Issuu

LEADER

Summer 2022 | v1i1

B right THE FUTURE IS

Meet your cooperative’s leaders and learn how our agriculture expertise is growing!

INSIDE

LEADER Horizon Farm Credit, ACA Thomas H. Truitt, Jr., CEO

Board of Directors

Meet Your CEO, Tom Truitt

Meet Your Chair, Shawn Wolfinger

Meet Your Vice Chair, Dave Smith

Shawn D. Wolfinger, Chair David R. Smith, Vice Chair Richard A. Allen Paul D. Baumgardner Julie Bolyard Samuel BowerCraft Brian L. Boyd Kevin D. Grim Steven H. Gross, Jr. John Travis Hastings Laura M. Heilinger Anthony M. Ill William K. Jackson T. Jeffery Jennings

Fred R. Moore, Jr. Michael S. Nelson Jennifer L. Rhodes Paul H. Schmidt Douglas D. Scott Larry A. Seibert Richard D. Shuman Alan N. Siegfried Dennis D. Spangler Charles F. Ulmer Christine Waddell Fred N. West Charles M. Wright IV

QUESTIONS OR IDEAS

Board of Directors

If you have any questions or ideas for the editorial staff of the Leader, contact Katie Luckett at 888.339.3334, email her at kluckett@horizonfc.com or write her at Horizon Farm Credit | 300 Winding Creek Blvd | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. 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: kluckett@horizonfc.com. Use “Unsubscribe Leader” in the subject line.

Employee Spotlight

Young, Beginning and Small Farmers

What’s Fresh

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 horizonfc.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 Horizon Farm Credit, ACA by calling 888.339.3334 or writing: Horizon Farm Credit | 300 Winding Creek Blvd | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

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IMPORTANT DATES

August Crop Insurance: Spring Crop Premiums Due

W e ’re glad you’re here! WELCOME TO HORIZON FARM CREDIT

Thank you for reading the inaugural Leader magazine of your new Association, Horizon Farm Credit! Local agriculture lenders AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit merged on July 1 of this year to form Horizon Farm Credit, a cooperative serving 100 counties in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

September

Labor Day, Offices Closed

First Day of Fall

Crop Insurance: Wheat, Barley, Fall Sales Closing

We are happy to continue offering this publication to readers in our footprint who want to support and learn from like-minded farmers and rural land enthusiasts. I encourage you to check out the feature stories in the beginning of the magazine to get to know the cooperative’s leadership, as well as the employee spotlight pages to see some familiar faces throughout our offices! Horizon Farm Credit is committed to our mission of supporting the future of agriculture by expanding MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s Farmers on the Rise award program and the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s Community Education Program across the new Association’s footprint. Learn more about these young, beginning, and small farmer programs on page 14. A bright future lies ahead for Farm Credit. Check back this fall for the next issue to meet local borrowers and learn about more exciting opportunities in our region. Katie Luckett, Editor

Farm Credit | v1i1 LEADER

MEET YOUR CEO

Tom Truitt

INSPIRING GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY Story and photos by Andrea Haines

Washington County, MD

s a traditional farm kid raised on the Eastern Shore, Tom Truitt grew up on his family’s poultry farm in Berlin, Maryland. Other interests led him to nourish his mind away from the farm with the goal of becoming a stockbroker. “I interned my senior year of college for a stockbrokerage firm in Salisbury, Maryland, when I realized it wasn’t for me,” says Tom. Finding a job selling seed and fertilizer led him back in the right direction; among the people of the agricultural industry. “My wife initially found my opportunity to work with Farm Credit,” Tom says with a smile. “She found an ad in the Baltimore Sun and it happened to be Farm Credit (Baltimore) looking for a person with a finance degree and ag background, so I applied.” Tom began his Farm Credit journey in 1993, holding various positions in credit, operations, sales, and technology (IT). “I was lucky. During my first few years, I was able to travel around to the many headquarters spanning multiple states and Puerto Rico. I was able to work with various employees of my senior and developed a great professional network.” Tom had created working relationships with staff and members that he still finds beneficial to his position today. He accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MidAtlantic Farm Credit in 2016 and now serves as President and CEO of Horizon Farm Credit, where he works closely with board members and staff. “I’ve enjoyed working with Tom over the years and watching him transition from one leadership role to the next,” comments Kelli Wilson, Farm Credit relationship manager. “He has worked with several different departments and handled roles that add tremendous value and credibility within the Farm Credit System.” Since obtaining the role of CEO, first for MidAtlantic and now Horizon, Tom has been an advocate

