STANDING WITH OUR
2025 COOPERATIVE STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Communities STANDING WITH OUR
I’m often reminded that what makes our cooperative strong isn’t just what we do, but who we do it with. The relationships we share with our member-owners, employees, and community members are what ground our work and give it purpose.
This year’s Stewardship Report centers on a simple but meaningful idea — Standing with Our Communities. At Farm Credit, that means showing up in both the good times and the challenging ones, and doing what we can to support the people and places that agriculture depends on.
You’ll see that commitment reflected throughout this report. From charitable contributions and grant programs to employee volunteerism and investments in our workforce, these efforts are simply one way we live out the values that come with being a cooperative.
None of it is about recognition, but rather responsibility. When our communities are strong and resilient, agriculture has the opportunity to thrive, as does our cooperative and those we serve.
I’m grateful for the many ways our employees choose to give back to the communities they call home, supporting youth programs, agricultural education, local initiatives, and neighbors in need. Just as importantly, I’m thankful for our member-owners, whose partnership and engagement help guide the work we do every day.
Agriculture and rural communities have always been built on relationships, trust, and a willingness to stand together throughout every season. On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire Farm Credit team, thank you for the role you play in the strength of this cooperative. Your support allows us to continue standing with the communities we serve today and for generations to come.
Thomas H. Truitt, Jr. Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Farm Credit
ENVIRONMENT AND
“A healthy environment and thriving agricultural economy go hand-in-hand. We are committed to investing in programs that provide voluntary, incentive-based tools for conservation, foster the development of innovative best management practices, and approach conservation in a collaborative manner.”
• Sponsored the Leopold Conservation Award in Maryland & Pennsylvania
• Partnered with the University of Delaware Extension to promote conservation efforts across the Delmarva peninsula
• Sponsored the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts Conference and the outstanding Conservation District Award
• Sponsor of PA Land Conservation Conference
• Supported programming for Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance, the Delmarva Land & Litter Collaborative, and the MidAtlantic 4R Alliance
• Supported the Pasa Sustainable Agriculture and Future Harvest programs
• Sponsored various state and county agronomy meetings across our 100-county footprint
• Supported state-wide best management practice (BMP) loan programs
• Sponsored Northbay Education’s Rising Tide Farm project
YOUNG, BEGINNING, AND SMALL
“The future of agriculture depends on the success of young, beginning, and small producers. We’re committed to supporting the financial and business development needs of these farmers, for the growth of our industry, today and tomorrow.”
$ 250,000 | AWARDED TO FARMERS through Beginning Farmer Grant programs
• Supported state Farm Bureau Young Farmers’ programs across our Association’s footprint
• Provided 38 financial education presentations, reaching a total of 1,649 beginning farmers
• Hosted Ag Biz Masters program for 96 registered participants
• Provided reimbursement for 55 Ag Biz Masters registrants, as a result of the successful completion of the two-year program, which totaled $12,875
• Sponsored 150 beginning farmers in the Ag Biz Basics educational program
• Waived more than $471,000 in loan origination fees to 1,313 young and/or beginning farmers
IN AGRICULTURE
“With diversity comes strength. We’re committed to a diverse agricultural industry and are proud to support inclusivity with regard to gender, ethnicity, veteran status, ability differences, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. We are always eager to engage, build relationships with, and cultivate talent among people of all backgrounds.”
• Sponsored local MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) and Junior MANRRS efforts, promoting advancement for minorities in agriculture
• Supported the LEAF (Leadership, Education and Farming) Project, which helps to develop youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system
• Provided curriculum and programmatic support to the Delaware Urban Farm and Food Coalition
• Supported MidAtlantic Women in Ag Conference
• Supported programming and promotion of the PA Veteran Farming Network, the state’s leading non-profit organization supporting military veterans and their spouses in building strong, healthy farms and agribusinesses
• Supported an internal Urban Ag Workgroup of Horizon Farm Credit staff to discuss the unique aspects of urban agriculture
• The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement provided $20,000 toward scholarships with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Delaware State University, which are HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
• Supported Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture urban agriculture efforts
STRENGTHENING
“We demonstrate our commitment to the strength and resiliency of the communities that our employees and members call home by investing in programs that reduce food insecurity and enhance access to nutrition, as well as those that bolster critical community services, and provide response and relief in times of crisis or natural disaster.”
$ 136,000 | AWARDED IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANTS to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities
• Donated $80,000 to local food banks across our five-state footprint
• Funded Grain Bin Rescue Tubes & Training through a partnership with Nationwide Insurance
• Sponsored Virginia Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity
• Supported wildfire relief efforts in California and flooding relief efforts in Texas
• Contributed to the printing and distribution of farm safety books directed to the plain communities within our footprint
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• Supported mental health programs and resources in agriculture
• Farm Credit’s Member Assistance Program provides members with access to free, anonymous benefits like counseling, legal services, identity theft recovery, and more
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND
“We are committed to investing in the future of agriculture, educating consumers, and developing leaders within and for our industry.”
