Leader: Advancements in Agriculture

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Farm Credit

leader Lending support to rural America速

Find more information inside about AN early patronage refund!

volume 19 | issue 1 | $3.95

Advancements in Agriculture

s In This Issue MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA

FARM AND LAND

J. Robert Frazee, CEO MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors Fred N. West Chairman M. Wayne Lambertson Vice Chairman

4 Graystone Farms

A growing number of farm owners are using GPS-based systems to help with a range of tasks, from fertilizer management to planting.

6 Delaware Valley College

Meeting the challenge of supplying nutritious food to a growing population won’t be easy, and it cannot happen without technology.

Paul D. Baumgardner Deborah A. Benner Brian L. Boyd Gary L. Grossnickle Dale R. Hershey Walter C. Hopkins T. Jeffery Jennings Christopher Kurtzman Fred R. Moore, Jr. Dale J. Ockels Jennifer L. Rhodes Ralph L. Robertson, Jr. Paul J. Rock Joseph D. Snapp Lingan T. Spicer

facebook.com/midatlanticfarmcredit @midatfarmcredit mafc.com/blog

8 Jones Family Farm

Cutting-edge technology is aimed at maximizing profitability and minimizing environmental impacts.

10 Turkey Knob Apples

The Bowman family shares how technology has made their business more efficient.

MidAtlantic Farm Credit MidAtlanticFarmCredit

OUR ASSOCIATION

12 2014 Annual Meetings 12 Gator Contest 13 Special Patronage Announcement COMMUNITY

13 Properties for Sale

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

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| volume 19 | issue 1 | mafc.com

s president’s message

The More Things

Change…

s events | deadlines MAR

event

place

9 Daylight savings time begins 15 Sales closing for corn, soybeans, AGR lite, etc.

15-16 Frederick County Homeshow Frederick, MD 20 First day of Spring 22-23 Washington County Homeshow Hagerstown, MD 25-26 Penn Ag Spring Banquet Lancaster, PA APR

event place

1 Annual Meeting Salisbury, MD 2 Annual Meeting Dover, DE 3 Annual Meeting New Holland, PA 8 Annual Meeting Walkersville, MD 9 Annual Meeting Winchester, VA 15 Tax Day 20 Easter Sunday 22 Earth Day 25 Arbor Day 25 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival starts Winchester, VA MAY

event place

1-3 PA Land Trust Association Reading, PA 4 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival ends Winchester, VA 26 Memorial Day MAFC Offices Closed

Farming has always been about change—after all, what’s more changeable than the weather? And the markets? And the technology that helps us track the weather and the markets?

I don’t have to tell you that technology is changing all the time. As a member of the ag community, you are among the most resourceful and flexible people in the world…and that flexibility lends itself to trying (and mastering) new technology.

This issue focuses on all things tech, and how local folks are using technology to improve their operations, and increase their profitability. Inside, you’ll read about the Jones Family Farm in Massey, Maryland, where the family is always looking for a better way to do things. That includes managing phosphorus levels with the accuracy of a chemist, and controlling irrigation units from their cell phones.

You’ll also learn about Jay McGinnis of Graystone Farms in White Hall, Maryland, who is saving money on fertilizer and seed with a GPS telemetry system, financed by MidAtlantic.

We all know that our apples don’t come from the grocery store, but do you know about the technology that photographs each apple 28 times to sort the fruit into 26 different categories? That’s what happens at Turkey Knob Apples in the Shenandoah Valley. All this technology is a lot to keep up with, but that’s exactly what the educators at Delaware Valley College are doing—helping students keep pace with changes in our industry.

If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace, we hope you’ll join us at our Annual Stockholder meetings, scheduled this year for the first two weeks of April. It’s a chance for you to slow down, enjoy the fellowship of your neighbors, and hear about the latest news in your Association. We’ll be telling you about the changes that we’re making—to keep up with our always-changing industry. You can see all the details on page 12.

Our meetings will be held just a few days after we drop your April patronage checks in the mail. This year, you’ll be getting an EXTRA check in February—just one more way that your cooperative is working for you, and putting our profits in your pockets. You can see all the details on THAT exciting development on page 13.

That’s just the beginning of exciting things that we have planned here at your association. Because having a strong, memberowned financial partner is one of the things that we DON’T plan on changing—thank you for being a part of Farm Credit!

volume 19 | issue 1 | mafc.com | 3

FARM AND LAND

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“The system I use accesses both U.S. and Russian satellites for the highest level of accuracy and a lower Farm and Land rate of dropped signal,” Jay says.

Jay uses the information gathered to produce reports on yield data, soil quality, fertilizer used, and to track productivity and plan for each year’s crop.

How technology is changing the way Jay McGinnis farms story and photos by Susan Walker

| When you hear the term GPS, you probably think about the software in your car or

smartphone that maps out travel routes. But GPS technology is also an important tool in agriculture. A growing number of farm owners are using GPS-based systems to help with a range of tasks, from fertilizer management to planting. Jay McGinnis, owner of Graystone Farms in White Hall, Maryland, is one of those tech-savvy farmers.

