Farming with Family & Friends Summer 2017

FARM CREDIT OF WESTERN ARKANSAS

FARMING with Family & Friends

Mark and Shay Morgan – Arkansas Farm Family of the Year

SUMMER 2017

Table of Contents

3 2017 Director Nomination Information

Nominate a qualified member for a Director position

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Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Mark and Shay Morgan of Clarksville honored

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Referal Rewards Program

Take your pick of thank-you gifts

10 2017 Scholarship winners

$1,000 scholarships go to 20 students

13 Farmers Helping Farmers

Providing aid to neighboring states

14 2017 Photo Contest

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President’s Letter News Briefs About the Cover

Farm Credit of Western Arkansas members and 2016 Farm Family of the Year Mark, Shay and Kate Morgan pictured with early spring peach blossoms in their Peach Pickin’ Paradise orchard in Clarksville, AR.

Published for the members and friends of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Office Locations and Loan Officers Arkadelphia 2858 Walnut 870-246-8061 / 800-598-8413 Rachael Godwin, David Smith Benton 1207 Ferguson Drive 501-860-6391 Kevin Barham Bentonville 1080 SE 14th St., Suite A 479-273-3311/800-953-6803 Darla Larson Danville 302 E. 5th Street

479-495-2711 / 800-953-6802 Lora Briggs De Queen 800 Magnolia 870-584-3113 / 800-421-7714 Jordan Pearce Fort Smith 12907 Hwy 71 South 479-434-4040 Andrea Leding, James Crabtree, Perry McCourt Glenwood 131 Hwy 70 E. 870-356-2023 / 800-618-2018 Jordan Pearce Greenbrier 89C N. Broadview 501-679-5464 / 800-968-2961 Cecil Oursbourn Harrison 129 W. Industrial Park Road 870-741-2020 / 800-953-6809 Brad Matlock, Dan Benton Hope 1722 E. 3rd Street 870-777-6704 / 800-431-1317 Jerry Nance, Clay Lance Huntsville 14238 Hwy 412 479-824-6622 Dilynn Dodd Magnolia 1703 Pittman Street 870-234-8611 / 800-495-1211 Shaun McKamie Mena 1607 Hwy 71 North 479-394-1027 / 800-846-0919 Rex Dollar Morrilton 1329 Hwy 9 501-354-2377 / 800-953-6804 Hank DeSalvo Nashville 302 W. Bishop 870-845-2221 / 800-575-0415 Denise Sweat Ozark 1808 Farm Credit Drive 479-667-3855 / 800-953-6807 Tom White, Perry McCourt Paris 3772 Hwy 22 West 479-963-2841 / 800-953-6805 Donna Cunningham Prairie Grove 1181 E. Heritage Parkway 479-824-3418 Daniel Keeton, Michael Ferguson Russellville 2797 East Parkway 479-968-5030 / 800-953-6801 Jim Taylor, Anna Lester Siloam Springs 4970 Hwy 412 East 479-524-6754 / 800-392-6912 Savannah Dickinson Texarkana 2805 E. Broad Street 870-772-1882 / 800-451-6120 Jonathan Shumate, Jennifer Hooper, Randy Coulson Tontitown 1091 W. Henri de Tonti Blvd.

800-953-6806 / 479-717-6740 Kyle Karr

Board of Directors Randy Arnold (Chairman), Alma Chuck Davis, Jr. (Vice Chairman), Ashdown Kenny Brixey, Casa Troy W. Buck, Alpine Steve Burke, Washington Scott Carter, Danville

Bob Dixon, Havana Dusty Hampton, Russellville Kim Hogan, Ozark Ron Hubbard, London Bill Linton, Dover Kenny Martin, De Queen Gene Pharr, Lincoln Mark Wilcox, Greenbrier L. Duane Wilson, Fayetteville

President and CEO Glen Manchester Editor Jill Robertson Jill.Robertson@farmcredit.com

How appropriate that I’m putting the finishing touches on this issue on the same day we are sending former Farming with Family & Friends editor Tom Cox off with well wishes for his retirement.

Jill Robertson Tom’s Farm Editor Credit career spanned 40 years. I know one of the things he is most proud of is creating this magazine upon coming to Western Arkansas in 2001. It has served as a vehicle for sharing member stories, something near and dear to his heart.

Tom mentored me, and I appreciate the experience he’s shared over the years. There is nobody more passionate about Farm Credit. Thank you, Tom!

Farming is published by Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

Please address any comments to Editor, Farming, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, 3115 W. 2nd Court, Russellville, AR 72801.

