LEADER Volume 25 | Issue 2 | $3.95
Progress DURING A
Pandemic Agricultural entrepreneurs talk about how they are pushing their businesses forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plus: Six Steps to On-Farm Emergency Preparedness
In this issue
Leader
Member Spotlight
4
Happy Hens at The Nesting Box With some quick thinking and social media help, Timi and Keith Bauscher of Kempton, Pennsylvania launched a plan to survive the COVID-19 shutdown while helping a fellow egg farmer and the community.
6
A Safe Haven for their Community Trevor and Victoria Hoff of New Windsor, Maryland adapted and leveraged their business to fill in the community’s food gaps as grocery store shelves emptied.
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Innovation Helps Nice Farms Creamery Survive COVID-19 Bob and Jaclynne Miller’s decision to change thier business model during the pandemic conditions kept their dairy farm in Federalsburg, Maryland open for business.
10
Farms Provide During Hardship Solid planning and forethought helped Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg, West Virginia push through the pandemic and supply the community with a stable source of food.
on the Farm 12 Six Steps to On-Farm Emergency Preparedness Our Association 14 2O2O Scholarship Winners 16 Hear from other AgVocates
Community 17 Property Listings
Cover photo by Andrea Haines 2 LEADER
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Social Media facebook.com/MidAtlanticFarmCredit @midatfarmcredit @midatfarmcredit mafc.com/blog youtube.com/user/MidAtlanticFC
MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors Brian L. Boyd, Chairman Anthony M. Ill, Vice Chairman Paul D. Baumgardner John Travis Hastings Laura M. Heilinger Walter C. Hopkins T. Jeffery Jennings Fred R. Moore, Jr. Michael S. Nelson Jennifer L. Rhodes Alan N. Siegfried Douglas D. Scott David R. Smith Joseph D. Snapp Fred N. West Charles M. Wright IV
Our next issue will be digital only. To receive the Leader in your inbox, send an email to Katie Ward at kward@mafc.com. questions or ideas
If you have any questions or ideas for the editorial staff of the Leader, contact Katie Ward at 888.339.3334, email her at kward@mafc.com or write her at MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 45 Aileron Court | 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 888.339.3334 or writing: MidAtlantic Farm Credit | 45 Aileron Court | Westminster, MD 21157
President's message
Called to Action
EVENTS and REMINDERS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events are changing at a rapid pace. Please visit mafc.com/blog/upcoming-farmer-resources-events to stay updated on virtual and in-person events.
September 7 Labor Day – Offices Closed 30 Wheat and Barley Insurance Sales Deadline
November 6 MAFC Employee Appreciation Day - Offices Closed 16 Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance Sales Deadline
These past few months have challenged all of us in ways we never saw coming. Watching the world as we know it turn upside down as we grapple with a global pandemic has been emotional, to say the least. With all of this change, it’s easy to get caught up in longing for the way things were when we kicked off the new decade. But if you pause for a moment and look around, you’ll see people across our industry and communities pulling together to help one another. These stories of support and innovation during a time of uncertainty illustrate just how strong we are together, and remind us all that no matter what, we will get through this and learn from it. The four members we feature in this issue have done just that. Timi and Keith Bauscher own and operate The Nesting Box in Kempton, Pennsylvania. The couple’s following grew quickly once shutdowns started taking place as a result of COVID-19, and they partnered with other local producers to help get their products out to the community as demand for locally-sourced items grew. Local Homestead Products, an on-farm market and greenhouse operation in New Windsor, Maryland, experienced a similar surge in customers. Owners Trevor and Victoria Hoff added a contactless curbside pick-up option for their shoppers, and are finding creative ways to promote other Carroll County businesses. Food delivery services have become highly popular during the pandemic. Bob and Jaclynne Miller, owners of Nice Farms Creamery in Federalsburg, Maryland not only began delivering their milk and ice cream to homes in their area, they also donated nearly 2,000 gallons of milk to local food banks that quickly ran out of supply. Lastly, we feature Orr’s Farm Market of Martinsburg, West Virginia. They added a drive-up window for customers to use to pickup orders they placed online, and started taking reservations for their pick-your-own operation once stay-at-home orders were lifted in an effort to allow people the opportunity to get the on-farm experience while following social distancing protocol. This issue also includes an overview of how to create an on-farm emergency plan (pages 12-13), our 2020 scholarship winners (pages 14-15), and a plug for our new project — the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast (page 16). We know you’re feeling stressed right now, and unsure of how the remainder of 2020 will play out. Don’t forget that you have access to your free Member Assistance Program resources 24/7. Please visit mafc.com/map to learn more. Have a safe and happy fall,
20 Orchard and Vineyard Insurance Sales Deadline 26-27 Thanksgiving – Offices Closed VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 2
LEADER 3
Feature Member Spotlight
HAPPY HENS AT
The Nesting Box Story and photos by Sally Scholle
Timi and Keith Bauscher had a crazy idea during a snowstorm in 2016. Although Keith had a successful firewood business and Timi was working off the farm, Timi wanted to stay home to raise their children. Timi already had a steady stream of customers for the eggs she was selling from Keith’s father’s farm, and wanted her own flock of laying hens.