Jay’s family has always had an eye towards the future. They have owned the now 1,000-acre farm near the MarylandPennsylvania border, which is all in agricultural preservation, for five generations. His great, great grandfather moved to White Hall from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and at the age of 21, purchased the original farm at auction with four partners. Through careful financial management and hard work, he quickly earned enough to buy out his partners and raised crops and oxen.

He also built and operated a successful sawmill there. Over the years, Jay’s family bought a number of adjoining farms and operated a dairy on the property, in addition to continuing to grow crops. His father currently raises cattle on the farm, while Jay

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farms 500 acres each of corn and soybeans, as well as hay for the cattle.

For Jay’s ancestors, working 1,000 acres would require the help of at least several field hands, but Jay is able to do all the work himself thanks in part to his GPS telemetry precision farming system.

He started using the system, which is manufactured by Trimble, three years ago and has added new tools and system upgrades each year. His system includes a GPS guidance system installed in his tractor that uses the signal from cell towers to guide the tractor for more efficient planting and fertilizer application.

All the information gathered through the system is available to Jay on the computer in his office.

The system components that Jay uses include a unit on his planter that has the ability to automatically turn on and off each row while planting to reduce overlap and seed waste. The system adjusts the number of seeds planted in each area based on soil type using a hydraulic to control the seed and a flow meter to control the fertilizer. It also controls the down pressure while planting, pushing seeds harder when the soil is more dense or hard. In addition, there is a component that adjusts how much fertilizer is applied or sprayed in each area based on both soil type and historical yield data.

“Good ground has better potential, so by having data that shows you which

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Jay explains the nuts and bolts of the system to loan officer Keith Wills.

The auto-steering system lets Jay spend more time with his family, son James and wife Nicole. Nicole and Jay enjoy showing James what being a farmer is all about.

areas have higher yields and better quality soil, you can focus your seeds and fertilizer in those areas and improve your yield while significantly cutting waste and costs,” Jay adds. “Before GPS, you set up your planter and used the same amount of seeds and fertilizer across the whole field. To change how much you planted, you had to stop the tractor, get out and manually adjust the settings.

With GPS, all those adjustments happen automatically, which reduces downtime and makes the process of planting a lot more efficient and less time-consuming.”

With the GPS system and components on his 16-row planter, Jay says he nets seed savings up to 10 percent for each planting. His savings on fertilizer have also been significant. “The price of fertilizer is high this year, with costs up to $16,000 or $17,000 per trailer load. If you cut a few hundred gallons of waste, you save thousands of dollars,” says Jay.

“The system has had a positive impact on my profits and it paid for itself within a few years with the dollars I saved on seed, fertilizer and labor costs, and with increased yields.”

Jay refinanced the purchase of his GPS telemetry system through a special MAFC low-interest loan program for conservation-friendly equipment developed in conjunction with the state of Maryland. “Jay owned his own mortgage brokerage company for about five years before returning to take over his family’s farm. That experience made him a bit more open to technology and the benefits it can offer farmers and that willingness to adopt new technology solutions has a positive impact on his business,” says MAFC loan officer Keith Wills.

Jay’s tractor and combine are both outfitted with an auto-steering system, also guided by GPS. There are a number of benefits, including reduced fatigue

and the ability to plant at night when the weather is bad during daylight hours.

“Being a one man shop, this system makes farming 1,000 acres much easier,” he says. “If I’m sick, I can put someone else out in the field, even if they’re not as experienced as I am. While I’m working, auto-steering allows me to focus on the data I’m receiving so that I can make sure I’m getting the best, most accurate planting and fertilizer application. The system’s accuracy is better than what any person can do. I’m good, but this is sub-inch accuracy.”

There’s also a less technical benefit that Jay enjoys thanks to the auto-steering—he’s able to have his three-year old son, James, ride along with him.

“Working long hours, I miss spending time with my family,” Jay explains. “With the auto-steering, James can ride on my lap for a while. He really loves it. He thinks he’s driving!” l volume 19 | issue 1 | mafc.com | 5

FARM AND LAND

Science with practice keeps Delaware Valley College moving forward Scholle | When Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf founded a small, private college in rural Bucks County, his goal was to train city boys for careers in farming or related agricultural occupations. Krauskopf’s credo, ‘science with practice’, guided the programs at the institution he named the National Farm School, and that credo is still the backbone of the institution that’s known today as Delaware Valley College. story and photos by Sally

have changed over the years, their goals remain the same. “Some students enter the food, agriculture and environmental studies programs only by way of interest,” said Redding. “But they have real passion and a desire to learn science.” Other students, a notably smaller group than in the past, are production-oriented. The college maintains facilities to support a wide range of academic interests to meet the needs of all students.

Faculty and students have embraced the fact that the college is not focused on a single production method. “It’s what industry is expecting,” said Redding, referring to the variety of experiences students are exposed to through both course work and real-time experiences. “We’ve heard from employers who appreciate students who have a full understanding of all production methods.”

Dean Redding learns about the containers that will be used in the aquaculture system in the college’s Farm and Land greenhouse. The vertical towers will be used to grow white strawberries, or pineberries.

