Fall 2026
Growing the Future of Ag Dreaming of a Country Life AgGeorgia News
GO PAPERLESS WITH ELECTRONIC BILLING STATEMENTS
Leader
is published periodically for stockholders, directors and friends of AgGeorgia Farm Credit. PRESIDENT James R. (Rob) Crain BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jack W. Bentley, Jr. Justin W. Castleberry Guy A. Daughtrey R. B. (Brad) Edenfield R. Brian Grogan Daniel (Dan) T. King Steve C. Loughridge John H. Reece Joe A. (Al) Rowland Glee C. Smith C. Chase Springfield G. Teel Warbington Henry C. (Clint) Wortman, Jr. Patti B. York
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Address changes, questions, comments or requests for copies of our financial reports should be directed to AgGeorgia Farm Credit by writing P.O. Box 1820, Perry, GA 31069 or calling 800-768FARM. Our quarterly financial report can also be obtained on our website: www.aggeorgia.com Email: rshannon@aggeorgia.com.
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ON THE FRONT COVER Blake & Melissa Williams, along with their girls, stand on the site for their forever home in the country.
Table of Contents 4 Growing the Future of Agriculture 6 Upcoming Events 8 Dreaming of a Country Life 10 AgGeorgia News
AGGEORGIA.3.FALL 2026
Growing the Future of
Agriculture AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s 2026 Summer Intern Program
Article by Rhonda Shannon, photos by Rhonda Shannon and contributed
Most summers, AgGeorgia Farm Credit invests in something just as important as financing farms, land, and rural communities: developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. The 2026 Summer Intern Program brought together three outstanding students from across Georgia for an immersive learning experience. The program is designed to provide real-world exposure to agricultural finance, relationship-based lending, and the cooperative values that have guided AgGeorgia for more than a century. Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and opportunities to collaborate across departments, interns were able to gain a deeper understanding of how AgGeorgia serves farmers, families, and rural communities every day.
A visit to Pearson Farm at the height of peach harvest
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Unlike traditional internships that focus on observation alone, AgGeorgia’s internship program gives students the opportunity to actively participate in meaningful work. Interns are placed within a department where they work alongside experienced and seasoned staff, while also engaging in cross-functional learning experiences throughout the organization. These college students receive mentorship, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain practical industry knowledge while developing a broader understanding of AgGeorgia’s operations, customer experience strategies, and cooperative business model. During the summer, interns build relationships with the various departments, work on projects that support Association goals, and prepare presentations showcasing what they learned during their time at AgGeorgia. As a fun aspect of the program, they also visit farms and hear the stories of producers and growers, and celebrate with customers in real estate transactions at attorneys’ offices.
On an outing with Jacob, Stephanie, Chief Lending Officer Tamara Shrable
Meeting with Loan Officers (back l to r) Jacob Collins, Bubba James, Jeremy Register and Buck Blalock. Front (l to r) Regional Lending Manager Stephanie Jackson, Loralye, Julie Ann Cann and Linda Sapp
Celebrating the new farm purchase with Deborah Faye Lattimore (seated) with Commercial Loan Officer Buck Blalock (left).
Cooley Farms
AGGEORGIA.4.FALL 2026
Meet the
2026 Interns Hadley Saxon
Lending Intern | Tifton
Working within the Lending Department in Tifton under the mentorship of Commercial Loan Officer Robert Bramblett, Hadley gained firsthand experience in agricultural lending and customer relationships. Her summer provided opportunities to learn the financial tools and lending processes that help Georgia farmers and rural landowners achieve their goals. Reflecting on her experience, Hadley shared: “The support of my mentors and the Association made this internship an invaluable experience for my professional and personal growth. I am so thankful for the experiences I was able to have through the AgGeorgia internship program.”
Loralye Irwin
Lending Intern | Perry
Based in Perry and mentored by Commercial Loan Officer Jacob Collins, Loralye explored the many ways AgGeorgia supports its member-borrowers while learning about the cooperative business model that sets Farm Credit apart. Her internship exposed her to both the technical and relationship-driven sides of agricultural finance. Loralye described the influence of her internship this way: “AgGeorgia’s Internship impacted me personally and professionally. It provided hands-on learning experiences and a variety of mentorship.” She also highlighted one of the most meaningful lessons she learned: “AgGeorgia taught me a loan is more than just borrowing money. It is about creating a lasting relationship with a borrower.”
