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Farm Credit Lending support to rural AmericaÂŽ
Leader
See page 21 for our election results!
Special Anniversary Edition
A Century in the Making
VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2 | $3.95
s MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA
In This Issue
Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO
FARM AND LAND
MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors Paul Baumgardner Chairman Jennifer L. Rhodes Vice Chairman Brian L. Boyd Gary L. Grossnickle Laura M. Heilinger Dale R. Hershey Walter C. Hopkins
4 Frysville Growing Generational Business Farms, located in Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania, has seen seven generations farming on it, with more to come.
6 The The Fritz Family Fritz’s dairy farm in New Windsor,
Maryland has been through a lot of changes since starting in 1912, including the addition of solar panels.
Anthony M. Ill T. Jeffery Jennings M. Wayne Lambertson Fred R. Moore Dale J. Ockels Ralph L. Robertson, Jr. Alan N. Siegfried Douglas D. Scott Joseph D. Snapp Fred N. West
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8 One Still Strong at 105 Years Old 10 The New Generation Leads the Way of the 130 century farms in the state of Brumback Family of Frederick County, Delaware, Thompson Farm in Hartly continues to succeed with the help of dedicated family members.
Virginia has been farming at Woodbine Farm since 1898.
mafc.com/blog +MafcMidAtFarmCredit MidAtFarmCredit @midatfarmcredit
OUR ASSOCIATION
12 Across the System 14 Farm Credit 100 Timeline 16 Scholarship Winners 18 Fresh Perspectives Honorees 21 Election Results 22 Owning A Century Farm Means... 23 Join us for our Centennial Celebration
COMMUNITY
23 Properties for Sale 2
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questions or ideas If you have any questions or ideas for the editorial staff of the Leader, contact Jenny Kreisher at 888.339.3334, e-mail her at jkreisher@mafc.com or write her at MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 700 Corporate Center Court | Suite L | Westminster, MD 21157. This publication is for you, our reader. We’d love to hear from you! The Leader is published quarterly for stockholders, friends and business associates. If you wish to no longer receive this publication, please email: unsubscribe@mafc.com. Use “Unsubscribe Leader” in the subject. The Farm Credit Administration does not require the association to distribute its quarterly financial reports to shareholders. However, copies of its complete report are available upon request or see quarterly updates online at mafc.com. The shareholders’ investment in the association is materially affected by the financial condition and results of operations of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and copies of its quarterly financial report are available upon request by writing: Susanne Caughman | AgFirst Farm Credit Bank | P.O. Box 1499 | Columbia, SC 29202-1499 Address changes, questions or requests for the association’s quarterly financial report should be directed to: MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA by calling 800.333.7950 or writing: MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 45 Aileron Court | Westminster, MD 21157
s president’s message
Creating a Lasting Legacy
s events | deadlines Jun event place
20 Maryland 4-H Golf Tournament Myersville, MD 20 Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Golf Classic Hershey, PA JUL event place
4 Fourth of July Offices Closed 15 Farm Credit 100 Birthday Party MAFC Branch Offices 16-23 Washington County Ag Expo and Fair Sharpsburg, MD 21-30 Delaware State Fair Harrington, DE 22-30 Cecil County Fair Elkton, MD 29 Frederick County Agri-Business Association Golf Tournament Walkersville, MD 30-Aug 5 Carroll County Fair Westminster, MD AUG event place
6-13 Howard County Fair West Friendship, MD 6-13 Berkeley County Youth Fair Martinsburg, WV 14-20 Clarke County Fair Berryville, VA For a full list of events, please visit mafc.com
We’re now halfway through 2016—the year of Farm Credit’s centennial celebration. So much has changed over the past 100 years, but our commitment to our customers and rural America as a whole has remained as strong as it was back in 1916. That’s something we’ll never stop celebrating! As we reach this huge milestone in the Farm Credit story, we wanted to recognize four of our region’s century farms. They all have a story as unique as the families that have farmed on them. Like Morton Fry of Frysville Farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Morton is the seventh generation on this farm, which was purchased in 1783. During those early years, the farm had a grist mill, a sawmill, and a distillery. Today, the Fry family runs a successful nursery operation with help from the eighth generation. The Fritz family of New Windsor, Maryland runs a dairy operation on the land their family bought back in 1912. The farm has been home to four generations and has undergone many changes, including the addition of solar panels. I’m sure the original owners didn’t see that one coming. The Thompson Farm in Hartly, Delaware was purchased by Howard and Ida Thompson in 1911. It’s one of 130 century farms in the state, and has remained a success through hard work and dedication. Similarly, Harman Brumback of Woodbine Farm in Frederick County, Virginia credits his family’s communication and love of the farm with the reason it has been thriving for 120 years. The farm continues to expand, with the addition of a market in 2008 and a new cold storage facility. To further celebrate the System’s centennial, we have included a story about a customer of Capital Farm Credit, located in Texas. The Halfmann Family has been farming on their family’s land since the 1880s. Though they are located miles away, they echo the same passion we have at MidAtlantic for family and farming. If you weren’t able to make it to our annual meetings this year, we include a recap of them, and our election results. We also introduce our 2016 scholarship winners, and the six local honorees that were recognized as part of the nationwide Fresh Perspectives search. One of the winners, Trevor Hoff of New Windsor, Maryland, was one of the top 10 winners, earning him a $10,000 prize and a trip to Washington, DC! This is an action packed issue, which I think says a lot about our association and our customers. It’s impossible to say if President Woodrow Wilson was aware of the significant impact the System would have on the future as he signed the act creating the Federal Land Bank System, but this is a huge milestone for us. I think he’d be pretty pleased with the legacy he’s left behind.
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FARM AND LAND
Generational business continues to grow Story and photos by Sally Scholle
| The land that Frysville Farms sits on is rich in history, legends and strong values passed
down through generations. like many families, the Frys have traced their heritage as far back as possible to get a glimpse of what life was like for their forebears.
was water-powered.” Morton recalls that the story passed down through the years is that the vertical saw was so slow that workers could place a log on the carriage, then go inside to eat a meal while the saw made one pass. The workers would return, turn the log on the other side, then go to the barn to milk cows. The family added a distillery to make rye whiskey, and continued operating the mills through the 1800s. Eventually, those operations were discontinued and the farm became a dairy and poultry operation. Fortunately, several family members had the foresight to preserve some of the past elements, including log books from the mill. The old log books, which had been stored in old lard tins in the attic, detail every transaction at the sawmill, gristmill and distillery between 1799 and 1910.
The multi-generational Fry family works together to maintain a thriving and growing greenhouse and nursery business in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
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Those log books, along with a family member’s law book, as well as books printed at the nearby Ephrata Cloister, fill old bookcases in the office area. Morton and his wife Beckie came to the farm in 1955 and continued operating the farm until they decided to convert the farm to a nursery and greenhouse business. The farm includes 215 acres; ten of which are used for outdoor growing. “We built our first greenhouses in 1968,” says Morton. “Today, the business revolves around a retail and wholesale greenhouse operation. We market annuals and perennials to about 200 retail outlets in five states,” he says. “Our primary outlets are garden centers and florists. We grow 80,000 poinsettias, over one million annuals and 30,000 hanging baskets every year.”
Top: The Frys grow bedding plants, such as these pansies, which are distributed to garden centers and sold on-site. Bottom: The original stone building on the Frysville Farms property was once home to a sawmill, a gristmill and a distillery. The building has been carefully preserved. Today, it houses the company’s offices.
