delaware tilled, with 70 of those

that approach. Up until last year, I used the

good crop.”

acres making up the home farm he

same seed cutter and planter my uncle

purchased in 2002. His primary crop

used in the 1970s. Potato equipment

and harvest potatoes hasn’t changed

is the same one his family has always

is very specialized and overall it hasn’t

a great deal, the market in Delaware

grown, round white potatoes, although

really changed as much as it has for grain

certainly has. As recent as 20 years ago,

he also grows corn and beans as part of

farmers. We still use four-row planters. It’s

there were once 15 growers with 7,000

summer production.

a labor-intensive process. I still believe in

acres of potatoes planted. That number

the old way of thinking—you need to take

has dropped to just six growers with

care of the ground and build up the soil.

1,200 acres planted. Chad adds, “Potatoes

“We’re growing potatoes with an approach that’s very similar to what my 8

| VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 41 | mafc.com

While the equipment used to plant

are not an easy game. You’re always fighting the weather and the markets.

family’s legacy.

“I couldn’t do what I do without my

home farm. Producing a quality product is the most important thing for me. If you

You’re producing a perishable crop in

father’s advice and help on the farm. I

keep producing the best quality, buyers

a finite market, so if Florida and other

have a ton of respect for my father and

come back to you year after year. When

southern growers get started planting late

uncle’s generation,” Chad says. “They

because of weather, the market could be

worked their tails off. They were good

the trucks are loaded with my potatoes,

flooded when potatoes in Delaware are

farmers. They took care of the ground.

ready to go to market. You have to fight

I learned more from the older guys and

for every inch in this business.”

working hands-on on the farm than I

Chad also has to contend with fickle spring weather when trying to get his crop into the ground. The wrong

did in my classes in college. Nothing takes the place of experience out in those fields.”

While Chad isn’t looking for the next

it’s a very satisfying feeling. But you have to be all in to be successful. You can’t dictate the weather or the markets, so you have to do the best job with the things you can control. If you grow a healthy, strong plant and the weather turns, you’re going to fare better than someone who’s

combination of rain and heat or cold

big thing in potato planting or packing

can damage the growing potatoes,

equipment, he is thinking to the future.

created an average product to begin with.

significantly cutting into yields. Despite

“If there’s something that makes my

As farmers, we all work hard. One thing I

the challenges that potatoes present,

work more efficient and helps produce a

learned from my father and uncle is that

Chad has no interest in switching to a

better product, I will adopt it,” he says. “For

the hard work pays off. It might not pay

different crop and plans to continue his

example, we built a packing shed on the

off right away, but it does pay off.”

l

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 9

farm and land

A C H A N C E AT

history

Story and photos by Andrea Haines | Farming has greatly modernized over the years, it’s no real surprise that with this change follows progression and a higher-quality product. Consistency and hard work also stands up to time, generations of successful farming families have proven this to be true. Delicately balancing that consistency and modernization is often the key factor to a farm’s longevity and future. It’s this progressive mentality that has thrust the Garber family of Timberville, Virginia into a successful business, boosting their operation for generations to come.

Charlie Garber and his wife, Marti reside with their three children in close proximity to his parents Ed and Linda. The family’s poultry houses are prominent in relation to the cattle barns and crop fields, all of which they manage together daily. “We all play a part in management,” mentions Charlie. “Although, there are certain roles we have found to fit each of us best.”

You see, the eighth-generation farmer made sure to incorporate his son into the decision-making early on. “We are true partners. He doesn’t work for me,” shares Ed. “I would have supported any path he or his sister Jennifer chose, but he showed interest in the farm.” Charlie and Ed share an “open mentality” when it comes to business. “It’s a very progressive way of farming,” says Jason Miller, Farm Credit loan officer. “There’s no sense of resentment, which can occur in succession planning.”The pair have been working the 300 acres of cash crops and feed together since Charlie came back from college. The 150-head Angus and Crossbred herd is also managed among family.