Horizon Farm Credit:
• Supported 4-H and FFA statewide programs across the Horizon Farm Credit footprint with investments totaling $66,850
Through the Foundation, 51 students were awarded a total of $395,000 through the 2025 scholarship program:
Kiersten Baker of James Creek, Pennsylvania
Cheyenne Bastian-Brown of Ralston, Pennsylvania
Michael Berger of Weatherly, Pennsylvania
Madison Beutman of Alum Bank, Pennsylvania
Megan Bomgardner of Jonestown, Pennsylvania
Ella Borst of Stephens City, Virginia
Abigale Bricker of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Rianna Chaney of Keymar, Maryland
Edwina Chen of Newark, Delaware
Mia Ceribelli of Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Paige Cole of Derry, Pennsylvania
Macy Cook of Cordova, Maryland
Charles Colvin of Malvern, Pennsylvania
Marcia Copenhaver of Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Avery Dull of Westminster, Maryland
Julia Duncan of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
Amelia Dugan of Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Allison Emanuel of Laurys Station, Pennsylvania
Isaiah Harris-Talbott of Frederick, Maryland
Brayden Hearn of Laurel, Delaware
Dana Heltzel of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
Peytin Hereth of Woodbine, Maryland
Jessica Herr of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Georgia Horosky of Elverson, Pennsylvania
Nora Hoy of Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Ashlynn Kidwell of Sykesville, Maryland
Avery Kerrick of Greenwood, Delaware
Bethany Knutsen of Harrington, Delaware
Victoria LeCates of Seaford, Delaware
Camryn Manoogian of Gaithersburg, Maryland
Sara McNichols of Scranton, Pennsylvania
Sydney Messick of Harrington, Delaware
Grant Michael of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Sarah Nafziger of Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Tate Ondrik of Westminster, Maryland
Jared Pechart of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Skylar Peiffer of North Cornwall, Pennsylvania
Sydney Phipps of Wilmington, Delaware
Jarrett Pilgram of Fredonia, Pennsylvania
Hailey Pleasants of Monrovia, Maryland
Alexis Shenk of Knoxville, Pennsylvania
Madison Tobat of East New Market, Maryland
Benjamin Torrey of Genesee, Pennsylvania
Nathaniel Turner of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
Jonathan VanBuskirk of Bel Air, Maryland
Rain Vasey of Lincoln, Delaware
McKenna Vest of Clayton, Delaware
Leah Walters of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
Jenna Whiting of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
Walker Wilson of Tionesta, Pennsylvania
Madilyn Wynn of Greenwood, Delaware
Another $50,000 was provided directly to schools and universities for agriculture scholarships.
• Invested in ag leadership programs, including LEAD Maryland, LEADelaware, PA RULE (PA Rural-Urban Leadership), VALOR (Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results), and Nuffield USA with donations totaling $35,000
• Supported ag education programs and mobile ag labs in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
• Sponsored The Calving Corner at the Pennsylvania Farm Show to educate consumers
• Supported educational programs and resources for dairy farmers through Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation, with investments totaling $25,000
• Sponsorship of Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (MD), the country’s only Junior Achievement BizTown located in a rural community
Wellbeing & Development
“Our employees are the foundation of our cooperative’s success. We are committed to fostering a workplace where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. By investing in our Association’s culture, we cultivate a strong, engaged team — one that is best equipped to serve our customers and communities with excellence.”
Compensation
• Paid Time Off
• 12 Holidays
• 16 hours of volunteer time per year
• Parental Leave
– Maternity Leave – Eligible birthing mothers will receive a maximum of six weeks of 100% paid maternity leave per birth of a child/children, which must be used immediately after the birth of a child due to the impact it has on the mother’s physical health
– Bonding Leave – Eligible employees will receive a maximum of six consecutive weeks of 100% paid bonding leave to be used within six months of the birth and/ or adoption of a child/children. For birthing mothers, this is an additional six weeks of 100% paid leave in addition to the maternity leave listed above.