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Morton Fry is the seventh generation to live and work on the Lancaster County farm, and is proud to have his children and grandchildren taking over major roles in the family owned and operated greenhouse and nursery business. Morton explains that the family traces back to immigrants who arrived in 1738. Morton says that two men— Hans Martin Fry, born in 1722 and his son John Martin Fry, born in 1751—settled about three miles from the current location of Frysville Farms in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. “After having returned from participating in six battles of The Revolutionary War, John Martin and his father Hans Martin bought this property in 1783,” says Morton. “They first built a grist mill to make flour, then a sawmill. The original sawmill, built prior to the American Revolution,
frysvillefarms.com facebook.com/Frysville-Farms159551907409367/?fref=ts Today, Morton spends much of his time on the road, visiting retailers and handling other aspects of sales. “I love it,” he says. “We’ve been selling to some of the retailers for more than 40 years.” After growing up in the business, Morton’s three sons have taken over the day-to-day operations at Frysville Farms. Anthony is responsible for the greenhouse operation covering the production of the poinsettias, annuals and hanging baskets. Simon has responsibility for the perennials, as well as coordinating all shipping. Vincent is in charge of the production of 70 to 80 thousand mums and other fall crops. He also has responsibility for the Christmas tree program. “We’re more production-oriented than we are retail,” says Vincent. “One of the challenges is finding enough space to do what we want to do. We keep expanding our fall crops, so we have to coordinate the other crops to accommodate that. When we’re shipping fall crops, it’s difficult to manage the poinsettias. We have to make everything dovetail.” The Frys make good use of the 90,000 square feet of greenhouse space with a
progression of crops throughout the growing season. Anthony explains that flower crops start out one pot in every slot; 15 to a tray. “As the crop matures, we spread the plants and give them room to finish,” he explains. “Some hanging baskets established on the bench are moved to the field and covered with floating row cover to finish.” The flower crops involve precise planning to ensure a steady supply for retail outlets. “We grow 65,000 Gerbera daises,” says Anthony, adding that five successive plantings keep retail outlets supplied throughout the season. “An eight-week planting window becomes a 12-week harvest. Gerberas provide what homeowners are looking for—a plant that provides a pop of color.” As spring crops mature and leave the greenhouse, Vincent is planning for fall and Christmas. Every year, he oversees the cultivation of 65,000 mums while thinking about the Christmas season that will follow. A few years ago, Vincent started a fall garden planter program, with 8,300 pots containing an assortment of plants that thrive in cooler temperatures. This year, Vincent plans to create fall hanging baskets with frost-resistant plants, making it easy
for homeowners to replace spring baskets with more seasonally appropriate décor. In 2015, Vincent’s son Sean, who is a ninth generation family member in the business, started a Fall Festival. The family- oriented attraction included a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, corn maze and wagon rides. The event was highly successful, and Vincent predicts that it will continue to grow each season. Frysville Farms finishes up the year with Christmas, which features the largest assortment of locally grown, fresh-cut trees in Lancaster County. Morton’s wife Beckie is in charge of the massive retail greenhouse Christmas ornament display that includes theme trees, specialty wreaths and arrangements and an extraordinary collection of beautiful ornaments. Although the greenhouses from the late 1960s are still being used, the Frys continue to update the facilities to meet the growing demand for fresh, healthy greenhouse stock. “We’ll grow the business as much as we can,” says Vincent. “We’ll continue to grow and expand, look for new products to grow and improve current products.” l
Morton Fry, center, discusses the greenhouse business with Farm Credit loan officer Marvin Charles (on left) and his son, Simon. Morton is the seventh generation in the business, and spends most of his time on the road visiting clients.
Eighth generation family member Vincent Fry explains that the family has preserved a collection of log books that date from the time the sawmill was operational.
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FARM AND LAND
A Century Farm that’s anything but old-fashioned
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s (Left to right) Jeffrey Fritz, his sister Jessica Little, and their father Daniel Fritz stand in front of the solar panels that were installed in 2014. They produce more energy than the farm can use, so they sell it back to the power company.
Story and photos by Susan Walker
The family’s annual yield of more than 1.5 million pounds of milk goes to Rutter’s for sale through its farm stores.
| The Fritzes have been running a very successful dairy operation on the family farm for more
than 100 years and four generations. It all started in 1912, when current owner Daniel Fritz’s great-grandfather settled in New Windsor, Maryland with his family after years as a tenant farmer. After Daniel’s great-grandfather died, his grandfather purchased the farm from his mother and continued milking cows and growing wheat on the property, weathering the Great Depression.
Daniel’s father George was born on the farm, as was Daniel. His children, daughter Jessica Little and son Jeffrey Fritz, who’s a veteran fire fighter in Montgomery County, Maryland, were raised here and now help run the operation, which has expanded to 210 owned acres and 40 rented acres. The family has 60 milking registered Holsteins that produce 1.5 million pounds of milk a year and 50 heifers. They also grow corn, soy, and hay, most of which is used to feed the herd. “Granddaddy was a very frugal man,” explains Jeffrey. “He had opportunities to purchase other farms, but he didn’t want to mortgage the 6
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family farm, so he passed on those opportunities.” Adds Daniel, “My father was extremely fiscally responsible and he passed those principals onto the next generation. We still don’t take on more debt than we should carry and I believe that’s one of the secrets to staying profitable. You may miss some opportunities by being conservative, but it tends to work out better overall. What’s important is to know when it’s right to borrow for a good investment, something that will make the operation better, like improving our breeding and feeding facilities to keep our cows healthy, comfortable, well fed, and
producing high quality milk.” Those investments have clearly paid off. The Fritz Farm was recently one of only three Maryland farms to receive the Dairy of Distinction award, which recognizes the quality of the herd and the milk it produces, at the Maryland Dairy Convention. In addition to the types of investments you’d expect on a dairy farm—a new cooler and feed silos—the Fritzes have invested in a technology you might not expect to find. Two years ago, they installed a series of solar panels on the property. “I had thought about solar for a long time,” says Daniel, “But I wasn’t sure
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The farm was recently recognized as a Dairy of Distinction, an honor only three Maryland farms received in 2015.
In addition to breeding and milking registered Holsteins, the Fritzes also produce corn, soybeans and hay.
if it was the right investment because the up-front costs can be very high. When a neighbor put up solar panels on their property, Jeffrey talked with the installer and got all the numbers together and it was clear the decision was a no-brainer.” “For the life of the system, it’s a three to one return on investment, which is hard to beat,” says Jeffrey. “We haven’t paid for current for two years and we get a check from Baltimore Gas and Electric for the surplus power we’re producing. In addition, we get renewable energy tax credits. The system cost less than a 100 horsepower tractor, which wouldn’t return the same value, so it’s been a very good investment. For more than 100 years, we’ve used the sun on this farm to produce cash crops and milk. Now we’re using the sun for something new. Unlike crops, the sun has a 365 day a year growing season and 90 to 95 percent of
the days, we’re producing energy.” The family financed their investment in the solar panels through Farm Credit. Explains Daniel, “It’s less hassle than working with a bank that doesn’t understand agriculture. The process is simpler and there aren’t a lot of hoops you have to jump through, so it makes sense to work with Farm Credit.”
s Daniel Fritz (left) and his family have been working with Farm Credit since the 1980s. Here he is with loan officer Gregg Gillespie.
As the family looks towards the future, their goal is to keep the farm in the family and profitable. “We want the farm to be here in case our children want to live and work here,” says Jessica, who has two young sons. Adds Jeffrey, who has three young daughters, “Because of where our farm is located, the opportunities are endless. Farming doesn’t necessarily have to be about cows and plows anymore. You need to be willing to make that leap away from the standard, traditional view of what farming is and be open to the opportunities that make sense for you. One of our five kids may want to grow retail vegetables or raise sheep or breed and board horses and offer riding lessons. There are a lot of opportunities when you preserve the farm for the next generation and we want those opportunities to be here for our kids if they want them.” l VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 7
FARM AND LAND
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Howard and Ida Thompson relax in front of the porch of the house they built in 1916 with their six sons.
In an old photo carefully kept in a well-organized scrapbook by Barbara Thompson, Ida and Howard Thompson smile from the past. The couple first lived in the log cabin that was on the farm when they purchased it.
The family loves the restored 1941 Farmall tractor, originally purchased by Clark Thompson.
Still Going Strong at 105: The Thompson Farm of Hartly, Delaware Story and photos by Nancy L. Smith
| It is impossible to tell how far into the future Howard and Ida Thompson were thinking
when they purchased 124 acres in Kent County, Delaware in 1911. It is unlikely they envisioned two of their greatgreat granddaughters enjoying fresh-baked banana bread in the kitchen of the house they built in 1916 while they lived in the farm’s original log cabin.