In 1996, Ed and Linda added another two poultry houses to the operation, bringing Charlie and Marti into the business full-scale. This leap didn’t just come with perks, but also with financial responsibilities, too. Sharing the financial load meant that they all had to stay in good communication. “There were some areas of interest that seemed more 10

| VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com

fruitful through my eyes, and vice versa,” shares Charlie with a grin. “We could usually come to a final decision without too much trouble.” Ed continues, “We both have a vested interest in seeing the farm succeed. We just talk about what’s needed, the benefits, and weigh the chance, then find a solution.”

All this decision-making can be overwhelming for just two individuals, which is why the Garbers look to their loan officer. “A great amount of pre-planning goes into any investment,” explains Jason. “My goal as their loan officer is to minimize surprises and achieve flexibility for them when income has fluctuated enough to make sense for a substantial purchase.”

The Garbers also cherish opinion from a family friend by the name of Lee Ryan. “He’s really like a brother,” shares Charlie. “Everyone needs at least one ‘honest’ friend. I can count on him to truly tell me what he feels is a good or bad decision.” Lee has staked some investment in harvesting equipment shared with the Garber family. “To put it simply, I try not to draw any conclusions until I’ve seen all ends of the spectrum,” says Charlie.

The addition of technology has diversified the family dynamic. “It’s eased some stress,” says Charlie. “Our computer system has made working in the chicken houses more manageable.” The system regulates the environment of the broilers

down to a single degree. Temperature, feed and water, and flock health are all aspects of the system.

Utilizing field tools such as variable rate guidance on their sprayer, a yield monitor for the combine, and a detailed scale system has also made executing more consistent. “This is becoming the standard of tradition now,” shares Ed. “Although, you already need to be able to know how to do things in the first place,” adds Linda. They all agree that commonsense needs to play a role when using technology. “After all, we are the ones behind all the buttons,” adds Charlie.

“Having information at our fingertips helps us find room for other opportunities,” explains Charlie. The family added the farm equipment business, For-Most, to their trade a few years ago. Ed usually has time to visit many trade shows to allow for sales. “The transition was never an issue for me,” expresses Ed with a smile.

“I’ve never looked at our partnership as having an expiration stamp, it was just a step to help the next generation succeed.

Trust me, I still have plenty to do, and I get the satisfaction of having Charlie farm right alongside of me.”

Marti says it best, “The partnership has been a critical component to the success of the farm. Without it, I do not think the farm would be as diverse or economically sound. We think the connection opens the door for the potential for a tenth generation.” l

Son and father duo, Charlie and Ed Garber (right) discuss the plans for the morning as they overlook one of their co-owned beef pastures, a policy they try to implement each day. At age 22, Charlie obtained a strong portion of the farm, a rarity among peers. His main roles of caring for the broiler houses and field management are just a few of the commodities offered

by Garber Farms. Ed and his wife, Linda are eighth-generation farmers still playing a role in daily activities. Charlie and Marti encourage their three children to enjoy what they do in life, even if that doesn’t include farming, but will support them in the same manner as Charlie’s parents did with him.

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 11

our association

IN

D TRO

UCING OUR 20

18

scholarship winners

Seth Bollinger

Henry Brunnett

Cullen Dixon

Tyson Franklin

Ellie Grossnickle

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Westminster, Maryland

Frackville, Pennsylvania

Wilmington, Delaware

Myersville, Maryland

Seth is a senior at Ephrata High School, with plans to attend Penn State University this fall to study agricultural communications. Seth has been making informational videos about his family’s dairy farm for the last few years and plans to use his skills in communication and video to educate consumers about agriculture. He has served as the Cloister FFA Chapter President and Reporter and showed dairy beef steer in his local 4-H club for five years.

Henry is a senior at Westminster High School planning to attend York College of Pennsylvania in the fall. He serves as President of the Westminster High School FFA Chapter, President of the Carroll County 4-H Hotshots, and Captain of the FFA Agricultural Mechanics Team. Henry plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and work in the farm equipment industry. His love for mechanical engineering and farm equipment came from his father, a third generation farmer.

Cullen is a junior at Penn State University, majoring in agricultural sciences. Cullen hopes to become a plant geneticist after earning his doctorate degree to help create the world’s next generation of genetically modified plants.

Visiting his family’s farm in Kentucky exposed Cullen to the benefits of testing crops, instilling his appreciation and passion for GMOs. Last summer, Cullen spent 10 weeks at North Carolina State University, studying DNA constructs for expression in tobacco plants.

