Country Minute - Summer 2008

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SUMMER 2008

Finding your own personal retreat Private property for a weekend escape, wooded acreage with massive white-tail deer, open hills ideal for cross country skiing, or just enough land for that cabin on the lake…

Everyone has dreams and several involve owning your own land for all the recreational activities the seasons have to offer.

So, what’s stopping you from cashing in on your dreams? If your biggest roadblock is finding a lending institution that will finance them, then read on dreamer, read on! ...Continued on page 2

How does your garden grow?

The Country Minute is brought to you by your local country living lender:

Garden pests can be a pesky problem. Here are some tips to help you protect your favorite greenery...

Melissa Humphrey

• Add 1 tbsp. baby shampoo and 1 tbsp. ammonia to a quart of water and spray garden plants to discourage hungry rabbits.

• A mixture of crushed moth crystals, cyenne pepper and black pepper

will help keep stray cats away form your flower beds.

• Snails are attracted to good old beer. Just pour some in a dish set outside and they will drown in it. ...Continued on page 3

g r e e n s t o n e f c s . c o m

989-224-9321 (ph) 989-224-7722 (cell) 800-622-9187 (toll free) melissa.humphrey@greenstonefcs.com 1104 S. U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI 48879

Finding your retreat continued...

Our bet is you have a financing wish list similar to this: • competitive interest rates • flexibility on acreage amount • 30-year amortization terms • low acquisition cost • experienced staff • fast and friendly service Would you believe GreenStone Farm Credit Services fulfills these

FROM US to YOU At GreenStone FCS we are committed to understanding our customers, and recognize the need to at times provide messages that have a more targeted appeal to better meet your needs and interests. With that in mind, we have created this initial issue of The Country Minute…a publication devoted to those individuals like you who enjoy the outdoors and the country living lifestyle.

We hope you will find the content and articles to be helpful and informative, while presented in an easy to read format. With this transition to a more customized newsletter, you will no longer receive our Partners magazine in the mail; however, you can still access each new issue of Partners by visiting our website at www.greenstonefcs.com.

Thank you for your business and continued loyalty to GreenStone FCS.

same wishes for other dreamers like you everyday! If you haven’t taken advantage of the opportunities through GreenStone FCS, you’re missing the chance to turn your goals into reality.

Now, if the roadblock is simply that you are having trouble finding that perfect piece of land, check out www.greenstonefcs.com and click the property for sale graphic on the right.

This site offers thousands of local real

Bird Feeding Dos...and Don’ts • Buy birdseed that will attract birds that are native to your area.

For instance, it will be more difficult to attract bluebirds to an urban feeder because they prefer open grasslands.

• If you are a casual birdfeeder, it may be good to keep your feeding station to one or two feeders.

You’ll need to keep them filled and be able to clean them on a regular basis, so if you are just starting out, keep it simple - you can always add more.

• Inspect your feeders and clean them regularly. Feeders offer an easy meal for sick birds that have a difficult time foraging in the wild. This, combined with the communal aspect of feeding stations, increases the risk of diseases being spread. Keep your feeders clean to reduce this risk by disinfecting them a few times each season with a bleach and water mixture.

• Safe placement of the feeders is also important. If birds feel safe, they’ll be more likely to visit your feeder. Hanging a feeder on a tree

[2] The Country Minute

estate listings for those interested in finding available vacant land; and make sure to check back often, because new properties are being added every day.

As you can see, GreenStone FCS isn’t just a lending institution, we’re a lending institution with the products and services you want, the resources you need, and the staff who are experienced and ready to help bring your dreams to life. Contact us today!

is actually one of the worst places to put it because predators and pests will have easy access to both the feed and birds. Feeders hung elsewhere should also have some kind of baffle to discourage unwanted visitors.

• Birds need water to survive. Add a birdbath to your yard for a ready source of water for drinking and bathing. Placing it under a tree offers a safe place for birds to dry their feathers. Like your feeders, keep it clean to prevent disease from spreading.

Source: www.mytscstore.com, Tractor Supply Company, Brentwood, TN

Don’t be left in the Dark!

Living in the country, especially during this severe weather season, can mean frequent power outages.

Standby generators can put you back in control by providing you with the power you need, when you need it.