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ust two years later, with the help of Farm Credit loan officer Rachael Nishnick, that idea became reality with the opening of The Nesting Box in Kempton, Pennsylvania. In addition to fresh eggs from 1,700 free-range hens, Nesting Box customers can pick up milk, bread and other goods from eleven local farms. Timi also learned the basics of making ice cream, finetuned the process to create the texture they wanted, and added the sweet treat to the store’s year-round offerings. Things changed quickly when COVID-19 hit and shutdowns became imminent. Like other farmers who rely on direct sales, Timi and Keith were faced with a nightmare: how to remain solvent and supply customers with food. Timi says that in the few short days prior to the shutdown, she had no idea what she was going to do with perishable goods, both theirs and those of the other farmers supported by The Nesting Box. “The closing was announced on Thursday and we were going into the weekend,” says Timi. “I said ‘I guess we’re going to have to donate the perishables and whatever else we can and ride it out.’” But what Timi predicted didn’t happen. Not only did people come to the store, The Nesting Box welcomed new customers. That Friday and over the weekend, Timi sold out of perishables as customers emptied the shelves. “We were going through 150 gallons of milk and more than 100 dozen eggs each day,” says Timi, adding that people were leaving the store with food by the armloads. “I was afraid the people who came to the store later wouldn’t get what they needed because everyone was panic-buying.” After shutdowns started, The Nesting Box’s Facebook page went from 4,500 followers to 18,000 in a very short time. Timi quickly realized she’d have to limit purchases to ensure all customers would be able to purchase what they needed. She also realized that curbside service was essential. “The initial challenge was not being set up for curbside delivery,” says Timi, adding that she had to also figure out how to handle online ordering. “We did a walk-through with Facebook videos, then customers messaged me with their list, we’d shop for them, take a picture of their order and send a follow-up email.”
“There was so much to think about. Everybody was looking for something to hang onto in the first month. But there was no time to think.” Keith added that the process was timeconsuming, but well worth the effort to continue servicing their regular customers. Timi was fielding 50 to 60 requests for curbside service each day, and continued to make ice cream as fast as she could to keep up with the demand. “There was so much to think about,” says Timi. “Everybody was looking for something to hang onto in the first month. But there was no time to think. If I thought too much, I’d explode, so it was a good distraction.” While Timi was glad to be selling out every day, she learned that Josh Zimmerman, a nearby farmer with 80,000 laying hens, was forced to make a tough decision. Zimmerman’s market was bulk eggs for schools and restaurants, and when that market disappeared, there was nowhere to go with the 5,600 dozen eggs produced daily on his farm. Without thinking twice, Timi made a Facebook post about the extra eggs they’d
be offering to help the Zimmermans avoid having to depopulate chicken houses. In just 15 minutes, the post went viral. “All of the right people were there,” says Timi. “They knew animals were going to be euthanized, food banks were empty, grocery stores were out of eggs and people didn’t have money because the stimulus checks hadn’t arrived yet.” As Timi recruited volunteers to wash and pack eggs, Keith set up the egg washer in their garage. Volunteers worked in shifts to wash, pack and stack pallets; 48 cases of 15 dozen eggs each. “We started selling a little before 10 am,” says Timi, “and in less than 15 minutes, we sold out that first day.” Although the minimum order was five dozen eggs, Keith says they often received orders, many from outside the immediate area, for as many as 2,700 dozen eggs at a time for food banks. The mass egg distribution project was eventually moved to a community center, with drive-through lanes for ordering and
pickup. Timi and her volunteers distributed eggs for six weeks — 35,000 dozen a week — and now Zimmerman is back to selling eggs through the regular channels. Timi says many of her regular customers are young and have little or no knowledge about agriculture, but she’s happy to field questions. She has found that people are willing to pay a premium price for agricultural products if farmers demand what their products are worth. “I’m old enough to remember snapping beans with grandma, but young enough to realize that the general population is two generations removed from agriculture,” says Timi. “Our kids know we don’t do anything until hay is made and the chickens are cared for.”