Listening to Dr. Elisabeth Reid, wife of Georgia Farmer of the Year Pete Gelber, at Barrington Dairy. The operation consists of 13,400 Holstein cows milked three times a day in three revolving parlors.
Inside the viewing room.
Few things say country visits more than riding on the back of a truck. Loralye shown with mentor Jacob Collins
A Program Built on Mentorship
One of the defining characteristics of AgGeorgia’s internship program is its emphasis on mentorship. While each intern is assigned a primary mentor, they are encouraged to build relationships throughout the organization and learn from employees across multiple departments and branch locations. This approach helps students gain a well-rounded perspective of the Association while building connections that can support future career growth. The culmination of the internship experience came during the interns’ final presentations, where they shared lessons learned, projects completed, and the effect their summer experience had on their professional development. Association leaders noted that the interns demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a strong desire to learn throughout the program.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders
As AgGeorgia Farm Credit continues its mission of improving the lives of Georgia’s farmers, families, and rural communities, developing future talent remains an important part of that commitment. The 2026 Summer Intern Program provided valuable professional experience for three promising students while helping strengthen the future workforce of agriculture and rural finance. AgGeorgia deemed the internship program a huge success and was proud to have played a role in helping shape the career paths of these future leaders. While Hadley, Loralye, and Sawyer will certainly be missed, the relationships formed, skills developed, and experiences gained will continue to benefit them long after conclusion of their summer at AgGeorgia. Good luck to these three remarkable students and their future endeavors!
Sawyer Wishon
Credit Intern | Calhoun
Sawyer spent the summer in the Credit Department in Calhoun under the mentorship of Credit Analyst Nelson Rhinehart, while also gaining additional experience in Chatsworth with Caroline Perry. His internship provided valuable exposure to the credit analysis and risk management side of agricultural lending. His reflection captured the essence of the program’s impact: “What began as an internship became an experience that shaped my understanding of agriculture, finance, and the value of great mentorship.”
Hadley (l to r), Sawyer and Loralye being presented their appreciation gifts by Human Resources representatives Sydney Larimer and Jordan Irby
For more information on AgGeorgia’s Internship Program, visit aggeorgia.com/community-membership/scholarships-internships
AGGEORGIA.5.FALL 2026
Upcoming Events CONVENTIONS, TRADE SHOWS, EVENTS
OFFICES CLOSURE DATES & OBSERVANCES
2026
2026
November 9-11
Georgia Agricultural County Agents Association Annual Meeting Tifton
November 11 Veterans Day November 26-27 Thanksgiving
November 20
December 24-25 Christmas
December 6-8
2027
Georgia Agribusiness Harvest Celebration Athens Georgia Farm Bureau Annual Convention Jekyll Island
January 1 New Year’s Day January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2027
January 7-9
February 15 Presidents’ Day
Southeastern Fruit & Vegetable Growers Conference Savannah
January 18-20
Georgia Dairy Conference Savannah
January 21
Georgia Peanut Farm Show Tifton
January 22-23
Georgia Young Farmer Annual Convention Jekyll Island
January 29-31
Georgia Watermelon Conference Lake Oconee
Join us for our member appreciation events! October 26, 2026
Clarence Brown Conference Center Cartersville, GA
October 27, 2026
Jackson County Agricultural Facility Jefferson, GA
November 2, 2026 Dubose Porter Conference Center Dublin, GA
November 3, 2026
UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton, GA
AGGEORGIA.6.FALL 2026
ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR MILITARY VETERANS
You’ve kept America safe. Let us help you keep your operation growing.
AGGEORGIA.COM
For your current or previous active duty United States military service, we’re offering special discounted fees. Call us today for details!