PRESIDENT’s LETTER­

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HE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE been record breaking in many ways for your rural financing cooperative. We, at Farm Credit, are thankful for our owner-borrowers who tell their friends, neighbors and even strangers about the positives of partnering with Farm Credit. For the second consecutive year, we set a record for new money loaned. We know that much of this new loan volume came from customer referrals. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Additionally, there is increasing employee enthusiasm and high-level dedication. As I discussed this with senior management, all agreed with this sentiment. Today, I can share with you that our perception of high employee satisfaction has been confirmed by two independent sources.

The first source was an employee survey, completed last fall, by the University of Arkansas. It indicated that our employees are highly satisfied and engaged. In fact, the survey indicated that your Farm Credit is at a world-class level as an employer.

The second source, When Work Works and The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), recently congratulated our association as a 2017 When Work Works Award winner! Their announcement included, “Your worksite has distinguished itself as a leading employer of choice by demonstrating success in using flexibility as part of an effective workplace strategy to achieve business goals and benefiting employees by helping them meet their responsibilities on and off the job.”

The 2016-2017 selection process was

Glen Manchester President and CEO

rigorous, including an evaluation of employers’ programs and practices against national data from the SHRM National Study of Employers, and a confidential employee survey on measures of workplace effectiveness.

Your Farm Credit ranks in the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace. This honor is made extra special by the fact that our employees confirmed this finding in a separate, confidential survey.

This should mean a lot to you as an owner-borrower. Employee satisfaction and engagement are core to the reason that I believe your Farm Credit is doing very well financially.

The employees of Farm Credit love to serve the farmers and ranchers of western Arkansas! As you browse through this issue, you will notice that your Farm Credit tries to touch every segment of our rural community, providing employees an atmosphere of doing what they love. Many thanks to each of you as a borrower-owner of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas for shaping the atmosphere which is loved by the employees!

Wishing you God’s richest blessings,

Member Cooperative Communicators Association. © 2017 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

Printed with farmer-grown soybean ink on recycled paper.

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PEACE OF MIND during the storm

Easy, low interest storm shelter loans are available to eligible borrowers* • For the purchase and installation of professionally manufactured storm shelters • Up to $7,500 per storm shelter • 3, 5 and 7-year loan options • Low, fixed rates • Quick credit approval (in a matter of minutes, in most cases) *Eligible borrows reside on farms or in homes in the country in one of the 41 counties served by Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

myaglender.com

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2017 Director Nominations

Nominate a qualified member for a Director position.

As a financial cooperative, Farm Credit is owned by the members it serves. Members have the responsibility of nominating and electing fellow members to serve as Directors.

Directors meet monthly and work closely with management to guide association business decisions and practices and are compensated for their time and travel.

The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for Director positions that are up for re-election this year. Directors commit to a fouryear term that begins in November.

The 15-member Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Board of Directors is comprised of a combination of member-elected directors, inside-appointed directors and outsideappointed directors as dictated by association by-laws. Each director serves a four-year term.

12 Directors – stockholders directly elected by association members (Bylaws require at least 60% of directors be elected by stockholders).

1 Director – Directorappointed stockholder director 2 Directors – Directorappointed outside directors (FCA regulation requires minimum of two non-stockholder directors)

If you would like to be considered as a Director nominee, or would like to nominate a fellow Farm Credit of Western Arkansas stockholder, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee.

Nominees must meet the following requirements: • Be a voting stockholder, at least 18 years of age, and a bona fide farmer (person owning agricultural land or engaged in the production of agricultural products, including aquatic products under control conditions) in the association’s 41-county western Arkansas territory.

• Must have an active loan balance and acceptable credit classification rating.

2017 Director Positions up for Election Area 1 Current position held by Harold “Gene” Pharr 4-year term Area 4 Current position held by Mark Wilcox 4-year term Area 6 Current position held by Charles A. “Chuck” Davis 4-year term Nominations accepted through May 24, 2017. Feel free to contact a Nominating Committee member, directly.

2017 NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS AREA 1 Kevin Harmon (Benton County) Johnny Gunsaulis (Washington County) 479-220-2901 479-824-5311 AREA 2 Justin “Taylor” Gattis (Franklin County) James A. Ford (Franklin County) 479-438-9009 479-667-4772 AREA 3 Allen L. Johnson (Logan County) Casey T. Cotton (Logan County) 479-938-2207 479-518-1362 AREA 4 James W. Mann (Perry County) Jerry L Hartwick (Faulkner County) 501-759-3119 501-472-6876 AREA 5 Linda Kitchens (Howard County) Randy W. Peck (Hempstead County) 870-583-6104 870-887-3635 AREA 6 Leslie Huddleston (Little River County) Michelle K. Sawyer (Sevier County) 870-898-8306 870-784-8931

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MEMBERS­

The peach trees in bloom at Peach Pickin’ Paradise. Below – Fruit is picked from late June through August. Photo by Hardgrave Photography.

