The Rural Scene Fall 2021

Rural Scene

THE

THE PITTS BROTHERS’ BOND MEANS SUCCESS ON THE FARM.

FAL L 2021

Enriching rural life.TM

Rural Scene

THE

PUBLISHED BY

Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is a customer-owned financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, agribusinesses and

ON THE COVER

timber producers in 41 western Arkansas counties.

Sugar Hill Ranch has been in the Pitts family’s care for over 100 years.

Arkansas is a member of the 105-year-old Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions

IN THIS ISSUE

providing more than $317 billion in loans to rural America.

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Director Scene 2021 Director Nominations The Bond of Brothers Sugar Hill Ranch’s success credited to brothers working together Cooperative Scene 2022 Future Legacy Young, Beginning, Small Farmer Conference – taking applications!

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Farm Credit Internships Valuable lessons from three young interns

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2021 Scholarship Awards

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Community Scene Supporting our local communities

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Western Scene Employee happenings

OFFICE LOCATIONS AND LOAN OFFICERS

With a loan volume of $1.5 billion, Farm Credit of Western Alma 641 Hwy 71 N, Ste. 102 (479) 430–7287 James Crabtree, Joyce Ridenour, Paul Bennett Arkadelphia 2858 Walnut (870) 246–8061 Rachael Godwin, David Smith Benton 15227 1-30 South (501) 860–6391 Kevin Barham Bentonville 3600 SW Regional Airport Blvd. Suite 16 (479) 273–3311 Darla Larson, Dilynn Dodd Clarksville 1007 Interstate Dr. (479) 754–2876 Anna Lester, Sherry Boen Danville 302 E 5th St. (479) 495–2711 Lora Briggs De Queen 800 E Magnolia Ave. (870) 584–3113 Jordan Icenhower Fort Smith 12907 Hwy 71 South (479) 434–4040 Andrea Leding, James Crabtree, Joyce Ridenour, Paul Bennett

Magnolia 1703 Pittman St. (870) 234–8611 Caleigh Watlington Mena 1607 Hwy 71 North (479) 394–1027 Rex Dollar Morrilton 1329 Hwy 9 (501) 354–2377 Hank DeSalvo Nashville 302 W Bishop (870) 845–2221 Denise Sweat Ozark 1808 Farm Credit Dr. (479) 667–3855 Tom White Paris 3772 W Hwy 22 (479) 963–2841 Kathy Schluterman Prairie Grove 1181 E Heritage Pkwy (Hwy 62) (479) 400–6160 Daniel Keeton, Catherine Goodwin Russellville 2797 E Parkway (479) 968–5030 Anna Lester

Glenwood 131 Hwy 70 East (870) 356–2023 Adam Baker

Siloam Springs 4970 Hwy 412 East (479) 524–6754 Savannah Dickinson

Greenbrier 89C N Broadview St. (501) 679–5464 Josh Dunlap

Texarkana 2305 Trinity Blvd.

(870) 772–1882 Jonathan Shumate, Jennifer Hooper, Rustin Watson

Harrison 129 W Industrial Park Rd. (870) 741–2020 Brad Matlock, Brady Willis Hope 1722 E 3rd St. (870) 777–6704 Clay Lance, Darren Neal Huntsville 14238 Hwy 412 (479) 738–6622 Trey Villines

Tontitown 1091 W Henri De Tonti Blvd.

(479) 717–6740 Misty Eastep Waldron 502 Frankie Matthew Dr. (479) 637–2087 Rex Dollar

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Interest rates remain low, but inflation has begun to show its head and has ushered in a new term Brandon Haberer – transitory inflation.

Many economists believe that what we are experiencing is only temporary and brought about by supply chain disruptions thanks to the continued impacts of COVID. Anyone who has attempted to build a home or purchase a car or equipment recently has more than likely experienced a sellers’ market. While the highly competitive market for used equipment, used vehicles and homes is benefiting sellers, buyers of these same items are faced with increasingly limited availability and high prices.

We have even seen some modest impact to land values.

The US economy is working hard to reestablish, but gaps in the supply chain have made it very challenging for the economy to fully re-emerge.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Adding to this disruption is the anomaly of a historically high unemployment rate. The unemployment rate is high, yet many employers are hanging help-wanted signs and struggling to fill current positions.