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Redding noted that a growing number of students are interested in sustainable farming methods, but defining ‘sustainable’ can become a sticking point. He says that when the Sustainable Agriculture Systems major was created, the use of the term ‘system’ was intentional.

“We’re looking at animal agriculture, plant agriculture, environmental practices and technology, and it’s all managed within a system,” said Redding. “We’ve also embedded economics, social sciences and food science. We’re considering all of those elements and looking at it holistically.”

As a college that is historically centered on science, Delaware Valley College is meeting the challenge of keeping pace with rapidly-changing technology. “We’ve come to accept that it’s going to be a combination of things, and that there’s never a substitute for good,

Senior ag business major Caitlin Barwise milks cows in a double-five herringbone parlor at the college’s dairy farm. The 48-head herd is managed with the help of electronic monitoring.

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Today’s farmers feed more than just their own families. Meeting the challenge of supplying nutritious food to a growing population won’t be easy, and it cannot happen without technology. It’s up to young people who are interested in studying the complexities of food production to meet that challenge.

Russell Redding, Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley College, is keenly aware of Krauskopf’s goal, and says that it holds true today. “The rabbi started with the very simple mission of science with practice,” he said, “but beyond that, he saw folks coming to America who couldn’t feed themselves, and he helped them learn to do that.”

Redding says that although students entering Delaware Valley College’s four-year degree programs

delval.edu facebook.com/delval

solid science and the principles of science,” said Redding.

This is evident throughout the campus, including a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) education center in the new life sciences building.

“We’ve had courses on GIS and it’s embedded in a lot of courses,” said Redding, noting that the term is almost synonymous with agriculture. “But as for teaching GIS, what does that mean? We teach business, environmental science, physics, agriculture; so the lab is fitted to accommodate all the disciplines.”

One effort in particular has helped students, faculty and the community connect with one another and the college’s core values. “We started a Food Systems Institute on campus,” said Redding. “When we hosted a meeting last spring to talk about food, we had 14 faculty members attend the meeting, seven of whom were from agriculture or the animal sciences. The others were from education, English, business,

agriculture won’t,” said chemistry, and twitter.com/DelValCollege Redding. “The word psychology. It agriculture has two was originally just camps: one with a historical understandabout food, then became an expanded ing of what ag is, or a very contemporary discussion as we brought in other view of ag. The word food makes it easier departments.” to bring people together to talk about Redding says that the Food Systems these issues.”

Institute was formed for two reasons: to Redding firmly believes that those create an opportunity for students to involved in agriculture must be active connect with others on campus who are participants in making sure that various interested in food, and to provide faculty segments of ag come together rather than with a base for team teaching, student becoming divisive. “We cannot be passive research projects and working with about that,” he said. “We want those who like-minded interests in specific areas. are on the front lines of making decisions Redding noted that the monthly meetings are often the first exposure a student, and taking very seriously their obligation to feed someone other than themselves. It’s a faculty member or community member very different understanding of the world will have to biotechnology and other when you take on the responsibility to progressive science issues. feed someone else. We should claim that— But Redding discovered that termithat’s who we are - and we do that in a nology can be a barrier when it comes respectful way. It’s a conversation we have to bringing people together to discuss to have as farmers, and farmers should food issues. lead the conversation. All of us others can “We’ve found that the word food support it, but farmers should lead.” l brings folks in the door that the word

(from left) Dean Redding checks out the new tall spindle orchard planting with assistant farm manager Scott Smith and students Christopher Filling and Jacob Boehert.

Assistant farm manager Scott Smith and Dean Redding discuss the options for the college’s aquaculture system.

Food produced at the college goes to a local charitable food system and the college’s dining hall.

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FARM AND LAND

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Third generation dairyman, Sean Jones, is the mastermind of his “big chemistry set,� the phosphorus removal system incorporating Farm and Land dual fluidized bed reactors on the Jones dairy farm.

The Israeli-made self-loading mixer, one of the few in the U.S., efficiently provides feed to the 2,650 head herd and greatly reduces loader hours.

Fluidized bed reactors help the farm keep up with environmental requirements. Sean Jones purchased the reactors and built all other parts of the system himself.

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Longtime customers travel from surrounding states each holiday tosold buy to hard-to-find Struvite, seenseason here, is be refinedChristmas and used in fertilizer for village figures and other decorations at Potomac the ornamental and horticultural industries.

Garden Center.

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On the Jones Family Farm even the cows are high-tech L. Smith | Keeping cows for milk is a practice almost as old as civilization itself, but on the Jones Family Farm in Massey, Maryland, 21st century high-tech tools are perfecting every aspect of dairying.

story and photos by Nancy

Cutting-edge technology is used on both the input and the outgoing ends of the operation. Several innovations are in everyday use on the farm. Each is aimed at maximizing profitability and minimizing environmental impacts.

Sean Jones is president and chief technological wizard of the family corporation. He manages day-to-day operations, milking 1,230 cows three times a day. The Joneses farm 1,500 acres of the 2,000-acre farm, growing the forage for the Holstein herd with doubleand sometimes triple-cropped corn and small grains.