Check them out on Facebook @The-Nesting-Box-Farm-Market-Creamery or on Instagram @the_nesting_box.
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LEADER 5
Member Spotlight
A SAFE HAVEN FOR THEIR
Community
Story and photos by Andrea Haines
Our world has certainly changed over the last few months, and we have no way of knowing how day-to-day events will turn out. Agriculturalists are some of the people on the frontlines, working to provide healthy, nutritious products to keep consumers going when the world looks bleak. Local Homestead Products contributes by providing fresh food that is readily available during the pandemic.
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armer’s markets and small businesses have become the heartbeat in a lifeline plan for consumers to safely obtain fresh products without having to walk amongst populated areas. Trevor and Victoria Hoff of New Windsor, Maryland own and operate Local Homestead Products, an “on-farm” market. Established in 2011, Trevor’s business began as a small produce stand off the side of the road, catering to locals visiting for fresh products. Since then, the business has grown from just offering produce and some beef, to processing pork, chicken, and turkey raised by the couple. The market now offers many local products like jams and jellies, glassbottled milk, cheese, and syrups, to name a few. “Trevor handles the field planning, care, production and harvest, communications with other growers, bookkeeping, and also shares market duties,” explains Victoria. The couple may share market duties, but Victoria handles animal care and management, employee management, orders and recordkeeping, and marketing efforts. The couple are very active in their community, always having a meticulous plan for attacking an issue or incorporating something new to the market. “Trevor and Victoria are great to work with,” shares Farm Credit loan officer Kelsey Maslen. “Our first project we worked on was their hydroponic greenhouse. I remember being incredibly impressed when I first met them. They presented me with a color-coded binder highlighting all of the supporting information for the project. They could tell me, for a single cucumber they grew, all of their expected costs as well as their projected income.” Kelsey assures that this is how they have approached any expansions they have made. “They are constantly coming up with new ways to improve the farm, and create great customer experience,” she says. Speaking of customer experience, the Hoffs have had to make changes to shopping protocols due to COVID-19 rules, but just like the prepared couple they are, they had a plan. “Our loan officer called at the beginning of the pandemic to see how we would be pivoting, and to let us know that Farm Credit was ready to support us during the weeks to come,” shares Victoria.
“The pandemic has spotlighted local foods, farmers, and farm communities. We hope that consumers remember their farmers and growers as we return to a ‘normal’ state.” “We remained open the entire time, but limited the market to 10 shoppers at a time, elevated hand washing, required masks, encouraged credit card payments, disinfected handles and shopping baskets more often, no returning of egg cartons or containers for reuse, and making produce bundles available.” At the beginning of the outbreak, markets and grocery chains were slammed with consumers stocking up on products to stay safely in their homes. “We saw a major increase in the amount that people were buying,” comments Trevor. “Then there was the meat shortage, people bought up everything they could in fear that nothing would be available in weeks to come. For weeks there was a line of sometimes over two hours to get into the store, due to the limiting of guests.” Many businesses experienced hectic crowds. “Customers were patient with navigating the new measures,” he shares. “We started a curbside option, which was incredibly busy for about four weeks, but
is much calmer now.” Victoria further explains, “As weeks went on, lines lowered and we have found a new, calmer normal.” Food supply for meat and milk have kept up with demand, but the butchering and processing overloads caused a kink in the works for some locations. “We are very lucky to have pre-booked our appointments early in the year. With the higher sales, no extra appointments were available,” explains Victoria. “It has always been evident how much the Hoffs care about their community,” shares Kelsey. “Since the outbreak, they have used their market as well as their social media platform to support other local businesses. Through social media, they encouraged followers to buy gift cards for heavily impacted restaurants. It’s not something they had to do, but felt called to do. They provided a safe outlet where people could get access to local foods, and managed to keep a positive outlook and continue to look for new ways to serve their customers.”