Here are some things to consider before you make a purchase: 1. Determine wattage requirements Generally, homes need between 5,000-7,500 watts to power essential items (refrigerator, freezer, stove, and a radio or television) during a power

Garden pest control continued...

• Minced garlic placed around tulip bulbs will discourage squirrels from eating the bulbs.

• Banana peels will repel aphids.

The potassium from the peels also stimulates large blooms. Place banana peels around roses and other plants.

• Place lemongrass in a vase on your picnic table to keep the wasps away.

• Use this solution to combat fungal disease and black spots on roses.

Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 gallon of water.

• Groundhogs run from any thing with motion. Try hanging aluminum foil strips or pie pans from chicken wire.

outage. To determine what your home requires, collect the “run wattage” numbers on the necessary items that will need power. Remember to include “surge wattage” which is the amount of electricity necessary to start an electric motor found in some tools and appliances.

2. Determine type of generator needed You can choose from a portable or permanent generator. The portable models are mobile, gasoline fueled, and started manually. Their wattage output typically ranges from 4,00010,000 watts. A Manual Power Transfer System is an important accessory to complement a portable generator. It provides a means to quickly and easily connect to your home's electrical system, eliminating the need to use extension cords. It is a must have if you plan to operate your central air-conditioning, water heater or furnace units, because these items are hard-wired directly into

your home's electrical system.

A licensed electrician should install these systems.

Permanent generators are installed outside your home or office by a licensed electrician. They are connected directly to a natural gas or propane fuel supply, and are able to sense a power disruption and automatically turn-on and shut-off as needed. The wattage range is usually between 5,000-20,000 watts for residential use.

If you’re planning to build or are in the process of building your home, it is a good time to consider a permanent generator. The cost can be included in a construction loan financed through your local GreenStone FCS office. Generators are valuable emergency appliances, but it's important to remember to be safe.

Follow all manufacturers’ guidelines and rules for use.

Source: www.mytscstore.com, Tractor Supply Company, Brentwood, TN

Recipe Corner This summer recipe will tingle your taste buds... Sizzling Herb Fedelini INGREDIENTS 1 pound fedelini or capellini pasta 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup finely chopped basil 1/4 cup finely chopped chives Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese (about 4 ounces)

DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

Transfer to a colander and drain.

Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, combine the oil with the garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook over moderate heat until the garlic is fragrant but not colored, about 1 minute. Add the herbs and cook just until they begin to sizzle, about 30 seconds.

Remove from the heat, add the pasta and toss to evenly coat with the herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl, toss with the cheese and serve immediately.

Source: www.foodandwine.com, Food & Wine Magazine September 1999

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GreenStone Member notes... from Lenawee County, and William Lyndon Uphaus, of Washtenaw County; Region IV: Darl Evers, from Allegan County, and Edward L. Reed, of Cass County.

The following is a sampling of news and feature stories found in our agricultural member publication, Partners. More information and complete articles can be viewed at www.GreenStoneFCS.com by clicking on the “Partners” image found on the left side of the web page.

Board of Director Election Results 2008 GreenStone Farm Credit Services Board of Directors election results include: Region III: William J. Stutzman,

Disability Insurance Do you have “half” a health plan? You probably have health insurance to pay the doctor. When you are sick or hurt, who pays your income? At GreenStone FCS, together with FCS LifeExpress, we have several disability products when it comes to protecting your most important asset—your income. Contact your local office for more information!

Customer Wins Trip with Professional Walleye Fisherman Mark Martin During 2007, GreenStone offered a prize drawing to all customers who obtained a Recreational Land Loan, with the prize being a day of fishing with Michigan Walleye Pro Mark Martin. Jeremy Wallman, of Whitmore Lake, was the winner.

GreenStone FCS Receives National Recognition GreenStone FCS recently received a National Agri-Marketing Association Merit Award for its print advertisement “Green with Envy,” which promoted an interest rate reduction on equipment loans.

greenstonefcs.com

1104 S. U.S. 27 St. Johns, MI 48879

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Brought to you by your local GreenStone FCS lender: Melissa Humphrey

Inside this issue: - Finding your own personal retreat - Bird feeding dos and don’ts - Choosing a generator