Spring 2022
Volume 27 Issue 1
FARMERS ON THE
RISE Meet the six recipients of our inaugural Farmers on the Rise award program
PLUS: Check out the Foundation’s Community Education Program on Page 16
In this issue Farmers on the Rise
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History and a New Venture Steady, step-by-step planning help Caleb and Alice Crothers grow their family farm in Rising Sun, Maryland.
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Removing Obstacles to Grow a Business Emma Jagoz of Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Maryland provides healthy, highquality products to customers that range from 500 CSA subscribers to restaurant chefs.
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Embracing Change for a Better Tomorrow Joey and Jenell McHenry revamped the family dairy farm into a custom harvesting and direct-to-consumer frozen beef business in Kennedyville, Maryland.
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All That’s Dairy is Gold Their value-added dairy products business spreads into added space as Wes and Amanda Miller continue to grow Chesapeake Gold Farms in North East, Maryland.
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Farming for Our Future Doing more with less, Levi Sellers owns and operates South Mountain MicroFARM, a sustainable farming, aquaponics, and controlledenvironment agriculture venture.
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An Urban Oasis with Big Impact Atiya Wells created Backyard Basecamp Inc., a nonprofit organization that reconnects black, indigenous, and people of color to the land and nature.
Our Association 16 Community Education Program 17 Calendar Photo Contest 18 What’s on the Horizon 18 2021 John Deere Gator Winner
Properties for Sale 19 Property Listings
Social Media facebook.com/MidAtlanticFarmCredit @midatfarmcredit @midatfarmcredit mafc.com/blog youtube.com/user/MidAtlanticFC mafc.com/podcast
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Leader MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board of Directors Brian L. Boyd, Chairman T. Jeffery Jennings, Vice Chairman Paul D. Baumgardner Julie Bolyard John Travis Hastings Laura M. Heilinger Anthony M. Ill Fred R. Moore, Jr. Michael S. Nelson Jennifer L. Rhodes Douglas D. Scott Alan N. Siegfried David R. Smith Fred N. West Our next issue IV will be digital only. Charles M. Wright
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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
On THE
Rise
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EVENTS and REMINDERS Please visit mafc.com/blog/upcoming-farmer-resources-events to stay updated on all virtual and in-person events.
March 15 Crop Insurance Sales Deadline: Corn, Soybeans and Spring Crops 20 First Day of Spring
April 22 Earth Day 29 Offices Closed for Employee Appreciation
May
he ag industry today looks so much different than it did back in the early 1990s when I was starting out in my career. Actually, it looks a lot different than it did just five or ten years ago. With all of the constant innovations being made in technology and farming practices, our industry has never been more efficient or diverse, and it’s important we recognize the trailblazers creating the future of our industry. That was the goal of our inaugural Farmers on the Rise award program. Our Association’s footprint not only spans five states, but it’s arguably one of the most varied in the Farm Credit System. We have many members growing corn and soybeans, but just an hour away, you’ll find a farmer in Baltimore or Philadelphia looking to create a community food hub. Regardless of the type of farm, the next generation of agriculturalists are becoming more environmentally conscious and business savvy, redefining what it means to be a farmer, and keeping all of us on our toes. We launched Farmers on the Rise in August of 2021 and received over 65 applications from farmers all across our area. It was tough, but after evaluating each applicant’s efforts in agriculture, financial character, leadership experience, community advocacy, and commitment to environmental stewardship, our judging committee narrowed them down to the top ten. Those ten finalists were invited to our Westminster, Maryland office in December for a round of in-person interviews and, after much deliberation between our judges, we awarded six of the top ten with $10,000 to help them see their business dreams come true. On the next few pages of this special issue of the Leader, you’ll meet our 2021 Farmers on the Rise winners. We’re excited to introduce you to: • • • • • •
Caleb & Alice Crothers of Rising Sun, Maryland Emma Jagoz of Woodsboro, Maryland Joseph & Jenell McHenry of Kennedyville, Maryland Wes & Amanda Miller of North East, Maryland Levi Sellers of Boonsboro, Maryland Atiya Wells of Baltimore, Maryland
We look forward to launching our Farmers on the Rise program again later this year, but in the meantime, you can learn more about this program by visiting mafc.com/rise or emailing fotr@mafc.com. This issue of the Leader also features our 2023 calendar photo contest and information about the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s Community Education Program (applications for Phase I are due on June 30, 2022). And, for all of our voting stockholders, you’ll find a reminder about the upcoming special vote on our proposed merger with AgChoice Farm Credit — check out page 18, or visit mafc.com/merger for more information. Have a safe and successful planting season,
2 Crop Insurance Sales Deadline: Nursery 30 Offices Closed for Memorial Day VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 1
LEADER 3
Farmers on the Rise
HISTORYAND A
New Venture
COMMITTING TO FUTURE SUCCESS DRIVES THE CROTHERS’ FOCUS ON IMPROVEMENT Story and photos by Michelle Kunjappu
One step at a time. One area at a time. One category at a time. That’s the approach Caleb and Alice Crothers decided to take when they came back to Caleb’s home farm in Rising Sun, Maryland seven years ago.