The Hoffs want to send consumers away with an important take-home message: “The pandemic has spotlighted local foods, farmers, and farm communities,” says Victoria. “As a smallscale grower, we strive to provide highquality and safe food to our community. During the pandemic, the grocery stores had many empty shelves and product gaps, thus pushing consumers to fill those gaps in other ways. We hope that consumers remember their farmers and growers as we return to a ‘normal’ state.” The Hoffs reiterate, “As farmers, we are still doing the same job that we did last week, last month, and last year. We will continue to farm for safe, fresh, and high-quality foods.”
Check them out on their website at lhp.farm, or on Facebook @localhomestead and Instagram @localhomesteadproducts
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LEADER 7
Feature Member Spotlight
Innovation HELPS
Nice Farms Creamery SURVIVE COVID-19 Story and photos by Nancy L. Smith
Who can remember home milk delivery? The milkman left milk, butter and cream on the doorstep for the family to pluck from the stoop soon after it was delivered. That business model has all but disappeared, a victim of the transition to longer hours away from home. Cream and half-and-half do not improve with day-long exposure to 80 degree heat. But one dairy family revived this classic service when COVID-19 raged and milk became scarce in grocery stores.
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ice Farms Creamery, a 201 acre dairy farm in Federalsburg, Maryland, lost many of its wholesale clients when coffee shops, restaurants and other outlets were forced to close to stop the spread of the pandemic. Dairy owners Bob and Jaclynne Miller wanted to prevent an economic disaster on the farm they had recently purchased from Bob’s parents. Within 72 hours of the main retail closures, “We decided to start an emergency milk home delivery service. It was like planning an Army operation,” says Bob, who served five years in the U. S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, achieving the rank of Captain in field artillery. “We targeted certain areas based on where our farmer’s markets were and where we weren’t already [selling] but where we could be,” he says. Home delivery solved two problems at once: getting fresh milk to people who were isolated in their homes and providing a market for the milk. After all, as Bob notes, “We need to milk cows every day.” Even delivering to some 300 homes, the Millers were still dumping milk. Then, Pat Harvey of the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association asked if Nice Farms could provide milk to food banks that had no supply. Jaclynne recalls, “We told her, we’ve got to pay for the bottle, the label, the cap…” Pat suggested running a donation drive. “So we put it out on Facebook, seeking donations to cover costs of processing and packaging the milk. We thought we would sell four or 500 gallons. We sold 1,894 gallons. We had to shut it off. It got to the point where it was not sustainable,” recounts Jaclynne. Although home delivery and the food bank project helped save Nice Farms, time and labor demands were staggering. Bob explains, “We went from working a 14 hour day to working a nearly 20 hour day. These deliveries would be six hours long. It was very taxing. It was sheer determination. Once we got over the initial fears, restructured ourselves, and switched how we operated to the new model, the demand was there. We just had to adapt to it.” Jaclynne adds, “I said, ‘We are not going to fail at this.’”
Photo courtesy of Nice Farms Creamery
“Once we got over the initial fears, restructured ourselves, and switched how we operated to the new model, the demand was there. We just had to adapt to it." Nice Farms, named for Bob’s grandfather Leon Nice, milks about 40 pasture-raised cows. All milk is pasteurized and bottled on the farm. “One of the things that helps our milk stand out is how fresh it is,” Bob explains. “There aren’t big temperature changes. It gives you the closest thing to a raw milk product without having pathogens in it. “We don’t homogenize it, and we don’t take any of the cream out of it either. “We have to reeducate people about what real milk is supposed to taste like. What we sell and what you get in the store is vastly different. “One of the big things I wanted to do to set us apart was to be as genuine as possible. It’s probably a longer day for me and we face more uncertainty and more regulation, but at least when
people buy something that says Nice Farms on it, they know it’s made with milk that’s made here,” adds Bob. The Millers attribute the very existence of the creamery to Farm Credit. “We left Land O’Lakes [cooperative] in 2014 and started direct sales. Honestly, that would not have happened had Farm Credit not matched a grant we received from MARBIDCO that allowed us to double the size of our production,” says Jaclynne. “It was a huge risk because we had none of these products even in production. It was all theoretical.” The couple praises their loan officer, Greg Williams. Jaclynne says, “We’ve left banks before because of how impersonal they were. When we wanted to start the creamery, they laughed at Bob.” But Greg didn’t laugh, he helped. “I really enjoy working with
the Millers and commend them for their success during the pandemic,” says Greg. “Their creativity and determination really make them stand out in such a niche business.” Bob and Jaclynne especially appreciate Greg’s availability during the crisis. “We didn’t reach out to him, he reached out to us and wanted to know how we were doing. None of my other banks called,” says Bob. He notes, “Not only did Greg support the home delivery route in his town, he helped spread the news. That’s above and beyond for any banker.”
