Spring 2015 Financial Partner Magazine

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FarmCreditEast.com

TELLING OUR STORIES Develop relationships.

Then educate with facts.

INSIDE

News & Views 2 Candidates for the President’s Message 3 Board of Directors 11

Cover Story 5 SPRING 2015

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N EW &V IEW S S

FarmCreditEast.com

Insights & Perspectives Be sure to check out Farm Credit East’s Northeast Agriculture 2015: Insights and Perspectives.

This year’s edition provides analysis and perspectives on agriculture, commercial fishing and the forest products industry from Farm Credit East leadership as well as perspectives from leading researchers across the country. Insights are provided on:

Calling All Talented Photographers!

The Farm Credit East Photo Calendar Contest is open.

As these frigid winter temperatures wind down, we hope your shutter finger is itching to get outside to capture winning pictures for our 2016 calendar. We look for photos representing Northeast agriculture during every season, so don’t forget to send in those snowy shots too!

We look for creative pictures from all industries — from commercial fishing to dairy, the forest products industries to row crops — with all other industries in between.

AGRICULTURAL

VIEWS

2015 CALENDAR

Ready! Aim! Shoot!

Visit FarmCreditEast.com/Calendar to upload your best shots.

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

NORTHEAST AGRICULTURE INSIGHTS AND

• • • • •

Business planning • Specialty crops research • Forest products • Grain and oilseed outlook • E conomic impact of Northeast agriculture

Northeast farm economy 2015 economic outlook Futures markets Farm bill programs

2015PERSPECTIVES

To view this year’s report, visit FarmCreditEast.com/InsightsAndPerspectives.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PAPERS ON AGRICULTURE, COMMERCIAL FISHING AND THE FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY

Turning the Page After 34 Years Financial Partner Editor, Karen Murphy, leaves a legacy of richly told stories.

At Farm Credit East, we have the pleasure of working with Northeast farmers, commercial fishermen and forest product producers every day. We visit their farms, walk through their dairy barns and go out on their lobster boats.

We meet their families, learn their stories and develop relationships across generations.

As a customer-owned cooperative, our story is best told through these stories of our customers.

Karen Murphy, Farm Credit East vice president of marketing communications and editor of Financial Partner magazine, has embraced this.

Since the start of her career, she has been committed to telling Farm Credit’s story through the stories of Northeast producers.

Karen has interviewed hundreds of customers to create advertisements, videos and articles that showcase their focus and creativity in making their businesses the best they can be. In 1988, she began Financial Partner, a publication celebrating the diversity of Northeast agriculture and the strength and success of farmers, forest product producers and commercial fishermen.

It’s these interviews with customers she’s enjoyed most. “I’m in awe of our customers.

I admire their business know-how and dedication to their operations, their families and agriculture. I’ve loved hearing their personal experiences and triumphs in running their family businesses.”

Karen will soon be retiring, and in her final issue as editor of Financial Partner, we pay tribute to her passion and dedication to capturing these stories. Financial Partner will certainly be her lasting legacy, continuing to tell the stories of Northeast producers for generations to come.

FROM THE BEGINNING

PRESIDENT’s MESSAGE

Scott Herring, president and chief operating officer

This was great for fixed income investors, but not for those who just borrowed money. Nobody could envision a time when interest rates would ever be below 10 percent again. That was kind of foolish looking back from where we sit now with interest rates below 3 percent and inflation below 2 percent. With the benefit of hindsight, we may now be half way through the 45year cycle that got us to those lofty levels of inflation and interest rates. Only time will tell that story.

The 80s By the mid-80s, this rate policy had taken its toll. Inflation had been crushed. A strong dollar and shrinking exports strained My task is to reflect on the time I’ve spent with Farm Credit

economic activity in the United States. Agriculture was in the

in the Northeast. Why? Because I’m retiring at the end of March

tank nationally. Farm lenders, including the Farm Credit System

after 39 years with Farm Credit, including a short three-year stint

(FCS), were shaken by the crisis.

with CoBank. Time has a way of blurring events, but as I look back, the time has been remarkable. It has been a very good ride.

Now as I look back I am amazed how the organization today

A federal financial loan package was in place. Then in 1989, the Feds put $293 billion via FIRREA into Savings & Loans.

I would argue that the $4 billion FCS package in early 1988

bears little resemblance to the one I joined in 1976. The one

was actually modest in terms of federal rescues. Even though

constant, however, is that this borrower-owned cooperative has

Northeast Farm Credit wasn’t impacted like many Farm Credit

always provided farmers with a dependable source of credit and

organizations around the country, it was a really big deal for the

services. That remains unchanged.