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he move wasn’t totally out of left field. Moving back to Long Green Farms was part of a longterm plan for them, but when Caleb’s father was diagnosed with a terminal illness, that plan moved into first gear. The couple, along with their two young children at the time, sold their home in suburban Tennessee, quit their jobs, and moved north to begin a new chapter and manage the farm’s 300 cows and heifers. Despite a financial adviser proposing they should sell the cows, “we ended up making the decision that we would find a way,” Caleb shares. “The farm has had dairy cows since 1759, and I think we both just looked at each other and said, ‘We’re just going to figure it out.’” “It was a hard decision to make, but I didn’t come here unwillingly,” says Alice, who grew up in suburban Tennessee and worked as a healthcare administrator at a hospital. “I looked at it as a new opportunity for our family and for our children, and that was my goal.” Growing up on a dairy operation gave Caleb a good background, but years off the farm could have worked against him. He shifted gears back to agriculture after playing football at Carson-Newman University, working as a graduate assistant for the football team, and then working as a Knoxville police officer. However, Caleb decided to look at those years off the farm as an asset. “A blank slate is probably not a bad thing,” he adds. “With time, you can become constrained in habit and routine that’s difficult to step outside, so I think that not knowing is not necessarily a bad thing because you can approach something with an open mind.” “Our mindset is different when with our fresh set of eyes,” says Alice, “because our goal is not just survival. Our goal is really to thrive and provide an opportunity for our children.” Since their arrival at the farm, the Crothers have added to their family that now includes daughters Saralyon, Henley, and Baylor. “Caleb and Alice impress me with how they continually rise to the occasion,” says Farm Credit loan officer Geoff Delamater. “I feel their future is a bright one because of their ability to focus on improving each category of their operation, which is driven by their desire to make a sustainable operation for their
Why are Alice and Caleb farmers on the rise? “Alice and Caleb continually rise to the occasion by surrounding themselves with knowledgeable industry experts. They have ensured that any steps forward to retool their operation are well thought out and planned to maximize results.” —Geoff Delamater, Farm Credit loan officer children to grow with as they get older.” Caleb tackled re-learning dairy farming by asking questions, researching, and making one aspect of the operation more efficient at a time. “I learned on the fly in the first three years,” says Caleb. “My nutritionist acts as my consultant, and I asked Dad for advice.” “We have some family that lives right around the corner – they came over and helped, along with a few other neighbors,” he continues. “We are grateful for people that have stuck with us.” Three full-time employees provided ‘a sounding board and a guiding voice,’ Alice explains. Caleb shares, “We tried to focus on one thing at a time. We started with how to feed the cows. We looked at how do we feed better, then how do we breed better,
then how do we milk better, then how do we raise better calves – a little bit at time.” The farm now includes 560 acres with an additional 20 rented acres, since the Crothers recently acquired 73 acres attached to the farm. Farm Credit has been a part of the family’s operation for many years, dating back to Caleb’s father’s friendship with a neighbor and Farm Credit loan officer. Choosing Farm Credit to help steer them through the land acquisition and other renovations and improvements to the farm was an easy one for the couple. “The family has a long-standing relationship with Farm Credit,” says Alice. “We reached out to Farm Credit so they could help us finance the funding of the HUA (heavy use area).”
The institution provided a bridge loan so they could build a barn and then the subsequent farm improvements. “We met Geoff in 2017 and soon after started working on getting a loan for the barn and parlor. Farm Credit was able to help us facilitate the way that process worked for us, to fund certain portions of the project,” she continues. The $10,000 prize from the Farmers on the Rise award will go into their cost share portion of a sand separator and the structure around it on their farm. “I think there was a great deal of trust on both sides,” observes Alice. “From my perspective, Farm Credit is very familiar with the programs that we are dealing with – more than dealing with a typical bank. I would mention the name of a program, and they said, ‘OK we have done that before and we know what we’re doing.’” With her administrative and accounting background, Alice was able to appreciate what Farm Credit brought to the table as she began managing the farm’s finances. “I took over the business aspect and the accounting side, so I think that kind of helped me find my role,” she adds. Alice also realized that she had a unique opportunity to showcase ‘farm mom life’, so she shares her family’s journey on Facebook @HeelsAndHolsteins and Instagram @heelsandholsteins.
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LEADER 5
Farmers on the Rise
REMOVING obstacles TO GROW A BUSINESS Story and photos by Andrea Haines
First-generation farmer Emma Jagoz of Woodsboro, Maryland began her farming venture in a unique setting. Knowing that she wanted to make a positive impact on the environment and in how consumers view food, she started gardening in her family and neighbors’ backyards (read more about Emma and Moon Valley Farm on page six in our Women in Ag Leader issue at mafc.com/leader).