Visit Nice Farms Creamery on the web at nicefarmsmd.com or follow them on Facebook: @NiceFarmsCreamery
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LEADER 9
Member Spotlight
FARMS
Provide
DURING HARDSHIP Story and photos by Andrea Haines
Journeying the hills of the lower Shenandoah Valley, a traveler comes across many orchard groves and fields of green. Hard-to-miss signs of fresh eggs, newly plucked cherries, and homegrown products almost pull you into the farm lane like a magnet set to its target. Busy shoppers pop in and out from the walls of the open-air market, like honeybees to a hive with baskets full of beautiful produce and local treasures from Orr’s Farm Market of Martinsburg, West Virginia. 10 LEADER VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 2
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owever, things are obviously different right now; all throughout the store you can find signs of an uptick in safety for their customers and staff. Sanitizer available and gloves worn, Plexiglas screens at checkouts, cars lined up at drive-up spots awaiting staff to roll out heaping carts of products for delivery curbside — all precautions due to pandemic standards. All over the country, farm markets are seeing a boost in customer numbers due to the novel COVID-19 virus. Grocery stores struggling to keep up with the pandemic demand has driven shoppers to the curbside stands and farm markets. “The outpouring of support and love from our community has been amazing,” shares Katy Orr-Dove, general manager overseeing the farm market, personal relations, accounting, and purchasing. “I am very blessed to have a strong team of staff members who couldn’t have been more supportive. They really gave out a ‘warm welcome’ for guests.” The approach of the pandemic was a bit scary for businesses, but the market rallied with a plan. “Initially, we were ahead of the game. We have a son with asthma, and therefore have taken all of the precautions really seriously,” says Katy. “March was daunting because we knew we needed the income to keep our staff working and to prepare for the 2020 fruit harvest season. We needed the market to stay open in some capacity as it’s our only source of income in the spring months. The first decision was going to a curbside service set up.” The market is already two years into a system that tracks sales and inventory online. This allowed the family to extend services with a drive-up window. Many precautionary needs like shelving, safe distancing, and masks were implemented upon each CDC announcement. Katy says, “We are wiping down carts and baskets, cleaning routines have been in overdrive. We have started morning meetings with staff where we ask about exposure to the virus and symptoms, temperature testing them before working.” Re-routing the consumer demand to certain hours has changed, too. “The pick-your-own reservations came when they lifted the restrictions on non-essential businesses,” she shares. “We started offering ‘pick-your-own by
"Watching and hearing the customers’ fears about their food supply running out was a real wake-up call. I was able to comfort them with the promise that we would not run out of food this season” reservation’ to space customers out more than normal.” Katy mentions, “On a typical Saturday in May, hundreds of people come and go ‘at will’. I wanted a way to limit how many would come at once.” The market has been working handin-hand with other suppliers in the area. While local meat suppliers were having difficulty handling large quantities of orders, other suppliers were looking for markets to move their products due to the cancellation of restaurant orders. “I love that our customers are not just supporting our market but lots of other local farmers, too!”, shares Katy. Most of the market needs were already met when it comes to ordering preparatory product. “Luckily, we had already pre-ordered and received our seeds,” shares Mark Orr, active owner, and in charge of orchard and garden production, pests, harvesting, and general maintenance of the orchards. “We expanded what we purchased from
others to help prevent customers from having to go to the grocery stores.” Katy adds, “I’ve never felt the call to farm more strongly than I did this March. Watching and hearing the customers’ fears about their food supply running out was a real wake-up call. I was able to comfort them with the promise that we would not run out of food this season.” While changes need to be made to the market, financials are also on the forefront of a businessperson’s mind. “Farm Credit has been very accommodating about restructuring some of our current loans,” shares Don Dove, general manager overseeing areas of sales, commercial packing, insurance, and maintenance. “This made us feel like we had a do-able plan of action that was based off our cash
flow. Our loan officer has been supportive and has also been approachable, and it’s been easy to communicate.” Farm Credit loan officer Jessica Harris shares, “The Orr family has been very considerate to their community during this troubling time. It has been tough for everyone during this pandemic and we are happy to help adjust plans as needed.” “I hope consumers understand how hard we have all been working to make sure that their food supply is strong this year,” says Katy. “I hope they appreciate the American-grown produce and try to buy from their local farms. I had many customers tell me that they noticed a huge quality difference in our products and would continue to purchase from us even after the pandemic was over.”