Tyson is a senior at Thomas McKean High School, planning to attend the University of Delaware in the fall. His involvement in FFA taught him the importance of agriculture and the career opportunities available within the industry.

Tyson aspires to become a veterinarian and provide assistance to large animals. He believes that agriculture education is important because he attended a high school with no agriculture education classes and didn’t realize how his food was raised until he transferred to his current high school.

Ellie is a sophomore at Virginia Tech.

She served at the Maryland Dairy Princess in 2015, and gained extensive leadership experience while serving at the Maryland State FFA President.

Growing up on her family’s dairy farm, Ellie experienced first-hand the compassion farmers have for their livestock, and she strives to be a voice for agriculture to educate consumers and stand up for our country’s farmers.

12

| volume 23 | issue 2 | mafc.com

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement has announced the winners of their 2018 scholarship program. It was once again a challenge to narrow it down—over 120 applications were received from talented students located across our five state territory. Below are the ten students who were selected to win $10,000 to help them pursue their careers in agriculture.

Congratulations to each of the winners, and we wish you luck as you embark on your career paths!

For information about our 2019 scholarship program, please check FCFoundationforAg.org, and follow #OtherSideofAg on social media!

Hannah Jo

Timothy Mulderrig Middletown, Delaware

Stephens City, Virginia

New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Freeland, Maryland

A high school senior at Tall Oaks Classical School, Hannah is planning to attend Cornell University this fall. Her ambition is to change the world through the power of plants. Hannah grew up planting cucumbers with her father and fell in love with the different varieties.

She is passionate about using plant breeding and genetics to create stronger, more nutritious, higher yielding crops, understanding the natural world, and improving the environment for the inhabitants of this world.

Timothy is a senior at Middletown High School. He plans to attend the University of Delaware in the fall.

Timothy enjoyed visiting his grandparent’s farm as a child and picking strawberries. After joining FFA in high school and competing in the national FFA agronomy career development event, he learned about the various career paths available in agriculture. Timothy plans to become an agronomist, plant science researcher, or agricultural policymaker.

Justin is a freshman at Virginia Tech pursuing a career in agriculture education. Growing up, Justin served as a State FFA Officer where he developed his passion for agriculture education.

Justin hopes to show his future students that you can be far removed from agriculture and still grow a love for and pursue a career in the agriculture industry.

He was also involved in Boy Scouts of America, National Honors Society, football, and track and field at Sherando High School.

Sarah is a junior at Penn State University studying agricultural sciences. While growing up, she showed beef and dairy in the Lehigh County 4-H. She is currently an undergrad research assistant for Penn State Veterinary Extension and a member of Penn State Block and Bridle, the Penn State Pre-Vet Club, and the Penn State Dairy Science Club. Sarah plans to work in a food animal ambulatory practice to contribute to the safety and security of the food supply after earning her veterinary degree.

Kelcey is a junior at the University of Maryland College Park, where she is studying agricultural science and technology with a focus in agronomy. She served as the Maryland State FFA Vice President in 2016. Her love for agriculture began in sixth grade when she learned to plant and grow flowers. After spending time writing and teaching agricultural curriculum geared toward special needs students, she was inspired to pursue a career in agriculture education.

Bear, Delaware

Justin Petrie

Sarah Rassler

Kelcey Trewin

volume 23 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 13

our association

Annual Meeting Recap

This year’s annual stockholder meetings were held April 3-5 in Thurmont, Maryland; Dover, Delaware; and New Holland, Pennsylvania.

We changed the meetings up this year by adding 100 clickers at each event to survey our members about the agricultural industry and outlook.

It was great to engage with our borrowers and see real-time results on the screen!

We also announced the winners of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s Scholarship Program (see pages 12 and 13) and raffled off some awesome new prizes.

Thank you to everyone who came out to one of our meetings this year; they were a tremendous success, and it was wonderful to spend time with our customers and supporters. See you again next year!