Whether they foresaw it or not, multiple generations have thrived on the farm. Howard and Ida had six sons, the youngest of whom was Clark, father of the farm’s current patriarch Bob, who operates the farm with sons Jon and Aaron while the next generation awaits its turn. In January, the state of Delaware honored the farm as a Delaware Century farm, one of only 130 in the state. The award was presented by Governor Jack Markell during Delaware Ag Week at the State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Impressed with the significant passage of time since the farm was founded, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee noted, “That same year Orville Wright set a flight record of nine minutes and 45 seconds, the longest flight ever made.” While the Wright Brothers were 8
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making their historic flights, Howard’s farm was producing wheat, tomatoes, strawberries, and orchard crops, as well as a few chickens, cows and pigs. Howard also served as tax collector for the area. Howard’s son Clark started a dairy of mostly Holsteins in 1937. The strawberries and tomatoes of his father’s day gave way to pasture, hay and barley, as well as 20 to 30 hogs because, “He liked to raise hogs,” Bob explained. Hallie kept about 800 laying hens. In 1961, they bought another small farm and began to grow cash crops. Hallie also made wedding cakes and sold eggs until about 1996. Bob credits his mother with the farm’s status. “If not for my
mother’s strong desire, this would not have been a century farm,” he says, then adds, “But I didn’t want to do anything but farm.” Bob was involved in the farm from a young age and took over in 1970. He started with a few hogs and the dairy, which operated until 2003. He raises corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and hay and, in 2000, began raising dairy replacement heifers. Like his grandfather, Bob and wife Barbara had six children. In 2002, their two sons, Aaron and Jonathan, joined their father in a partnership to operate the farm. Like their father, they had begun farming at an early age. “I was doing a lot by the time
s Farm Credit loan officer Marty Desmond, left, joins (back row) Jon, Bob, Aaron, Melanie, (front row) Davette, Sarabeth, Sydney and Barbara Thompson on the front porch of the house built in 1916 by Bob’s grandparents Howard and Ida Thompson.
I was seven or eight,” says Aaron. “I was running the disc by eight.” Barbara notes, “When he was 11 years old, he once filled the silo all by himself because no one else was available to help.” Jonathan, who serves as the president of the Kent County Farm Bureau, is the farm’s go-to mechanic. He restores tractors and runs a farm equipment repair shop outside the farm. He is currently restoring a 1946 International K6 fire truck for the Marydel, Delaware Fire Company, and hopes to drive it in Marydel’s 75th Anniversary parade. “I have always liked old stuff. If I have to use old equipment, I want it to look good,” says Jonathan, who says he was bitten by the repair bug in high school. He also preserved the family legacy by restoring a 1941 Farmall H tractor, the first tractor his grandfather Clark purchased. Aaron’s son, Nathan, hopes to drive it in the Dover Days Festival parade. Aaron is active in farm organizations, serving as a board member of the
Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association. He is a member of the Kent County Extension Advisory Council which advises the University of Delaware and Delaware State University on agricultural research needs. He also works with researchers on field trials. Aaron oversees the farm’s chicken operation which began in 2006 when the family built three chicken houses and began raising broilers for Perdue. Bob says each of his sons has his own area of specialization on the farm, but “when something needs doing, everybody works together.” One good example is the cluster of grain bins that dominate the farmstead, none of which were purchased new. They were obtained for free or purchased used then hauled and erected by the talented brothers. Marty Desmond has been the Thompson’s loan officer for all 29 years of his career with Farm Credit. He is impressed with the Thompson’s longterm success, noting, “To be able to make it in business for that long is a
s Jonathan Thompson and body and paint specialist Mike Neumeister are restoring a 1946 International K6 fire truck for the Marydel, Delaware Fire Company.
big accomplishment.” Marty says the Thompsons’ emphasis on family has been a factor in the farm’s longevity. “There is a real sense of family. They are very close-knit. You don’t see that so much anymore.” Keeping the farm family-oriented and in touch with its history is Bob’s focus. “My mother Hallie was a big influence. She was very positive; everything she did, she did in the most upright way.” Barbara adds, “She was Mom-Mom to a good many people.” Aaron and his wife Melanie have two children, Nathan and Kayla. Jonathan and his wife Davette have three daughters, Shelby, Sydney and Sarabeth. Bob and Barbara also have four daughters and a total of 14 grandchildren. As for the next 100 years, Bob has an ambition. “We are trying to grow enough to hand off a profitable business to the next generation. I want to leave the land in good condition.” Surely, Howard and Ida would approve. l VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 9
FARM AND LAND
Multiple Generations lead the way at a Virginia farm Story and photos by Stelleda Friend
| It’s noon on a Saturday. Harman Brumback is in the field, driving a loader, moving dirt for a
new storage building on his farm. “His middle name is work,” Harman’s wife Betsy jokes.
Several generations of family members have gathered together at the nearly 120-year-old Woodbine Farm in Frederick County, Virginia. After a 10 minute break to visit with family members and snap a few pictures, Harman, who is president of Woodbine Farms, heads back to the loader to continue working. Things haven’t changed much in this regard over a century at the farm. It is, and always was, a full-time job for the Brumback family, although third-generation family member Frank Brumback says the physical work of farming was harder and longer in his day. “You got up about sun-up and you went to bed about sun-down six days a week,” Frank says. New technology and equipment have eliminated some of the physical work of farming, but three generations of the Brumback family are still working there every day. They recently expanded
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the 2,500 acre business operation by adding a farmer’s market and cold storage facility in Lebanon Church, Virginia. The farmer’s market is open April 1 through December 23. They also added several vegetable gardens, where they’re growing tomatoes, kale, peppers, sweet corn, squash, pumpkins, peas, and more. If there’s any secret to their longterm success, the Brumbacks say it’s the positive relationships and respect between family members, several of whom eat lunch together daily. “The story of the family dynamics, that’s as great a success as the business itself,” says Farm Credit loan officer Scott Swaim, who has known the Brumbacks for a decade. Founded in 1898 by Isaac Brumback, Woodbine Farms has 300 acres of apple orchards and 60 acres of peaches. They also grow corn, soybeans, vegetables, and raise 200 head of black Angus cattle. The operation has about 20 full and part-time employees
Six generations of the Brumback family are shown at Woodbine Farms in Frederick County, Virginia, in this recent photo. They are, from left, Carol Swanson, Jim Douglas, Margaret Douglas (kneeling), Sherry Jenkins, Peyson Liskey, Greta and David Liskey, Kara Jenkins, Harman Brumback, Jim Brumback, Frank Brumback.
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including family members and others. All of the farm’s peaches and some of its apples are sold fresh. They grow some 30 varieties of apples, which, in addition to being sold fresh, go to a variety of processors. Harman’s daughter Greta, a fifthgeneration farmer, says she’s in the business for the foreseeable future. Her sister, Layne Link, works at the farm in the summertime and teaches school in Roanoke full-time. Other members of the five generations also help out on the farm and at the market. Like everyone who works on a family farm, Greta wears many hats, but she says she works mostly with the orchards. She also manages the farm’s website and the market’s Facebook page. “It’s a lot of work. I should make it a larger part (of the job),” Greta says of social networking and website development. “People want to see something new every day.”
Rows of fruit trees are shown in full bloom at the farm, where they have 300 acres of apple orchards. The Brumbacks’recent construction of a cold storage facility in Lebanon Church, Virginia, has allowed them to expand their produce business.
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woodbinefarmmarket.com facebook.com/Woodbine-FarmMarket-289806077760/?fref=ts
They opened the farmer’s market in 2006, where they sell fresh produce and beef, and have expanded into agritourism with a playground and hosting school tours. The recent addition of a cold storage facility has helped streamline the operation and eliminate unnecessary trips into town. Farm Credit helped the family finance the construction of the facility with a bridge loan. “One of the reasons Woodbine Farms (built the cold storage facility) was just to have the independence and convenience of having their own cold storage,” says Scott Swaim, loan officer with Farm Credit. The Brumback farm was close to 300 acres when it started, expanding with each generation. Although housing and commercial development have expanded exponentially in Frederick County in the past 20 years, Greta says the Brumback family hasn’t considered selling. Through his work with Farm Credit, Scott has met many families who work together at farms, and he says
the Brumbacks have one of the most enduring operations around in part because of the respect family members show each other. “Sometimes the older generation expects the younger generation to fall in and do it the old way,” Scott says. “The Brumbacks have allowed members of the younger generations to try new things. “If they’re seeing something’s not working, they’ll make adjustments,” Scott says. For the fourth and fifth generations at Woodbine Farms, expanding and diversifying the business has led to success, Scott says. Diversifying doesn’t work for every farm business. Sometimes it complicates things. “It works for the Brumbacks,” Scott says. Not everyone in the Brumback family is in agriculture; several Brumbacks hold other jobs, and some worked in other fields before returning to farming. Fourth-generation family member Carol Swanson, who does the bookkeeping at the farm, credits the third generation of the farm for setting up future generations for success. Her
The Woodbine Farm Market opened in 2006 in Lebanon Church, Virginia. In addition to selling meat and produce, the Brumbacks also host tours and special events.