System.

The 70s

for survival and competitive repositioning. Legislation provided

It essentially laid the foundation for reshaping the System The 70s were marked by the last period of any real inflation.

an avenue for borrower-owners to decide what they wanted

In fact, that period was so long ago it’s hard to imagine that

their local cooperatives to be in the future. Consolidations and

kind of inflation really existed. The economic environment was

mergers began to take place. In fact, it was the name of the

marked by an attitude of “I better borrow money to buy it today,

game at that time. Land Bank and Production Credit associations

because it will cost 10 percent more tomorrow.”

voted to form Agricultural Credit Associations (ACAs) and the

Interest rates were around 8 percent and inflation peaked at

early stages of transferring lending authority to local associations

about 14 percent per year, a nice economic subsidy at the time.

took shape. What had been a top-down District bank driven

This came to a screeching halt in 1979 when Fed Chairman

structure became a locally focused delivery model within

Volker began a policy of raising rates that didn’t stop until the

charted territories. While the final chapter is still being written

prime rate hit 21.5 percent in December 1980. Mortgages were

on structure, this set-up helped stabilize loan volume. The System

14-to-15 percent.

began to recover.

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The 90s The 90s were spent implementing and integrating various

to continue its mission of delivering credit and services to

new structures around the country. The System map, which

Northeast member-customers. The vision of leaders focused

historically showed well-defined districts, began to look

on keeping decisions close to customers has a clear result: Our

more like a test for colorblindness! For me, the Northeast’s

members benefit greatly from the cumulative effect of these

1993-to-1994 Springfield District Planning Project was the

decisions.

most significant as it consolidated its banks into CoBank and

It has been a remarkable 39 years. And, for me, lucky. Lucky to have joined a Farm Credit association that let me learn by

associations into just five ACAs. I was fortunate to work closely with decision makers, led by a strong management team and forward thinking Board members. I learned a lot about leadership and the difficulty of moving new ideas into a workable solution. It took courage and foresight to recognize that even though parts of the plan would be difficult to swallow in the short term, it was good for the long term.

Little did we know at the time how good. With the backdrop of increasing costs and dwindling growth prospects, a fresh approach was taken. A merger with CoBank; a split from bank-provided to association-provided services; creation of the association-owned Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc. (FPI) technologyservice company as well as significant association consolidation all set the stage for good things for Northeast farmers, forest producers and fishermen.

CEO Bill Lipinski and Scott Herring, president and chief operating officer. As Scott retires on March 31 after an impressive 39-year career, Jim Putnam has taken on the role of chief business officer for Farm Credit East.

Today the Northeast is served by two associations (versus 20 in 1976); totals $6.5 billion in assets

doing, including making mistakes. Lucky to have been part of

(about $1 billion in 1976); distributes more than $50 million of

a progressive and visionary team at the District and association

patronage dividends to members ($0 in 1976); and delivers a

level. Lucky to have the chance to learn about entities within the

variety of financial services, all to promote our member’s success.

Farm Credit System and their important role. Lucky to have seen an economic cycle that went from worst to best. But best of all,

Early 2000s In the early 2000s, another development shaped how associations would operate in the future. That is, the “holding company” structure. This small change, when taken in context

and creative, had common interests, became friends and who always had customers’ and employees’ interests at heart.

While a lot has changed during my 39 years with Farm Credit,

with generally accepted corporate structures, was different for

this great organization and its people never has … from the

Farm Credit. It resulted in more associations consolidating into

beginning.

ACAs while retaining tax advantages of the long-term mortgage business previously afforded only by Land Bank associations.

Earnings models and patronage programs were put in place, which began to solidify and grow the capital base and the System began to grow again. Today, the remaining Farm Credit entities operate under a holding company structure.

This coupled with an extraordinary period of strong ag economics puts Farm Credit East in an extremely strong position 4

I’ve been lucky to work with people that I like, who were smart

FINANCIAL PARTNER

C O V E R

S T O R Y

TELLING our STORIES Develop relationships.

Then educate with facts.

Every person and business has a story to tell.

In agriculture, the story is about the products a farm operation produces and often the family that worked the land for generations to produce them. This story connects farmers to consumers.

But with so much information available to consumers at the touch of a button, those who produce local food here in the Northeast are faced with both a challenge and an opportunity to educate about modern agriculture. And there’s no one better to lead this charge than the hardworking farmers who wake up every day to feed our communities.