14

| volume 23 | issue 2 | mafc.com

Thurmont, Maryland

Dover, Delaware

New Holland, Pennsylvani

ia

MidAtlantic Farm Credit 2018 Election Results Board of Directors (4 year terms of office) Central Maryland Election Region: Michael S. Nelson Chesapeake Election Region: Douglas D. Scott Delaware Election Region: Fred N. West Keystone Election Region: Brian L. Boyd Marva Election Region: No director positions open Valley Election Region: No director positions open 2019 Nominating Committee (1 year terms of office) Central Maryland Election Region: Kathleen W. Carr Lee D. McDaniel (1st alternate) William R. Rasche Jr. Jon B. Sewell (2nd alternate) Chesapeake Election Region: J. Brian Quinn David A. Schmidt (1st alternate) Michael D. Brown Luke R. Howard (2nd alternate) Delaware Election Region: Fred N. West III Ronald “Scot” Wharton (1st alternate) Adam R. Dickerson Kevin A. Evans (2nd alternate) Keystone Election Region: Glen S. Zimmerman Andrew M. Ill (1st alternate) Earl R. Zimmerman Robert McCardell (2nd alternate) Travis L. Goslee Lee W. Richardson

Marva Election Region: Dustin A. Calloway (1st alternate) Kevin L. Miller (2nd alternate)

Michael W. Orr Dudley H. Rinker

Valley Election Region: Tupper H. Dorsey (1st alternate) Cordell L. Watt (2nd alternate)

Weren’t able to make it this year?

We’ve got you covered!

Visit mafc.com/info/annual-meetings for this year’s presentations.

volume 23 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 15

our association

THE B

IG PIC TURE

transition planning process DR. ALEX WHITE, VIRGINIA TECH DAIRY SCIENCE

In the December 2017 issue of the Leader, I made some sarcastic (and not so sarcastic) comments to get you thinking about your future and your family’s future. Hopefully, you’ve started thinking that transition planning might be worth the effort. A little bit of planning might help preserve your family farm or business, and more importantly, it might keep your family together. So, what’s the next step?

Once you have determined which one (or more) of these options is the best for your family and the family farm, we can start the planning process. The main steps of the process are relatively simple. Here is what I refer to as Uncle Al’s Big Picture Transition Planning Process:

Try to determine the goal of your transition plan. When you boil it down, there are basically five main options when it comes to transition planning for a family farm:

Procrastinate Put it off until you actually have the time and energy to do it. Congratulations, most farm families have already completed this step! Now you can check off this step and move onto the next one.

You’re making great progress! Seriously, you are.

Keep the farm in the family This option refers to the goal of the family to maintain ownership of the farm, whether they are actively farming the land or renting it out to others. The pride of ownership of the “family ground” or being able to bring the grandchildren “back to the farm” for a visit are often main drivers in this decision.

Decide to take action At some point, you will be forced to start the transition planning process. It’s much better to start the process as early as you can.

You will have many more planning tools at your disposal if you start now. If you wait until someone has passed away, you have lost the opportunity to use several of those tools.

Keep the family in farming This option tries to keep the family in agricultural production. This may mean keeping the existing farm in production or selling the existing farm to purchase a farm with better resources (better soils, water, or local ag services). Many times the families who follow this option are interested in improving their family’s situation and they are not emotionally tied to the land.

Develop a transition management team Face it, no one knows all there is to know about transition planning. It involves farm production, financial management, income and estate taxation, legal issues, labor management, communication, etc. Yes, it might cost you some money to develop your team and have regular meetings.

But, it’s like the old FRAM© oil filter commercials —“You can pay me now, or you can pay me later”. With legal and tax issues, it almost always costs a lot more to clean up the mess left by no/ poor planning than it costs to develop a good plan ahead of time.

Chain the family to the farm Unfortunately, many times the transition plan (or lack of planning) forces someone in the family to remain on the farm, whether Set-up a timeline for the transition When you that farm is profitable or not, or whether those start the planning process early, you will realize that individuals actually want to be a part of the family farm. This may the transition does not have to occur overnight. You not be intentional, but it can easily happen. Open communicahave time to mentor the younger generation. You tion and an objective view of your situation are critical! have time to take the proper legal and financial moves for your family and farm. It’s important to develop a workable timeline to Keep the family from farming This situation make the transition seamless. usually comes about because the older generation wants to treat their heirs “equally”. Understandably, to avoid the appearance of showing favoritism amongst their children, many parents they leave equal shares of their estate (including the farm) to each child. Usually, this option leads to intra-family arguments over the future of the farm once the older generation has passed. There is a huge difference between treating your heirs “equally” and treating them “equitably”.