• Military Leave
• Paid Leave for parent/teacher conferences
• Funeral/Bereavement Leave – Compassionate leave options to support employees during difficult times
• Short Term Disability of 90 Days
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Referral Program – Compensation for employees to refer new hires to Horizon Farm Credit
• Developed a charitable matching program for employees contributing to causes and organizations
Wellbeing & Development
Benefits
• Medical Insurance with Dental and Vision
• Group Universal Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
– Employees are able to contribute 1-75% of their salary
– Employer match is up to 6%
– Discretionary contribution of 3%
• Student Loan Reimbursement Program$3,000 per year for a maximum of five years, totaling $15,000
• Educational Assistance Program –$5,250 Per Calendar Year
• Leadership and career development opportunities
– SEED Program
– LEAD Program
– Foundations of Lending
• EAP – Employee Assistance Program
– Personal and Work Struggles
– Life Planning
• National Discount Programs
• CIGNA – Secure Travel Protection
• Group Term Life
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Business Travel Accident
• Health Savings Account
Fringe Benefits
• Calm App
• Health & Fitness ProgramReimburses one-half of the related expenses up to a combined maximum annual amount of $350
• Nectar Employee Recognition Program
• Special Recognition Programs
– Employee Choice Awards
– President’s Awards
• Career Development
– Yearly Career Development Conversations
– Performance Reviews
– Custom Personal Development Plans Culture
• Committees and roles dedicated to employee and customer experience
• Our Core Values - ACRES
– Accountability
– Collaboration
– Relationships
– Engagement
– Stewardship
• Hybrid work environment
– Work from home flexibility
– Robin (desk reservation platform)
• Employee Engagement
– Pulse Checks
– Team Summit event
– One Team Development Day
• Summer Internship Program
• Intentional Diversity and Inclusion efforts as part of our Association’s cooperative stewardship strategy
Fulfilling Our Mission
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF A COOPERATIVE THAT DRIVE FARM CREDIT
Cooperatives are more than just another business. They represent communities with shared values, democratic participation, and a commitment to supporting each other.
At Farm Credit, the seven principles of a cooperative are the heartbeat of our work, empowering rural communities and agriculture to thrive for generations to come.
These principles are not mere ideals — they’re the bedrock of who we are and how we operate, ensuring we stay true to our mission of serving agriculture and our communities.
1.
VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations open to all people able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. At Farm Credit, we welcome farmers, agribusinesses, and other members of the communities we serve. Our commitment to inclusivity means that anyone who shares our values of community support and agricultural advancement may be able to access the financial tools and resources they need to succeed.
Visit horizonfc.com/about to learn more.
2.
DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
When you’re a Farm Credit customer, you represent the heart of our cooperative. Each member has a voice in our operations, electing the Board of Directors who guide our direction. This democratic process ensures that the decisions we make reflect the collective will of those we serve. We’re proud of our members’ active participation in shaping our path, ensuring that we’re always accountable and focused on the needs of agriculture and the communities we serve.
Visit horizonfc.com/elections to learn more.
A Legacy of Commitment
3. MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
Members contribute to and benefit from the success of the cooperative through our unique patronage program. By returning a portion of our profits to those who helped generate them, Farm Credit reinvests in its members. This year, we distributed over $62 million in patronage to our members, directly impacting the lives of farmers who rely on us. This principle aligns with our mission to empower rural communities and share our Association’s success.
Visit horizonfc.com/patronage to learn more.
4. AUTONOMY
AND INDEPENDENCE
Cooperatives are self-sustaining, controlled by their members. Farm Credit holds this principle close to its heart, maintaining autonomy in decision-making to protect the interests of our members. While we collaborate with industry partners and advocate for policies that benefit agriculture, our independence allows us to stay true to our roots — ensuring our priorities always lie in the needs of the communities in our 100-county footprint.
Visit farmcredit.com/structure to learn more.
5. EDUCATION,
TRAINING, AND INFORMATION
A strong cooperative is built on ensuring the membership is informed. We actively invest in education through a variety of programs designed to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. From financial literacy workshops to on-demand courses, the Farm Credit Knowledge Center, and more, we provide our members with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
Farm Credit is also committed to empowering young and beginning farmers, offering grants and mentorship programs to ensure the future of agriculture remains bright and prosperous.
Visit horizonfc.com/resources to learn more.
6. COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
The strength of cooperatives lies in unity. We actively collaborate with other Farm Credit Associations, agribusinesses, and industry organizations to expand opportunities for our members. This network of collaboration ensures that, together, we can address challenges and share resources that enhance the sustainability of agriculture nationwide. Whether it’s advocating for policy change or working together on disaster relief efforts, we believe in the power of shared action.
Visit farmcredit.com to learn more.
7. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
A cooperative’s responsibility doesn’t end with its members — it extends to the wider community. We take this responsibility seriously by supporting local initiatives and fostering sustainable growth. We’re deeply involved in community development and funding infrastructure that keeps rural areas strong. We’ve provided financial support to nonprofit organizations that focus on education, innovation, and local development — helping to ensure vitality in the communities we serve.
Visit horizonfc.com/newsroom to learn more.
In recognition of International Year of the Cooperative, we honor the principles that guide us every day. Farm Credit is more than a financial institution — we are a movement dedicated to building a sustainable future for agriculture and the communities that rely on it. By living out the seven principles of cooperation, we remain steadfast in our mission to support our members, invest in rural communities, and cultivate a brighter future for agriculture.