On the input side, an advanced Israeli-made self-loading mixer is used.

“With the high prices of inputs,” Sean says, “it enables us to be more accurate on diets.” He says the RMH-Lachish Industries mixer “manages the silo and reduces shrink of ingredients.” The machine has a wireless modem that communicates with computers throughout the operation.

Sean saw the mixer during a trip to Israel and purchased the farm’s first one in 2006. “We outgrew that machine, but it still operates every day,” says Sean.

Two newer, larger versions have joined.

The family liked the mixer and formed a company that is the “sole distributor of the equipment east of the Mississippi River”, said Lester “Bucky” Jones, Sean’s father and son of the farm’s founder, Lester C. Jones, Sr. Sales have been made as far away as New York and the Carolinas.

Innovation is not new to the Jones family. Lester C. Jones was “one of the first to put electricity in the dairy. He was among the first to bring the harvest to the cows instead of the other way around,” says Sean. “He was involved in early artificial insemination.” Bucky has raised cows in comfort stalls for decades. “That was innovative in the ‘50s,” Sean notes.

The total dairy population in

Maryland is about 50,000, Sean says, and the average herd is 100 cows. The Joneses’ herd of about 2,650 presents a significant waste management challenge. To address this problem, Sean installed a fluidized bed reactor to remove 50 to 60 percent of the phosphorus from the waste that passes through. “It’s the only one I know of operating in the U.S.,” he says.

Twin reactors precipitate phosphorus out of manure in the form of struvite, which is sold to a company that refines it for use as a fertilizer in the ornamental and horticultural industries. “Dairy manure is high in calcium,” Sean explains. “The calcium binds the phosphorus. In this system, chemicals break that bond. Once the bond is broken, the phosphorus can be removed.”

“We are trying to stay ahead of the regulations and be proactive,” explained Sean. “If the phosphorus management tool had come online as proposed, we would not have been able to maintain the dairy without this equipment.”

The system runs nonstop, treating 60,000 to 65,000 gallons of liquid per day.

“It’s a higher throughput than we expected,” says Sean, who installed and refined the computerized system. “Treatment costs less than a third of a cent per gallon and treats 30 to 35 percent of the total volume of waste the cows produce,” he says. The farm’s nutrient management plan requires a phosphorus reduction of about 30 percent.

The treated waste is stored in plasticlined lagoons and blended with untreated waste from another lagoon “to match the needs of the crops,” said Sean. The customblended product is used to irrigate the crop fields. The farm invested in what Sean describes as a “big chemistry set” because “we think we can do a good job of dairying and must be friendly to the environment to do so.”

The use of technology extends into the field, too. “We can control irrigation from our cell phones,” says Sean. “There’s

not an area of this farm that’s not technologically advanced.”

A solar project recently joined the Joneses’ other high-tech innovations.

Spanning five acres, the solar array is expected to generate 1.25 megawatts of electricity. “That won’t provide 100 percent of our needs for the operation, but will meet 80 percent of them,” Sean projects.

He expects a return on investment in four to five years; the expected life of the system is about 20 years. “The solar renewable tax credits will be more valuable than the electricity in the first years,” Sean says. The 30 percent tax credit and accelerated depreciation made the investment worthwhile.

Even the cows on the Jones farm are the result of technology. Calves are subject to genomic testing at birth. When breeding, eggs are harvested from good cows, fertilized in vitro and the embryos are implanted into poorer yielding animals, improving the herd by perpetuating the best bloodlines. Fertilization is done with sorted semen, so about 90 percent of calves are female.

Rock Crum, MAFC loan officer in the Chestertown office, who works with the Joneses, praises the farm, “This is one of the more progressive farms. They have made a long-term commitment to stay in the dairy business.”

The technology has paid off. The farm boasts close to 90 pounds of milk per day, per cow, with no BST, Sean notes.

The milk is marketed through the Joneses’ co-op, Dairy Farmers of America.

The Jones farm employs 25 full-time workers, but it is a true family farm. Sean’s wife, Tammy, manages the office and keeps the books. Dad Bucky is still involved in the dairy, as are Sean’s brothers David and Andrew, nephew Matthew, and brotherin-law Mark Baskett. l

jonesfamilyfarm.org OR rmhjonesequipment.com

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FARM AND LAND

photo by Turkey Knob

Turkey Knob Apples stays on the cutting edge with technology

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Jaime Williams has seen the company evolve over time with the help of new technologies.

Turkey Knob Apples are moved into cold storage within hours of picking them to ensure they have a longer shelf life. The apples stay in cold storage until they enter into the packing facility.

story and photos by Jennifer

s Even with all of the mechanical advancements over the years, human labor is still critical at Turkey Knob Apples.

Showalter | Though orchards don’t cover as many acres as they once did, today’s apple

production, packing, and processing is way ahead of what it was in years past. The technological advancements that have allowed this increase in efficiency don’t come without a price, but operations like Bowman Fruit Sales in Timberville, Virginia realize that these advancements are necessary in order to stay competitive in the market.