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TELLING our STORIES Farm Credit East’s coffee shop recently sat down with four

who got rid of horses and bought a tractor. Then we put in milk

advocates of Northeast agriculture to discuss just this. We kicked

machines and a pipeline. Our neighbors questioned what we were

off our coffee shop with the question that brought us all together

doing because it seemed so foreign. You need to adapt to what’s

— why is it so important to educate today’s consumers about the

coming and then be able to explain why it’s helpful.”

truths of agriculture?

Jessica Ziehm, executive director for New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC), jumped right in to explain, “With 85 percent of today’s population at least two generations removed from the farm, there’s little common sense left about food production, which can unfortunately create misconceptions about the industry.

“Agriculture has changed significantly over the past few

“We need to develop emotion and relationships first, then educate with facts and science.”

decades, but public perception often remains in the 50s — it’s no longer Old MacDonald. Yet, as removed as consumers are from the farm, local food movements have created a demand to know everything.”

“That’s a perfect example of modern agriculture and why we can’t be afraid to talk about technology,” added Tonya Van Slyke, executive director for Northeast Dairy Producers Association

THE STORY OF MODERN AGRICULTURE Bonnie Burr, assistant director and department head for

(NEDPA). “Consumers today are more interested than ever in where their food comes from and how animals are cared for. It’s

University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension, described growing

our job to help them understand why current farming practices

up on her family’s dairy farm, “We were some of the first adapters

are important.”

JESSICA ZIEHM Title: Executive director for New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) Experience: Feed marketing, milk promotion, Farm Bureau communications, spokesperson for NYS Department of Ag and Markets, fourth-generation dairy farmer Mission: Enhance awareness and understanding of modern agriculture. We work to increase transparency on farms, respond to inquiries and attract consumers’ attention to positive dairy farm stories.

First glance into advocacy: I fell in love with advocacy when I was the New York State Dairy Princess. This was my first chance to see the impact that my story could have off the farm.

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

C O V E R

S T O R Y

SUE McCRUM Title: National president of American Agri-Women Experience: Fifth-generation Maine potato and grain farmer and past president of Maine Agri-Women Mission: Let people know the important role of women in agriculture and promote agriculture for the benefit of the American people, as well as the people we feed worldwide.

First glance into advocacy: My eyes were opened to the world of advocacy when attending my first national American Agri-Women conference. It was here that I realized farmers can’t just sit back and assume things will go as planned. We need to be active to protect what we have.

Farmers can look to the experts to help tell the story of

“Yet, we have the most abundant and affordable food supply in

modern practices and how innovative technology helps on farms.

the world,” she continued. “We need to turn this challenge into an

Folks in Extension, like Bonnie, and other industry specialists can

opportunity to educate consumers about the importance of buying

provide the facts and science to back up farmers’ stories.

from local producers.”

CHALLENGES IN TELLING OUR STORY

When consumers think of where their food comes from, they

Sue McCrum, president of American Agri-Women and a fifth-generation Maine potato and grain farmer, explained, “Our country hasn’t seen hunger like other parts of the world has.

“Another challenge is agriculture is often a faceless industry. don’t think of the farmer producing it, but the business,” said Jessica.

“The well-known phrase, know your farmer, know your food,

My husband once attended an ag show in London and noticed a

resonates here,” commented Bonnie. “We need to share our

significant difference in the respect consumers have for farmers.

excitement for local food. The better consumers know farmers, the more they’ll know about their food, where it comes from and how it was produced.”

“The most important thing is for producers to show up and speak up because people want to hear from the farmers themselves.”

Sometimes telling the story is easier said than done. Farmers aren’t just sharing their story, but their livelihood and that transparency could lead to criticism. Modern technology makes this a greater challenge. With such an influx of information circulating on the Internet, misinformation and biases may surface.

Jessica explained, “If someone wanted information about manure spreading, they’re going to come up with 2,500 different articles, but will read ones that appeal to them. Their biases will always shine through.”

“He asked an older gentleman why this was and he said,

Bonnie can attest to this. She recently received a call from an

‘Young man, farmers in this country saved us through not one,

eighth-grade science teacher who asked her to provide reasons

but two world wars. We were blockaded and if it hadn’t been for

GMOs are bad. “Assumptions like this are our challenge. Anyone

the farmers, we would have starved to death.’ Consumers here in

can post to the Internet and it doesn’t have to be proven. Then

the United States do not understand they need farmers to produce

it’s up to consumers to decide what they believe or don’t believe.

their food supply.”