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he has come so far in her journey to produce healthy, high-quality products for her customers that range from their 500-member CSA subscribers to restaurant chefs. Upon gaining more clients and land management opportunities, Emma has obtained the need for more tools to achieve her yield demands. As a Farm Credit member, she has been able to fulfill certain needs with the assistance from Kelsey Maslen, Farm Credit loan officer. Working with Farm Credit inspired Emma to apply for their inaugural Farmers on the Rise award program, earning a monetary prize of $10,000 for use within her farming operation. “The process was at first, very similar to any other grant application,” shares Emma. “A series of questions requiring lengthy answers explaining who I am, what our farm does, and what we would do with the funding if granted.” The top ten finalists were invited to interview with a panel of judges in order to clarify proposals and answer additional questions. “Getting to talk with the judges in person about my farm and project was exciting,” explains Emma. When asked why Emma is a farmer on the rise, Kelsey expresses, “How is Emma NOT a farmer on the rise? When COVID threw many for a loop, she rose to the occasion. She flipped her business model and thrived, all while settling into a new farm. I can’t wait to see how she grows from here!” Moon Valley Farm grows vegetables on fertile loam soil on Gravel Hill Road in Frederick County, Maryland. Emma shares, “True to name, it’s home to many rocks. Due to the heavy rock percentage, we are ruining our soil tillage implements, breaking our tillers and cultivation equipment at a rapid and expensive rate.” Emma notes that to make things worse, the rock pressure is preventing them from significantly decreasing their plastic mulch usage. “Our tractormounted seeder has trouble driving over rocks to sow seeds,” she explains. The search began for a tool that would assist with their rock problem. “We have been searching for the right solution, and in late 2019, we trialed a rock burier (bed former) implement by Forigo, which not only works extremely well to bury rocks, but also forms raised
Why is Emma a farmer on the rise? “How is Emma NOT a farmer on the rise? When COVID threw many for a loop, she found new, innovative ways to reach her customers. She flipped her business model and thrived, all while settling into a new farm. I can’t wait to see how she grows from here!” —Kelsey Maslen, Farm Credit loan officer beds and is much gentler on the soil than a traditional tiller by decreasing the formation of hard pans.” Emma wanted to trial the implement to see for herself if it would work on their extremely rocky soil composition. “To my amazement, it worked perfectly with the tractor we already own,” she shares. The implement will better preserve their equipment, decrease their plastic mulch usage, grow better crops on raised beds, lower erosion, and grow higher valued crops such as direct sown salad mixes that they were previously unable to produce. “I fell in love immediately with the rock burier implement and what it would be able to do for the farm,” says Emma. “It will bring us greater profits, quality of life, and quality of soil. We are so excited to get this new
implement into action starting this year.” Emma has more plans for the future of her business. “I am definitely planning to get a back-up generator for the farm’s walk-in coolers,” she explains. “We grow year-round and produce many acres of storage crops that keep our coolers filled, but we need a back-up plan if the power goes out. We also plan to install solar panels on our pole barn to offset our energy consumption for the coolers.” Emma’s passion for growth doesn’t just end in the fields — she likes to empower and instill growth in her business, staff, and family, too. Her future goals include the purchase of a new delivery vehicle, eventually launch a commercial kitchen, an on-farm store, and own 100 acres so she can cover crop. Since the business is getting more
traction, Emma has expanded her brand to be more recognizable to consumers, starting with their logo. “Our logo is a moon shape created out of vegetables that we grow. It is a wood block print carved by artist Sarah Koff of Sarah Koff Studio,” she shares. “Sarah is not just a phenomenal artist carving wood block prints for logos, framing and hanging, and custom home and pet prints for individuals, she’s also my sister.” Emma is always learning and helping others; teaming up with local, likeminded farmers, staff, and organizations to promote healthy land and fresh products is a priority for her to help her community. “Our team is plugging away at harvesting and distributing winter food for our weekly farm shares, and we are super excited to have the best customers who cook such amazing food,” explains Emma. “Besides that, we’re building a new high tunnel and then the walk-in cooler for more storage space, and working on a new website that will come out in March.” Emma and her team continue to plant seeds for the success of the business while operating on a level of care for their community. To learn more about Moon Valley Farm, visit them on the web at moonvalleyfarm.net or on Instagram: @moonvalleyfarm and Facebook: @moonvalleybaltimore VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 1
LEADER 7
Farmers on the Rise
Embracing Change FOR A BETTER
TOMORROW Story and photos by Maria N. Listman
The McHenry family farm has been perched in the charming town of Kennedyville, Maryland for 100 years. The farm has experienced a change in crops, a shift in livestock, financial stressors, and the heartache of losing a close family member. Not ones to back down from a challenge, the next generation of McHenry farmers have risen to the occasion.