The Morgans are Just Peachy!

Clarksville couple earns 2016 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year honors

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ARK AND SHAY Morgan may be best known for the Morgan family orchard, Peach Pickin’ Paradise, but it was more than delicious fruit that earned the Johnson County couple the 2016 Farm Family of the Year title.

Mark, a fifth-generation peach grower, wife Shay and Mark’s father Steve manage slightly more than 1,000 acres of hay and pastureland and 300 head of beef cattle in addition to the family orchard. They are assisted by Mark and Shay’s twoyear-old daughter, Kate.

As partners, Mark and Steve share responsibility for the hands-on care of 3,500 peach and nectarine trees in the 17-acre orchard. The fruit side of the business accounts for about half of Mark and Shay’s farming business.

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Mark also assists with the day-to-day operations of his father’s nine-house turkey growing operation.

The Morgan family traces their orchard back to 1890 when the farm’s founder, James Morgan, purchased and planted the first peach trees. In the 1920s, the Morgan family began packing and shipping peaches. Extended drought and low prices forced retail fruit sales to cease in the 1960s.

In the mid-1970s, Peach Pickin’ Paradise was replanted and re-designed around the U-pick concept. A loyal

customer base developed, and continues today.

Steve managed the orchard from the late 1990s until Mark returned to the farm, and full-time farming, in 2009. Four generations of the Morgan family live near the orchard.

“Farm Manager Mark Payne is a huge asset to our farm and an important part of our success,” Mark explained. “He is very involved with the hay and grazing and runs the rest of the farm when we’re taking care of peaches. He allows us to do what we do.”

This generation, and the next Growing up on the farm, Mark admits he did not know he would choose farming until he went to college and realized how much he enjoyed it. He earned degrees in animal

Cattle and hay allow the Morgans to diversify and manage the risks inherent with growing fruit. Photo by Jill Robertson.

science and agriculture business from the University of Arkansas.

Shay is a registered dietitian and works for Johnson Regional Medical Center in Clarksville as the Director of Food and Nutritional Services. Her professional skills compliment the couple’s community outreach well.

“Shay’s expertise in the areas of food safety and nutrition are a huge asset, and especially helpful with the tours we offer, consumer education and community outreach,” Mark explained.

“She does not have an ag background which brings a fresh perspective to what we’re doing.”

Farming was new to Shay when she married Mark. When asked what surprised her most about the farming lifestyle, she explained it was the number of work hours.

“Farmers put in a lot of work, and it doesn’t matter what time of day it is,” Shay shared.

Mark and Shay ensure Kate is a part of farm activities so she can learn about it first-hand.

“I want Kate to see why I’m passionate about farming and teach her the value of respecting the land every day,” Mark added.

Fruit production

Farm Credit, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Armor Seed sponsor the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program. It is the longestrunning farm family recognition program in the country. Participants are judged on production, efficiency and farm management, family life and community leadership and values.

The Morgans will compete against winners from nine other southeastern states at the 2017 Swisher Sweets/ Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year program in Moultrie, GA in October.

“Johnson County has been a hub for peach production in Arkansas for years,” Mark explained.

Peach trees are at the peak of production from years 4-10 and produce well through about year 15, Mark said. Trees then need to be replaced. Thinning and pruning are a few of the labor-intensive tasks the orchard requires in the off-season.

The Morgans harvest fruit from late June to late August.

Today, about 60% of the peaches and nectarines are hand-picked by visitors who enjoy the added experience of picking their own fruit. The rest are picked to fill orders and sold at their fruit stand.

Risks and challenges Growing fruit is not for the faint of heart. A late freeze after trees have

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Geraldine Morgan, Mark, Shay and Kate, and Carol and Steve Morgan pictured accepting the 2016 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year award in December. Photo by Keith Sutton, Arkansas Farm Bureau.

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bloomed can end a season before it starts. Rainy Saturdays during picking season can mean low sales and ripe fruit left on the trees.

“It is a difficult occupation. No two years are alike and there is certainly no such thing as a normal year,” he explained.