That’s such a personal perspective.”

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need to stick our necks out and be brave.

“We have a great story to tell. Our stories can help us develop an emotional connection and relationship with consumers first, and then we can educate with facts and science.”

“Face-to-face conversations are always effective,” said Tonya.

“But it’s also important to talk about the industry as a whole. We need to work together to tell the story of Northeast agriculture, regardless of commodity or business practices.”

Tonya explained that she often uses comparison to connect consumers to modern farm practices. “I explain how on our farm, we have veterinarians visit twice a week to monitor animal health, which is no different than taking your child to the doctor.”

“Farm tours are effective in influencing people, too,” said Jessica. “They allow people to get out on farms to see and believe it. And any time you get someone out of their comfort zone, it’s almost like they’re in survival mode — they need to learn in order to be comfortable in their surroundings.

BONNIE BURR Title: Department head of University of Connecticut’s Extension and assistant director of the Cooperative Extension System in Connecticut Experience: State executive director for Farm Service Agency and lobbyist for Farm Bureau Mission: Provide appropriate data and information that is scientifically based. Provide information so that producers can tell their stories using science.

First glance into advocacy: I grew up in a politically active farm family, so from a young age, I understood the importance of being active in order to help farmers.

“With 85 percent of today’s population at least two generations removed from the farm, there’s little common sense left about food production.”

“And, of course, social media,” continued Jessica. “I believe in its power. It’s important for farmers to be a part of the conversation on social media because that’s where a lot of messages and relationships start.

“The most important thing is for producers to show up and speak up because people want to hear from the farmers themselves,” said Jessica. “By doing this, we can establish relationships and build trust. Once that trust is established, we can start to explain the science and technology and all of the

HOW DO WE TELL THE STORY? We asked the advocates at our round table for advice on how to turn challenges into opportunities and how farmers can use their stories to educate consumers.

Bonnie encouraged, “We need to be master communicators.

consumers actually listen to what we are saying.”

WHO NEEDS TO HEAR? Jessica told the story of an open house on her farm. “Our neighbors were the first to show up and had the most questions.

Farmers too often victimize themselves because they’re fearful of

These were people we talk with every day, but we don’t talk shop

being attacked.”

with them, so they had no idea what we do.”

“I am going to steal that quote from Bonnie!” laughed Jessica.

“It’s so true. Farmers need to be proactive and not defensive. We

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good things we’re doing, but without it, it’s very difficult to have

FINANCIAL PARTNER

We tend to focus on telling our stories to those in urban areas without easy access to farms. But that conversation can start

TONYA VAN SLYKE Title: Executive director of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA) Experience: Project manager at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, farm safety educator, 4-H educator, grew up on a 200-year-old dairy farm and currently lives with her husband and family on their seventh-generation dairy farm.

Mission: Help farmers develop a better business climate in New York. Our Board of working dairy producers is committed to an efficient, profitable, environmentally responsible and consumer conscious Northeast dairy industry.

First glance into advocacy: My leadership and passion for agriculture started in high school with Future Farmers of America (FFA).

right next door. And it’s not just those shopping in grocery stores

through that legislator or decision maker’s mind when they

or visiting farmers markets; it’s also those who write laws and

press the button. The legislator doesn’t want to hear from the

regulations that impact farms.

professional lobbyist. They’re making their decision based on

A commerce committee chair once told Bonnie, “My constituents’ emotion is going to beat your science every time.

Start telling the story about why my constituents matter.” And that’s a sentiment Bonnie runs with.

in advocacy,” Bonnie explained.

“We see that here in Maine with our annual Legislative Agriculture Days,” said Sue. “We put legislative staff on a bus

“I like to tell producers to make sure it’s your story running

Videos Showcase Northeast Agriculture

their constituents. Farmers are the constituents, not those of us

to tour grain and potato farms in northern Maine. It’s amazing

Farm Credit East recently released a variety of YouTube videos highlighting the diversity of the agriculture, commercial fishing and forest products industries here in the Northeast.

diverse industries they work with and how. This includes videos on the timber and commercial fishing industries and a video on emerging opportunities with food hubs.

Voices of the Northeast kicked off our video tour of Northeast agriculture, visiting eight operations (including a short trip out to sea!) to interview 10 producers who provide insight into their industry and why they do what they do.