Sell the farm What is the difference between a “good sale” and a “bad sale”? A “good sale” occurs because it is the best course of action for the family and it meets everyone’s goals. A “bad sale” occurs when the farm must be sold against the will of at least one of the family members. Unfortunately, “bad sales” are often the end result of option three and option four.

Develop a written plan This includes a written business plan that every business should have. It also includes your written transition plan. Putting it in writing makes it more important to everyone involved. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment. And, it helps minimize arguments caused by “selective memory”. Pull out your transition plan and your business plan at every business meeting to see if you are moving towards your goals.

Accept the fact that transition planning is an on-going process Determining the future of your family and your family business is not a “once and done” item. You will constantly be making changes as tax laws change, or as family goals change, or as the economy changes. It is much easier to adjust an existing plan than it is to come up with a brand new plan.

Dr. Alex White has taught a wide variety of college courses at Ohio State, NC State, Ferrum College, and Virginia Tech for the past 25 years. The courses he has taught include ag financial management, farm management, small business management, and several courses in person finance management. He has served as an extension agent and as an extension specialist (personal/farm financial management) for Virginia Cooperative Extension and has worked with Farm Credit in a variety of ways for the past nine years. He also happens to be a Farm Credit customer. If you missed Dr. White’s article in our December 2017 issue, please visit mafc.com/leader-magazine.

16

| volume 22 | issue 4 | mafc.com

Summer Sizzling Photo Contest

It’s that time of year for BBQs, picnics and s’mores! We want to see your BEST summer food photo. All entries will receive a Farm Credit gift , and one lucky winner will be selected to receive a summer prize pack!

Please submit all photos with your full name and address where you want the gift mailed, the city and state where the photo was taken, and a photo caption to Katie Ward at kward@mafc.com by July 20.

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

Centreville, Maryland

Centreville, Maryland

Chestertown, Maryland

Ten acres, bring your horses! Custom-built Colonial with gorgeous views of property.

Hardwood floors, custom kitchen, hickory cabinets, double ovens, and gas cooktop.

Spacious family room with built-ins and fireplace. First floor master, bath and walk-in closets. Screened-in porch, custom deck, and patio. $629,900.

Great opportunity to own farmland just outside of Centreville. 67 acres of land featuring approved perc to build your dream home with approximately 60 acres of tillable land.

Surrounded by rolling farmland for privacy and beautiful views. Only 25 minutes from the Bay Bridge and other points of interest. $499,500.

A country estate for all seasons! This 65 acre property is located on Jarrett Creek, just off the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay, with a comfortable home to enjoy the Eastern Shore lifestyle. $2,500,000.

Contact Melissa Tippett, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.241.7409.

Contact Chris Rosendale, CR Realty, 443-988-0114.

Contact Richard Grieves, Meredith Fine Properties, 410-822-2001.

Need financing for any of these properties?*

Denton, Maryland

Call Farm Credit at 888.339.3334.

OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY EQUAL HOUSING

EQUAL HOUSING

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Goldsboro, Maryland

Properties for sale

community

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

* Financing availability subject to loan approval and property eligibility.

The possibilities are endless with this beautiful property set on the Choptank River! Composed of 138 acres, 9,000+ square feet to convert into a single family home. Property is zoned commercial but could be transformed into a single family home. $784,000.

Great opportunity to enjoy the simple life!

Don’t miss these 44 amazing country acres in a private location with a two bedroom, two and a half bath home sitting back overlooking a pretty pond. Including an outbuilding with about 15 acres of fields and 25 wooded acres (two separate deeded parcels). $425,000.

Contact Jana Meredith, Meredith Fine Properties, 443-235-3404.