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oey and Jenell McHenry own McHenry’s Harvesting and Beef, a custom harvesting and direct-toconsumer frozen beef business. They recently won Farm Credit’s inaugural Farmers on the Rise award and received $10,000 for the work they’re doing as they grow their operation. Joey is a fourth generation farmer, where he and his wife, Jenell, lease the land from his grandparents. The same land that once grew tomatoes and raised dairy cows is now a beef cattle operation that also grows corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and hay. The neighboring street is called Dairy Road, in recognition of the dairy farm that the McHenry’s ran all those years. Beef cattle were always on the property, but it wasn’t until 2012 that the family decided to fully transition from dairy to beef. After the passing of Joey’s father, the youngest McHenry knew he needed to do more to sustain himself and his grandparents. At the time, Joey was running their grain operation, and decided to expand into custom harvesting to continue the family’s agriculture legacy. “There’s no way to predict the future, you’re going to have to change with time, and see where things go,” reflects Joey. Since this young entrepreneur offers custom harvesting for other farmers, it has helped with the expansion of their beef business. Joey explains, “When you’re a grain farmer, you get a check in the spring, and the fall. That’s all you get.” Over the years, the McHenry’s have added to their herd, working primarily with Angus and Charolais. In 2019, they started offering direct-to-consumer frozen beef that is grass fed, grain finished. Joey focuses on the genetics and raising of the animals, in addition to custom work that includes baling, harvesting, trucking, and planting. Jenell likes to call herself a farm wife. She is an eighth generation farmer from the Eastern Shore who grew up on a poultry and grain farm. She works full time for an agricultural consulting company, while overseeing sales and communication for their beef customers. “In 2020, the business really took off because of COVID,” explains Jenell. “We currently have an online form that people fill out and they pick a day and time to pick-up.” Customers make their selection,
Why are Joey and Jenell farmers on the rise? “I believe that Joey and Jenell have started to create a diverse operation at such a young age that we haven’t quite seen in our area. I’m excited to see their business grow in the future.” —Tyler Majchrzak, Farm Credit loan officer visit the farm and Jenell will have their order waiting for them outside their door. They offer a wide variety of cuts, with Ribeye and Delmonico being the most popular among their customers. Half and whole cow orders are an option as well. Since winning the Farmers on the Rise award, Joey and Jenell plan on building a she-shed toward the front of their property as a greeting place and store front to pick up beef orders. “I’m ecstatic that we received the award, and feel blessed and honored just to be recognized,” Jenell shares. “Even though we both have family in agriculture, this is something we did on our own and built together. Getting this award means a lot; people are recognizing
what we’re doing, and the hard work we’re putting into our business.” Joey and Jenell have big plans for their future, while being new parents to baby Lee. They want to expand their herd, buy more land, and turn their current farm into a showcase to welcome visitors. “I was overjoyed for both Joey and Jenell once I had heard they had won,” says Tyler Majchrzak, Farm Credit loan officer. “They both are extremely hard working and well respected in the farming community.” Kennedyville has become a summertime destination spot, where folks pass through and buy their meat. Shipping their products is being considered, but their immediate focus is on their hometown.
“I want to make sure our community and neighbors are getting the first opportunity, and that’s also where I see us growing,” explains Jenell. “We’ll get to the point where we can finish more beef and offer it to more people.” Taking over the family business is no small task, but Joey and Jenell have lived and worked on farms their whole lives. These young entrepreneurs understand the importance of change, guaranteeing them a better tomorrow.
Follow McHenry’s Harvesting and Beef on Facebook @McHenryBeef and Instagram: @mchenrysbeef
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LEADER 9
Farmers on the Rise
ALL THAT’S DAIRY IS
gold
Story and photos by Michelle Kunjappu
As charming as the little two-room structure is, it just wasn’t cutting it anymore. In fact, the tiny former doctor’s office at Chesapeake Gold Farms, where Wes Miller, the sixth generation to operate a dairy on that farm, and his wife Amanda began selling their dairy’s valueadded products, just started to get a little cramped.
