AgGeorgia Spring 2026 Leader Magazine by rshannon

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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

MARKETING MANAGER

Rhonda Shannon

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Phillip Higgins

DESIGNERS

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Joey Ayer

Gwen Carroll

Jessica Deas

Phereby Derrick

Jonathan Mashack

PRINTER

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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 800-768-FARM. Our quarterly financial report can also be obtained on our website: www.aggeorgia.com Email: rshannon@aggeorgia.com.

ON THE FRONT COVER

Jason Fritz, CEO of HI-LINE Helicopters, stands with his helicopter on a landing pad at the Cherokee County Regional Airport in Canton.

Advocating for

Agriculture

AgGeorgia Goes to Washington, DC

Plaques commemorating the importance of The American Farmer in the Department of Agriculture building

Article and photographs by Rhonda Shannon

More than 800 participants from 48 states and Puerto Rico in the Farm Credit System converged on Washington, D.C., the first week in November to lobby for issues that directly affect agriculture. This every-other-year event, more commonly referred to as the DC Fly-In, includes two full days of advocacy, learning and celebration of agriculture, and draws attention to and serves as a reminder of the importance of the industry. The theme for 2025 was Celebrating the Best of American Agriculture.

At each of these events, AgGeorgia has a delegation that attends and visits with the legislators on Capitol Hill that represent the producers in the territory that AgGeorgia serves. The purpose is to express issues directly impacting not only the ag industry but the families and rural communities that are a part of it. The message is clear – farmers and producers are a critical segment of the national economy, homeland security and food stability for our nation and they lead the world in productivity and quality commodities. It is imperative that the contributions of farmers remain top of mind for our nation’s political leaders, who may sometimes overlook the significant challenges involved in supplying food, fiber, and shelter to over 343 million U.S. residents.

This year’s trip began with the General Session where all the Farm Credit attendees heard from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glen “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN-2). Each emphasized the important role Farm Credit plays in rural America. The two also discussed the bipartisan efforts underway to develop Farm Bill 2.0.

The first day of visits for the AgGeorgia group began with a trip to the office of the National Cotton Council, where the marketing of U.S. cotton was discussed with Robbie Minnich, Vice President, Washington Operations. Mr. Minnich fielded questions from the AgGeorgia directors and staff, who are themselves cotton growers and provided updates on marketing strategies being implemented to increase the use of the fiber. Mr. Minnich also led a thoughtful discussion on the Buying

The first of many visits the AgGeorgia group held with the staffers and with Congressional leaders concerning the issues for farmers

AgGeorgia staff & directors in the patio of the U.S. Department of Agriculture building. Shown (L to R) Rhonda Shannon, Corey Cottle, Glee Smith, Al Rowland, Brad Edenfield, Rob Crain, Karina Harrison, Teel Warbington and Patti York

American Cotton Act, highlighting its potential to raise demand at both the national and global levels.

The next stop was a trip to the Department of Agriculture where the AgGeorgia group felt comfortable and right at home. There, they were privileged to an exclusive, intimate meeting with U. S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, a graduate of Yale Law School and Vanderbilt University but with deep roots in agriculture. A Tennessee native, he was impressively knowledgeable on agriculture and the climate in the industry, from the producers to policies that can dictate their profitably. He was also abreast of the bridge payment scenario and the urgency to expedite funding, and the importance of updating and the passage of a beneficial Farm Bill. It was reassuring that Deputy Secretary Vaden was well-informed on agriculture, has a passion for it and an appreciation for those who work in it.

The non-partisan visits to Capitol Hill were encouraging, and appointments with the legislators or their staff members allowed for a time to once again advocate for AgGeorgia members and Georgia farmers. Each office was left with Farm Credit information on how the cooperative strives to support farmers, agriculture and rural America. The day was filled with walking the meeting halls of Congress and visiting the legislative offices of Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, Representative Rick Allen, Representative Andrew Clyde,

Representative Mike Collins, Representative Barry Loudermilk, Representative Rich McCormick and Representative Austin Scott. The Farm Credit event concluded with its signature mixer, the Marketplace Reception, located on the District Pier at the Wharf. Farm Credit associations from all over the country brought products grown or refined by their member-borrowers for visitors to sample and enjoy. Staffers from the legislative offices and other guests, totaling nearly 2,300, attended to receive the farm fresh items ranging from food, including Hawaiian chocolates, honey, cheese, beef sticks and fresh vegetables; to assorted beverages including bourbons, wines and mixes; to household products, including detergents, woolen dryer balls and cotton products. The festive atmosphere was the perfect setting to spotlight agriculture, educate many in attendance on the importance, variations and tastiness of agriculture, and to experience Farm Credit’s mission firsthand. It was encouraging to network with professionals, politicians and producers, all who were united in telling the agriculture’s story and advocating strongly on its behalf.