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sister, Holly Dillender, left a career as a nurse and now runs the farmer’s market. Frank Brumback said he and his siblings didn’t raise their children with any sort of agricultural curriculum in mind. He says farming has always been a way of life for their family. In addition to farming, the Brumbacks have a tradition of community involvement. Frank served on the Frederick County Planning Commission for several years. His brother Jim was a member of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. Sister Margaret Douglas has been involved in various community organizations, including 4-H, and she served on the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. These days, the Brumbacks credit Margaret for her flexibility as the family cook. She prepares lunch for anywhere from three to 10 people daily, depending on who shows up. “Our success is based on the good Lord, family, friends, and some really good employees. That’s how we’ve managed to hang in there so long,” Harman says. l
A rainbow stretches over Woodbine Farm, which was founded by Isaac Brumback in 1898. Five generations of Brumbacks have expanded the business, and three generations of the family still work together to run the farm.
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FARM AND LAND
Across the System: Capital Farm Credit
A Passion for Red Angus Family Operation Thrives Using Modern Technology | On a gray March morning, a sleepy newborn calf nestles in the hay near her mother in a cow pen at Halfmann Red Angus, a family-owned operation at Miles, Texas. Gently, brothers Chad and Cody Halfmann wrap a blue sling around the baby’s middle. Then they lift her up and record her birth weight with a handheld digital scale.
By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Chad, Glen and Cody Halfmann
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From a beige knapsack, Cody, 33, grabs an ear-punch tagger and attaches a white electronic identification (EID) tag while Chad, 35, enters the calf’s data on his smartphone. Released from the sling, the calf scrambles up on wobbly legs and totters to her mother’s side. “Our EID tags enable us to keep lifetime and statistical data on all our cattle,” Chad explains. “Because our data is digitized, we can back up everything from cattle data to precision guidance data from the tractor cab to the cloud.”
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Outside the corral, dad Glen Halfmann, 64, nods. “Ranching’s sure different now,” he says, grinning.
Agricultural Roots No doubt, ranching techniques have dramatically changed, but the Halfmanns’ strong ties to agriculture have not. “Our family has farmed continuously for 300 years, starting in Germany,” Chad says. “Halfmanns are still farming the original land there. Our family immigrated to Texas in the 1880s, and we’ve been ranching here ever since.”
In the 1950s, Glen’s two older brothers took over the family operation from their parents, Otto and Amelia Halfmann. “Clifford and Dennis bought their first registered Red Angus in 1964 after county agent C.T. Parker convinced them how efficient the breed was,” Glen explains. “As a teenager, I showed Red Angus steers and heifers for 4-H. In 1968, my Red Angus steer was Reserve Champion Carcass of all breeds at the San Antonio Stock Show.” Glen’s passion for Red Angus stuck. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education. After marrying his wife, Diane, in 1975, Glen worked three years for the Texas A&M Agricultural Experiment Station in Lubbock. “Then we moved back to Miles and started our own registered herd of Red Angus with five head,” he says. “I just couldn’t get ranching out of my blood. I love raising Red Angus.”
A Family Affair Eventually, Glen and Diane, who are customers of Capital Farm Credit in San Angelo, Texas along with their children— Chad, Cody and Jessica—took over the family operation. Growing up, all three children participated in roundups hosted by the state and national Junior Red Angus Association. “We attended sales with Dad, too,” recalls Cody, a past president of the association. “As a little boy, I remember sitting real still in auctions. I’d see other people wink whenever they bid so I was scared to move even a little.” Raised by education-minded parents, all three younger Halfmanns have college degrees. Chad earned an industrial technology degree with a business minor from Tarleton State University. He worked in real estate and information technology before returning to the family operation, and was recently married to Tami Thorpe, who has a ranch management degree from Texas Christian University. Cody has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in finance from Texas A&M University. He worked as an auditor with an accounting firm prior to rejoining the ranch, and is engaged to be married to Laura Transom in August. Jessica (Smith), a Texas Tech University graduate, is married with one son and one daughter.
A Thriving Operation With a Strategic Plan Today, Halfmann Red Angus has grown to 250 mother cows and 100 commercial Red Angus heifers. Annually, the operation sells 175 registered bulls. The family also farms 2,000 acres of wheat,
cotton and forage, including sorghum and grass hay. The Halfmanns introduced no-till into their operation eight years ago to reduce wind and soil erosion and to optimize efficiency. They still plow some when needed to manage herbicide resistance. Looking toward the future, in 2006 the Halfmanns put together a five-year strategic plan that also addressed how the ranch will pass to the next generation. “We want to keep the farm in the family,” Glen says, “especially because there are such large startup costs to begin farming these days. We have to help the next generation.” “Our strategic plan includes vision and mission statements,” Cody says. “We used a ‘SWOT analysis’ (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) method to figure out where we want to go. Every year, we re-evaluate our plan, which keeps us focused.”
Top-Performing Breed Summers in West Texas can be brutally hot and dry. But the Halfmanns’ cattle don’t mind. Thanks to their red coats, they tolerate heat with more ease than their black relatives. Genetically, though, Red and Black Angus are the same, except for a recessive red gene carried by some Black Angus. “We breed our cattle for calving ease, easy fleshing ability, excellent maternal traits and moderate-size females,” Glen says. “I love Red Angus because they’re so functional. As a family, we also support the (Red Angus) founding fathers’ philosophy of reporting total herd performance, not just the good cattle. The Red Angus Association was the first to require total herd reporting of performance data for registration of cattle.” “The association is very much focused on the commercial industry, which we appreciate,” Chad adds. “As far as I know, we’re the only breed showing growth during sell-off time in the drought.”
Modern Technology Helps Boost Annual Sales In the early days, the family sold bulls individually.
Reprinted from Landscapes magazine, Summer 2014, with permission of Capital Farm Credit.
“That took a lot of time,” Cody says. “We decided it would be more beneficial to bring everyone here for satellite video production sales. So we held our first one in our facility in 2008. We prerecorded our cattle and aired the footage on three giant plasma televisions in our barn and live on the Internet. This gives everyone the same opportunity to purchase every bull we sell.” In 2013, the Halfmanns joined with Beckton Red Angus of Wyoming in a combined bull sale in Miles. Owner Cam Forbes and his family have maintained the breed’s foundation herd, first developed by his father Waldo Forbes in the 1940s. “The Halfmanns are longtime breeders in Texas, and we like them,” Cam says. “We also respect them as breeders.” The two families, who have been friends since the 1950s, will partner for a second production sale in October. This year marks the Halfmanns’ 50th anniversary in the Red Angus business. “We feel really honored that they think that much of our sale management, our cattle and our reputation to partner with us,” Glen says. “Cody and I have become good videographers,” Chad adds. “We don’t film as a general service, but we help the Forbeses by videoing their cattle in Wyoming. Then we edit the video at home.”
Working Together The Halfmann men’s diverse skills enable them to work together well. “We wear a lot of inside and outside hats,” Cody says. “Chad is more mechanical, so he takes care of our computer systems and other equipment. I love numbers, so I handle our finances, budgets and cattle data. Dad is our sales and people person. Outside, we all do tractor duty, feed the cattle and check fences.” “Our priorities as a family are first God,” Chad adds, “then family and work. Sometimes we have to check our priorities and get them back in the right order. But at the end of every day, we always make sure that we’re all pushing the cart in the same direction.” l VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 13
OUR ASSOCIATION
Farm Credit: One Hundred Years Of History...