Check out Orr’s Farm Market online at orrsfarmmarket.com, or follow them on social media: Facebook @Orrs-Farm-Market, Twitter @orrsfarmmarket, Instagram @orrsfarmmarket
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LEADER 11
on the farm
STEPS TO ON-FARM
Emergency Preparedness Johanna Rohrer, Farm Credit Marketing Specialist / Family Farmer
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lot of operations to go into emergency mode and think about the future of their farm. My family has been having conversations about our orchard and grain farm for the last few months and what we would do if one of us were to have to step in or change roles. Having a plan and organizing your resources beforehand will help to lessen the negative impact and protect your farming operation and the legacy of your land. 12 LEADER
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How to Create an
On-Farm Emergency Plan Create a Physical Plan Hypothetically, if something happened to the decision maker on your farm, would they be able to continue operating? Would the person who is stepping in have all the necessary resources to be a successful replacement? Evaluate your daily operations and create a plan that provides step by step instruction on what needs to be done and answers specific questions that a successor might have. Make sure to keep it somewhere that is easily accessible to all stakeholders. Here are some important details your emergency farm plan should include: • A communication plan (internal and external) • How to keep the farm running business as usual • Emergency contact list • What to do in case of (insert emergency here) • Identify resources that should be evaluated regularly for inventory levels During uncertain times, monitor current risks and be prepared to create new processes or resources to include in your emergency preparedness plan.
Organize Your Contacts Knowing who to contact for help is critical for your farm operation to be prepared to react to an emergency. Do you currently have a list of emergency contacts in your farm office or on your refrigerator in your kitchen? Updating your emergency contact information will help prepare you for easy access to reference and direction to reach out for help. We’ve created a blank emergency contact form that you can use at mafc.com to help provide your farm operation with clear direction on where to turn for help and who to contact.
Communicate the Plan with your Team Creating a plan like this will require a transparent conversation with your staff and family. Make sure to walk through the plan with them and give them the opportunity to ask questions — you can use those to add to your plan to make it even more helpful. Updating this plan yearly and providing regular training on these items will help your team be prepared for just about anything. Other ways to “communicate” certain parts of the plan include making copies of the plan available in different places on the farm and creating easy to read signage that helps people locate emergency equipment and other important buildings or access points on the farm.
Identify your Risks Identifying your farm risks and gathering information about what disasters or hazards are most likely to happen on your farm is an important conversation to discuss with your insurance providers. Protecting your farm with a tailored policy and understanding what types of losses are covered can help you to better manage your farm risk. Challenge yourself to think about your health, farm, crop, and liability protection for your farm.
Know and Gather Your Resources Knowing your on-farm inventory of supplies and inputs is important to help manage your day to day operations. Don’t wait until something is needed — be proactive and try to keep a list of resources onsite. Also think about intangible resources. Creating and establishing valuable relationships with agricultural professionals and service providers can serve as an additional resource contact for your farming operation.
Take Ongoing Measures to Protect Your Farm Creating operating procedures and best management practices is important to building a network of support to overcome an emergency. Implementing onsite practices like sanitizing, keeping an up to date customer list, identifying an on-farm drop off location, following biosecurity protocol, and logging all deliveries and on-farm entries can help you be more prepared for an emergency. As you develop your plans and procedures, keep them all together so you can re-evaluate them on a yearly basis. Most of your emergency preparedness plan may stay the same from year to year, but making regular updates and monitoring what you currently have will keep you and your farm prepared for just about anything.