Contact Phil Riordan, Meredith Fine Properties, 410-310-2951. volume 23 | issue 3 | mafc.com | 17

EQUAL HOUSING

REALTOR

®

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

community Henderson, Maryland

Henderson, Maryland

Millers, Maryland

Bring your horses! This property features four horse stalls with water and electric, a large run in shed, wash rack, tack room, hay loft, and electric fence around pastures. Inside this lovely 1899 fully restored farm house you will find recent updates to include newer roof, windows, flooring, furnace, and appliances with beautiful exposed beams in the kitchen. $299,500.

Horse lovers dream on almost 25 acres with a barn, two stalls, a tack room with water and electric, and lots of pasture area. Then step into the beautiful home, where you find a gourmet kitchen with built in subzero fridge/freezer, double wall ovens, kitchen island and granite counters, hardwood floors. $499,500.

You will love this Colonial home overlooking a gorgeous horse farm! Featuring a 36’ x 60’ barn with seven stalls, rubber matting floors, wash stall, an outfitted tack room, 3/4 upper level for hay with full staircase access. Four fenced areas serviced by two Nelson auto and frost free waterers, quick release gates, and a Pyranha fly control system. $550,000.

Contact Chris Rosendale, CR Realty, 443-988-0114.

Contact Chris Rosendale, CR Realty, 443-988-0114.

Contact Carol Fertitta, Berkshire Hathaway, 410-876-3500.

Preston, Maryland

Rock Hall, Maryland

Royal Oak, Maryland

Take a look at this wonderful 71 acre farm with a three bedroom, one bath house that is currently rented for $1,000 per month. Irrigated ground is rented for $200+ per acre. Perfect for chicken houses, nursery or to continue the farming operation. $775,000.

Unique living, sporting and entertaining property! Don’t miss this lovely Eastern Shore farm consisting of three waterfront parcels totaling approximately 212 acres (125 acres tillable, balance in woodland). The property fronts Davis Creek and offers Deep Water dock, a barn, machine sheds, a large pond and more! $4,975,000.

Check out this gorgeous property within minutes of the Bellevue/Oxford ferry and public marina. Expansive views of the Tred Avon River and ready to be developed with 29 recorded lots that have seqer allocations and VC Zoning!

Including a private cover and docks with more than 10 acres of waterfront. Property being sold “as is”. $2,249,000.

Contact Henner Gibbons-Neff, Meredith Fine Properties, 410-829-0698.

Contact Jon Ginn, Meredith Fine Properties, 410-310-4966.

Contact Vincent Payne, Realty Navigator, 410-924-3182.

Sabillasville, Maryland

Beautiful views from this 177 acre farm nestled in the scenic Catoctin Mountains. Featuring a four bed main house and a two bed tenant house, a bank barn, dairy barn and a loading shed. Approximately 100 acres tillable, 36 wooded and 40 in pasture. two streams and a one acre building lot. $1,699,000.

Contact Taylor Huffman, Long & Foster Real Estate, 240-315-8133.

18

Trappe, Maryland

Union Bridge, Maryland

This 59 acre property is perfect for the serious deer and/or turkey hunter, featuring three access trails from a county road in a desirable, quiet and serene location for the nature lover’s dream home. Minutes to Easton or Cambridge. $649,900.

An amazing 50 acre scenic equestrian facility EQUAL HOUSING with a 29+ stall barn, attached 80’ x 200’ indoor OPPORTUNITY arena and 100’ x 200’ outdoor arena. Includes a lovely three bedroom Cape Cod home with attached 1,700 square foot in-law wing.

Multiple fenced paddocks, a hay field, and some trails on the property. Business or pleasure, this is a move-in ready property. $999,900.

REALTOR

Contact Mike Stevens, Meredith Fine Properties, 240-278-3508.

OPPORTUNITY Contact Tracy Diamond, RE/MAX Advantage Realty, 410 984 2501.

®

EQUAL HOUSING

| volume 23 | issue 2 | mafc.com REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Westminster, Maryland

Coopersburg, Pennsylvania

Country charm abounds in this updated homestead. Insulated siding, replacement windows, central A/C, newer furnace, all wood floors, brick fireplace with insert, stamped concrete patio, upgraded electric, and oil tank replaced.

Outside you’ll find a pole building/workshop, bank barn with six stalls and several paddocks. $515,000.