Chair Kenny Brixey, Casa

Ron Hubbard, London

Vice Chair Bob Dixon, Havana

Cody Jones, Mansfield

Steve Burke, Prescott

Julie Lively, Fulton

Renny Chesshir, Alma

Kenny Martin, De Queen

Chuck Davis, Ashdown

Gene Pharr, Lincoln

Pam Faulkner-Moore, Casa

Mark Wilcox, Greenbrier

Dusty Hampton, Russellville

Steve Young, Ozark

Kim Hogan, Ozark President and CEO Brandon Haberer

The potential future impacts of round two of the COVID delta variant are casting additional worry and speculation on these issues.

No doubt future government policy will either exacerbate or alleviate problems in certain sectors, all of which are yet unknown as we march forward. On the bright side, there is good news regarding higher prices for cattle, poultry, timber, and major grain commodities. Interest rates are still very low and favorable for purchases and refinancing. Interest rates are expected to increase, but the multitude of moving parts make it nearly impossible to predict when, or even if, that will happen.

These very real and unique challenges are similar to the ones we encountered last year. Despite this, Farm Credit is on track for another great year. Our capital remains strong on top of strong growth and exceptional earnings. We are here when you need us.

Sincerely,

Brandon Haberer President and CEO

ABOUT THE RURAL SCENE

If last year wasn’t strange enough, and for those wishing for a change, it seems that 2021 has found ways to throw us additional curve balls.

The Rural Scene is produced for members and friends of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

Address comments and story ideas to: Editor, The Rural Scene Farm Credit of Western Arkansas 3115 W. 2nd Court • Russellville, AR 72801 Editor Jill Robertson • Jill.Robertson@myaglender.com Contributing Writer & Photographer Lindsey Holtzclaw • Lindsey.Holtzclaw@myaglender.com myaglender.com Article quotes have been edited for content and appropriateness.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Member of the Cooperative Communicators Association.

Find us at “Farm Credit of Western Arkansas” on Facebook, and @FarmCreditWEAR on Twitter and Instagram.

© 2021 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

3 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

DIRE C TO R SC E N E

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR About the time you receive this issue, you should also be receiving your 2021 election ballot. Three director seats, twelve Nominating Committee positions and twelve alternate Nominating Committee positions are up for election this year.

The privilege of electing fellow Farm Credit members and agriculture peers to help lead our association is a distinct benefit of being a financial cooperative member/owner. Who better to guide business decisions that benefit you as a member than a fellow Western Arkansas farmer, rancher or rural homeowner? I encourage you to exercise your vote, it’s what sets us apart from traditional lenders.

Kenny Brixey

Our association is divided into six geographical areas for the sake of director elections. Each year, on a rotational basis, positions in three of the six areas are up for director election. You may vote for a total of three candidates, one for each open position on the ballot. (See page 7) As your member-owned financial cooperative, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is actively Enriching rural life. In addition, know that we’re supported by the national Farm Credit System that is solely focused on supporting rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today, and tomorrow.

Kenny Brixey Chair, Board of Directors Farm Credit of Western Arkansas

Directors Retiring

Harold G. (Gene) Pharr Gene Pharr of Lincoln is retiring after eight years of service to the Board of Directors. He most recently served on the Legislative Public Relations Committee.

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Charles A. (Chuck) Davis, Jr. Chuck Davis of Ashdown has served on the Board of Directors since 2007 and has most recently served on the Governance Committee.

Thank you Gene and Chuck for your commitment and service to the Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Board of Directors.

ASK ABOUT OUR

POULTRY LOAN PROGRAM

ASSISTING YOUNG, BEGINNING AND/OR SMALL PRODUCERS

Want to be a poultry farmer but need a little assistance with the large initial investment? We know it’s hard to get into farming and we want to help.

You may qualify for one or more special loan considerations.

• Relaxed down-payment requirements • Discounted appraisal and loan origination fees • Competitive long-term, fixed interest rates

COMMITTED TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF FARMERS: YOUNG FARMERS 35 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER

BEGINNING FARMERS FARMING 10 YEARS OR LESS

SMALL FARMERS

LESS THAN $250K IN GROSS FARM INCOME

DIRE C TO R SC E N E

2021 Annual Director Election Ballots will arrive in your mailbox, voting is your right and responsibility as a cooperative member.