We hope that you stop by our website (FarmCreditEast.com/Videos) or the Farm Credit East YouTube channel (YouTube.com/FarmCreditEast ) to view these new releases — along with more than 30 additional videos on products and services that we offer to help strengthen Northeast agriculture.

We also released three videos with Farm Credit East staff who explain the

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when they see what’s actually being done. If legislators don’t hear

the challenges. As long as farmers stay positive and focused, that

from us, they assume farmers agree with what they’re pushing

persistence will continue to place U.S. agriculture in a shining light.”

forward.”

“We need to put a face on issues,” said Jessica. “It’s easy to pass a law until you know the people it impacts.”

THE FUTURE OF OUR STORY As we wrapped up our round table, we asked our advocates for

“I better be optimistic,” joked Sue. “I have sons and hopefully a few grandchildren involved in our farm operation. I’m proud that we produce a healthy and abundant crop. We just need to keep telling our stories.”

And it’s those stories from the mouths, and hearts, of hardworking Northeast producers — stories of why producers do what they do, the

their thoughts on the future of Northeast agriculture. All expressed

long hours they dedicate and their family commitment to producing

utmost optimism.

plants and food — that will keep this industry strong for generations

“Farmers are stewards of the land and they care for their animals.

to come.

They contribute to our communities through job creation and provide wholesome, safe food products. With these generations-old goals, I am nothing but optimistic,” said Tonya.

“Farmers have persistence,” said Bonnie. “There’s not a farmer who doesn’t know how to persevere and stay with agriculture despite

Credit: Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the 2014 NYS fair

Building Farmer-to-Consumer Relationships at the Dairy Birthing Center Hosted by New York Animal Agricultural Coalition at the New York State Fair In 2014, this exhibit attracted more than 200,000 people over 12 days.

Purpose: Bring agriculture to consumer attraction.

Why it’s effective: The exhibit drew a captive audience. People would wait up to two hours to see a baby calf being born. During their wait, they met farmers, heard their stories and engaged in a conversation about modern dairy farming. One-on-one conversations resulted in new relationships between farmer and consumers.

Result: A “fan base” of consumers thanking farmers.

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

2015 Every Vote Counts!

Candidates for the Board of Directors On behalf of the nominating committee, Farm Credit East is pleased to present the 2015 slate of candidates for the association’s Board of Directors. Eight qualified candidates are seeking election to four open seats, each for four-year terms: • Two from the Eastern Region

By voting, you convey your continued

• One from the Central Region • One from the Western Region At the close of the current election cycle, the Farm Credit East Board will consist of

commitment to Farm 17 directors: 14 member-elected directors, one appointed customer director and two appointed outside directors.

Credit East and thanks to fellow members who THE BOARD The Farm Credit East Board sets a clear direction for the cooperative on behalf of are seeking election all customer-owners. The Board works closely with CEO Bill Lipinski to set policy, establish long-term business plans, evaluate business results and provide feedback to to the Board. the management team. It does not make day-to-day management decisions, including individual loans or employment decisions.

THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE The nominating committee is composed of 23 Farm Credit East members and 23 alternates. The association membership elects the nominating committee at the annual stockholders’ meeting. This committee works hard to identify qualified candidates to ensure that the association attracts a skilled and diverse Board. In addition, the committee makes every effort to recommend at least two candidates for each open seat.

ELECTION PROCESS You’ll find the information you need to make an informed voting choice for the 2015 Farm Credit East Board of Directors, including: • A n annual meeting information statement, which voting members already received in the mail • This article’s profile of each candidate • Information on our website at FarmCreditEast.com/Director-Elections Ballots will be mailed to voting members after the annual meeting.

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Eastern Region: Seat One

Vote for 1 candidate for a 4-year term Auburn, Bedford, Bridgeton, Dayville, Enfield, Flemington, Middleboro, Presque Isle and Riverhead offices

Henry L. Huntington Business name: Pleasant View Gardens, Inc.

Business name: Huber Resources Corp

Location: Loudon, N.H.

Location: Old Town, Maine

Description: Pleasant View Gardens is a 14-acre wholesale greenhouse operation specializing in young plant propagation and finished annuals and perennials.

Description: Huber Resources Corp is a timber management firm that offers forest management planning, modeling and mapping; timber harvesting prescriptions and supervision; timber marketing; financial services and administration of property taxes, recreational leases and other timberland-related activities.

Huber Resources is also a timberland investor and owner. In his role as the person in charge of Huber Resources Corp, Peter is responsible for meeting the firm’s goals, day-to-day operations and financial performance.