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for progressive change and efficiency to ensure members have more opportunities for growth and prosperity. “We want our members to feel as if Farm Credit is serving their needs by connecting them with the right people and tools,” shares Tom. “Going one step beyond financial opportunity, we want to act like an ‘agriculture concierge’ for connecting their businesses with consumers.” The inevitable progression of the agriculture industry demands a more diverse grouping of products and services from today’s producers. Tom and the team at Horizon Farm Credit have been preparing for this shift by working with staff, offering them the tools to further assist members. “Our recent merger will benefit members of both legacy associations and the ag industry greatly,” explains Tom.

Due to the evolving industry and need for labor, workloads on loan officers have become more widespread in the amount of tasks versus years ago. “I’m excited about Horizon because of the capabilities and additional specialization it brings to the team,” shares Tom. “Instead of staff anxiously having to choose how to spend their time in the field, we will now be able to dedicate staff to areas that make us better for our customers.”

able to access information from local sources like salesmen, mechanics, and field representatives, all gathered in one place. Now, information travels faster and we will be able to provide it on a larger level, creating greater marketability.” The role of CEO is meant to inspire and create opportunity for the betterment of the cooperative. “Meeting with staff and customers and seeing

“Strong leaders often begin their journey in a similar manner to anyone else. A hypothetical “seed” is sown, and elemental factors determine an outcome, sometimes bearing a crop for all to reap.” By positioning for broader service offerings and technology, Tom projects an elevated customer experience, essentially driving value of products and services higher. “Two forms of business is seen within agriculture,” expresses Tom. “The commodity-based model for widerspread production, and marginal or ‘niche-based’ marketing; both have a place in the future of ag.” Tom’s goal is to offer more support in all of these areas so the same staff can be better equipped to assist members or act as a liaison for connection. Loyalty of members and relationships with staff is what drives the entire Association. Tom projects customers getting the same high quality service they know and love, but in a more efficient manner. “I want our borrowers to come back months down the road realizing they got service quicker and less administratively burdensome,” he shares. “In the past, producers were more commonly

them be successful is the most beneficial part of my job,” explains Tom. “It is very rewarding for me when I see new farmers reach their goals. Everyone has a natural pull to do something that makes them feel achieved, and that’s so refreshing for me coming from a hierarchy-type career path. When staff needs are fulfilled, we do better as a whole.” In his spare time, Tom fills his cup by biking and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Anne, and their two children, Marshal and Hannah. “We enjoy visiting the many local breweries and supporting businesses in our community,” he shares. Tom is excited to see what the future holds for staff, consumers and members, and can’t wait to offer assistance where it is needed. “The future of our Association is brighter than ever, and we look forward to enhancing the way we support our members and local communities.”

Farm Credit | v1i1 LEADER

MEET YOUR

CHAIR

Potter County, PA

Shawn Wolfinger Story by Carrie Bomgardner

hawn Wolfinger, the inaugural Horizon Farm Credit Board Chair, brings strong family business experience and a unique perspective of agriculture to our membership.

plan that will include my two sons and my niece and nephew, so that we can transition to the third generation and hopefully, future generations,” Shawn says.

Shawn’s eventual path to Farm Credit leadership began in 1989 when his father, a life-long forester, and two business partners offered him an opportunity to join their timberland management and recreational land company. “I left my sales territory manager role with an auto parts manufacturer and moved back home to Potter County, Pennsylvania,” explains Shawn.

“What I love most about working in the forest products industry is that my daily routine is rarely the same,” Shawn adds. “Our properties are located across the northern tier of Pennsylvania and western New York, so whether I’m cruising timber, marking timber for a sale, or doing routine boundary line maintenance, my scenery is always changing. Additionally, since our timber sales stretch over a large regional area, we work with different sawmills, foresters, and equipment operators. I also love taking my Golden Retriever, Jack, to work!”