“You know you are always just a hail storm away from shutting the gate, even mid-harvest. That’s just how it is. You plan and budget accordingly. Luckily, we have not had a total loss due to a late frost since 2007.”

Mark lists adaptability as a reason for success. He studies weather patterns and stays abreast of industry developments. When a late freeze threatened the orchard one spring, they hired a helicopter to fly over and force warm air back to the ground and protect blossoms from serious damage.

“It will rain and keep people from coming to pick fruit. There are challenges every day. You work through them,” Mark continued.

The Morgans are successfully find-

ing new marketing opportunities and new markets. The farm maintains a social media presence to promote real-time U-pick updates and happenings. They also sell fruit to area schools through the Farm to School program. The challenge of selling a summer commodity to schools for student lunches was overcome by encouraging schools to freeze the fruit for use in the fall.

In discussing the challenges that weather presents, Mark pointed to a late freeze this spring. Luckily, the orchard sustained minimal damage.

“It’s now late April and we’re feeling good about having a full, or nearly full, crop this year,” Mark shared.

The Morgans balance the inherent risks that come with growing fruit by diversifying their farming operation with beef cattle and hay production.

Farm Family win In addition to their impressive fruit operation, detailed cattle performance records and a long-term business plan may have helped the

Morgans stand out from their peers in the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year contest. They continually improve their herd by keeping only the top bulls for each breed. They are also working toward a 300-day grazing program to increase profitability.

Adding another 300-400 acres to their beef cattle operation and as many as 200 more head of cattle round out their future plans. They have added 123 acres, to date.

Strong management skills and profitability are only part of the farming equation for the Morgans. The couple is passionate about sharing the farming experience with community groups, as well. From school children, to FFA students and master gardening groups, the Morgans regularly open their farm and facilitate learning opportunities.

“I value any chance to tell my family story, and the story of farming in general,” Mark continued. “We’re doing the right things and leaving the land in better shape for future generations.”

Community outreach and hosting educational opportunities at the farm are an important part of the Morgans’ mission.

The Farm Credit connection Mark and Shay are financing the cattle portion of their farming operation with Farm Credit.

“I shopped around when it was time to borrow money for cattle and land.”

“I’ve gotten to know Anna Lester (Johnson County loan officer) through Cattlemen’s events. Shay and I consider her a friend and she’s been a good sounding board for some of our farm plans. Choosing to finance with Farm Credit is really a testament to how easy it is to work with Anna and the Farm Credit folks.”

“The 30-year fixed rate on land was a big deal for us,” Mark continued.

“You don’t find that anywhere else.”

Mark also says Farm Credit’s flexibility in matching the timing of payments with the sale of cattle is a good reason to do business with a farmer-owned financial cooperative.

“Mark’s management skills make him an easy person to work with,” Assistant Vice President Anna Lester said. “He and Shay have put a lot of thought into their farming plan and are continually meeting their goals.

I’m not at all surprised they were named Farm Family of the Year. Their operation speaks for itself.”

Above – The Morgans include daughter Kate in daily farm life. Below – Anna Lester, Assistant Vice President and loan officer, and Mark discuss future financing needs. Photos by Hardgrave Photography

Story by Jill Robertson

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$101.47 MILLION TOTAL PATRONAGE CASH Topping $100 million in patronage in Farm Credit System’s 100th year.

2016 $7.6 million

2011 $5.8 million

2006 $5.0 million

2001 $3.6 million

2015 $7.5 million

2010 $7.1 million

2005 $4.6 million

2000 $3.2 million

2014 $7.5 million

2009 $5.4 million

2004 $4.5 million

1999 $2.9 million

2013 $7.5 million

2008 $4.3 million

2003 $4.4 million

1998 $3.2 million

2012 $7.5 million

2007 $5.1 million

2002 $3.8 million

1997 $970,000

How appropriate that we topped the $100 million mark in member Patronage Cash in Farm Credit’s 100th year. As owners, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas members share in the profits when our association has a strong capital position and earnings.

Patronage Cash is money back in members’ pockets and the western Arkansas economy... and a great thing to tell your friends about!

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2017 Referral Rewards Your thank-you for spreading the word about why it’s great to do business with Farm Credit!

We learned years ago that our members are the best advertising tool we have. Potential new members are quick to trust a friend or family member who shares their own, personal Farm Credit story. Personal referrals are much more effective than magazine, radio or TV ads.