Insurance Reminder AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Agricultural Credit Association (Association) loan agreements and/or commitment letters stipulate that borrowers obtain and maintain insurance on property pledged as security for loans with the Association named as mortgagee or loss payee as appropriate. This notice is a reminder that the minimum amount of coverage required to be maintained is the lesser of your loan balance(s), the actual cash value of the property, the replacement cost of the property or the amount stipulated by your loan officer. Since the amount required could be less than the amount for which the property can be insured, you are encouraged to consider
AgGeorgia Farm Credit
Financial Reports
higher limits where applicable to adequately protect your equity interest in the property. If the property securing your loan consists of improved real estate, unless otherwise advised, at a minimum, your policy must insure against the following perils: fire and lightning; wind; hail; aircraft or vehicle damage; riot or civil commotion; explosion; smoke damage; water damage (other than flood); falling objects; weight of snow, ice or sleet; and vandalism. Loss or damage from flooding is also required if your loan was made after Oct. 4, 1996, and at the time the loan was made the property was located in a government mandate Special Flood Hazard Area and flood insurance was available.
If the property securing your indebtedness consists of personal property including vehicles, machinery or equipment, in addition to the causes of loss cited in the preceding paragraph, the property must also be insured against theft, and where applicable, such as with mobile machinery and equipment, collision and upset. If your current coverage does not conform to these requirements, please contact your insurance representative and effect the necessary changes to ensure your coverage does comply with these requirements. Please contact your local AgGeorgia Farm Credit representative if you have any questions or comments.
Copies of the Association’s Annual and Quarterly reports are available upon request free of charge by calling 1-800768-3276 or writing Jay Murkerson, Chief Financial Officer, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, ACA, P.O. Box 1820, Perry, Georgia 31069 or accessing the website, www.aggeorgia.com. The Association prepares an electronic version of the Annual Report which is available on the Association’s website within 75 days after the end of the fiscal year and distributes the Annual Report to Shareholders within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year. The Association prepares an electronic version of the Quarterly report within 40 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, except that no report need be prepared for the fiscal quarter that coincides with the end of the fiscal year of the institution.
AGGEORGIA.7.FALL 2026
Dreaming of
a Country Life Article and photographs by Rhonda Shannon
For years, the idea existed mostly as a dream. A place with room to breathe, for horses to be right outside the door and enough land for their children to explore. Add to that tall pines, a small body of water, trails and a long driveway leading away from the noise and congestion of a growing hometown. They envisioned a place where relatives could gather, their dogs could roam and the family could enjoy the outdoors together. But after many years and many different properties, that vision for Blake and Melissa Williams didn’t necessarily feel attainable. Until they found a particular property in middle Georgia. “It was just a dream. Looking back now, it’s amazing how it’s all coming together,” Melissa said. What began as a search for recreational property eventually became something much more impactful: a new lifestyle, a connection to a welcoming community and a tangible investment in their family’s future.
A Search That Kept Leading Back to Georgia
As their hometown near Kissimmee, Florida changed and undeveloped land became harder to find, the thought of relocating began to feel less like an abstract idea and more like a calling. Melissa had long been involved with horses, including barrel racing and trail riding, traveling at times several hours for competitions and rides. The family’s original interest in land grew from the desire to give her space to pursue that passion, pairing it with hunting land for Blake and exploring room for their three
girls - a sizeable tract of land seemed to be the aspiration of them all. Several listings first caught their attention and the family initially considered properties in several locations, including Alabama, where land prices appeared attractive. Yet each search seemed to lead them right back to Middle Georgia. “We looked for land all over the place,” Melissa said. “Every time we were looking, we were always drawn to Middle Georgia. It just captured us when we were here.” Properties there provided distance from the pace they wanted to leave behind in Florida without making family trips to a new property impractical. Visiting the property gave them a deeper appreciation for the area; the land appeared fertile, the setting offered the rural character they wanted, and the location was close enough to reach during a long weekend. Eventually, the family decided to act. They purchased their property in Pulaski County and couldn’t be happier about their choice.