Personnel: Henry and his brother, Jeffrey, currently own the company in partnership.

Farm Credit member since: 1983 Leadership positions: Henry is the cochair of the New Hampshire Ornamental Horticulture Endowment; a member of the Leadership Advisory Board for the UNH Thompson School and the College of Life Science and Agriculture and past president of Bedding Plants International. Henry has been a member of the Town of Loudon Planning Board for 17 years and has served on the Phenix Mutual Fire Insurance Board, based in Concord, N.H., for six years. In the past, Henry served on Bedford’s customer service council.

Why I am seeking reelection to the Board: Completing my first term on the Farm Credit East Board of Directors has been a highlight of my personal and professional life. I have seen firsthand what it means to be a part of a cooperative organization.

Solid member participation is a key element to remain strong and successful. In my short tenure, I have participated as a member of the compensation committee and achieved the position of chair of the audit committee. I would like the opportunity to continue my service to our great organization.

Why vote for me: I have had the privilege of serving my first term as a director. My first four years have been educational and filled with many duties. I have served on the audit committee from the beginning and have chaired it for the last two years. This experience allows me to contribute to my fullest potential. We have many important tasks in the next few years so my Board seniority will be an important benefit to the cooperative.

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Peter Triandafillou

FINANCIAL PARTNER

Personnel: Huber Resources has 22 employees in three states who report to Peter at the Old Town headquarters. In addition, Huber’s harvest activity provides jobs for employees of more than one dozen logging contractors. Timber products from lands managed

by Huber Resources is purchased by a large number of sawmills, pulp mills and other wood processors in the forest products industry.

Farm Credit member since: 2007 Leadership positions: Peter is a member of the Maine Forest Products Council Board of Directors and he sits on its executive committee. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the North Maine Woods, a recreation management entity. Peter is a member of the Auburn branch office customer service council.

Why I am seeking election to the Board: Since the beginning of my business relationship with the Farm Credit System, I have been impressed by its dedication to the success of natural resourcebased businesses. Farm Credit East understands the needs of these businesses and provides banking services in a unique and very important way. I seek to do my part to help Farm Credit East succeed in its mission.

Why vote for me: I have worked in forestry for my entire career and have run a large firm for 15 years. I am passionate about all natural resource businesses. I understand how farming, fishing and forestry are interrelated, and I want to do my part to help ensure our success. Serving on the Farm Credit East Board helps the bank and its customers grow and prosper.

Eastern Region: Seat Two

Vote for 1 candidate for a 4-year term (candidates must be from Maine) Auburn, Bedford, Bridgeton, Dayville, Enfield, Flemington, Middleboro, Presque Isle and Riverhead offices

Daniel J. Corey

Thomas H. Qualey

Business name: Daniel J. Corey Farms

Business name: Three Oak Farms, A Partnership

Location: Monticello, Maine

Location: Sherman, Maine

Description: Daniel J. Corey Farms is a diversified agricultural business with more than 1,000 acres of early generation seed potatoes, 1,400 acres of oats, 500 acres of wheat, 300 acres of hay and 100,000 Christmas trees. In cooperation with state and federal research organizations, the family owns an in-vitro seed potato facility with a research laboratory and production greenhouses. Their grain operations include a 250,000 bushel trackside elevator and storage facility. They also offer agronomy services, grain combining, construction and seed export sales.

Description: Three Oak Farms is a commercial potato and grain operation that produces between 350 and 400 acres of chipping potatoes annually. The operation’s rotation crops include 500-to800 acres of oats, barley, hay and canola. In addition, Tom runs a construction business that provides soil conservation and road building services for the family operation and manages close to 1,000 acres of the family’s forestry interest.

Personnel: Daniel owns and oversees the business along with a team of family members and nonfamily employees.

Farm Credit member since: 1987 Leadership positions: Dan has served on a Farm Credit Board since 1999 and sits on the Farm Credit East Board. In addition, he chairs the Maine Potato Board Executive Seed Council and is a member of the New Brunswick (Canada) Institute of Agrologists and Northeast Agribusiness & Feed Alliance. In the past, Dan has been on CoBank’s nominating committee and the national Farm Credit Council’s annual meeting planning committee.

Why I am seeking reelection to the Board: I have a strong desire to continue contributing to the success of Farm Credit in the Northeast and throughout the United States. I want to continue my efforts to ensure reasonably priced credit is available to all owner-members, both large and small. During my past 15 years as a director, Farm Credit has given me the educational opportunities to learn all aspects of the cooperative lending business. I would like to take advantage of this expertise, using it to work with senior management and to protect the interests of Farm Credit East’s owner-members.