You probably know people who are a lot like you. People who would appreciate the benefits Farm Credit can offer:

•Long-term, fixed interest rates and flexible terms

•Financing homes on any size acreage in the country (loans stay with Farm Credit)

•Special discounts for military veterans, young/beginning farmers and even small producers selling direct to consumers

•Patronage Cash ($7.6 MILLION in members’ pockets this year and $101+ MILLION since 1997)

•Friendly, local service

•Employees who understand agriculture and are involved in your local community HOW IT WORKS: It’s simple.

1 - Encourage a friend to talk to Farm Credit about their financing needs 2 - When they close a loan with us, we ask who referred them 3 - We call and invite you to drop by and choose a thank-you gift of your choice Refer as many people as you like! We’re happy to give you a gift for each person who closes a new loan.

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Karter Castleberry U of A – Cossatot Ag Science

Baylor Deislinger AR State – Mt. Home Ag Business

Mae Lamb Southern Arkansas University Pre-Vet/ Animal Science

Michael Lloyd Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Ag Business

Madison Looper University of Arkansas Animal Science

Dixie Miller Hutchinson Community College Ag Business

Steven Schluterman Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Automotive Service Technology

Gabby Sisk Arkansas Tech University Ag Business

Tanner Stone Southern Arkansas University Ag Business

Brady Rowland University of Arkansas Ag Education/ Animal Science

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Britt Driggers Southern Arkansas University Ag Business

Kennedy Blue University of Central Arkansas Communication Sciences

Layne Thompson LeTourneau University Engineering

David Wahrmund Arkansas Tech University Ag Business

Kinsey Watkins Southern Arkansas University Ag Business

Madison Webb U of A – Cossatot Ag Business

$260,000 in Scholarships Awarded Since 1998 Kaylee Kelton Harding University Physical Therapy

20 Area Youth Earn $1,000 Awards

Farm Credit of Western Arkansas awarded $20,000 in academic scholarships to some of western Arkansas’ most talented young people again this spring.

A panel of judges looked at academic performance, school and community leadership, extracurricular activities, and John Raulerson Southern Arkansas University Ag Business

agricultural interests and pursuits to formulate the list of 2017 recipients. Winners have proven themselves as leaders in their peer group.

Some were raised on farms and have future career aspirations that include farming or the rural lifestyle. Others value agriculture, but are following less agricultural career paths.

All are making notable contributions in their communities.

Makensi Sweeten University of Arkansas Ag Business

We proudly support these students, their accomplishments, and all they will achieve through education. Thank you for representing Farm Credit on campuses across the state and region. Thank you to all who applied. Look for 2018 scholarship program details at myaglender.com, after January 1, 2018.

Brooke Wright College of the Ouachitas Nursing F A R M I N G

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2016 Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest The Arkansas Agriculture Department and Farm Credit sponsor the annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year contest to promote the importance of involving young people in the process of fresh food cultivation and production.

The contest is open to any Arkansas school, grades pre-K to 12, with a working school garden. Schools provide photo and/or video documentation of garden activities for judging.

2016 School Garden Contest Winners: •Overall School Garden Winner - $1,500 prize

Marshall Elementary, Marshall (Searcy County) •Best Nutrition Education-Based School Garden - $500 prize Health/Wellness and Environmental Studies Magnet School, Jonesboro (Craighead County) •Best Environmental Based Education School Garden - $500 prize Southside Elementary, Siloam Springs (Benton County) •Best Community Collaboration School Garden - $500 prize Prairie Grove Middle School, Prairie Grove (Washington County)

2017 Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program Farm Credit proudly teamed up with the Arkansas Agriculture Department to again sponsor the statewide Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program.

The program offers grants to help fund publicity, signage and promotional efforts to advertise and increase awareness of farmers markets. This year’s winners included a number of recently established markets. Grants reimburse markets for 75% of publicity costs, up to $400.

Chester Farmers Market (Chester) Vilonia Handmade & Homegrown Market (Vilonia)

Siloam Springs Farmers Market (Siloam Springs) Mountainburg Farmers Market (Mountainburg) Downtown Springdale Farmers Market (Springdale) St. Joseph Farm Stand (North Little Rock) Hot Springs Village Green Market (Hot Springs Village) University District Farmers Market (Little Rock) VanBuren Farmers Market (Van Buren) Ouachita Country Farmers Market (Camden) Harrison Farmers Market (Harrison) Alma Farmers Mrket (Alma) Pope County Farmers Market (Russellville) Paragould Farmers Market (Paragould) Randolph County Farmers Market (Pocahontas) Howard County Farmers Market (Nashville) Les Marches des Lois Gean’s (Magnolia) Downtown Rogers Farmers Market (Rogers) Fort Smith Farmers Market (Ft. Smith)

Details for the 2018 Farmers Market Promotion Program can be found on the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s website which is www. aad.arkansas.gov.