• Director candidate information and ballots will mail in mid-September. Ballots will be addressed to voting stockholders as of date of record – August 31, 2021.

• Review candidate information, complete ballot, and return in postage-paid envelope provided. You may vote for one director in each area up for election.

• Voting stockholders are responsible for electing directors and nominating committee members annually.

• Ballots must be received by 4:30 PM on October 12.

Results will be announced October 13 and posted at all branch offices and at myaglender.com. Postcards will also be mailed to members.

NEW THIS YEAR In the past, the primary on the loan was the only voting stockholder and only one ballot was mailed. NOW, every borrower age 18 and older on a loan is a voting stockholder and will receive a ballot. Each voting stockholder receives one vote, regardless of how many loans they are on.

In the instance of LLCs, partnerships and corporate entities, one ballot will be mailed to the entity. In instances where a voting stockholder has a personal loan and is also the designated voting stockholder for an entity, they will receive two separate ballots and are eligible to vote on behalf of themselves and the entity.

Farm Credit Administration regulations facilitated this change in our bylaws.

Your vote also supports Arkansas youth!

You vote, and Arkansas FFA and 4-H benefit! For every eligible ballot received, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas will donate $10. Funds will be split evenly between the Arkansas FFA Foundation and the Arkansas 4-H Foundation

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(All positions are a four-year term.)

● Bentonville

Siloam Springs ●

Boone

Carroll

Benton

Baxter

Marion

● Harrison

● Tonitown Madison

● Huntsville

Washington

Newton

● Prairie Grove

Searcy

AREA 1 Kevin D. Harmon Benton

Ralph Allen Moore Washington

Franklin

Crawford

Johnson

Van Buren

● Ozark

Pope

● Clarksville ● Fort Smith

Conway

Russellville

Logan Sebastian

AREA 4 Robert Stobaugh Conway

DIRE C TO R SC E N E

2021 Director Candidates Listed Alphabetically

Faulkner

● Paris

Mark E. Wilcox Faulkner

● Greenbrier

● Morrilton Yell

● Danville

Perry

● Waldron Scott Saline

AREA 6

Polk

Robert Martinez Sevier

Elizabeth Walker Sevier

Garland

Montgomery

● Mena

Pike

● De Queen Sevier

Hot Spring

● Glenwood

Howard

● Benton

Grant

● Arkadelphia

● Nashville

Clark

Dallas

Hempstead Nevada

Little River

● Hope

Ouachita

Calhoun

● Texarkana Columbia

Miller

● Magnolia

2021 Nominating Committee Nominees

Union

Lafayette

AREA 1A

Chad Amos • Benton Johnny L. Gunsaulis • Benton

AREA 4A

Jerry L. Hartwick • Faulkner Rickey D. Wiedower • Faulkner

AREA 1B

John W. Calhoon, Jr. • Washington Ronnie T. Horn • Washington

AREA 4B

James W. Mann • Perry Fred Nutt • Perry

AREA 2A

Justin "Taylor" Gattis • Franklin Ernest J. "EJ" Neissl • Franklin

AREA 5A

Rainna K. Ghormley • Hempstead Randy W. Peck • Hempstead

AREA 2B

James A. Ford • Franklin Mary "Jeana" Sing • Franklin

AREA 5B

Danielle M. Kitchens • Howard Gabrielle Williams • Garland

AREA 3A

Shawn A. Ezell • Logan Allen L. Johnson • Logan

AREA 6A

Jonathan "Johnny" Dooley • Sevier Robert "Hunter" Lipsey • Sevier

AREA 3B

Casey T. Cotton • Logan Gerald W. Strobel • Logan

AREA 6B

Monte K. Davis • Sevier Jacob Hooper • Sevier

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M E M B E R SC E N E

The BonD of

Brothers A ranch with three brothers working side by side is a rarity. However, the Pitts brothers have had success due, in part, to how they’ve chosen to manage the farm. Each has an area of responsibility and they’re committed to respecting each other’s management decisions.

Seth, Connor and Alec Pitts of Lincoln have been farming together since 2016. Sugar Hill Ranch has been solely in the brothers’ hands

Brothers Connor, Alec and Seth Pitts had to assume full responsibility for Sugar Hill Ranch at young ages.