Read an extended version
of this article and download our emergency contact form at mafc.com/blog/six-steps-farm-emergency-preparedness.
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LEADER 13
Our Association
2O2O Scholarship Winners MEET OUR
We are excited to announce the fifteen winners of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement 2020 scholarship program! Ten thousand dollars will be awarded to each of the students for a total of $150,000 to pursue their careers in the agriculture industry. Congratulations to the 2020 recipients!
Ashley Abuelhawa from Mt. Airy, Maryland
Todd Allen from Jefferson, Maryland
Shoshana Brody from Baltimore, Maryland
Nathan Brubaker from Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Marie Bryant from Manheim, Pennsylvania
Maci Carter from Harrington, Delaware
T
he 2021 scholarship program application period is now open and will close on January 8, 2021. We are awarding at least ten scholarships next year, each worth $10,000 to students perusing a career in agriculture.
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The non-profit Foundation was established in 2015 and is funded by participating association MidAtlantic Farm Credit. The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program awards scholarships valued at $10,000 to high school seniors or students currently enrolled in an
James Dietrich from Hegins, Pennsylvania
Stephon Fitzpatrick from Princess Anne, Maryland
Emma Hockman from Maurertown, Virginia
Amy Middleton from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lesa Ramsburg from Finksburg, Maryland
Courtney Schrader from Earleville, Maryland
Arilyn Tegtmeier-Oatman from Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Lynne Thomas from Fallston, Maryland
Abigail West from Frankford, Delaware
advanced educational program. The applicants must be planning to pursue a career in agriculture and reside in a county within MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s five-state territory. For more information about the scholarship and to apply for the 2021 program, please visit fcfoundationforag.org. VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 2
LEADER 15
Our Association
GIVING A
Voice TO LOCAL AGRICULTURE
We are excited to announce the launch of our podcast, Farm Credit AgVocates! Join a variety of hosts from MidAtlantic Farm Credit as we discuss all things agriculture and rural living. We want to help you tell the story of ag and rural America by being advocates for all kinds of farming. From grain operations to raising livestock and everything in between, agriculture’s story is unique and deserves to be heard. We invite you to listen and learn with us about the people behind the industry and those that make our association so special. Find us on your favorite podcast app and visit mafc.com/podcast for episodes and show notes, or to subscribe to email alerts!
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SPOTIFY
GOOGLE PODCASTS
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STITCHER
Community Centreville, Maryland
Grantville, Pennsylvania
Don’t miss this 30+ acre farm property in Queen Anne’s County. Perfect for the buyer dreaming of room for horses, chickens, hunting, or farming. Perc approved for your dream farm plans. An additional 31 adjoining acres is listed and can be purchased together to form a total 63.8 acre farm. $315,000.
This great location has many approved uses. The commercial building could be used as is, sold, leased, or a great development site. Located within sight of the new Sheetz convenience store and a few miles from Exit 80 of the Route 81 Hollywood Casino exit. Road frontage on Route 22 Allentown Blvd. $549,900.
Contact Michael Rosendale, Rosendale Realty, 410.353.6635, michael@rosendalerealty.com.
Contact Michael B. Yingling, RE/MAX Delta Group, 717.648.8303, myingling@remax.net.
Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Circle T Ranch. A rare combination of upscale country living on a private estate close to Philadelphia. Architecturally pleasing and spacious home with a two car garage and in-law suite, patio with Olympic sized pool and hot tub. Property has a 140 yard par 3 golf hole and pond, three pastures, a round pen, and a barn with two airy stalls with Dutch doors. $1,150,000. Contact Cindy Stys, Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd., 610.849.1790, info@cshorseproperties.com.
Henderson, Maryland
Rocky Ridge, Maryland
Keedysville, Maryland
Valuable Queen Anne’s County farm with easy access and great road frontage. This property consists of two parcels totaling around 121 acres with 74 tillable. $650,000.
Beautiful 203 acre farm, not in conservation or preservation, with breathtaking vistas in every direction. There are 25 wooded acres, two ponds, a stream, and the remainder is cropland with 167 tillable acres. There is a 16x60 pole barn on-site. The 3,624 square foot all brick colonial built in 1984 has five bedrooms and three baths. $1,400,000.