Farm Credit is committed to serving all types of agriculture, educating youth about how food is grown, and supporting local food system initiatives.

2017 Arkansas Grown School Garden Contest The Arkansas Agriculture Department has announced details about the 2017 contest on their website, www.aad.arkansas.gov.

Applications are due September 9, 2017.

There is a new category this year for schools planning a future garden for the 2017-2018 school year:

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•Best School Garden Start-Up Proposal - $500 prize •Best Nutrition Education Based Gar- den - $500 prize •Best Community Collaboration Garden - $500 prize •Best Environmental Education Fo- cused arden - $500 prize •Overall Winning Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year - $1,000 prize

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson invited 2016 School Garden Contest winners to the State Capitol in December.

Farmers helping farmers!

Western Arkansas farmers deliver assistance to fellow farmers affected by wildfires

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ESTERN ARKANSAS farmers were delivering truckloads of needed supplies to their farming and ranching counterparts in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado before the last of the fires were extinguished.

In the end, seven people lost their lives to widespread fires in droughtstricken areas of four states. More than two million acres of agricultural land burned and thousands of head of livestock were lost to the fires in March and April. Farmers lost homes, cattle, hay fields and potential income.

Farm Credit member Dustin Tackett owns and operates Terraced Acres Ranch north of Dover, AR. He responded to the tragedy by gathering support from fellow Pope and Johnson County farmers and businesses. The Johnson County Farmer’s Association was es-

pecially generous and sold materials to Tackett at cost. He delivered supplies to Greg Gardiner and the Gardiner Angus Ranch inAshland, Kansas in earlyApril.

“Greg and the Gardiners have become close friends through our shared association with registered Angus cattle,” Dustin explained.

“They’re great people and they lost so much. They lost a home on their farm. They lost cattle. Knowing the family made this disaster personal for me and helping them get back on their feet was just the right thing to do.”

Vice President Jim Taylor of the Russellville office made a donation on behalf of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas. Farm Credit’s donation purchased fencing supplies and work gloves. Dustin personally delivered these items, and many others, to the Gardiner family.

“Our community was support-

Above – Delivery to Greg Gardiner at Gardiner Angus Ranch in Ashland, KS. Below – Dustin Tackett receives Farm Credit’s donation from Jim Taylor of the Russellville branch.

ive,” Dustin said. “It’s nice to know there will always be farmers who’ll help their own.”

Farm Credit contributed to similar efforts across western Arkansas.

Mena Vice President Rex Dollar’s brother and sister-in-law, Ricky and Darcy Dollar of Yocana coordinated a relief effort in Polk County.

They asked for community support and had more donated then their trailer could handle. A second farmer assisted with another 32-foot trailer.

Aaran Propps of Nashville and the Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo group in Hope are two more relief efforts Dollar was aware of in western Arkansas, and there were surely more we’re not aware of.

Farming is more than just a job.

It’s a way of life and embraces rural values that mean farmers will always assist fellow farmers in need.

Above – The Johnson County Farmers Co-Op Association very generously sold relief supplies to Tackett at cost. Below – A trailer load of supplies reaches farmers in need.

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2017 FARM CREDIT OF WESTERN ARKANSAS

PHOTO CONTEST Theme: What makes rural western Arkansas the best place to live!

It’s time once again for the annual Farm Credit of Western Arkansas photography contest, when you or someone you know can share your best pictures and maybe even win a cash prize! So get those cameras rolling and enter your best photos of rural western Arkansas before Friday, September 29, 2017.

The contest is open to both Farm Credit members and non-members in our 41-county Western Arkansas territory.

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Two divisions - Adult & Youth (up to 18) cash prizes 1st Place: $300 2nd Place: $200 3rd Place: $100 Find entry forms & complete details at myaglender.com

New Faces Breana Langford joined the Farm Credit team as a Financial Services Specialist in Morrilton in mid-February.

She graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2016 with a degree in agriculture education.

Her family farms and she was active in agriculture growing up. She is engaged to Zac Brewer of Conway.

Rosemary Hall joined Farm Credit in February as a Financial Services Specialist in Ozark. A life-long Franklin County re s i d e n t , s h e , Todd and their nine-year-old son Kie Michael live south of Ozark.

She brings more than 13 years of Ozark Police Department and District Court experience to her position.