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Bowman Fruit Sales is one of the largest, most modern apple packing facilities on the East Coast. The company is a high-tech facility that strives to keep up with technology rather than face the burden of catching up later.

This fourth generation, family-run operation has seen many changes over the years, transitioning from processing to fresh market apples. In 1994, Mr. Gordon “Sonny” Bowman purchased the Byrd and Frederickson orchards and packing/storage facilities, to expand the business his father and grandfather had initially established.

After running the new facilities for two years, Sonny began upgrading the packing operation with a computerized packing line and modernized the packing house.

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The Bowman family has continued to modernize their facilities. Sonny’s daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Jaime Williams, both active in the business, have seen how technology has made their business more efficient. With a new defect and color sorter, along with a new four lane sizer, Jaime says they are packaging more apples each day with less labor than they were with their eight lane sizer. “With 15 percent less people, we are still kicking out 30 percent more each day,” says Jaime.

Bowman Fruit Sales employs full time and seasonal employees, and has reduced the labor force with the use of more high-tech equipment. The new technology has been a help, but the skill level of their employees has had to increase to be able to operate it.

Bowman Fruit Sales’ 35,000 square foot facility includes storage facilities and packaging line technology that allows apples to maintain their peak flavor with the most juice, and retain the crisp, tangy taste that their apples are famous for under the trade name of Turkey Knob Apples. When the apples arrive at the packing line, they are floated out of bins into warm water and washed with biodegradable soap and chlorine.

The apples are rinsed three times with clean water and dried with soft brushes.

Once the apples are dry, they are sprayed with wax. Along the way, employees are keeping an eye on the machinery and remove apples that will not make grade.

The apples that remain on the line travel through a sorter that photographs

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The brains of the packing facility are in the hands of the technicians running the computers.

Turkey Knob Apples’ educational outreach program known as “Learning and Earning” encourages school children to get involved with agriculture and understand what is involved from the tree to the table.

From start to finish, Turkey Knob Apples are strictly screened so only the best reach the table.

each apple 28 times. The color, size, and weight of each apple is automatically registered in a computer system in the packing house. A full time technician has the computer programmed to sort the apples into 26 different drops based on weight, size, color, and PLU stickers. This technician has control of the line speed and all mechanically-run aspects of the packing facility.

The apples then travel farther down the line where they are mechanically packaged in bags, trays, or biwalls. The apples are inspected by a full-time, on-site, state/federal USDA inspector before shipping.

Turkey Knob Apples are grown on one of the Bowman family orchards that cover 3,500 acres, with a small percentage produced by other growers in a custom packout relationship. Bowman, along with the other growers, follow pest management guidelines and make sure they properly grow and harvest

apples to achieve the snap and taste consumers want.

The Bowman orchards consists of 99 percent apples with nearly 15 varieties. The other 1 percent consists of peaches, nectarines, cherries, and pears that are harvested and sold in their fruit stands in Harrisonburg or Timberville. Of the 400,000 to 500,000 boxes of Turkey Knob Apples that go out each year, 50 percent go to retail operations; 20 percent go to food service companies for hotels, restaurants, local schools, and institutions; 20 percent are exported all over the world, Latin America being the top international buyer; and 10 percent are sold in farm stands.

While 50 to 60 percent of the 1.1 million bushels of apples that were harvested in 2013 at Bowman orchards were sold fresh, the remainder were sold for processing (sauce and juice).

turkeyknobapples.com facebook.com/TurkeyKnobApples

With the introduction of new technology over the next five years, Jaime hopes to increase his annual packout to between 750,000 to 1 million boxes and become active in the market year round instead of only six to seven months. He has plans to build a finished goods storage room, expand his loading dock area, and buy more bins to hold an expanding crop.

“We have had a favorable relationship with Farm Credit over the years.

They have allowed us to expand our business and maintain the important things. We hope to keep up with technology and expand our operation, but more importantly, make sure we remain profitable. We want to be a solid grower/ packer that is conscientious of the quality of the fruit we are growing and packing,” says Jaime. l volume 19 | issue 1 | mafc.com | 11

OUR ASSOCIATION

This year’s guest speakers:

Here to lend a hand...

Our annual stockholder meetings are the perfect opportunity to learn how your association fared in 2013 and what is in store for 2014. They also serve as a time to catch-up with your neighbors, friends, and MAFC staff members. We’d love to hear about your operations and all the ways MAFC can lend a hand to make your operation successful.

Meeting Agenda:

2014 Annual Meeting Dates:

6:15pm – Registration 6:45pm – Call to Order 7:00pm – Dinner 8:00pm – Business Meeting and Elections* 9:00pm – Guest Speaker

April 1: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Salisbury, MD April 2: Modern Maturity Center Dover, DE April 3: Yoder Restaurant & Buffet New Holland, PA April 8: Walkersville Fire Hall Walkersville, MD April 9: The Banquet Hall at Millwood Station Winchester, VA

*If you can’t make it to a meeting this year, you can follow the action live on Twitter with #MAFCAM. We’ll be tweeting all the fun!