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he farm’s employees were packing boxes on the same podium that they were using to ring customers up and Amanda was making regular treks to a nearby walkin refrigerator to fill customer orders, so the couple decided to make a change. A $10,000 prize from Farm Credit’s inaugural Farmers on the Rise award
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program paved the way for the farm’s most recent acquisition — a large mobile jobsite trailer. After some good old fashioned elbow grease and a fresh makeover, the trailer will house a small office, packaging area, and a storage area for the dry goods and packing supplies. “The plan was to get a shed
or trailer where we could be behind the scenes, packing for retailers and events,” says Amanda, “and have the two-room ‘cheese hut’ remain the point of purchase area for customers who come to the farm for Chesapeake Gold cheese, butter, yogurt, and beef.” Looking down the road, the couple hopes to construct an on-farm creamery and possible retail space, however “we needed something to fill the gap,” says Wes, who has been managing the dairy since 2012. The addition is part of the Millers’ effort to help the family farm remain profitable and productive in the coming years. The home farm includes 250 acres plus an additional 1,000 acres they’ve purchased and to other acreage that the family rents to raise the operation’s corn, soybeans, small grains, and hay they sell to local horse farms. Amanda has also begun growing and selling cut flowers on the property. The milking herd includes 180 cows and heifers made up of mostly Holsteins and Guernsey cows. Farm Credit has been a part of the family for more than 30 years, as the institution financed small equipment loans before taking over the mortgage last spring “because they have competitive rates and valuable staff,” says Amanda. “It’s nice to pick the phone up when you have questions or problems, as opposed to other lenders where you’re just a number. We’ve developed a relationship with someone who’s in the ag industry,” she adds. “From an underwriting perspective, it’s not just solely looking at numbers,” agrees Geoff Delamater, Farm Credit loan officer. “We weigh local factors in our decisions and understand the cyclical nature of commodity prices. There’s more to it than strictly looking at dollars for us.” “I like that there are the farmers on the Farm Credit Board who I know,” says Amanda. “They’re responsible people; they’re weighing in with their opinions and really understand our needs. It’s nice feeling like they get me.” The step toward their dairy’s valueadded products was both calculated and sudden. Wes’ parents, Bob and Diane Miller, had wanted to do onfarm processing. “We had been talking with cheesemakers and doing research,
Why are Amanda and Wes farmers on the rise? “While being grounded in history and heritage, Wes and Amanda are willing to branch out and try new ways of reaching the community, growing a customer base, and make their generational farm profitable. They have always exhibited an excitement for the future of their farm and I can see that carrying over as they work on several great ideas for expanding their business.” —Geoff Delamater, Farm Credit loan officer compiling information, and educating ourselves for years,” says Wes. In 2018, they got a call “from a cheesemaker we had really wanted to work with, so it was a ‘hurry up and get permits and labels’ situation,” adds Wes. Forty locations in the area now carry Chesapeake Gold products. Local retailers such as farmers markets, delis, family-run grocery stores, plus wineries and breweries now carry the farm’s 20 flavors of two styles of cheese — Colby and Cheddar, besides the more recent additions of butter, yogurt, and beef. They also started doing two flavors of artisan salami so they can offer a full charcuterie board.
They send their milk to three different processors to have it returned as their cheese, butter, and yogurt, “It’s a lot of coordinating,” shares Amanda. Although she worked in agronomy for eight years, Amanda also has a background in cheesemaking on her resume, as she set up and started the cheesemaking operation at the University of Delaware, including everything from creating procedures to writing the recipes. Value-added dairy products are an exciting prospective market, believes Amanda. “I think the demand is there. COVID really made the consumer come out and look for us. We’re meeting more
people in our community — it’s giving me the reassurance that people do want more unique products from the farm,” she adds. “They like to know who’s making it and they really like supporting their neighbors.” While support for their products has been heartening, Chesapeake Gold’s popularity did not come without effort. Amanda continues, “It’s a good product, but it’s a product that we’ve worked really hard at getting in front of people. Sampling sells.” Festivals and events give the Millers a chance to give out cups of yogurt or cheese samples to passersby. This past summer Amanda spent every weekend on the road, sometimes at several events in a single weekend, to meet the local community, since “that’s our target customer.” With support from a loyal customer base, looking ahead the Millers are excited about the possibility of adding robotic milkers to the farm, along with other goals such as the on-farm creamery and store. Follow Chesapeake Gold Farms online to order at chesapeakegoldfarms.com, on Facebook: @chesapeakegoldfarms and on Instagram: @chesapeake_gold_farms VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 1
LEADER 11
Farmers on the Rise
FARMING FOR OUR
future
Story and photos by Andrea Haines
The world can look pretty large when viewed from the eyes of a child; imagination and promise of a prosperous future can inspire one’s heart and mind. When Levi Sellers of Boonsboro, Maryland, set foot in “the land” of Epcot at one of Disney World’s theme parks, he witnessed a glimpse into what was promoted as the “future of agriculture” on a tour exposing plants connected to fish tanks. It wasn’t until Levi reached his twenties that he realized that particular “future” hadn’t happened yet, and quickly got to work.