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Inheriting the family farm at young ages, the Pitts brothers banded together to keep and grow their Washington County ranch.

since the deaths of both their father and grandfather. Their father, Russell Pitts, passed away in 2007, when Seth was 16, Connor was 12 and Alec was 9. His death meant the boys had to grow up quicker than most. All three assumed additional farm responsibilities as they assisted their grandfather, Roger Pitts, on the ranch until his passing in 2016. At the time of Roger’s death, Seth was 26, Connor was 21 and Alec was 18.

M E M B E R SC E N E

Today, the brothers are the fifth generation to own and operate the 100-plus-year-old family farm. Each brother handles a different aspect of the farm, a method they claim is key to both the ranch’s success and to maintaining a healthy brotherly bond.

Seth, the oldest, said he felt it necessary to step into the leadership role after the death of their father. He began taking over management responsibilities and the brothers continued to work with, and learn from, their grandfather. With their grandfather’s death, Seth fully took over and the brothers began dividing the responsibilities.

While living the rural lifestyle on the ranch had been his plan, he never intended to make it a career. Seth now admits that he cannot see himself doing anything else.

“The best part, for me, is that all three of us can share the experience,” Seth reflected. “It certainly makes the work more enjoyable and manageable. This way we can enjoy other parts of life along with the farm responsibilities.”

Without the guidance of their grandfather and father, Seth said they have had to learn through trial and error.

Unlike Seth, middle brother Connor explains farming was always his plan.

“I always knew I was going to work on the ranch,” Connor said. “However, we didn’t necessarily have a choice on when that was, and we had to take on responsibility early.”

From a young age, Connor has been passionate about raising cattle. He says he enjoyed working with his dad and grandfather on the farm and learning about the land’s history.

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M E M B E R SC E N E

Youngest brother Alec has also grown into the ranch lifestyle. Considering his young age when both his grandfather and father died, Alec simply needed time to understand what he wanted to do.

“As I got older it became something I wanted to do,” Alec said. “Now it is something I really enjoy.”

Ultimately, the brothers were not required to run the ranch. Growing up, their grandfather would tell them if farming was not something they wanted to do, that would be fine, but if they did, they would have to shoulder the responsibility.

Sugar Hill Ranch’s roughly 1,000-acre operation produces poultry, cattle and hay. Seth manages the farm’s finances and maintains the equipment.

Connor manages the operation’s 500-head of commercial cattle including all aspects of nutrition and breeding. Alec is responsible for managing the ranch’s five poultry houses that produce approximately 600,000 broilers for George’s annually.

Perhaps the key to their success, each brother makes decisions within his specific area of expertise. However, they all come together to achieve those goals as needed.

“We all three head a specific part of the farm,” Seth explains. “The person in charge of each area is responsible for managing it and making decisions and the other two support those decisions, helping whenever needed.”

While this method helps to limit conflict, the young men do admit, understandably, there are times they fight like brothers.

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Even though farming is each brother’s primary job, they also manage to balance additional responsibilities. Seth assists his wife Alyssa with her pediatric clinic’s accounting. Connor has been able to combine his two passions and serves as full-time cheer coach at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in the evenings.

Alec has additional jobs, as well, but sees ranching as his first, and main, priority.

While the poultry, cattle and hay operations were in place before the brothers began managing the ranch, there is one significant change they have made. The brothers have overhauled the cattle operation. At the time of their grandfather’s death, there were no calves or replacement heifers; however, today they have a sizable herd. While they plan to keep the ranch at its current operating level for now, they have big ideas for the future. Potentially, they may phase out the chicken operation and grow the cattle side of the business. They believe adding a breeding program producing bred heifers, cow-calf pairs and, eventually, bulls is a viable addition to their long-term business plan.

Seth enjoys the opportunity to teach, a special experience for him because he is teaching where he learned. Now a father himself, he’s teaching the lessons he learned from his father and grandfather to daughter Lennon, 5, and son Abbott, 2. Working with their father a few days every week, Seth’s children are learning more about their family’s operation. Lennon and Abbott both help with various chores. This is what Seth says he appreciates most about his time on the ranch. As they get older, Seth hopes they’ll want to be more involved.

Connor, Seth and Alec began managing Sugar Hill Ranch after both their father and grandfather passed away.

The Pitts brothers raise 500-head of commercial cattle on the roughly 1,000 acre ranch.

M E M B E R SC E N E

Sugar Hill Ranch produces 600,000 broilers for George’s annually.