Registration: There are two ways you can register for our annual meetings: • Visit mafc.com and complete the online registration form.

• Complete the RSVP postcard in your annual meeting information statement, which you will be receiving in early March.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Greg Risberg

Ron Culberson

(Speaking April 1, 2, & 3): As an international guest speaker, social worker, educator, and author, Greg brings a diverse set of experiences and life lessons to his presentations.

He manages to create an enthusiastic environment and leaves a positive impression on those who attend his presentations. Greg is a leading consultant on self-esteem, communication, and the importance of “touch” in each of our lives. He is also the author of Touch: A Personal Workbook.

(Speaking April 8 & 9): An award-winning speaker, author of Is Your Glass Half Full? and My Kneecap Seems Too Loose, and humorist, Ron’s mission is to help both staff and managers achieve success with the motto “Do it Well, Make it Fun.” Ron also founded Funner Speeches, LLC in 2009, a humor writing service for speakers, executives and politicians.

Hands down—the coolest grand prize ever!

Want to win a Gator? Once again, MAFC will be giving away a John Deere Gator as the grand prize during our annual stockholder meetings! This is the perfect addition to your farming operation and will help you get the job done.

One lucky winner will be awarded a brand new Gator XUV 550 Crossover Utility Vehicle. This model has a powerful V-twin engine, independent four-wheel suspension, and the availability of over 75 attachments (not included)! It also has a unique, custom design, sure to set you apart.

Enter for your chance to win by attending one of our annual meetings and completing an entry form (one per person). After the five meetings are over, we will choose a winner. If it’s you, we’ll contact you directly. We will also post the winner’s name on Twitter (using #MAFCAM) and Facebook. Please be sure to read the following legalese below or go to mafc.com for the complete rules. Good Luck!

William “Beau” Bassler of Winchester, Virginia was the winner of our 2013 Gator Giveaway!

No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes only open to invited stockholders and approved guests who are legal U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age, who are in attendance at one of the venues of the 2014 annual stockholder meetings. A copy of the full official rules of this promotion will be available at each meeting venue. Approximate retail value of the prize is $8,600; however, the winner may accept a $2,000 cash alternative. Drawing for the grand prize will be held on or about April 25, 2014, under the supervision of an independent sweepstakes administrator. Void where prohibited.

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Winter blues got you down?

Maybe some extra money in your pocket will warm you up…

One of the benefits of being a member-borrower of Farm Credit is sharing in the association’s profits. Because of this, we are happy to announce an extra patronage distribution check coming to your mailbox in February! We will be distributing $7.8 million to our members this month, in addition to the $18.7 million during 2013 and our regular, annual distribution this spring. Now that is some sunny news!

The average patronage check this month is around $500. That is more than enough to pay for a few tanks of gas or maybe even a plane ticket or two. With all of this cold weather hanging around, who isn’t dreaming of a getaway? Start planning yours…you deserve it!

For more information on our patronage program, please visit mafc.com/patronageprogram.php.

Georgetown, Delaware

Enjoy open, private country living on this beautiful 20+ acre estate only 15 miles to the Delaware beaches.

Minutes from the Georgetown Airport. 5,800 sq. ft. home, 6 stall stable with raised aggregated roof, matted stalls, feed room, tack room, sawdust bin, workshop with 220 voltage, and floored loft. $1,690,000.

Contact Sandi Minard, Jack Lingo Realtor, 301.639.9100.

Church Hill, Maryland

35 acres and minutes from 301! The 13-stall barn, 3 pastures with run-ins, ½ mile race track, and 6 acres of wooded trails give more than enough space for the experienced equestrian! Property GREAT for hunting, equipped with stocked ½ acre pond! Fully renovated in 2003, including HVAC, roof and kitchen. $549,000.

Contact Megan Rosendale, Rosendale Realty, 410.758.0333.

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5.6 acre mini-farmette; a rare find! Approximately 1.5 acres wooded with a natural pond. Open land has new fenced-in pasture with run-in shed, tractor shed, hay shed, and much more. Three-bedroom, two-bath rancher with spacious floorplan, fireplace, new appliances, front and back enclosed porch. 2-car garage with workshop.

REALTOR $349,900.

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Contact Kim Anthony, Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate, 410.778.0330.

Milton, Delaware

Centreville, Maryland

Full-service ready horse facility-Kershaw Acres.

Numerous improvements including 3 bedroom updated home with oversized attached 2-car garage, 1-car detached garage, stable with office, indoor riding arena, 3-bay storage building, 4-stall run-in, several fenced pastures, automatic gate, ample parking, and more! $649,500.

This property is the last available parcel in a four lot estate community. Beautiful views, deep water on over six acres of land. Owners have done extensive shoreline restoration to ensure the new owners many years of enjoyment. Don’t miss your chance to own this waterfront property with paved tree-lined drive. $675,000.

Contact Bryce Lingo & Shaun Tull, Jack Lingo, Inc. REALTOR, 302.226.6417

Contact Tammy Rosendale, Rosendale Realty, 410.758.0333.