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amily owned and operated, South Mountain MicroFARM is the world’s first of its kind, growing leafy-green produce and cannabis for hemp production, all in an aquaponics system with fish-providing nutrients. “We have all seen or heard a shift of focus from mass-production breweries to microbreweries nationwide,” explains Levi. “The same shift is occurring within our food industry as well.” The theory behind micro-farming is to do more with less while protecting
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biodiversity, limited resources, rural communities, and individuals’ health. Growing up on his family’s bison farm, his love for agriculture inspired a desire to learn more about his interests of sustainable farming, aquaponics, and controlled-environment agriculture. “I had the chance to help some friends start a hydroponic store in Colorado and leapt at the opportunity,” he explains. “It was there I learned where nutrients for hydroponic production came from (mined and manufactured, sometimes petroleum-based), and had a desire to
find a way that this method of cultivation could be performed more organically.” Levi soon figured out the concepts of aquaponics, realizing his passion for a career in the “future of agriculture”. Armed with a certificate in Controlled Environment Agriculture and Aquaponics Systems from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I felt I was prepared to pursue my dream,” shares Levi. “After five years of pitching the idea to my parents, Mark and Billie Jo Sellers, and the sale of my family’s recycling business, we all decided to take on the project together.” Levi had been working on the aquaponics project for 14 years in planning, but their facility has been operational for the past six years. His parents’ support, combined with the financial backing from Farm Credit, gave Levi the opportunity to build greenhouses and elevate production. “Farm Credit has helped us receive the funding we needed to make this project happen from the beginning,” he shares. “Through the Farmers on the Rise Award, we are able to begin the process of our vertical expansion, allowing us to reach a broader market with our health-promoting products.” Levi’s parents help with the operation on a daily basis. Billie Jo handles the customer service part of taking orders, inventory control, and bookkeeping. Mark, when he’s not working fulltime elsewhere, helps with maintenance of the equipment and construction for new projects. “Besides contracting the build of our greenhouse, my father and I built all of the cultivation systems within the structure. I could not have done it without their help,” he states. A family tradition he and his “better half” Brittany are already instilling in their fiveyear-old daughter, Sedona, is including her in the process of farming. “She loves learning about the fish and helps with small daily chores,” he shares. Farm Credit loan officer Kelli Wilson has worked with Levi and his family for years. “We initially worked with Kelli on another farm project, and she has been wonderful. We chose Farm Credit because they understand the needs of farmers and the value farmers add to the community,” says Levi. Kelli shares, “There was not a lot of information about aquaponics systems at that initial timeframe. Farm Credit did a lot of research, but it really came down to the Sellers providing us with an excellent business plan.
Why is Levi a farmer on the rise? “He is on the cutting edge of technology and is happy and excited to share their work with others. He does an excellent job of educating consumers on how and where their food is produced. He is truly an ag advocate — I’m proud to be a part of the family’s journey.” —Kelli Wilson, Farm Credit loan officer The plan has been to, “provide the highest quality products to improve not only the health of our customers, but also the community and eco-systems that surround us,” notes Levi. “Due to the organic source of nutrients (fish), we are able to provide a more nutrient-dense product that, without the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, could help the customer achieve health and wellness.” The crops take up the converted nutrients, allowing them to grow while cleaning the water for the fish. This all occurs in a closed-loop system and the water cleaned by the plants is returned to the fish, full circle. Levi’s plan has been to provide leafy greens to consumers, a highdemand food source. They are also farming and harvesting a variety of fish called Tilapia. “Our products are sold hyper-local to preserve the freshness and quality,” he shares. “Local grocers, markets, restaurants,
and home delivery services are our main outlets for our products.” As they expand their production system, they are incorporating multi-layer vertical rack systems with the $10,000 award from Farm Credit. “Over the past few years, we have researched this system design in our greenhouse facility and have found that it allows us to increase our production in a smaller square footprint,” shares Levi. “By incorporating horticultural LED technology and control from Scynce LED, we are able to be even more efficient with our vertical production.” This technology allows the plants to grow with richer colors and more density. Levi not only leads the family-run business, but is an innovator in this field of interest as a researcher and voice for microfarm operations. “For the past two years, I have been a voice for small farm operations and hemp producers while serving as a
representative on the Maryland Agriculture Commission, which I was appointed to by Governor Larry Hogan,” he shares. “Over this time, I have also testified against several bills that were aimed at limiting ‘the right to farm’ in the state, and have been an advising member of the Maryland Hemp Coalition.” Levi has also mentored interns on their farm, sharing sustainable and regenerative practices. “Currently, I am waiting to hear if a research proposal I have submitted to the Northeastern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) has been accepted,” he notes. “This will allow me to further investigate how the benefits of the diverse microbiome from aquaponics could have on soil fertility and health for hemp production.” Levi hopes to be able to share this information with other farmers in the region to help them implement this technique to improve the sustainability of farm operations and provide another option for fertilization over chemical-based fertilizers that are seeing an elevation in price. “As we grow our business, we plan on continuing our relationship with Farm Credit and look forward to developing that relationship further,” shares Levi. Learn more at southmtnmicrofarm.com and visit them on Facebook: @SouthMountainMicroFARM and Instagram: @south_mtn_microfarm VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 1
LEADER 13
Farmers on the Rise
AN URBAN WITH
A
OASIS
Big Impact
Story by Maria N. Listman, Photos by Backyard Basecamp Inc.