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M E M B E R SC E N E

Just as he and his brothers have each found their niche, Seth wants his children to discover their passion and strength on the farm, as well.

Youngest Pitts brother Alec recently married wife Jami. All three brothers, their mother Guatha, and grandmother Mary Alice reside on the family land.

Looking over the pasture, the brothers agree that there are memories of their father and grandfather in the work they do. They laugh that when they spread poultry litter on this particular field, they all automatically avoid the wet spot in the middle because they remember being stuck there. They each also know where the large rocks are in the field and how to avoid them.

The Pitts brothers say they plan to remain on the farm and share a collective goal of passing the farm to the next generation of Pitts ranchers.

THE FARM CREDIT CONNECTION The boys’ grandfather first used Farm Credit over 30 years ago and had Farm Credit financing at the time of his death. The boys had to make serious financial decisions when their grandfather died, including to take on financing in their own names. The decision to keep doing business with Farm Credit was simple according to Seth.

Farm Credit was already familiar with their operation and Seth knew Vice President and Branch Manager Daniel Keeton of the Prairie Grove office personally from their time at the University of Arkansas.

“For three brothers to inherit a farm at a young age and grow it like they have is unique,” Daniel Keeton commented.

Daniel says the brothers are always working on something and that Seth will call to share the

The ranch has a long history with Farm Credit and the brothers work with Vice President and Branch Manager Daniel Keeton (left) and Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer Catherine Goodwin (right) of the Prairie Grove office.

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“It is remarkable to see how these young men have taken what they had and grown it,” Daniel said. “I respect their ability to work effectively together and they’re all smart managers.”

Seth says that working with Daniel has greatly simplified the lending process. Everything they need to accomplish has a fast turn-around and all Seth has to do is call.

“I appreciate that I can simply call and get things rolling,” Seth said. “Turn-around is fast and I don’t see how borrowing money could be any easier, honestly.”

Patronage Cash is another reason the Pitts brothers finance with Farm Credit. They look

forward to it as a revenue stream in February.

Seth says they mark the patronage distribution date on the calendar each year in anticipation.

They use their patronage check to pay bills, make needed equipment repairs and fund farm updates.

Taking the reins of the ranch at a young age, the brothers are already an impressive legacy to what their family started more than five generations ago. Their brotherly bond, built on respect and an understanding of one another, has strengthened since being forced to band together and figure out how to keep and grow Sugar Hill Ranch. Most importantly, Seth, Connor and Alec quickly attribute the ranch’s success to embracing the challenge together.

M E M B E R SC E N E

ranch’s plan and discuss financing options. A recent project included expansion of both the land and cattle.

Story by Elizabeth Berner, Summer Communications Intern Photos by Elizabeth Berner and Lindsey Holtzclaw

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R E F E R R AL R EWAR D S PR OG R A M

Thank you for spreading the word about Farm Credit!

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 advertising.

Do you know someone who might benefit from Farm Credit's advantages?

• Long-term, fixed interest rates & 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.

Refer as many people as you like... you’ll be helping your Farm Credit grow!

• Patronage Cash. Members share in the profits when the association has a good year.

• Local service from folks you can trust.

• 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. Pick the gift you'd like and either drop by to pick it up, or we'll ship it to your home.

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Camo Knife

BBQ Tools

Beach Towel

Voluntary Membership Democratic Member Control

Future Legacy

Members’ Economic Participation Autonomy and Independence Education, Training, and Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community

Statewide Farm Credit YOUNG & BEGINNING FARMER CONFERENCE

Education, Training & Information

FREE Conference | FEBRUARY 22-23, 2022 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock Network with fellow young farmers from across the state at this FREE two-day learning event facilitated by Dr. David Kohl.

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.

Dr. Kohl’s knowledge and ability to connect with young farmers makes him a highly sought-after national speaker and conference leader. Known for his entertaining and engaging style, Dr. Kohl sends participants home armed with information and skills that can be immediately applied to any ag operation.

Designed for...

• Ages 18-40, any farming experience welcome • Any size farming operation • Both full-time and part-time farmers • Couples are invited to attend together • Open to all (no need to be a Farm Credit customer)

Apply at myaglender.com by December 15 Questions? Call Jill Robertson at 479.567.4548 *The conference, one night’s hotel stay, all food, and evening activity are provided at no charge. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the conference site in North Little Rock.