Farm Credit was created in 1916 to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers have access to consistent and reliable credit. A lot has changed in the past one hundred years, but one thing has remained the same: our commitment to serving rural America. Let’s revisit some of the major milestones that have helped shape Farm Credit into what it is today!
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1953
The Farm Credit Act of 1953 makes the Farm Credit Administration an agency of the executive branch and sets the System on a path toward independence.
Three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, officials of the Banks for Cooperatives meet in Washington, DC to set new priorities. The entire Farm Credit System prepares to fight inflation and feed a nation at war.
DECEMBER 10
1971
The Agricultural Credit Act of 1923 extends service and provides short-term and intermediate operating credit, while the System strengthens its funding capability.
MARCH 4
DECEMBER 4
In the midst of the Great Depression— which was even a greater hardship for agriculture—the System is rescued, expanded and helps save countless American farms.
1941
1933
JULY 16
President Woodrow Wilson signs the Federal Farm Loan Act of 1916 into Law.
1923
1916
JULY 17
Comprehensive new legislation completely updates the charter of the newly borrowerowned System, broadening its lending authority.
DECEMBER 2
JANUARY 6
Twenty years after the peak of the Farm Crisis, the System repays the last of the federal capital provided during the emergency, returning to fully borrower-owned status.
MidAtlantic Farm Credit is formed, resulting in one of the largest mergers of its kind and in one of the largest board of directors with 44 members.
JULY 1
2016
JULY 17
2015
In the midst of an extended farm crisis, the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 provides financial assistance and requires the System to reorganize.
2005
JUNE 10
After more than a decade of experimentation, the “Parent ACA” arrangement is developed, setting the pattern for subsequent mergers at the association level.
2000
1999
OCTOBER 1
The Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1980 expand the System’s lending authority, provide for the creation of Service Organizations and recognize the System’s commitment to YBS farmers.
1988
1980
DECEMBER 24
Farm Credit marks its centennial and looks ahead to continue serving as the financial underpinning of United States agriculture and rural America.
MidAtlantic Farm Credit returns historic patronage levels—over $26 million—back to its borrowers!
APRIL 7
volume 21 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 15
OUR ASSOCIATION
Meet Our 2016 Scholarship Winners The winners of our 2016 scholarship program have been announced! This year, we awarded a total of $18,000 to bright and talented students located throughout our five-state territory. We wish them all the best as they work toward achieving their goals!
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volume 21 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 17
OUR ASSOCIATION
Fresh Perspectives Search: The results are in! Over 1,100 farmers, ranchers, and others who represent academic institutions, agribusinesses, government agencies, and community and non-government organizations applied for this nationwide search to honor those making an impact in the agriculture industry. One hundred people were honored, with the top ten—one from each of the nomination categories—being awarded $10,000 and a trip to Washington, DC. We’re thrilled to announce the six honorees that are located in our area, one being a top ten winner! Congratulations to all who were nominated—we’re proud of your hard work and the passion you have for what you do. Farm Credit has seen a lot in the past century, but you truly are the future.
Trevor Hoff Local Homestead Products New Windsor, Maryland Top Ten Winner Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Kenny Bounds Ag Advocate Laurel, Delaware Honoree Financial Stewardship
Allison Boyd Farm Alliance of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland Honoree Rural and Urban Connection
When he was just 16 years old, Trevor started selling beef jerky made from his grandparents’ cattle. That entrepreneurial spirit stayed with him throughout college, when, in 2012, he purchased an old garage he turned into his on-farm market. Today, Trevor and his girlfriend, Victoria Robinson, sell a wide variety of locally-grown products to consumers, including beef, cheese and vegetables. At 23, Trevor has no plans on slowing down. He and Victoria hope to purchase a nearby butcher shop to bring even more local meats to their market. “Whether you buy from me or someone else, I want you to buy local. It’s good for everyone,” says Trevor.
Kenny lives in Laurel, Delaware and worked for Farm Credit for 38 years. He’s been a long-time advocate for agriculture, particularly the poultry industry. When the industry was under fire in the 1990s, Kenny fought back against critics which landed him a spot in the hot seat on 60 Minutes. Still, he wanted to do more. In 2004, when Maryland’s ag industry was in decline, Kenny worked with others to establish Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), which has helped countless farmers in Maryland get the financing they need when they are unable to borrow from other lenders. Kenny also led the development of Farm Credit’s StartRight program in 2008, which offers low-interest loans and educational opportunities to YBSM farmers.
The Farm Alliance of Baltimore was created in 2011 with the goal of creating access to fresh, local foods in inner city Baltimore—in areas known as “food deserts.” Led by Allison, members of the Farm Alliance farm more than 15 vacant lots in the city, bringing many education and job opportunities to the communities. The vast majority of Farm Alliance members—93%—are young, beginning and/or minority farmers. The members also share a passion for the environment, signing agreements when they join pledging to use sustainable growing practices and best management practices in storm water and nutrient management. Their products are sold at farmers markets and to restaurants and wholesale buyers. They also sell to Baltimore residents who receive federal nutrition assistance. Says Allison, “We are inspired by the potential of revitalizing Baltimore and its communities through sustainable ag. We are creating a model for urban revitalization through food, farming, educating, and inspiring the next generation of food producers and advocates.”
lhp.farm facebook.com/ local-homestead-products-LLC
marbidco.org mafc.com/startright-program.php
farmalliancebaltimore.org
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Rebecca Gurley Calvert’s Gift Farm and Chesapeake Farm to Table Sparks, Maryland Honoree Mentoring and Volunteerism Rebecca and her husband started Calvert’s Gift Farm, a seven acre organic farm, in 1995. Since then, their dreams have grown to envision a vibrant community of independent family farms supporting one another. In 2006, the Gurleys became the inaugural mentors for Future Harvest CASA’s Beginning Farmer Training program. Over the past ten years, they’ve mentored over 40 new farmers and have had a direct hand in establishing over 20 farms. They also have their sights on increasing urban access to rural farmers, which led to the creation of Chesapeake Farm to Table. Former mentees, local orchards and meat producers offer a full line of local products which are purchased by restaurants in Baltimore and local consumers. The organization also teaches chefs and farmers about one another’s needs. The Gurleys have plans to expand their reach into Washington, DC, as well as training new farmers in marketing.
Ann Karlen Fair Food Philly Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Honoree Rural and Urban Connection Ann Karlen established Fair Food Philly in 2000 with one major goal: create market opportunities for the shrinking number of family farms in the Delaware Valley. To achieve this lofty goal, Ann developed a farmerbuyer network to support the local ag industry. Since she started, Ann has expanded this network, connecting Delaware Valley farms with chefs in Philadelphia and other institutions. Ann is also very active with the City of Philadelphia’s Food Policy Advisory Council, which works with the city to create policies to benefit local farmers and businesses to better the health of those dependent on city food programs. “If non-profits, local and national governments, and individual and wholesale consumers continue to prioritize a diverse and regional food system, we believe we can fortify and reinvigorate the small and medium producers throughout the country,” says Ann.
calvertsgiftfarm.com chesapeakefarmtotable.com
fairfoodphilly.org
futureharvestcasa.org/ field-school/beginnerfarmer-training-program
phillyfpac.org
Melissa Mellinger True Vine Farm CSA Strasburg, Pennsylvania Honoree Beginning Farmer and Rancher Achievement Inspired by a plant research trip to South Africa, Melissa returned and started True Vine CSA, a community sponsored agriculture farm offering local food memberships to nearby consumers. The farm, purchased in 2007, started as an aging wine grape vineyard, but Melissa saw its potential, guiding the family farm into new territory by replacing the vines with fruits and vegetables. She’s since added chickens, turkeys and sheep, and has even hosted a few weddings on the property. With the addition of several community farms in 2015, a wider variety of vegetables, fruit, eggs, goat cheese, yogurt, and flowers have been added. True Vine Farm distributes a newsletter with upcoming events and recipes encouraging people to use local foods in their meals. “The process of creating an environment and business in which both hope and high-quality food are entwined is not a simple one, but I believe it to be the most rewarding of jobs,” says Melissa. truevinefarm.com
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OUR ASSOCIATION
2016 Annual Meeting Recap Our annual stockholder meetings were held April 5-7 in New Holland, Pennsylvania; Dover, Delaware; and Hagerstown, Maryland. This year was particularly special—not only did we have many of our local Fresh Perspectives winners attend, but two state representatives came to read proclamations honoring Farm Credit for 100 years of service! Thank you to all who came out to network with our staff and hear about our plans for the future. See you again next year!
