8 minute read
Casey Weredyk
Casey Weredyk & CNR Farms
Images of ranch life usually include a rugged cowboy. However, more than 230,000 farms or ranches in the United States are run by women, according to the most recent Agriculture Census.
Meet local farmer and animal breeder Casey Weredyk. “I was born and raised a farm girl,” says Casey. Ever since she can remember she has loved animals. “As a child I was able to have every kind of animal I wanted. I was big into FFA and showing animals, which led to me and my brother Ryan breeding, raising, and showing rabbits.” That business was the start of what became CNR Farms. C for Casey and R for Ryan and Farms because…” well we all live on a farm!”
After high school Casey went on to get a degree in Livestock Production, and rabbit breeding segued into dog breeding, specifically Labradoodles, Standard Poodles and English Goldendoodles. And Black Angus Beef Cows. And horses, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, chickens, and ducks. Did we mention it was a farm?
Puppy Love
At CNR Farms it’s a dog’s life. “We live on ten fenced acres so our dogs can enjoy romps around the farm and swimming in our two acre pond,” says Casey, “Our dogs are very much a part of our family and do not live in kennels.”
She has always focused on the most ethical and responsible breeding and management. “I have absolutely fallen in love with breeding dogs and raising the best puppies that I can, which means mother’s health comes first.” They perform extensive health testing before breeding and if the potential mother has any health concerns, or has had a difficult birth, they are spayed and sent to a loving home. And as a state licensed and inspected breeding facility, they follow meticulous guidelines.
Casey’s goal is for her pups to have a service dog temperament and to that end CNR utilizes the Puppy Culture program. Puppy Culture is a comprehensive, organized program for breeders to follow during the first weeks of a puppy’s life- from whelping box to new home.
“My puppies are born and raised in my home. and all of my puppies go home with a 2 year health guarantee and lifetime support,” she says. CNR holds meet and greets to introduce the puppies to potential families. There is a rigorous application process and Casey works to match the right puppy with the right family.
She works closely with new families and wants their purchase process to be an experience they will never forget. “I love seeing people light up when they meet their new puppy,” she says and is delighted when families stay in touch and send pics of the puppy growing up in its new family.
Black Angus Beef Cows
CNR has also branched out to breeding Black Angus Beef Cows, supplying beef to local customers. There is a registered bull on site and the calves are grass/hay and grain fed and remain on the farm throughout their life. Calving season is Casey’s favorite time of year, because “I just love caring for my cows.”
Farm Business
Her advice for other women thinking about going into this business is “You have to have a passion for it because it is difficult at times.” She says the cattle industry is predominately male dominated while dog breeding has many more women breeders, which creates a sense of community and support. The experience has brought Casey out of her shell, she didn’t like talking on the phone or to strangers but now she can talk about cows and dogs all day long!
She adds that “You have to care deeply about animals, and it can’t be about the money. Always have money in a savings account, because with animals you never know when an emergency will come about that costs thousands.”
She loves owning her own business and working for herself because it is her responsibility—no one else’s. “This is my absolute passion,” says Casey, “It is a blessing to do what you love for a living.”
912-667-1113 DenaRodewoltRealtor@Gmail.com
Born and raised in Effingham County, Realtor Dena Rodewolt brings years of experience, depth of knowledge, and her professional expertise to every real estate transaction, large and small.
“I became a realtor in 2007 and in 2008 the market tanked, so I had to learn in a very hard market,” she says. Since then, she has continued to learn and adapt, bringing the best of her skill set to both buyers and sellers.
Experience is key because the market is different day to day, especially regarding the ‘comps’, the comparable properties in an area used to determine the value of a home. Dena says,“I stay on top of the comps with homes, land, and now commercial sales. I list many properties, including residential homes, land, and I use my knowledge to aggressively price a property correctly.”
She advises sellers on what repairs to make and what remodel not to do. She also stages properties to present them in the best possible light and uses professional photographers for the listing photographs. “I have developed a lot of contacts in this business and am able to make transactions run smoothly “she says. “Every transaction is different because every person and every situation is different. For most clients this is the largest asset or purchase in their life and it’s their decision, their money, and their call, not mine.”
Dena says, “I love my family, I love to garden, and I love to cook.” She and Christopher, her husband of twenty five years, their 17 year old son and four year old twins live in the country with lots of animals. She hosts many family dinners at their house, and she says, “Home is the center of my life.” Understanding this, along with love of God and family, keeps Dena in balance. Real estate is a true passion for her, as are her clients. She is truly there to serve people in all she does.
My reputation is built on referrals, satisfied clients who say, “you need to see Dena!” so come see me!
Your Neighborhood Pet Store
Voted Best Pet Supply Store and Best Groomer
Angela Long
Angela started working in the insurance industry her senior year of high school at Curry Insurance Agency in Statesboro, GA where she worked until 1989 when she came to work for the DeWitt Insurance Agency in Rincon.
“I have been in the industry for 42 years and with DeWitt for 33 years “says Angela. “I have had the privilege to work for two great companies with tremendous owners who have been wonderful to work with and for. “She is presently the Branch Manager at the DeWitt Darley Insurance Agency, in Statesboro, GA.
She says the most rewarding part of her job are “happy and satisfied clients, many of whom have grown to be lifelong friends. The most challenging aspect is keeping up with the ever changing insurance industry, rising insurance rates nationwide, and supply shortages that are raising claim costs.”
Angela and her husband, John Long, have four children (Austin, Herman, Becky, and Bobby) and 17 grandchildren and enjoy being with their family. In her free time, she likes to “Spend time with my mom and sister, go to the beach and of course read my Bible and Devotions. “They are members of First Baptist Church Statesboro, and Angela says, “I feel God has placed me in the insurance industry to help my clients understand what they are purchasing, and why, and to help them through tough times when they do have an accident or a loss.”
She attributes her longevity at DeWitt Insurance Agency to the best clients, a great work family and Crockpot Tuesdays! “DeWitt Insurance Agency is the agency where you should be, where we care for our clients and their needs” she says.
Kathy Bailey
Kathy entered the insurance industry as a receptionist and later acquired her insurance agents license. “I have been in the industry for 38 years and I have been part of the DeWitt Insurance Agency’s family of agents for 30 of those years” she says. Kathy is the Personal Lines Manager at DeWitt Insurance Agency in Rincon, GA.
She has seen much change over the years. “From the days of rating insurance from manuals and handwriting applications, then mailing them out and waiting to receive the policy back, to now quoting and issuing new policies electronically.” She says technology means they can help their clients in much less time and with much more accuracy, “Change can be good!”
“Finding the right insurance product for the client and the risk can many times be challenging but as an independent agency, we have access to multiple companies to meet those needs.”
Kathy truly enjoys working with her clients, many who have been with the agency for decades, as well as new people. “I love meeting the needs of new people not only from our area, but those moving in from other states, and even other countries. It gives me joy to introduce the individuals and families to Effingham County, the greatest place to live.” Outside of work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and on church activities, “I am very thankful for all that God has done for me, with no emphasis on me but Him.”
“Our mission is to provide superior customer service to all of our clients and provide the right insurance products and services at competitive prices, “she says, “We operate by the Golden Rule.”
DeWitt Insurance Agency - Rincon 5877 Hwy 21 South | Rincon, GA (912) 826-5264 DeWitt Insurance Agency-Statesboro 506 Gentilly Road | Statesboro, GA (912) 489-2838