C O O P E RAT IVE SC E N E

2022

7 Cooperative Principles

An opportunity to...

• Network with young, beginning farmers from an array of ag sectors • Better understand economic factors impacting Arkansas producers • Learn skills to better position your operation for success

FARM CREDIT INTERNSHIPS OFFER VALUABLE LESSONS Reflections from 2021 Summer Interns While classroom lessons are good career preparation, there is something unique about engaging those lessons in a real-world setting.

This summer, Oakley Davis, Quantas Gulley and I all had the opportunity to learn more about the agriculture industry. We all believe the lessons we learned this summer will guide us in our future careers.

Oakley Davis is studying agriculture business with a concentration in management and marketing at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Originally from Batesville, Oakley worked as a Field Services intern meeting with customers in the northwest area of the state.

“Working with farmers has given me more insight into the cattle and poultry industries,” said Oakley. “There’s no better way to learn about these trades then from the people who live it every day.”

Also an agriculture business major and a Field Services intern, Quantas Gulley attends Southern Arkansas University. He is from Prescott and worked in the association’s southern branch offices. He had the opportunity to expand his agriculture knowledge spending time on hog, row crop and fish farms.

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“The most enjoyable part of the internship was having conversations with farmers and learning

what makes their farm unique.” Quantas said.

“It was interesting to hear their farming stories and how they got to where they are. I see this helping me throughout my career.”

My summer was spent working as a marketing and communications intern. From Prairie Grove, I am a senior agriculture communications major at the University of Arkansas. Working with Farm Credit opened my eyes to how many aspects agriculture has, some I had never considered. I wrote for the association magazine, designed marketing materials and compiled market research data.

Overall, Oakley, Quantas, and I all learned more about how broad the agriculture industry is. As we approach our future careers, we gladly thank Farm Credit of Western Arkansas for this valuable opportunity to immerse ourselves in the financial industry and to meet some amazing agriculture industry participants.

ELIZABETH BERNER Marketing and Communications Intern

Elizabeth working with Lindsey Holtzclaw on t-shirt design.

most enjoyable part of the internship "wasThehaving conversations with farmers and learning what makes their farm unique. " Q U A N TA S G U L L E Y

Quantus inspecting farm equipment.

Oakley and Kathy Schluterman working out of the Paris office.

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SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

$340,000 in scholarships awarded since 1998

$1,000

Scholarships

Morgan Bonner Nashville, AR U of A – Fayetteville Pre-Vet/Poultry Science

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

Academic performance, school and community leadership, extracurricular activities, and agricultural interests were considered as a panel of independent judges from outside Farm Credit of Western Arkansas’ service territory selected this year’s recipients.

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 have proven themselves as leaders among their peers and in their communities.

Kyleen Hewitt Fouke, AR Southern Arkansas University Ag Business

Taylor Looper Greenwood, AR U of A – Fayetteville Animal Science

Congratulations on your proven accomplishments. Thank you to all who applied. 2022 scholarship program details will be posted at myaglender.com after January 1.

Brandera Sansom 18

Ashdown, AR Southern Arkansas University Ag Business

Montana Burris

Adam Cook

Malli Dooly

Grace Hendrix

Scranton, AR U of A – Fort Smith Business Admin/Finance

Greenbrier, AR U of A – Fayetteville Ag Education

Emerson, AR Southern Arkansas University Animal Science/Pre-Vet

Plumerville, AR Oklahoma State University Industrial Engineering & Mgmt

Colton Hewitt

Cauy House

Colin Keady

Victoria Lehmann

Fouke, AR Southern Arkansas University Ag Education

Mena, AR Ouachita Baptist University Ag Business & Mgmt

Alma, AR Scotland, AR U of A – Fayetteville U of A – Fayetteville Ag Leadership/Political Science Animal Science/Pre-Vet

Kylee Lyons

Morgen Puryear

Hailey Roye

Bradley, AR Southern Arkansas University Chemistry/Pre-Pharmacy

Gravette, AR Harding University Education

Fayetteville, AR Greenwood, AR U of A – Fayetteville Eastern Oklahoma State College Animal Science/Bio Engineering Ranch Management