Check out this custom contemporary home for elegant living and entertainment. Featuring an open concept kitchen, family room with a fireplace, master bedroom with a ceramic bath and walk in closets, two additional master bedrooms with full baths, formal dining and living rooms, library, sitting room, and a finished lower level. Sitting on 20 acres with a two car garage and 10 stall horse barn. $735,000.

Horse paradise! This equestrian center is on 40 acres with a house consisting of four bedrooms and two and a half baths and a carriage house apartment. The equine center has 21 12’ x 12’ European style stalls, 12 11’ x 11’ additional stalls, an 80’ x 200’ outdoor arena, a 75’ x 165’ indoor arena, GGT footing, an apartment in the barn, a tack room, kitchen, wash stalls, vet stall, bathroom, shower, and garbage disposal. $1,975,000.

Contact Laura-Lee Jones, Long & Foster Real Estate, 410-480-3338.

Contact Larry Haines, Haines Realty Co., 410-876-1616.

Contact Cindy Stys, Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, (1610) 849-1790.

Grantville, Pennsylvania

ING

NITY

®

This adorable brick home built in 1971 is nestled on a 97 acre farm only minutes from I-81 and I-66. The land qualifies for one large parcel and three additional DURs, giving you many options for agricultural related uses including farm machinery sales and services, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and farm supplies sales. Features outbuildings and 220 Volt power in the garage. $1,100,000.

Come build your dream home with all the utilities already available! Unrestricted 6.28 acres on two lots is set in a picture perfect location.

Two sites cleared to build your dream home or stay in the three bedroom two bath home. Wet weather stream and mountain views make for a dream come true. $75,000.

Contact Michael Yingling, RE/MAX Delta Group, 717-652-8200.

Contact Carl Hales, MarketPlace REALTY, 540-664-1796.

Contact Alicia Potter, Century 21 Sterling Realty, 304.676.7122.

These listings were submitted by individual real estate agents.

MidAtlantic Farm Credit is not responsible for typographical errors or pricing discrepancies.

Don’t miss this first class 53 acre equestrian facility near Eldersburg in Carroll County! A solid income opportunity with 32 stalls, an indoor arena with an observation room, tack lockers, lounge, full bath, two all-weather outdoor arenas, hay/shavings storage, and a large run in. Also includes a three bedroom farmhouse and two apartments. $1,499,900.

®

Westminster, Maryland

Contact Tracy Diamond, RE/MAX Advantage Realty, 410 984 2501.

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

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

OPPORTUNITY ®

REALTOR

EQUAL HOUSING

OR

Great Cacapon, West Virginia

This gorgeous 20 acre property features a fully remodeled four bedroom farmhouse, a 32 stall horse stable and a boarding facility three miles from Penn National Race Track. Complete with two wash bays, a tack room, office, bank barn with two drive-in bays and lower level storage with five stalls, race tracks, exercise areas, and a four bay garage. $719,900.

EQUAL HOUSING

TOR

White Post, Virginia

Properties for sale

Upperco, Maryland

REALTOR

®

OPPORTUNITY

888.339.3334 | mafc.com

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

45 Aileron Court Westminster MD 21157

Stay connected to Farm Credit

facebook.com/MidAtlanticFarmCredit

Our customers are constantly on the move, juggling everything from farm markets and fairs to vineyards and dairy operations. With the agriculture industry constantly evolving, we like to keep up by covering industry news and topics important to you. Follow us on your favorite social media network for the latest agriculture and Farm Credit news!

You can also stay in the know by signing up to receive our blog posts directly to your inbox.

You’ll be the first to get exclusive updates and articles before they hit social media.

Visit mafc.com/blog today!

@midatfarmcredit

@midatfarmcredit

youtube.com/user/MidAtlanticFC

Your dream home is within your reach.

Building a home is exciting and stressful at the same time. After you find the perfect neighborhood, the right builder, and the floorplan that fits your needs, the last thing you want to worry about is your lender.

Let Farm Credit ease your mind. Our new Construction-to-Perm program provides financing up to 95%, making sure nothing stands in the way of your dream. You’re also able to finance the purchase of both the land and the construction at the same time, with one interest rate and one closing, saving you time and money.

When you’re ready to make your dream a reality, give us a call.

We’ll help you every step of the way.

888.339.3334 | mafc.com |