Michael Ferguson joined Farm Credit as an Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer in our Prairie Grove branch office.

He has 16 years of commercial banking experience in Washington County and has a farming background. He has an agriculture business degree from the University of Arkansas and he, wife Mandi, son Mason (age 8) and daughter Kali (age 7) live in Fayetteville.

Changing places Stephanie Reed assumed her new duties as Loan Accountant in January and has moved from the Ozark office to the Paris office.

She brings nine years of experi-

ence as a Financial Services Specialist in Ozark to her new position in the loan accounting department.

Assistant Vice President Jordan Pearce has assumed the additional responsibilities of Branch Manager of the De Queen office. She began her Farm Credit career as a loan officer in 2014 and has an agriculture business degree from Southern Arkansas University.

Jody Almand of the Arkadelphia office is now Lead Credit Analyst. He began his Farm Credit career in 2007 and brings experience as a loan officer and credit analyst to his new position. Jody has a finance degree from Henderson State University.

Norm Clayborn has been named Business Credit Analyst and works in the central office in Russellville. Norm has been an analyst in the credit department since 2014. He has an agriculture business and animal science degree from Arkansas Tech University.

Luann Berry moved from Vice President of Human Resources to Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer in April. She works in the central office in Russellville and has a business administration degree from Arkansas Tech University.

NEWS BRIEFS­

Jim Wiedeman was named Chief Appraiser earlier this year. He has been with Farm Credit since 1980 and has held both loan officer and appraisal positions. Jim holds a technology and management degree from Arkansas State University.

Retirements Nancy Massey retired in December as Financial Services Specialist in Morrilton after a 24-year Farm Credit career. Nancy was known for her knowledge of the loan documentation process. She was responsible for much of the important behind the scenes loan work in the office.

“I enjoyed my job and the people I worked with,” Nancy commented.

“Farm Credit was truly a great place to work.”

She shared that the changing role of women in the workplace is a significant change she can identify over her 24-year career.

“When I started, there was only one female loan officer. There’s a very different attitude toward women today which is a positive development,” she continued.

Nancy is filling retirement by spending more time with her mother, enjoying Silver Sneakers exercise class, and friends.

“I’m surprisingly busier than I thought I would be!” she concluded.

Please continue on page 17

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Retirement well wishes for senior managers with 40-years of service.

Tom Peebles

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XECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Tom Peebles and Senior Vice President and Chief Learning Officer Tom Cox both began Farm Credit careers in 1977. Ironically, they retired within months of one another with 40 years of service each.

Tom Peebles’ career began as a Production Credit Association loan officer trainee in Fayetteville. He became branch manager in 1979, and operations officer in 1983. He was named Regional Vice President in 1986 and moved to Russellville in 1989 when the northern and southern associations merged into Farm Credit of Western Arkansas. He was named Executive Vice President in the early 1990s.

“Since I began working with Tom almost 30 years ago, at the merger of Northwest and Southwest Arkansas Farm Credits, I have found him to always be a stalwart advocate for Farm Credit and its employees,” reflected Chief Executive Officer Glen Manchester.

“Often, he’s mentioned that Farm Credit is a family. I personally appreciate that he was always here for me

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Tom Cox

and my family. He was continually willing to tackle any job that needed to be done. As EVP, he would enter into negotiations with our largest clients, or help clean up after a customer dinner.”

Technology sticks out in Tom’s mind as a significant change in the past 40 years.

“When the association introduced computers we were told they’d make our work, and lives, easier,” Tom shared.

“That we’d get our work done faster and have more time to enjoy life outside the office. The irony is that technology now allows you to work 24/7, if you aren’t careful. Work-life balance has always been important, but I think it takes a more concerted effort today.”

Tom also identifies the escalating cost of entering farming as a significant change.

“In 1977 a 32’ x 375’ poultry building cost $25,000, with equipment. Today, a 60’ x 650’ poultry house costs $350,000 to construct.

It’s much harder to afford to start farming today.”

He says he’s always remembered the difficult lending lessons he learned as a loan officer during the economically turbulent 1980s and early 1990s. That experience shaped the leadership he offered new loan officers.

“I’m proud of the way Farm Credit works with members in difficult times,” Tom reflected. “We did a lot of good things and I often have customers tell me they, or their family farm, wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Farm Credit.”

“I’m proud to have worked for Farm Credit and am proud to be a member myself, now.”

Travel with wife Joy, time with their family and grandson, and work on the farm are filling Tom’s time these days.

Tom Cox retired in April, 2017 after a 40-year Farm Credit career in Missouri and Arkansas.