A New Way of Life
The Williamses wouldn’t have described themselves as traditional farmers. In fact, the idea of Blake operating farm equipment might have surprised people who knew him. Today, the tractor has become one of his favorite parts of life in the country. “I think a lot of people who have known me a long time would probably laugh at the thought of me on a tractor,” he said. “But the tractor has become my favorite tool. It’s where I go to relax.” Their ease of transition into the lifestyle was supported by local farmers who generously shared their experiences and helped the family learn. That guidance gave the Williamses confidence as they became more familiar with managing rural property, maintaining trails and
AGGEORGIA.8.FALL 2026
caring for the land. Their home life remained active, with three children and a collection of horses, dogs and cats. But the family has balanced the demands of animals, school, work and travel. Blake continues operating an insurance business that takes him throughout the southeastern United States, while the farm gives the family a grounding place to which to return. They described their lives simply: busy, but blessed.
Finding a Lender Who Understood the Vision
The path to purchasing land wasn’t straightforward. When the Williamses considered buying property adjoining one of their farms, the bank they were using did not appear to fully understand what they hoped to accomplish or how to evaluate the property. Blake began calling people he knew in the area, and their recommendations repeatedly pointed him toward AgGeorgia Farm Credit. But a hurdle they thought they’d have was being able to qualify for financing since they did not consider themselves conventional farmers. However, once conversations began, they discovered that AgGeorgia understood their goal of properties combining recreational, agricultural and investment purposes. They also discovered the purchase of the land would deem them eligible for financing. “What was nice about Farm Credit was that even though we weren’t traditional farmers, they recognized the value of the land and the value
of a recreational farm,” Blake said. “It made the whole process so much easier.” That specialized knowledge proved important. Blake compared it with his own work in insurance, where understanding a particular class of business can make an enormous difference. “We didn’t realize in the beginning how important specialization was,” he said. “After dealing with a bank and then with AgGeorgia, you could see the importance of working with people who specialize.” The couple was connected with loan officer Jacob Collins in the Perry Office, who quickly understood their goals. Over time, the professional connection grew into a relationship founded on trust, accessibility and candid advice. “Jacob is our guy,” Melissa said. “We always know he’s going to help us and be truthful about everything.” The Williams family includes Jacob in conversations when considering significant purchases, sometimes even before or if an idea directly involves land. The relationship extends beyond paperwork and transactions, with their families sharing meals, touring the property and staying connected. “He has since become a friend and part of our lives and our decision-making,” Melissa said. “It’s something we’ve never experienced in the banking world.”
The Land as Investment
Although this purchase was driven largely by passion, the Williamses initially didn’t consider the land as an investment. Some of their previous land purchases attracted buyers even though they were not marketed or listed for sale. Those experiences prompted the thought that property could offer financial benefit while still providing recreation and personal fulfillment. “We’d love to say we were
smart and looking at it from an investment perspective,” Melissa said. “But it really started as a passion. Then we learned, ‘Wow, this is an amazing investment.’” For them, land offers something that conventional investments cannot. Blake continues to invest in stocks and build that portfolio, but he appreciates the stability and physical connection he experiences with property. “What’s nice about land is that, whether it’s going up or down [in price or value], you can step on your investment,” he said. “You can feel your investment, you can see your investment and you can enjoy your investment.” The family nevertheless views this property differently from previous purchases - this is intended to become home. As their children grow, the couple imagines the property remaining a central gathering place, somewhere the daughters can return even after establishing lives of their own. Whether the land remains in the family forever or eventually supports another chapter, the Williamses believe it represents a sound investment.
A Property That Checked Every Box The family’s newest purchase represents the culmination of hardwoods, water, wide trails for horses and all-terrain vehicles, existing areas that can be improved for wildlife and the quiet rural setting they had envisioned. “This checks all the boxes,” Melissa said. “It’s a place where family can gather. If my parents or his parents need to build a house, we have the room. It’s not too far from our community, and we have friends who live almost right across the street.” The property also gives the family a direct connection to the outdoors. They can step outside, get on a utility vehicle, walk with the dogs or head toward the water without first driving somewhere else. That freedom is especially meaningful to their children. After they’d sold a previous farm, the parents realized how much their daughters missed being able to leave the house and immediately enter the woods. “Our children love to be out in the wilderness,” Melissa said. “They take the dogs and go walking. It meant a lot to me that our kids could be back where we just walk out the door and we’re in the place we like to be.” The land has also
become a place of reflection. On one spring morning, Blake sat outdoors during turkey season, lowered his gun and picked up his phone to begin videoing instead. He listened as the property came alive around him. “You just feel pretty close to God when that’s happening,” Blake said with a smile.