New Holland
Dover
Hagerstown
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MidAtlantic Farm Credit
New Holland 1 Staff members Emma Main, Hannah Masser and Darin Miller helped customers register to win a brand new John Deere Gator as they arrived.
2 Our friends from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank— Ronnie
Hucks, Amanda Simpson and Angel Adams—caught up with our CEO, Tom Truitt, before dinner began.
2016 Election Results
board of directors (4 year terms of office)* Central Maryland Election Region
Paul D. Baumgardner
Chesapeake Election Region
Jennifer L. Rhodes
Keystone Election Region
Laura M. Heilinger
3 We love to see the various modes of
transportation our customers arrive in when we visit Lancaster County!
2017 nominating committee (1 year terms of office) Central Maryland Election Region
Paul R. Dotterer and H. Wayne Savage
Chesapeake Election Region
Hanna N. Cawley and Lloyd C.T. Pahlman
Delaware Election Region
Eric W. Carlson and Fred N. West, III
Keystone Election Region
Nelson R. Beam and John B. Kline
Dover
Marva Election Region
Alan H. Hudson and Lee W. Richardson
1 The room is ready for another annual stockholder
Valley Election Region
Guy M. Gochenour and Diane S. Kearns
2 We were proud to recognize one of Farm Credit’s
* There were no open positions in the Delaware, Marva or Valley Election Regions.
4 Russell Redding, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of
Agriculture, read a proclamation honoring Farm Credit for 100 years of continued support for rural America.
5 Board Chairman Wayne Lambertson honored one of our Fresh Perspectives finalists, Melissa Mellinger. Congratulations, Melissa!
meeting!
own, Kenny Bounds, as a Fresh Perspectives top 100 winner.
3 Erika Wise won a beautiful bucket of flowers. 4 Congratulations to three of our scholarship
winners—Courtney McClyment, Nathan Vincent and Amy Wilber. We wish you the best of luck!
5 Ron Weippert won a handmade quilt. They’re always a sought after prize!
Hagerstown
We Have a Winner Congratulations to Jacob Keeney of Woodsboro, Maryland who won our 2016 Gator giveaway. He attended our Hagerstown meeting. “When Mary Jane Roop told me I won, I couldn’t even believe it. I was in shock; I didn’t know what to say. I’m just so grateful!”
1 Our former CEO, Bob Frazee, was able to attend and chatted with our staff at registration.
2 John Wheeler, our CFO, picked the brain of our
guest speaker, Anirban Basu, before the meeting was called to order.
3 Thank you to Julianna Albowicz from Senator
Barbara Mikulski’s office for presenting us with a proclamation recognizing Farm Credit’s centennial. We appreciate the support from Senator Mikulski and her staff!
4 Congratulations to our scholarship winners:
Jacqueline Bauer (represented by her mom, Leslie), Bethany Gochenour, Michaela Raines, Jonathan Simpson, and Kerri Virtz.
5 Fresh Perspectives top 10 winner, Trevor Hoff,
and his girlfriend Victoria Robinson received a $10,000 prize and a trip to Washington, DC as part of the nationwide contest. We’re very proud of both of you! volume 21 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 21
OUR ASSOCIATION
What it means to own a century farm | There are over 3,900 century farms registered in the states we serve. Each of those farms has its own story, and its own family story. But while there are many differences amongst the century farm ranks, there are also some big similarities. Here are a few that I’ve seen personally, particularly when dealing with a farm that has been in the same family for generation after generation:
Story by Sandy wieber
1
When you live on a century farm, you must learn tact. Because whenever you make a structural change to the house on that century farm, other family members will have an opinion on it, even if they do not live with you.
2
When you live on a century farm, you will come to know what family truly is. That’s because when you make a repair to the house, and realize that the home’s electrical wiring was run by someone right after Thomas Edison figured out how to light up a room, you can’t complain about the former owner and say “Man, what kind of crazy banana with a death wish ran this wire here??” You will not be able to say that because you will know that you are related to that crazy banana.
3
You (or someone in your family) will believe in ghosts. When you hear an odd noise in the house, you will begin to attribute it to a particular family member who has passed away. Something like “Hi Granny! Thanks for stopping in!” Note: This is another reason you don’t say “Man, what kind of crazy banana with a death wish ran this wire here??” Because they might be listening.
4
If you do believe in ghosts, you will not be afraid of them. If you sense something, you kind of think of it as an impromptu family reunion.
5
You eventually will talk to the ghosts in the house. Especially if you’re tearing down wallpaper or painting a room. You will start each DIY project with either (1) a whispered apology to any family members who may be “hanging around”, or (2) a plea to those family members saying “I hope you like it.” You’re not superstitious—you’re just courteous.
6
When your generation first buys the farm, other family members will give you artwork and furniture that used to be in the house when *they* grew up in it. Some of it you will like. Others you will not. Which brings us to…
7
You have a shed somewhere that looks like a particularly good episode of American Pickers. (You can add to the jumble of treasures by putting the antiques that you don’t like into it. If you play your cards right, it will be perfect for your kids or grandkids, when they take over the farm).
8
Your attic will be full of receipts from 100 years ago. You will periodically look at them and marvel at how much easier it must have been to farm when gas was 15 cents a gallon and workers made $3/day.
9
You will make at least one improvement to the farm where you will realize half-way through that the thing you’re doing (adding a door between one side of the house and the other, exposing a fireplace, digging a small drain for water runoff) had been done by someone in the past, and you are simply restoring it to its original design. Even so, someone in the family will have an opinion on your decision to put it back (see #1).
10
If you have children, you try not to pressure them about someday owning the farm. But you secretly hope that they do, and that they raise their children there.
11
If you do move out and move away, your spouse knows that when you talk about “going home”, you mean the family century farm. Even if you haven’t lived there for 30 years. And finally, you will quickly realize the truth of Number 12:
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You can’t imagine growing up anywhere else.
Sandy Wieber grew up on a century (and then some) farm in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She has been MidAtlantic’s director of marketing for 16 years. She hopes to attend the Farm Credit System’s next anniversary celebration in 2066. 22
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Come Help Us Celebrate 100 Years!
Join us on July 15 at the office nearest you to celebrate Farm Credit’s 100th birthday! From 11am-3pm, we’ll be serving up food, fellowship and fun. Bring your friends and family— all are welcome! If you plan to join us, please RSVP to the office nearest you at mafc.com/fc-100-rsvp.php by July 1. We look forward to seeing you there, and kicking off another century of supporting rural America!
Boyds, Maryland
Bozman, Maryland
Chesapeake City, Maryland
Montgomery County home on 25 acres in the agricultural reserve with a beautiful three bedroom, two and a half bath adaptation of the “Hines House.” Exquisite detail throughout. Adjacent to miles of equestrian trails. Close to the MARC Train. In the Poolesville School District. Partially wooded and planted hay. Fabulous views. $1,200,000.
Waterfront 6,500 +/- square foot mid-century modern structure on five parcels totaling 45 +/- acres. Eight-bay detached garage with workshop and second floor storage. Pool, dock and protected “cut out” slip for a large boat. The entire property is a project, but has immense potential. $1,299,000.
Two Legends Farm is a magnificent 111+/acre fully operational horse farm located in the ag preservation district of Chesapeake City. Features an extensively renovated manor house, detached garage with apartment, pool, outdoor sand arena, and an office attached to a five stall barn and a 24 stall courtyard layout. $2,999,000.
Contact Tim Miller, Benson & Mangold, 410.310.3553.
Contact A. John Price, Patterson Price Real Estate, 888.909.FARM.
Contact Pat Smith, PBS, Inc., 301.530.9152.
Chestertown, Maryland EQUAL HOUSING
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Stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and abundant wildlife are enjoyed by this secluded 23 acre waterfront retreat. Hickory hardwood flooring and cabinetry, an open floor plan and a loft style upper level den - great for entertaining! With 1,000 feet of beachfront, wooded trails and open fields. $995,000. Contact Sarah Dean, Cross Street Realtors, LLC., 410.778.3779 or 410.708.2528.