Personnel: Thomas Qualey owns Three Oak Farms in partnership with his brother, John. The Qualey family has farmed for five generations.

Farm Credit member since: 1991 Leadership positions: Tom serves on the National Advisory Committee for AMVAC Chemical Corporation and is also a member of the Northern Maine Development Commission’s Aroostook and Washington Workforce Investment Board, which has responsibilities that range from promotion of the region’s economic prosperity to evaluating local workforce development programs across a 9,000-square mile territory. In the past, Thomas served as president of the Maine Potato Board as well as chairman of the United States Potato Board representing the Northeast Caucus.

Why I am seeking election to the Board: I am seeking election to the Board to best serve the cooperative’s and members’ various interests during Farm Credit East’s expansion. I feel that my experience serving state and national boards would allow me to be a good representative of all our members’ industries.

Why vote for me: Having been raised on a dairy farm and having grown potatoes for 35 years along with my involvement in the forestry industry gives me a strong background of knowledge and experiences to serve as a director on the Farm Credit East Board.

Why vote for me: My reelection would help ensure that Farm Credit East continues to progress as a strong regional lending institution and also strives to achieve the best board practices of any agricultural cooperative in the United States. Cooperative boards have unique challenges and I remain excited about helping meet those challenges.

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Central Region

Vote for 1 candidate for a 4-year term

Burrville, Claverack, Cobleskill, Greenwich, Middletown, Potsdam and Sangerfield offices

Mark H. Akins Business name: Five Mile Farm

Business name: Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc.

Location: Lisbon, N.Y.

Location: Stillwater, N.Y.

Description: Five Mile Farm is a 350-cow dairy farm. The family grows 800 acres of cropland and finishes 100 head of Black Angus a year.

Description: Saratoga Sod consists of 600 acres of turfgrass sod, 500 acres of corn and soybeans and a retail bagged garden soil operation, which are complimented by a range of seed and fertilizer products and a sod installation business.

Personnel: Mark is in business with his parents, Dean and Elizabeth, and his son, Ryan. Over his years on the farm, Mark’s role has grown from that of general partner and, in the past year, he has become the operation’s sole proprietor. During this transition, his parents have gradually stepped into the role of retired partners and his son, who graduated from Cornell in May of 2014, has focused on the farm’s nutrition program while looking forward to taking on crop responsibilities one day.

Farm Credit member since: 2002 Leadership positions: Mark is a member of the New York State Senate Agriculture Advisory Committee. In addition, he was a legislator for St. Lawrence County from 2010 to 2014 and, during those years, he also served on a number of St. Lawrence County committees, including finance, service, operation, management compensation and economic enrichment as well as youth advisory.

Why I am seeking election to the Board: I have a strong commitment for community service, and I believe that my past experiences with both on-farm and off-farm exposure give me a unique perspective for a Farm Credit East director. Also I am experiencing a generational transition from a partnership with my parents to a son assuming management responsibilities. This provides me with a broad understanding of various agricultural views.

Why vote for me: Farm Credit members should elect me because I have a great track record of positive experiences, both in agricultural and public positions. I look forward to working as hard as I can to promote and protect the agriculture community.

My personal strength is building a family business that spans three generations. I look forward to representing many families and helping them achieve their goals.

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Laurie K. Griffen

FINANCIAL PARTNER

Personnel: Laurie is co-owner and operator of Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc., a family turfgrass operation, with her husband, Steve. Steve and his father transitioned the business from a dairy operation when they planted their first crop of Kentucky bluegrass in 1986.

Since that time, the business has grown, evolved and diversified.

Laurie and Steve are also parents to three active children.

Farm Credit member since: 1989 Leadership positions: Laurie chairs the Farm Credit East Board governance committee and is on its executive and compensation committees. Prior to election, she served on the Greenwich branch’s customer service council and as chair of the nominating committee. Laurie is the vice chair of the Town of Saratoga Planning Board; the cochair of the Schuyler Park Committee; and the cochair of the New York State Turfgrass Association Regional Trade Show Committee.

Why I am seeking reelection to the Board: While my reasons for seeking reelection changed slightly after serving one term, my original goals of giving back to an organization that is important to me, my business and agriculture remain the same. I believe it is important to strike a balance between institutional knowledge and new ideas. I know firsthand how much time and energy it takes to grasp the complexity of our association. I have been a contributing member of our Board in my first term and would like the opportunity to continue to grow and serve.