At the age of 22, Atiya Wells went on her first hike. She was in nursing school at the time, and never considered herself a nature-focused person. But after that initial experience, a spark was ignited in her that she couldn’t ignore.
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tiya Wells is the founder and executive director of Backyard Basecamp Inc., a nonprofit organization that reconnects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to land and nature in Baltimore City. As a registered pediatric nurse for nearly ten years, she came to realize how spending time outdoors affected her family’s wellness. “It became a family ritual to all hike together,” she says. “After that experience, I started looking at how you connect kids to nature, and how they really inspire awe and wonder with the things they’re interested in.” Atiya wanted more parents to share in the experience, so she started the Baltimore City Chapter of Free Forest School. The program encourages children and their caregivers to spend quality time outdoors, exploring nature. As she spent time with the group, questions would arise about their surroundings. With little knowledge at the time, Atiya set out to educate herself further. She studied plant identification, herbalism, and took naturalist classes. There was a common theme that she noticed throughout all of her learning experiences. “In every single class, I kept noticing that I was one of the only black people, the only black person, or one of the few people of color in the entire class,” she explains. Atiya took it upon herself to research the topic of BIPOC and their relationship with the land. What she discovered was ancestral wounding and trauma. “We’ve just associated the environment and nature with bad things. So much so, that the notion that black people don’t do this has been rooted in history because black people cannot do this, because it’s not safe,” she shares. “I just want to get us back to the land.” The more she delved into naturalism, Atiya realized the importance of having a community outdoor space close to home. She researched the area, and discovered that there was a park three blocks from her house. It was tucked away, overgrown, and forgotten. But beauty was all she could see. With the guidance of Baltimore Green Space, Atiya found out that part of the land was owned by Baltimore City, and the other part was privately owned. She put the project aside until
Why is Atiya a farmer on the rise? “Atiya is a farmer on the rise because she is leading an impactful effort to bring together her community with urban agriculture in Baltimore City.” —Johanna Rohrer, Farm Credit Education and Outreach Specialist 2019 when she noticed that there was no food being grown in her area. “Our community needs access to and education around food,” says Atiya. “And as a nurse, I know that diet-related illnesses are what affects our community most.” With a lot of perseverance and family support, Atiya created Backyard Basecamp Inc. She received 2.5 acres of land in the Frankford area that sits alongside the abandoned Baltimore City Park from a generous donation. After launching a fundraising campaign, she was able to purchase the vacant house adjacent to the property too. They will use the home to prepare and serve food. Backyard Basecamp Inc. offers multiple programs on their land, known as BLISS Meadows. As a 10
acre land-reclamation project, BLISS Meadows is a place where food and education inspire their community. They offer owl programs, astronomy, natural dye classes from their own indigo harvest, and Sunday walks with a doctor off-site, to continue the theme of education and health. The land itself has vegetable and herb gardens, an orchard, ponds, goats, chickens, and bees. It’s an oasis in the thick of the city. Atiya explains, “I get really excited about bringing people to do things they probably never would have done. We try to keep this cultural and relevant for folks of color.” Since Backyard Basecamp Inc. is a winner of the inaugural Farmers on the Rise Award, Atiya plans to expand their farming operation. They will
install a post-harvest work station, add shade, and purchase cold storage. It’s only been two years since Atiya followed that tug at her heart to connect her community to nature. There is a lot of intentionality behind Backyard Basecamp Inc. and their farming practices, programming, and goals for the future. When asked about her new role as a farmer, Atiya shares, “I don’t consider myself a farmer, I consider myself more of a land steward.” And that, she is.
Follow Backyard Basecamp, Inc. online at Backyardbasecamp.org or on Facebook: @BackyardBasecamp and Instagram: @backyard_basecamp
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LEADER 15
Our Association
COULD YOUR ORGANIZATION USE
$10,000 FOR
agriculture education? The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is accepting applications for its Community Education Program to support organizations within our 44 county footprint and Washington D.C. The program benefits agriculture education opportunities and provides funding for projects that make a positive impact in the area. Funding options include up to $2,000 and up to $10,000 depending on the size and scope of the project or organization. Phase 1 applications will be accepted now until June 30, 2022. Phase 2 applications will be accepted from July 1, 2022 to October 20, 2022. To learn more and apply online, visit FCFoundationForAg.org today.
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GIVE US YOUR
best shot!
Our 2023 Calendar Photo Contest is now open for submissions. Enter up to five photos online now through August 5, 2022. Winners will be featured in our 2023 calendar and those not selected may be featured in other print publications or on our social media accounts. All photos must be taken by MidAtlantic Farm Credit customers or taken from areas within our territory. High resolution digital photos will be the only form of photo accepted for this contest (file format should be .jpg) and horizontal/ landscape layout is preferred for the calendar. Check out our 2022 calendar and the winning photos at issuu.com/midatlanticfarmcredit. Submit your photos by August 5 at mafc.com/calendar.