Ethan Shaw

Thane Stidham

Shannon Trantina

Karson Young

Branch, AR Arkansas Tech University Finance & Accounting

Alma, AR Naval Academy or OU Engineering

Bigelow, AR U of Central Arkansas Nutrition

New Hope, AR Southern Arkansas University Cyber Criminology

A.J. Russell

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C O M M U N IT Y SC E N E

Will & Daisy Community Garden Donation Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Rachael Godwin of Arkadelphia coordinated a donation to the Will and Daisy Community Garden in Ouachita. Farm Credit donated the supplies to update the building that will be used for garden market days and storage. The garden is a result of a Hot Spring County initiative to foster community participation. The garden is an educational opportunity for school students and the public, provides local food and supports local farmers raising food for farmers markets. It has also become an outdoor classroom for K-12 students.

$10,000 Arkansas FFA Donation The Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas donated $10,000 this spring to the Arkansas FFA Foundation in support of their statewide programing for youth.

Pictured, left, are Mylo Ball of Farm Credit Midsouth and Cole Plafcan (right) of AgHeritage Farm Credit Services presenting a check to current FFA State President Josey Kelly on behalf of the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas.

$10,000 Arkansas 4-H Foundation Donation The Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas made a $10,000 donation this year to the Arkansas 4-H Foundation in support of statewide youth programming. Michael Clayman of Farm Credit Midsouth presented the check to 4-H Foundation Managing Director John Thomas. Also pictured are Dr. Angie Freel (left), Ouachita District VP Aubrey Seymour and Dr. Martha Ray Sartor (right).

2021 Homegrown by Heroes Scholarship Winners The Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture have named Madeline Fortune and Michael Suttle as Homegrown by Heroes scholarship recipients. Each receives a $1,000 award for the fall 2021 semester.

Madeline Fortune, from Stuttgart, serves in the Army National Guard and will attend the University of Central Arkansas. Her family has farmed for six generations, and she plans to pursue a career linked to agriculture.

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Michael Suttle retired after 20 years of service in the United States Army where he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. From Camden, Suttle attends Southern Arkansas University and is studying agriculture business.

Farm Credit Adam McClung Leadership Scholarships Morgan Bonner and Molly Parker were named Farm Credit Adam McClung Leadership Scholarship recipients in early August at the annual Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association convention. Each received a $1,000 award provided by the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Morgan Bonner is pictured, center, with (from left) Trey Villines and Denise Sweat of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Michael Clayman of Farm Credit Midsouth, Chantel McClung, and Charlie McConnell, Rachael Godwin and Clay Lance of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas. Molly Parker was unable to attend the event.

2021 4-H Scholarships Zarah Dean and Aaron Mahan each received a

$1,000 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Scholarship for their exemplary achievements in Arkansas 4-H.

2021 FFA Scholarships $1,000 Arkansas FFA Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Scholarships have been awarded to Josie Kelly of Mountain Home and Katee Johnson of Mountainburg for their outstanding FFA achievements.

Josie is the current State President and is pursuing degrees in crop science and ag education at the University of Arkansas. Katee also attends the U of A and is studying animal science with the goal of earning a degree in veterinarian medicine.

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Class Loan Officer Paul Bennett, of Fort Smith, is a graduate of the 2020 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Class. The year-long program offered

by The Cattlemen’s Association gives young ranchers insight into the Arkansas beef cattle industry. Pictured - Phillip DeSalvo presents Paul with YCLC graduation items.

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C O M M U N IT Y SC E N E

Community Connections We value the contributions our employees make through volunteer work and leadership in their local communities. To foster these connections and honor employee commitment, we donate up to $500/employee annually, to qualifying non-profit organizations.

Financial Services Specialist Melissa Smith of Magnolia currently serves as the Reading is Fundamental/ Literacy & Arts Chair for the Magnolia Junior Charity League.

The organization distributed 1,700 books to students in K-6th grades in 2020. Melissa’s volunteer leadership earned the organization $500.

The Arkansas Junior Swine Series in NWA was awarded $500 in Community Involvement Dollars thanks to Vice President and Branch Manager Savannah Dickinson’s volunteer leadership with the organization. The AJSS’s goal is to encourage young people to learn about how to make the best of their animal in the showring as well as how to also be a responsible showman outside of the showring.

The Boone County United Way supports 21 local non-profit organizations. Financial Services Specialist Chris Criner of our Harrison office has served as the group’s president for the past six years. Her leadership commitment includes helping organize multiple fundraising events and co-chairing the committee that distributes annual funds. Her work has earned The Boone County United Way $500.