Why vote for me: My diverse agricultural experiences help me relate to Farm Credit customers and their operations. Raised on a dairy farm, I worked for federal and state governments and presently own a diversified business directly serving wholesale and retail customers. By reelecting me as director, you can be confident that I will build on my knowledge, experience and skills gained during my first term and represent the best interest of all members.

Western Region

Vote for 1 candidate for a 4-year term Batavia, Cortland, Geneva, Hornell and Mayville offices

Peter Call

Dennis J. Rak

Business name: My-T Acres, Inc.

Business name: Double A. Vineyards, Inc. and Double A. Willow

Location: Batavia, N.Y.

Location: Fredonia, N.Y.

Description: My-T Acres, Inc. is an 8,500-acre vegetable and grain operation in Batavia, N.Y. More than 4,800 of those acres are dedicated to the production of snap beans, potatoes, red beets, carrots, peas, sweet corn, spinach and cabbage. My-T Acres was named the New York State Agricultural Society’s business of the year in 2012.

Description: Double A. Vineyards, Inc. spans 1,000 acres, including 253 acres of Concord, five acres of Niagara and 55 acres of wine and table grapes. It is the largest producer and marketer of grapevines and other small fruit plants east of California.

Double A. Willow grows and markets hybrid shrub willow for production of renewable energy.

Personnel: Peter is in business with his brothers, Nate and Phil Call, as well as with their cousin, Patricia Riner.

Personnel: Dennis owns Double A Vineyards and Double A Willow in partnership with his wife, Sue. Their sons, Adam and Abram, work in the family business.

Farm Credit member since: 1980 Leadership positions: Peter is on the Board of Directors of Seneca Foods and he sits on the Farm Fresh First Board. He is a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees and he serves on the United Memorial Medical Center Board. In addition, he serves on the advisory council of the New York State Ag Experiment Station in Geneva and is a Cornell Council member.

Why I am seeking election to the Board: Farm Credit East’s leadership has been a stabilizing force in the success of Northeast agriculture. I realize that as the multi-faceted nature of agriculture continues to evolve, even greater demands will be placed on Farm Credit East. I would be honored to work with the members of our cooperative in an effort to ensure that we remain competitive in the world marketplace.

Why vote for me: I am very fortunate to be part of a large, diversified family farm. My two brothers, my cousin and I own and operate My-T Acres, Inc. Their support and that of our 30 loyal employees has allowed me to continue my education and devote time to several agricultural and community organizations.

These experiences, combined with those in production agriculture, will enable me to be a very capable board member.

Farm Credit member since: 2003 Leadership positions: Dennis has served on the customer service council of the Mayville office. He is a director of National Grape Cooperative, a member of its compensation committee and chair of its governance committee. In addition, Dennis has served on its nominating and budget committees. Dennis is vice chair of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Board and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Chautauqua County Cooperative Extension Board and is a member of the Farmland Protection Board.

Why I am seeking election to the Board: In today’s agricultural climate, access to operating capital is critical. Having a financial institution that understands agriculture is equally important. I would like to serve on the Board to help maintain and improve Farm Credit East.

Why vote for me: I have been active in agriculture all my life and have always wanted to participate in shaping direction and policies of the groups I am involved in. My diverse background plus experience in the Concord grape industry, wine industry, nursery and the emerging biomass energy sector will give me a unique perspective for the Board.

SPRING 2015

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FINANCIAL PARTNER is for the customers, employees and friends of Farm Credit East. Farm Credit East is a farmer-owned lending cooperative serving the farm, commercial fishing and forest products businesses in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. Part of the national Farm Credit System, Farm Credit East is a fullservice lender dedicated to the growth and prosperity of agriculture.

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HOW TO REACH US: Whether you want to praise us, complain, ask our advice or just let us know what’s on your mind, we’d like to hear from you. WRITE: Karen Murphy, Editor, or Kristie Schmitt, Assistant Editor, Farm Credit East, 240 South Road, Enfield, CT 060824451. CALL: 860.741.4380.

E-MAIL: karen.murphy@farmcrediteast.com.

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Scholarships Don’t delay. Apply today!

Calling all students committed to having a career in agriculture, commercial fishing or the forest products industry. Farm Credit East will award up to thirty-one $1,500 scholarships to qualified students.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2015 To apply: FarmCreditEast.com/Scholarship