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LEADER 17
Our Association
WHAT’S ON THE
Horizon
Just like agriculture, organizations are always changing to be more efficient, productive, sustainable, and perceptive. There is always something to look forward to just beyond the horizon.
A
t MidAtlantic Farm Credit, we are looking forward to presenting our members with a stockholder vote this spring to pursue an opportunity that will expand our horizon — a merger with our neighboring association, AgChoice Farm Credit. Currently, our associations partner together on many initiatives and merging will allow us to better support our membership across our five state territory. Members; please watch your mailbox in the coming weeks for information on the special meeting of stockholders vote, which will include a full description of the merger and our Board’s reasons for recommending a favorable vote. We are committed to providing the same unwavering support to our borrowers throughout this process. Visit mafc.com/merger for important documentation and copies of official member communications.
2O21 WINNER
JOHN DEERE GATOR
Congratulations to Joseph Donaway of Whaleyville, Maryland for having his name drawn to win the John Deere XUV 560E Gator! We enjoyed hearing from our members about why the Gator was on their wish list and how it would help them on their farm, business, or house. This giveaway was created to show our appreciation to our borrowers for being members of Farm Credit. We wouldn’t be the cooperative we are today without you! Joe shared in his entry form: “The Gator I currently have is from 1992 and is broken down, so I have to carry birds to the composter and items for new chicks to each house by hand.”
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Properties FOr Sale Manchester, Maryland
Call this property home! Situated on over three acres, this brick rancher is fully fenced with a two stable barn. Updates include a whole house generator with three 100 pound propane tanks, a new well pump, pellet stove, built in sauna, lined chimney flu, and more! Fill the large two car attached garage and extended parking area. $475,000. Contact Carol Fertitta of Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty at 443.600.6001 or cfertitta@ homesale.com.
Rock Hall, Maryland
Royal Oak, Maryland
Stevensville, Maryland
Known as “Isle of Skye Farm”, located on a point of land jutting out into the Choptank River. This 45+ acre gentleman’s farm offers the best broad water sunset views on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. $4,100,000.
Live your rural dreams! This four bedroom, two and a half bath home is situated on two acres of pastured lawn with a private pond, fenced rear yard, hardscaped front yard, three car garage, chain link housing, barn, and swimming pool. The property is part of Maryland Wild Acres. Ask for a list of new or newer upgrades. The pool, barn, and chain link housing is not included in inspections. $579,900.
Contact Cliff Meredith of Meredith Fine Properties at 410.924.0082 or mre@goeaston.net.
Contact Lisa Longest of Realty Navigator at 443.786.4200 or lisalongest.re@gmail.com.
Bloxom, Virginia
Cordova, Maryland
UDon’t N LO C opportunity K T HtoEbuild your dream miss this
POSSIBILITIES
Located in a private setting, this rare 29 acre peninsula offers down river views of Church Creek, excellent deer and waterfowl hunting, and a convenient location to Rock Hall and Eastern Neck Island. The property has recently been surveyed and perc approved. Electric and road are installed. $525,000.
Own this state of the art poultry farm, featuring 12 houses each 60’ x 560’ with updated cool pads (four built in 2018, eight built 2016) on 53 acres with a Tyson contract until 2033. Includes 10 wells, three generators, access from route 13, two existing manure sheds and approval for a third with government grant. $7,750,000.
home! Featuring a six and a half acre building lot suitable for an equestrian farmette in a lovely rural setting in northeast Talbot County. Well maintained in a grass pasture at present with two 12’ x 24’ run-in shelters, fully fenced with rubberized fencing split in two paddocks. Perc approved for sand mound system and survey complete. $195,000.
Contact Miles Norris of Select Land and Homes Inc. at 410.708.5423 or mnorrisselect@gmail.com.
Contact Cathy Salamone of Weichert Mason-Davis at 631.838.5920 or salamonecathy@gmail.com.
Contact Karla Wieland-Cherry of Meredith Fine Properties at 410.310.8421 or dkcherry4@aol.com.
U N LO C K T H E
POSSIBILITIES Homeownership doesn’t have to be out of your reach. Let Farm Credit finance your perfect piece of quiet. Contact us today to discuss your options.
888.339.3334 | mafc.com |
VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 1
LEADER 19
PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BALTIMORE, MD PERMIT 1608
45 Aileron Court Westminster, MD 21157
CROP INSURANCE
Important dates
3/15 Corn, soybean and spring crop sales closing 5/2 Nursery sales closing 7/1 Wheat and barley premiums due 7/15 Spring acreage report deadline 8/15 Spring crop premiums due 9/30 Wheat, barley and fall sales closing 11/21 Orchard and vineyard sales closing 12/1 Pasture, rangeland and forage sales closing
farmcreditcropinsurance.com