Tom was hired as a credit trainee at Ozark PCA in Missouri. He became manager of the Ozark branch four years later. From 1985-2000 he had the opportunity to wear a number

of different hats. From management roles, to sales and marketing, insurance, commercial loans, and training positions, Tom’s skills evolved.

“I credit my mentor Bill Bales who recognized that I loved the job and it was a good fit for me,” Tom said.

“I share that same message with new trainees. Do what you love, in the service of people who love what you do.”

Tom provided sales training for Western Arkansas in 2000 and accepted the position of Vice President of Sales & Marketing in 2001 and moved to Russellville. He was named Senior Vice President in 2005.

“Western Arkansas hired Tom to help with sales training and quickly realized he could fill an important niche for us in sales and marketing,” explained CEO Glen Manchester.

“Most recently, I called upon his years of Farm Credit experience to cultivate a training and development department. To be sure, it would be impossible to find anyone who put in more hours for Farm Credit.

By growing up on a dairy farm, his internal clock was set to “milk the cows” before sunup!”

“I learned early that Farm Credit doesn’t make loans, it helps people reach their goals and dreams,” Tom said.”

Tom launched the Farming with Family and Friends member magazine upon his arrival in 2001 to tell member stories, something he’s passionate about.

Tom was instrumental in building the statewide Farm Credit brand and setting the framework for the separate Arkansas Farm Credit associations to work together and combine resources for marketing and advertising purposes. That initial effort has evolved into statewide collaborations in many areas.

“I’ve had the opportunity to wear a lot of hats over the years,” Tom said.

“I will miss the people and customers, it’s a people business.”

“I’m comfortable knowing Farm Credit is strong today, poised for good things. I’m excited for the current employees as they go forward serving western Arkansas.”

Story by Jill Robertson F A R M I N G

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Continued from page 15 Connie Jones, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager in De Queen retired in late 2016 after a 34-year Farm Credit career.

Connie began as a branch secretary in 1982. She spent her career in the De Queen branch which meant she knew her customers and the community well.

She was knowledgeable with both credit and loan servicing and lost track over the years of how many loan officers she helped train. She became Assistant Vice President in 2013.

“The loan process has changed

dramatically over the years,” Connie commented with a smile.

“Less paperwork in the 1980s, but we didn’t have computers. We hand typed mortgages creating multiple copies with carbon paper and if we made one mistake we had to start over.”

“I loved my job, our customers and my co-workers.”

Family time with her husband Jerrell and nine grandchildren are occupying Connie’s time in retirement.

Online Banking How would you like to check your account information or make a payment anytime you like, 24/7?

Simply enroll in online banking at www.myaglender.com. It’s a great tool for busy people!

Arkansas FFA Foundation – Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Midsouth together donated $10,000 to the Arkansas FFA Foundation.

Assistant Vice President and Arkadelphia branch manager Rachael Godwin with Farm Credit of Western Arkansas presented the check to FFA member Kaylie Stone.

4-H Foundation Donation –Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Midsouth have donated $10,000 to the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. 4-H representative Ethan Parker (center) is pictured with Western Arkansas CEO and 4-H Foundation member Glen Manchester and 4-H Foundation President Ralph Shoptaw.

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Enriching rural life. TM

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Let Farm Credit’s industry-leading knowledge, competitive products, and 100 years of agricultural and rural financing experience help you!

• Real estate, operating, and equipment loans for farms • Timberland • Forest Products/ Processing/ Marketing • Truck and SUV leases • Home Mortgages in the country • Home construction loans • Mortgage, credit, life and disability insurance • Term-Life insurance protection • Farmland appraisals

PARTING SHOT

Farm Credit is about building relationships and supporting our members’ financial success. We’re proud to have many members who’ve trusted Farm Credit for decades and are encouraging future generations of their families to count on Farm Credit for financing needs, as well.

Our Legacy Member signs let you know which of your neighbors are long-time members.

Above – Financial Services Specialist Kathy Schulterman (left) and Vice President and Paris Branch Manager Donna Cunningham (right) award Danny and Joyce Core of Logan County with their 25+ Year Legacy Member sign. The Cores raise cattle and have been members since 1970. Their son Donald Core is a member, as well.

Right – Terry Allen raises dairy and beef cattle in Bismarck, AR and is a 25+ Year Legacy Member. He works with Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Rachael Godwin and Financial Services Specialist Morgan White in the Arkadelphia office.

3115 W. 2nd Court, Russellville, AR 72801 CY

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