Live next to history overlooking Antietam National Battlefield Park with an easy commute to Northern Virginia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Perc approved and utilities within 50’ on 6.59 acres. Cleared level home site plus lots of trees bordering Little Antietam Creek. Recently reduced! $189,000.
Contact Billy Sutton, Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate, 443.480.2447, billy@cbchesapeake.com.
Contact Gary Duckworth, RE/MAX Results, 301.644.5968, gary@garyduckworth.com.
Contact Frank Getz, Coldwell Banker Innovations, 301.992.9652, fgetz@cbimove.com.
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VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 2
LEADER 17
Community Manchester, Maryland
Marydel, Maryland
Rock Hall, Maryland
A Carroll County horse farm at its best, this property is well back off the road and surrounded by other farms. Featuring 20.9 acres with five bedrooms and four baths in a large beautiful rancher with two finished levels. Including a 10 stall barn with tack storage and wash stall, six pastures, a 60’ round ring, 100 x 200 riding ring, and so much more. $795,000.
This secluded 9+ acre home site is perfect for someone looking for privacy, hunting, no restrictions, and no HOAs. A rare opportunity to find in Queen Anne’s County and it is approved for up to five bedrooms. $74,500.
You will be wowed as soon as you turn thru the tastefully fenced entrance on to the tree-lined drive. This waterfront oasis consists of 66 acres with approximately 3/4 mile of waterfront with sweeping water views. $2,495,000.
Contact Carol Fertitta, Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty, 443.600.6001, cfertitta@homesale.com.
Contact Karen Hardy, Realty Navigator, 410.310.4788, karenhardy@realtynavigator.biz.
Contact William H. Norris, Select Land and Homes, 410.708.5423, mnorrisselect@gmail.com.
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Taneytown, Maryland
Taneytown, Maryland
A true gem in Washington County since 1850. This privately-owned farm adjacent to Antietam Battlefield has 130 rolling acres of impeccable land and 3,000 feet of private Antietam Creek frontage. Featuring a magnificent 3,744 square foot home with high ceilings, country charm, and plenty of historic luxury. $1,299,000.
Beautiful level to rolling farmland consisting of 18.3 acres with large 105’x38’ bank barn in excellent condition, 70’x27’ equipment shed and 27’x26’ attached two car garage, all with electric. New well at 300’ depth that yields 4 GPM. Approved perc test for new home site. $334,900.
Beautifully renovated four bedroom farmhouse with new windows, new metal roof, new siding, new HVAC system, new baths and hardwood flooring. Two lot conveyances on 21+ acres. Includes an equestrian stable with 21 10x12 stalls, 180x75 indoor, 175x300 outdoor, paddocks, a second barn, and detached garage. $829,950.
Contact Gary Geston, Long & Foster Real Estate, 301.646.0046, ggestson@gmail.com.
Contact Garry Haines, Haines Realty, 410.984.6556, garry@hainesrealtyco.com.
Contact Laura-Lee Jones, Long & Foster Real Estate, 410.480.3338, laura.jones@lnf.com.
Trappe, Maryland
Willards, Maryland
New Ringgold, Pennsylvania
Check out this farm land zoned industrial. 37.86 acres with easy access to Route 50 on the edge of Trappe. Town water and sewer available. Would possibly make a great spot for a solar farm. Subdivision potential. House and shed on property being sold “as is”. $495,000.
Country living, conveniently located. This wellmaintained farmhouse is on 11.87 acres with an additional in-law suite, wrap around deck, brick fireplace, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a beautiful sunroom, and two detached garages. This was an operating poultry farm but has now gone into retirement. $409,900.
Enjoy mountain views! This newly remodeled farmette-ranch home has a two car garage, 5628 square foot barn with horse stalls on 3.7 acres. Semifinished basement with access from inside or outside and attic storage in the garage. Sale includes tax parcels. $199,900.
Contact Traci Jordan, Meredith Fine Properties, 410.310.8606, TLJordan520@gmail.com.
Contact LaVon Adkins, ERA Martin Associates, 410.749.1818, lavon.adkins@era.com.
Contact Rose M. Beck, RE/MAX of Reading, 610.670.2770 x3304, rbeck@goberkscounty.com.
18 LEADER VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 2
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Registration closes October 31
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