Properties for sale
COMMUNITY
Finksburg, Maryland A 28 acre horse farm with a 30’ x 50’ six stall brick barn with storage above. Lighted riding ring, four fenced paddocks, three fenced pastures, pond, and board fencing. Has a large brick rancher with spacious room sizes, three fireplaces, and loads of storage space. Great location. Estate sale–sold “as is”. Some subdivision potential. $579,000. Contact Garry Haines, Haines Realty, 410.984.6556.
volume 21 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 23 EQUAL HOUSING
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COMMUNITY Chestertown, Maryland
Chestertown, Maryland
Earleville, Maryland
Magnificent 113 acre waterfront farm with a three-bay, two-story brick Colonial built in 1810 near historic Chestertown. There are 97.9 acres tillable, 13.9 acres in conservation reserve program and one acre in the wildlife habitat incentives program. One deep water pond. $1,975,000.
Industrial zoning adjacent to Rail Line. There are 62 tillable acres leased for the 2016 crop year and an eight acre pond. $950,000.
Morgan Creek Farm. Lovely 27 +/- acre waterfront horse farm with a three bedroom contemporary house with lap pool. Fully functional six stall horse barn, additional outbuildings, paddocks with Nelson waterers, tremendous privacy, and extensive frontage on Morgan Creek. Community water access to the Bohemia River. $699,900.
Contact Clint Evans, Cross Street Realtors, LLC., 410.778.3779 or 410.708.0630.
Contact Joe Hickman, Cross Street Realtors, LLC., 410.778.3779 or 410.708.0536.
Contact Beverly Fawcett, Patterson Price Real Estate, 302.383.1457.
Earleville, Maryland
Frederick, Maryland
Frederick, Maryland
Outstanding 17+/- acre country estate located in a lovely equestrian community. Beautiful stone and stucco home with two car garage, finished basement and additional detached garage with upper level. Lovely center aisle pole barn, fenced pasture and wonderfully maintained grounds. A must see. $695,000.
A farmette on six+/-acres with a three stall horse barn with water, electric, hay storage, fenced pastures, run-in shed, and separate work shop and storage shed. Custom Cape Cod with three bedrooms and two baths, garage space for three cars. The ideal country property for the gentleman farmer or equestrian with a handful of horses. $459,900.
29+ acre farmette with a million dollar view for under $800,000. Great access to Frederick Municipal Forest/Cunningham Falls State Park trail system. The four bedroom home has a ground level in-law suite. The four stall, center aisle stable has all the whistles and bells. Other improvements for cattle. $799,900.
Contact Buzz Mackintosh, Mackintosh REALTORS, 301.748.3696.
Contact Tim McGrath, Mackintosh, Inc. Realtors. 800.292.3547.
Contact Karen Kunda, Patterson Price Real Estate, 443.466.5375.
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Massey, Maryland
East New Market, Maryland
New Market, Maryland
Nice 297+/- acre farm with two irrigation wells. One with a 75 acre pivot. Farm on Carroll Clark Road, just South of Massey. House on farm is old, with no real value. $3,800,000.
Great waterfront property on the Warwick River, within a mile of the Choptank River. Home with 1,753 square feet of living space, offers three bedrooms, two full baths and one half bath. Sited on 6.5 acres with 438.79’ of water frontage. Plenty of room for horses, large garden, swimming pool, and more. $425,000.
Need to move your horses today, and be ready to ride in you indoor arena? Need established seven turn outs with auto waterers in all the stalls/pastures with double fencing? Need run in sheds with an isolation barn? Need to fix your living space with the option of fixing up the 1880 stone house or build another house with 10 bedrooms? $1,250,000.
Contact David Leager, Sassafrass River Realty, Ltd., 410.778.0238 or 410.708.0891.
Contact Wayne A. Johnson, Benson and Mangold Real Estate, 410.463.1795.
Contact Kitsi Christmas, Long & Foster, 301.509.4552.
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Situated on 27 acres, Wye Farm, at 2403 Bennett Point Road. Formerly known as Bryan Farm, once a dairy and horse farm, but now 20+ acres are planted with crops. Includes three barns, silo, tobacco shed, equipment shed, original 1860s smokehouse, and a 6,000 square foot home with seven fireplaces. $1,100,000. Contact Ana Maria Espino. 703.980.9001.
Thurmont, Maryland
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Thurmont, Maryland
A 131 acre property with indoor arena (100’ x 150’), outdoor ring (100’ x 200’), a cross country course, 20 stall barn, and a 106’ equipment/ hay storage building. With rolling hills and hay fields. Five bedroom, five bath home built in 2000. Near Antietam National Battlefield, C&O Canal Towpath, Potomac River. Only 73 miles to the heart of Washington, DC. $1,325,000.
Maintain your farm while building a new home on this pastoral 10+ acre lot with an amazing 3,000 square foot insulated, solid concrete floor building with two 10’ overhead garage doors! Perk approval for sand-mound septic, with 200’ six GPM well in place. Only minutes to Frederick City conveniences with low taxes. $247,000.
Contact Carlyn Lowery, Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland, 410.268.7700.
Contact Deb Bargeski, Re/Max Plus, 301.748.6719.
Thurmont, Maryland
Thurmont, Maryland
62 +/- acres off Route 15. Great for farming or building a dream home. Property sold with multiple outbuildings. Also includes cattle shed 20’ x 3’, also electric fencing and gates. Three watering stations. Property is on Old Kiln Road. $575,000.
142 beautiful acres. Working farm with stunning views of the Catoctin Mountains. Level with an active stream, fencing and run-ins for animals. Original four bedroom, one bath house, large Morton building for hay storage plus a bank barn. One additional adjacent building lot included. Not in preservation. $1,200,000.
Custom-built home boasting over 5,000 square feet, situated on a 79 acre farm. The house features two master suites, an in-law suite and a paver patio complete with a heated in-ground pool. Trails through the woods, a two stall/ three run-in barn, a hog barn, and three fenced pastures. Call for more information! $1,299,000.
Contact Stephen Ferrandi, Maryland Land Advisors, 866.910.5263.
Contact Jennifer Grove, Bach & Associates Inc., Realtors, 301.695.9600.
Contact Taylor Huffman, Long & Foster Real Estate, 240.315.8133.
Upperco, Maryland
EQUAL HOUSING EQUAL facility HOUSING Equestrian training and boarding on 81 OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY acres. Located off the I-95 corridor in northern Baltimore County. Lighted indoor arena, 34 stalls, jump and dressage rings, and cross country course. Guest house and barn apartment. Three barns, each with their own tack rooms. Brochure is available upon request. $1,900,000.
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Contact Jeannie Pohlhous & Jessica Hobbs, OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty, 410.591.3719 or 410.583.0400. EQUAL HOUSING
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Westminster, Maryland
Silver Run Union Mills area. 34.37 acres, nice bank barn, small farm pond. Pasture and farmland under cultivation. $240,000. Contact Larry Haines, Haines Realty, 410.876.1616.
Properties for sale
Queenstown, Maryland
Westminster, Maryland
Amazing 50+ acre farm currently with horses in Amish built barn. Three pastures with spring fed stream, wooded riding trails and walk to Hashawa Riding Trail. Pole building/garage and a seven bedroom, two bath updated ranch home complete with country kitchen, sun room, hardwoods, first floor laundry, in-law suite, and more! $569,900. Contact Donna Moffett, Berkshire Hathaway HS Homesale Realty, Inc., 410.274.1617 or 410.876.3500. volume 21 | ISSUE 2 | mafc.com | 25
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COMMUNITY Woodbine, Maryland
Worton, Maryland
Barnesville, Pennsylvania
Property offers the owner the ability to operate as an agricultural/landscaping entrepreneur, good for breeding horses, training, or farming. Property also consists of offices, barns and storage. There are 29 stalls, 18 acres of wooded trails and 25 acres for pastures with up to 43 horses. $1,495,000.