Church Hill, Maryland

Hurlock, Maryland

122-acre farm with 81 acres tillable between Centreville and Church Hill on the southwest corner of Flat Iron Square and Lieby Roads. Farming rights are available for 2014. $1,200.000.

26+ rolling acres with stream, woods and building site for a future home. Substantial barn could be converted into a second floor apartment with barn access underneath. Many possibilities with no restrictions. $199,900.

Contact Jack Ashley, Ashley Premier Properties, 410.758.3000.

Contact Traci Jordan, Exit Latham Realty, 410.310.8606.

Properties for sale

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Keedysville, Maryland 22.9 acres, 2 perc approved sites ready for you to build your private retreat (meadow/woods/field). County road frontage/roughed-in driveway. MARC train and Antietam National Battlefield nearby. Make this your private retreat and bring livestock, too! $227,900.

Contact Frank Getz, Coldwell Banker Innovations, 301.992.9652.

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Queen Anne, Maryland

98-acre Eastern Shore farm with 2,000 sq. ft. “New England Saltbox Style” home. Private setting with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, gas fireplace, spacious kitchen with island, screened-in slate-floored porch, deck with hot tub. 61 acres tilled and 37 acres mostly wooded for hiking, bird-watching, or hunting. $915,000.

Quaint 8.28 acre poultry farm. Raise chickens in your own backyard in the completely updated poultry house.

Original farm house completely updated. Property beautifully maintained. Minutes away from 213/301.

Don’t let this unique chance to start your own farm pass you by! Great for investment $$. $380,000.

Contact Jeanne Kent, Ashley Premier Properties, 410.758.3000.

Contact Gretchen Wichlinski, Rosendale Realty, 410.758.0333.

Stevensville, Maryland

Stevensville, Maryland

Sherwood, Maryland

Rare opportunity to own 162 acres and a 4,600 sq. ft., 4-bedroom, 4.5 bath home built in 2005. Featured wood floors, wrap-around porches, 2nd floor deck, and screened porch. The property is fantastic for the hunter or nature enthusiast. Approximately 50 acres of fields and 110 acres wooded. $665,000.

Contact Eddie Matthews, Benson and Mangold, 410.310.4957.

Taneytown, Maryland

15.82 acre Kent Island waterfront with almost 5,000 sq. ft. of living space. Beach and expansive waterfront views of the Eastern Bay and the Chesapeake. Custom pool with falls and hot tub. Three-car garage. Stacked stone fireplace and hardwood floors, separate dining room, gourmet kitchen, master suite with large walk-in and soaking tub. $1,599,000.

Beautiful Chesapeake Bay waterfront parcel. No restrictions, bring the horses, boat, hunt, or even purchase the adjoining parcel and have a mini family compound.

Don’t miss the chance to own one of the very few buildable Kent Island parcels left. Perc’d and ready to go.

Make your appointment today! $750,000.

Beautiful 72 +/- acre farm. Approximately 48 acres are tillable and 23 acres wooded. Has a house in need of major repair or tear down and build your dream house.

In ag preservation. New well just installed. This farm has great potential for several uses. One unrestricted separate building lot remains. $425,000.

Contact Michael Rosendale, Rosendale Realty, 410.643.2166.

Contact Chris Rosendale, Rosendale Realty, 410.758.0333.

Contact Taylor Huffman, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 240.315.8133.

Taneytown, Maryland

Taylorsville, Maryland

Spectacular 189-acre farm offering farmhouse, huge bank barn, 20,000sq. ft. warehouse with offices, and additional outbuildings. Gently rolling 110+ acres in crops, 50+ acres wooded, tree-lined, and a creek.

Currently 2 parcels: one with two off-conveyances available. Farm preservation money available! $1,625,000.

Well-maintained ranch style home with 2,260 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. 14 fenced acres, 2 run-ins, loafing area, 3 dry lots, 10’ x 20’ covered wash area, metal, concrete floor, 67’ x 41’ center-isle barn, 11 stalls, lighted 120’ x 200’ arena, hay and equipment storage area, with home warranty. $499,000.

Contact Darlene Kegel, ReMax Advantage Realty, 443.340.0999.

Contact Gary Duckworth, RE/MAX Results, 240.285.5787.

Upperco, Maryland

Woodsboro, Maryland Four estate-sized lots with phenomenal panoramic & mountain views! Subdivision plat appl’d and recorded.

Wells are in! Septic appl’d for 4 bedrooms, ideal for custom-built homes! Situation on top of a gently sloping hill. Three lots have shared driveway. Range from 2.36 to 3.018 acres! $170,000 - $182,500.

Contact Lettie Golden, Bach & Associates, 301.695.9600.

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Premiere turn-key equestrian facility! Gated entrance leading to fully-renovated 1800’s charming country farm home. Pool/guest house, 3 barns, indoor/ outdoor arenas, groom’s apartment, approximately 60 acres of fenced pasture, plus hay field and woods.

Set-up as income producing boarding/training/teaching facility. $2,200,000.

Contact Denie Dulin, Prudential Homesale YWGC Realty, 410.804.7141.

Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

95 acre dairy farm with stone farmhouse, bank barn with 43 cow set-up, 20’ x 60’ silo, heifer barn (40 head), and other miscellaneous buildings. 70 acres tillable, balance in pasture and building subject to Act 319 “Clean & Green”, but not in Ag Preservation. $1,495,000.

Contact Christ W. Taylor, Beiler-Campbell Realtors, 717.786.8000.

Grantville, Pennsylvania 96 acre general farm.

3 miles north of Hershey, PA. $995,000.

Contact Roy Shirk, Suburban Realty, 717.269.0654.

86.18 acre working equestrian farm complete with 100 first class stalls. Tack rooms, wash stalls, cafeteria. Large indoor and outdoor riding arena, six bay equipment repair garage, equipment storage outbuildings, bank barn, and two homes. This well-appointed farm is nestled close to some of the highest priced homes in Dauphin County and is only minutes from Penn National Race Course & Hollywood Casino. Paved roads to all buildings. $1,600,000.

Contact Michael Yingling, RE/MAX Delta Group, 717.652.8200.

New Ringgold, Pennsylvania

Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania

This magnificent 30 acre complex is perfect for use as veterinary, breeding, training, or boarding facility with easy access to major race tracks throughout the Northeast. Get more details by contacting the listing agent for a brochure, along with a link to the beautiful Virtual Tour of the facility. $650,000.

Contact Lloyd Dreibelbis, Prudential Landis Homesale Services, 570.385.3456 x114.

33+ acre horse farm & nicely updated, mostly maintenance-free farmhouse from late 18th century. Wrap around covered porch, over-sized deck with hot tub.

Newer replacement windows & doors. Separate apartment has 2 bedrooms, LR, full kitchen, and bath. 64’ x 50’ barn has 3 stalls with room to expand inside and out.

Side by side sheds, each with 2 stalls. Designer kitchen with granite & convection oven. Proposed subdivision plan available. $490,000.

79-acre farm near Shenandoah River. Home needs renovation, however property has three additional dwelling rights. 45 minutes to Dulles International Airport. Great location. Mountain views, pond, 19th century barn. Can be placed in conservation easement for substantial tax credit. $875,000.

Contact Vito Lanzillo, RE/MAX Delta Group, 717.652.8200.

Contact Carl Hales, MarketPlace REALTY, 540.664.1796.

Belle Haven, Virginia

Fort Valley, Virginia

140 +/- acre farm on the southern end of Accomack County. There is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,456 sq. ft. doublewide on the property which conveys the farm.

Detached metal garage on concrete slab. Approximately 40 acres of open farmland with the remainder wooded. $465,000.

Contact Ralph W. Dodd, Ralph W. Dodd & Associates, LLC., 757.678.5377.

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Beautiful 18 acres centrally located in Fort Valley with over 1,000 feet of creek frontage for livestock, crops and recreation. Gorgeous views of the mountains. Deer abound for the avid hunter. Hard top road with National Forest just minutes away. Conventional septic system installed for three-bedroom home. $170,000.

Contact Bobby Poff, Johnston and Rhodes Real Estate, 540.975.0615.

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Boyce, Virginia

58.78 unrestricted acres with county road frontage. Property conveys with up-to-date septic and well permits. Road entrance permit on file. Just minutes to the Virginia line for easy commute to Interstate 81. $175,000.

Contact Teresa Seville, Coldwell Banker Premier Homes, 304.671.3515.

Properties for sale

Gap, Pennsylvania

Stephens City, Virginia

90 acres of freedom. Raise your own fruits, nuts, meats, and/or vegetables on this 90 acre farm. A couple of springs keep a small stream on the property. If farm living is what you have been dreaming of, come take a look at this land. Close to Rt. 11 and I-81. Sold as-is. $750,000.

Contact Melissa Crider, Sager Real Estate, 540.335.1387.

Need financing for any of these properties?

Call your local Farm Credit office.

All of the properties listed on these pages are offered for sale by local, licensed Realtors and Auctioneers. MidAtlantic Farm Credit is not affiliated with these properties, nor are we responsible for content or typographical errors. Please call the Realtor or Auctioneer listed for more information. volume 19 | issue 1 | mafc.com | 15

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

BALTIMORE MD PERMIT NO. 7175

45 Aileron Court Westminster MD 21157

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Equipment made easy with Farm Credit Express.

Looking to upgrade your equipment this year?

Farm Credit EXPRESS, through a partnership with participating dealerships, is designed to provide you with competitive rates, flexible terms, and the convenience you’re looking for in an equipment finance program.

Here’s how we make it easy: • Apply for Farm Credit financing while you’re at the dealership, and get an answer within 15 minutes • Take advantage of all manufacturer cash discounts on new equipment • Enjoy the benefits of cooperative ownership—including our patronage refund program* • Competitive rates and terms on used equipment purchases, too Visit farmcreditexpress.com for a list of participating dealerships and ask yours how easy it is to use Farm Credit EXPRESS.

* As always, patronage payments are based on a variety of factors, and—although our past payment history has been great—they are not guaranteed.

farmcreditexpress.com