Walking down the halls of Congress for legislative visits

A view of the crowd at the evening Marketplace event

A picturesque view of the Capitol at sunset

The steps of the National Cotton Council building before the visit

A portion of our group on the steps of the Capitol building

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden meets with the AgGeorgia group

Upcoming Events

For more information on the events listed below, please submit your inquiries to marketing@aggeorgia.com

Conventions, Trade Shows, Annual Meetings

7/15-18 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Convention Jekyll Island, GA

7/24-26 Georgia Forestry Association Conference & Forestry Expo Jekyll Island, GA

7/27-29

10/8-18

10/11-13

Georgia Plant Food Educational Society Summer Meeting Amelia Island, GA

Georgia National Fair Perry, GA

Sunbelt Ag Expo Moultrie, GA

Educational Opportunities

AGAwareWorkshop 6/25 Athens-Clarke County Extension Office Athens, GA

7/6-10 Georgia Co-op Council Youth Camp FFA/FCCLA Center | Covington, GA

8/21-23 Georgia Co-op Council Couples Conference Americus, GA

Office Closures

5/25 Memorial Day 6/19 Juneteenth 7/3 Independence Day 9/7 Labor Day 11/11 Veterans Day 11/26-27 Thanksgiving 12/24-25 Christmas

AgGeorgia Regional Member Appreciation Events 10/26 10/27 11/2 11/3

Clarence Brown Conference Center Cartersville, GA

Jackson County Agricultural Facility Jefferson, GA

DuBose Porter Center Dublin, GA

UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton, GA

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

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.

AgGeorgia Farm Credit Financial Reports

FARMING High-Flying

Jason explaining safety

Article

Rhonda

If you’ve ever seen a helicopter slicing through the sky like a dragonfly on a mission, chances are it wasn’t just joyriding. It might have been on a noble quest of delivering hope, hauling hay or herding hogs. Helicopters are agriculture’s up and coming problem solvers and the concept is taking flight – literally. At the heart of the business and at the controls of this unique piece of ag machinery is Jason Fritz, CEO and Chief Engineer for HI-LINE Helicopters, Inc., in Ball Ground, Georgia. As a passionate entrepreneur and pilot, he is transforming a legacy of aviation into a cutting-edge service that’s solving not-so-accessible issues for ag producers. With FAA certifications in charter, cargo and aerial applications, and a deep respect for agriculture and the risks involved, Jason is a perfect fit for the business. “Our goal is to make aerial solutions accessible, efficient and transformative,” Fritz said.

Fritz purchased HI-LINE Helicopters in 2024 from Anthony Reece, a Viet Nam veteran from Darrington, Washington. Reece was raised around pilots and in a family of loggers, and

Shannon Photographs by Rhonda Shannon & contributed

after his service in the military, returned to Darrington and obtained his airplane pilot’s license and later, helicopter license. He started the business in 1978, working for various companies and businesses in the Cascade Mountains and, on many occasions, rescuing countless hikers stranded in the mountain range’s national parks. But his logging background sparked another idea of a benefit from the use of his aircraft. When the Reece family logging operation would cut trees along the rugged mountainside and haul them using a pulley system, it was a painstaking one-at-a-time process. Reece determined that hauling the logs with his helicopter might be more efficient. “In the very first two days, he alone did the equivalent of three weeks’ worth of work that had been taking four people to do,” explained Fritz. And with that resourcefulness, upon purchasing the business, Fritz envisioned somewhat endless opportunities for benefitting agriculture in Georgia. “We can help the farmers keep invasive species out, which will keep the crops healthy,” explains Fritz. He further explained that he could work directly with companies or manufacturers, like Nutrien for example, for a scheduled regimen necessary for the applications of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers for crop protection and growth.