The Organization for Youth Education and Agriculture in Prescott received $500 in recognition of Loan Officer Darren Neal’s leadership with the group. Darren is a co-founder and current Vice President for this non-profit that has established a 10-acre farm at the Prescott School. The farm is used for educational purposes and gives students who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to raise an animal the chance to raise and show them at area fairs and livestock shows. Animals, feed, supplies and barn space are provided at no cost to students. The program’s success in introducing agriculture to students with no previous ag exposure has been a success and the school recently hired an ag teacher for the farm.

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Financial Services Specialist II Cindy Philpott of our Siloam Springs office volunteers upwards of 200 hours per year to the Gentry FFA. Cindy’s commitment to the group’s community service projects has earned the club $500 in Community Involvement Dollars from Farm Credit.

LUKE LEAMONS joined the Farm Credit team in April as a Regional Field Services Officer for the Arkadelphia office. Luke has an accounting and financing degree from Harding University. He lives in Gurdon with his wife Natalie and three children Molly (age 6), Allie (age 2) and Josh (age 2 months). When Luke has time for hobbies, he enjoys hunting, fishing, working on his farm and being outdoors.

COURTNEY WOOD began working as a Financial Reporting Analyst in the Clarksville office in early May and brings more than 12 years of banking and state auditing experience to the position. She and husband Corby live in Scranton with daughter, Carlee (age 6) and Cash (age 3). Courtney and her family enjoy traveling in their spare time.

RICHARD SOBCZAK joined Farm Credit in mid-August as a Senior Regional Appraiser in the Bentonville office.

Richard brings 30+ years of appraisal experience with lending institutions and the Farm Credit System. Most recently, he worked as a Certified General Appraiser in Washington state. He and wife Kelly have four adult children and 12 grandchildren.

MISTIE DUNCAN started work as a Regional Financial Services Specialist in early May. Originally form Greenbrier, Mistie earned a bachelor’s in business professional studies and a master's in college personnel both from Arkansas Tech University. Her home office is based out of Russellville. She and husband Ross have a daughter Paisley (age 10). When she has free time, Mistie enjoys being outdoors, riding horses and deer hunting.

A Magnolia native, MELISSA SMITH joined the office there in May as a Financial Services Specialist. She and husband Josh have two boys, Reed (age 12) and Dylan (age 9). Melissa enjoys spending time with her family in her free time.

BRAYDEN BURNETT began work as a Regional Field Services Officer in May. He formerly had temporary positions as a Summer Credit Intern in 2019 and as a part-time Field Services Intern in 2020. He earned an ag business degree from the University of Arkansas in May of 2020. Brayden owns a small cattle operation in Winslow and assists with the family farm.

W E ST E RN SC E N E

New Faces

NATALIE WALKER joined the Farm Credit team in July as Financial Services Specialist in Paris. She brings five years of Farm Bureau experience to the position. She and her husband Dustin own a poultry farm and 300-head cattle operation. They have three children, Peydon (age 18), Lyndee (age 14) and Rylan (age 12). Natalie pursues creative hobbies in her free time and, most recently, she’s begun crafting decorative balloon arches.

Changing Places CALEIGH WATLINGTON moved from Credit Trainee to Loan Officer in the Magnolia branch this spring.

Retirements Vice President and Branch Manager DONNA GRIFFIN retired on June 30.

Donna’s entire 39-year Farm Credit career was in the Paris branch office where she began as a Financial Services Specialist. Donna served as Loan Officer in the Paris branch for the past six years. Donna says you’ll find her traveling or, most likely, hiking and kayaking her favorite spots in retirement…along with enjoying family and grandchildren.

DAVID HOSKINS retired on July 31. He began his Farm Credit career on January 1, 1982 and spent his entire 39 ½ year career as an appraiser, retiring as a Senior Appraiser in the Huntsville branch where he assisted our NWA offices. David says he plans to spend more time on his farm and enjoying his hobbies in retirement.

Regional Branch Manager and Vice President JERRY NANCE retired on August 31 after 37 ½ years of Farm Credit Service. Jerry spent his entire lending career in the Hope office serving Hempstead and Nevada Counties. An avid outdoorsman, Jerry says hunting and fishing are on the agenda in retirement.

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