Building for Generations
The family’s plans extend beyond constructing a house and bringing Melissa’s horses to the property. The land may also make it possible for her parents to relocate from Florida and build nearby. Living close to her parents has long been a dream for Melissa and her mother. The size and layout of the property could allow each household to maintain privacy while keeping parents, children and grandchildren close to one another. “As your parents get older, you want to take care of them and you want to be near them,” Melissa said. “This property allows them to have their space and us to have our space, but we will all be together.” That possibility captures what the land has come to mean for the Williams family. It is a recreational retreat, a home for their animals and wildlife, an investment and a bridge between generations. It gives their children room to explore today and the promise of a place to return to tomorrow. “This is really our dream property,” the family said. “To be here feels surreal.” Their experience also carries a message for others who may want land but hesitate because they don’t think they fit the traditional image of a farmer. “You don’t have to be a farmer to work with Farm Credit,” they said. “Farm Credit made it easier to accomplish our goals than we ever could have imagined.” For the Williams family, the journey began with a dream that once seemed distant. It led them to Middle Georgia, where that dream finally took root and grew into something even more meaningful: a home, a community and a legacy their family can share.
For information on land financing options, visit www.aggeorgia.com/land
AGGEORGIA.9.FALL 2026
Association News Welcome to our newest staff members! PERRY
Steve Leonard Chief Risk Officer
TIFTON
Bruce Lester Sr. Loan Workout Officer
Allison Wallace Member Service Representative
WAYNESBORO
Preston Estrada Commercial Loan Officer
Kevin Kicklighter Regional Lending Manager
Lee Cowart Commercial Loan Officer
Congratulations to these employees on their new positions! CLARKESVILLE
PERRY
Cindy Smith Centralized Accounting Supervisor
Rachel Lindsey Director of Risk Management & Controls
Brandie Thompson Chief Administrative Officer
TIFTON
WAYNESBORO
Austin Tyson Credit Administrator
Amanda Craig Controller
AGGEORGIA.10.FALL 2026
Jay Murkerson Chief Financial Officer
Melissa Redd Director of Process Improvement
Steve Connelly Director of Strategic Initiatives
FARMERS GROW GEORGIA FARMERS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON OUR ECONOMY BY PROVIDING FOOD, SUPPORTING THOUSANDS OF JOBS AND SUSTAINING OUR COMMUNITIES.
Supporting Georgia’s #1 Industry and the Farmers Who Keep it Growing
PROPERTIES FOR SALE IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER FARM OR A COUNTRY HOMESITE, CHECK OUT THESE PROPERTY LISTINGS!
AS YOU SEARCH THROUGH THESE LISTINGS YOU CAN ALSO GET STARTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FOR FINANCING. Scan the QR code to view listings from around the state, and then connect with a Loan Officer who can provide rates, terms, and get you started.
Helping Georgia Grow for Generations® AgGeorgia.com/propertylistings
AGGEORGIA.11.FALL 2026
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AgGeorgia Farm Credit P.O. Box 1820 Perry, GA 31069
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AgGeorgia Office Locations Calhoun 2857 Miller Ferry Road Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 291-6340
Dublin 826 Bellevue Avenue Dublin, GA 31021 (478) 272-3255
Quitman 504 E. Screven Street Quitman, GA 31643 (229) 263-7551
Washington U.S. 78, 311 North Bypass Washington, GA 30673 (706) 678-7088
Chatsworth 19 Woodlake Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 (706) 695-0020
Gainesville 501 Broad Street SE Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-5395
Royston 449 Franklin Springs Street Royston, GA 30662 (706) 245-6142
Waynesboro 176 Highway 80 West Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706) 554-2107
Clarkesville 102 Blacksnake Road Mt. Airy, GA 30563 (706) 754-4158
Moultrie 22 5th Avenue, SE Moultrie, GA 31768 (229) 985-3893
Sandersville 775 Sparta Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-6922
Cordele 1207 South Greer Street Cordele, GA 31010 (229) 273-3927
Perry 468 Perry Parkway Perry, GA 31069 (478) 987-1434
Tifton 1601 King Road Tifton, GA 31793 (229) 382-4300
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