Other agricultural advantages to his business include seeding and erosion control. “Helicopters can seed thousands of acres quickly, especially in erosion-prone regions like the Yellow River Basin,” he explained. “For growers of frost-sensitive crops like blueberries, citrus, strawberries or green beans, as examples, we can hover over crops during cold snaps instead of the growers having to strategically place large fans in the fields, which wouldn’t be as cost effective. With our process of keeping the frost away, we don’t get in the way of harvesting, and we carry the burden of maintenance and operating expenses of the machinery.” Fritz also mentioned advantages for the timber

industry, from managing a large stand of timber for tree health concerns to prescribed burning, tree classification, harvesting methods and fertilization or seeding. “Pretty much from planting to harvest, our services offer benefits to most any kind of ag production,” Fritz said. In addition, the helicopter is equipped for firefighting, with specialized communication systems and gear specifically necessary for that scenario. They have the capability of carrying 1,000 pounds and up to 100 gallons of liquid and are equipped with a sprayer possessing a boom width as wide as 40 feet. The helicopter has the ability to offer a wide range of services in agriculture and more.

Another advantage that strongly resonates with nearly all producers in Georgia is helping to control or even eradicate the ever-increasing problem of feral hogs. These invasive pests have caused extensive damage to row crops, livestock, forest regeneration and the environment in general in nearly all areas of our state. Typical hunting of these animals has become popular, but it is rarely an effective tool for managing the ever-growing population and the costly damage they cause. Texas had an estimated feral hog population of 2.6 million with damage figures as high as $230 million annually, not including the toll they caused on natural resources. Fields can be destroyed as quickly as overnight. Jason is pioneering a program in Georgia, modeling it after successful programs in Texas, that used, in part, sophisticated helicopters like Jason’s to eradicate the hogs. The program has contributed to 1.3 million acres being positively impacted, according to a Texas A&M study.

Like with most ag equipment, the helicopter can have other uses outside of agriculture. Fritz explained that municipalities can benefit from their services as well for an array of services. Although insect control may be top of the list, he elaborated on purposes such as the installation of HVAC units on a rooftop, typically done with cranes, transporting

materials for power line installation, reseeding land, or just simply delivering supplies to inaccessible areas due to lack of navigable roads or infrastructure. The work that might take days and entail several payroll hours can be done by helicopter in a short time.

Despite the clear advantages, Fritz explained the biggest hurdle that remains is the awareness of their business. Many farmers don’t know their services exist or how cost-effective they can be. “We’re working hard to get the word out by offering personalized consultations and performancebased pricing to ensure transparency and value,” Fritz said. With a growing team, plans for a second helicopter and ambitions to build a dedicated repair and fabrication facility, the company is poised to become an integral part of Georgia’s agricultural sector. Using their litany of armaments, increasing their customers’ profitability is the main objective. Their goal is simple: solve complex problems and be cost-effective through aerial solutions. Whether the issue is battling erosion, racing against frost, managing crops or building in remote areas, Fritz and his helicopter are ready to play a major role in supporting those involved in Georgia’s number one industry.

For more information on HI-LINE Helicopters and their services, visit their website at www.Hiline.us or email jason@hiline.us.

Jason and Genger Jason beside his machine

Association News

Welcome

to our newest staff members!

Rachel Crumpton Member Service Representative

CORPORATE

Jordan Irby Human Resources Generalist

Maranda Jackson Member Service Representative

Rebecca Webb Mortgage Loan Originator

Todd Miles Commercial Loan Officer

Kayla Brown Member Service Representative

Congratulations on new positions!

Genger Carlan has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. Genger joined AgGeorgia in December 2016.

Congratulations on retirement!

AgGeorgia recognized and honored Bobby Miller for his retirement from the Board as of December 31, 2025. Mr. Miller had a long-standing, remarkable tenure of service of over 34 years, and we are thankful for this dedication, leadership and friendship. Shown with Karina Harrison, Executive Assistant; Rob Crain, AgGeorgia Chief Executive Officer; Gale and Bobby Miller; and Brian Grogan, Vice Chair of the AgGeorgia Board of Directors.