100.5 acres zoned village with water and sewer. Situated in Kent County’s growth area, across the street from the new community center and Worton’s 100 acre park. Approximately three miles from Chestertown. Adjacent 41.5 acres zoned village also available for purchase for an additional cost. $1,450,000.
Situated in the rolling countryside of Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, this 15 acre farm features a charming, circa 1870 Victorian farmhouse. The home has five bedrooms, full bath and many unique features. Large 66’ x 43’ bank barn. Close to recreation areas. Stream and beautiful views. $335,000.
Contact Christy Kopp, RE/MAX Components, 443.992.1983.
Contact Jody Baker, Cross Street Realtors, LLC., 410.778.3779 or 410.708.3536.
Contact Gary L. Coles, New Pennsylvania Realty, 570.386.5000.
Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Certified organic 28+ acres. Peaceful country setting. Mostly level and all fields in hay. Farmhouse with wrap-around porch. Four car block garage, two car garage with workshop, and two car garage attached to the barn with full second floor at ground level. Located close to major highways and minutes to all conveniences. $529,888. Contact Wasyl M. Onulack, Jr., Century 21 Keim Realtors, 610.823.7850.
New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
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Kunkletown, Pennsylvania
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Historic Spring Valley Farm is a magnificent ag preserved farm overlooking a large pond, rolling hills and other surrounding farms that are also ag preserved. The property includes over 88 acres of fields, farmland and views. Just north of the Lehigh Valley, and a quick commute to NYC. $493,900.
Build the farm or home of your dreams on this 20 acre agri-zoned land lot in this gorgeous area of North Lebanon township! Sixteen tillable acres with four acres of wetlands. Public water/sewer available. Natural gas also available with extension from UGI. Clean and green so taxes are low. Use builder of your choice. $309,900.
Contact Loren K. Keim, CENTURY 21 Keim Realtors-Allentown, 610.969.7200.
Contact Shawn Koppenhaver, Century 21 Krall Real Estate, 717.273.1631.
Pipersville, Pennsylvania
Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Blue Gate Farm sits on 50 acres, including two ponds which sit in two large pastures. A long driveway leads up to the stables and residences. This property offers a 5,500+ square foot farmhouse, carriage house, apartment, indoor and outdoor riding arena—a total of 68 stalls in three barns and many pastures and paddocks. $1,200,000.
Handsome custom home on a 25 acre private setting. A 1,000’ tree lined drive to hilltop setting with spectacular views, open tillable land, some woods, three lot approved subdivision, pool, tenant house, tennis court, six car garage, and a gorgeous pond. $1,280,000.
Spectacular seven acre parcel located in Saylorsburg. Open and beautiful property. You’ll appreciate the charming three-four bedroom ranch home situated on this parcel. Rural location, yet just a few minutes from Route 33, shopping, etc. $178,000.
Contact Cindy Stys, Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd., 610.849.1790.
Contact Chip Williams, Long & Foster Real Estate, 610.442.6559.
Contact Ron DeCesare, The Great American Real Estate Company, 610.863.6205.
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Slatington, Pennsylvania
Upper Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania
Beautiful 4,000 square foot, five bedroom, three and a half bath historic home with all the character and charm of another era and the modern conveniences of a new home on nearly 16 gorgeous acres. Includes a four stall barn and fenced pasture in a private setting! $445,000.
Agritourism farm featuring a five bedroom, three and a half bath main house with an in-law living area, a two-story barn, pole barn, and feed sheds. There is also a three bedroom historic farmhouse for extended family or rental. Established apple and peach orchards, blackberry and blueberry patches, and fenced livestock pastures. $349,000.
A 202 acre working farm only 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia. 135 acres in crops, hay and pasture for livestock grazing. 35 acres of woodland, including 17 acres of prime timberland. A 4,000+ square foot two-unit farmhouse with two ponds. Approved building site for another home. Multiple agricultural buildings. $1,250,000.
Contact Tim Mahon, CENTURY 21 KeimBethlehem Office, 610.866.6363.
Contact Michelle Miller, CENTURY 21 Keim Realtors-Fogelsville, 610.703.6473.
Contact Barbara Winn, Keller Williams Realty Group, 484.547.3098.
West Penn Township, Pennsylvania
A 1953 brick home on 36+ acres. Stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Four bedrooms, four baths. Recent renovations include all mechanical systems, kitchen and Pella windows. Wood floors, all season sun room, fully finished walkout lower level, tons of storage, two car attached garage, pool, and tennis court. $950,000.
Contact Jonathan D. Coles, New Pennsylvania Realty, 570.386.5000.
Contact Chip Schutte, Remax Roots, 540.323.0732.
Berryville, Virginia
Contact Patricia Wulf, ERA OAKCrest Realty, Inc., 540.664.6731.
Edinburg, Virginia Classic late 1800s home with native limestone foundation brought tastefully into the 21st Century. Remodeled Kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and a fiveburner gas stove with double electric oven. Beautiful original woodwork with a main level master bedroom. Two bedrooms plus an office and sitting room upstairs. $312,500. Contact Malinda Johnston, Johnston & Rhodes Real Estate, 540.325.2524.
Toms Brook, Virginia EQUAL HOUSING
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Berryville, Virginia
This 7.4 acre lot is very private with beautiful views of the countryside and a quiet stream meandering though the property. There are excellent sites for the home of your dreams. Located 30 minutes northwest of Allentown. Enjoy the peaceful charm of country living while being close to metropolitan areas. $85,000.
Located in Blue Ridge Hunt country. Stunning 93 acre farm, private and fenced with large barn for horses/livestock. French Provincial four bedroom, four and a half bath home in stellar condition with composite clay tile and copper roof/gutters. Large black bottom pool. Two wells, run in sheds, water to fields. $1,700,000.
Restored to its grandeur! New three
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done to the house, barn, outbuildings, and fencing. All new systems. Idyllic setting surrounded by country beauty, yet close to all amenities. Fenced yard, separate garden, stone smokehouse. $379,000. Contact Anita Rhodes, Johnston & Rhodes Real Estate, 540.335.9171.
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Properties for sale
Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Cape Charles, Virginia A rare find! Four bedroom, two bath seaside home and small 12 acre farm just ten minutes north of the CBBT. Older home with lots of character and potential. Amazing sunrises. Due west exposure for those unobstructed, expansive seaside views. Situated within easy driving distance to bayside and seaside boat ramps. $425,000. Contact Liz Goffigon, Ralph W. Dodd & Associates, LLC, 757.678.5377.
Fort Valley, Virginia This uniquely secluded home is nestled in the beautiful Fort Valley and has 360 degree mountain views. This quality constructed home comes with oak cabinetry in the kitchen and dining area, hardwood floors, a professional office with raised oak paneling, and crown molding. Includes a 50’x 60’ shop with concrete floor. $569,900. Contact Bobby Poff, Johnston & Rhodes Real Estate, 540.975.0615.
White Post, Virginia 10.2 acre nursery with three bedroom home, workshops, grow and propagating houses. Commercial entrance off Fairfax Pike, private well and public water and septic, with view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. $499,999. Contact Karen Cifala, Remax Roots, 303.817.9374.
volume 21 | issue 2 | mafc.com | 27 EQUAL HOUSING
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BALTIMORE, MD PERMIT NO. 7175
45 Aileron Court Westminster MD 21157
Centennial Photo Contest: Show Us What 100 Looks Like! You can see our 100 years of lending experience in our employees, customers and ongoing support for the agriculture community. Now, we want you to show us what 100 looks like to you! Have chickens? Maybe it’s a hundred eggs. Did you go to a you-pick farm? Show us the 100 blueberries you’re taking home. The possibilities are endless! Share your photos on social media using #ShowUs100. We’ll be selecting winners in three categories:
BE SET IN YOUR WAYS OR SET ON IMPROVING THEM.
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1 Most Submissions (the individual that submits the most posts using #ShowUs100) 2 Most Creative (think outside the box!) 3 Most Popular (encourage your friends to like and share your photo) This contest will run until December 31. The winners will be chosen by the MAFC selection committee and will receive $100. Get out there and #ShowUs100. Good luck!
There’s no escaping change. Especially when you’re trying to keep pace with a growing nation. So when the time comes to buy new equipment, modernize facilities or ensure sustainability, Farm Credit will be there. mafc.com/fc100.php