“Although I earned an economics degree from Allegheny College and didn’t have a formal forestry education, I accumulated technical forestry knowledge from my father to help in the sale, purchase, and management of our timberland.” In 2013, Shawn and his dad separated ownership from the other partners and created a forestry consulting company and three LLCs comprised of family-owned land. Similar to many Farm Credit members, Shawn and his dad are planning for the business’ future. “Last year, we underwent a major succession and estate

When Shawn’s local bank wouldn’t renew his business’ line of credit because they thought it was too speculative, Shawn discovered that Farm Credit financed more than traditional farms. After transferring his business to the cooperative and attending Farm Credit educational events, an AgChoice Farm Credit Director approached him about running for the Board to fill a vacant position. The rest is history. “I never intended to serve on the Board,” remembers Shawn, “but it’s the best thing I’ve done in my professional career. I would encourage any Farm Credit member to seriously consider running for the Board.” With 10 years as an elected Board member, and three of those years as AgChoice Farm Credit Chair, Shawn has learned the importance of the Farm Credit System in supporting rural America. “I also appreciate that our Farm Credit staff live the mission of helping our members,” he shares. Shawn is excited about the new Association for many reasons. “We’re bringing all the stars together; the sky is the limit in opportunities for our members, business service customers, and our employee teams,” he shares. “Our new Association is a stronger entity that can compete in an ever changing market,” Shawn

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continues. “We want to remain the premier agricultural lender in our five-state footprint. There is so much growth potential when it comes to financial support and our business services, such as accounting, consulting and crop insurance, as we join two well-run organizations.” When the AgChoice and MidAtlantic Farm Credit Boards began considering a merger, it was a lengthy process. A steering committee of both AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit board members held many due diligence meetings as they led the initiative. “We focused on how a merger would benefit our members,” says Shawn. “It wasn’t a knee-jerk decision. We invested the time to make sure it made sense. Ultimately, we concluded that a merger was the best long-term approach for both Associations.” “I’m honored and humbled to be selected as the first Chair,” Shawn concludes. “I look forward to serving our members as we build Horizon Farm Credit.”

MEET YOUR

VICE CHAIR

Lebanon County, PA

Dave Smith Story by Katie Luckett

rowing up as a fourth generation farmer on his family’s dairy in Annville, Pennsylvania, Dave Smith was no stranger to cooperatives. His grandfather served as a Farm Credit Director years ago, fostering a relationship between the family and the cooperative for generations to follow. As a child, Dave enjoyed life on the farm. Most afternoons were spent with his father and grandfather, feeding the calves and cattle and doing chores after school. His family direct marketed milk and had a small dairy store, where Dave often helped process the milk. “I always knew I wanted to make my living on the farm, just as my great grandfather, grandfather, and father had,” shares Dave. “I have a passion for farming because I love to watch things grow. That’s why I chose to study Dairy Science at Virginia Tech and take an internship on a large dairy in California. The experiences I had in both California and Virginia were invaluable.” When Dave returned home after graduation, he started his career on the family farm as a partner with his father, eventually transitioning the operation from dairy to crop and grain in the late 90s. He became involved with many local, state, and national agricultural organizations, expanding his role as a community leader in 1996 when he joined the Board of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.

previous Chairman and a colleague of Dave’s, Brian Boyd, encouraged him to run. “I am so honored to play a role in serving the members of Horizon Farm Credit as Vice Chair,” shares Dave. “It’s our responsibility to make sure the cooperative is successful and to focus on making decisions that will benefit our borrowers.”

“My son Joel is the fifth generation working on the family farm now, and the fourth generation of Farm Credit borrowers” adds Dave. “I was proud to be able to transition the business to him after he graduated from Penn State and my responsibilities with the Dairymen’s Association grew.” Joel has expanded the farm to include direct marketing beef, a commodity that became high demand during the onset of COVID-19 and as the community around the farm continued to rapidly grow. He also grows and sells sweet corn at a roadside stand in the summer. Dave’s leadership didn’t stop with the Dairymen’s Association. He joined the MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board as a Director in 2019 after

Aside from gaining a better understanding of the regulatory side of Farm Credit and the business side of the Association, Dave says his favorite part of serving as a Director are the people. “Our Board members bring so much talent and knowledge to the table. I am humbled to have been chosen by my peers and am looking forward to working with producers in our five-state footprint.” Dave brings a unique perspective to Horizon Farm Credit as he has worked with members all across the state of Pennsylvania in his career, as well as members in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia serving on the MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board. “Our goal for Horizon Farm Credit is to grow and specialize in specific industries at a scale that is the best for our membership. We will see more opportunities for involvement in our rural communities as a stronger, unified cooperative voice.”

“It was the perfect time to get involved after we had recently sold the cows on the farm and I had a bit more free time,” says Dave. “My role evolved from a Director to a part-time employee after some leadership changes, and I eventually became Executive Director.” Often referred to as the “Milkshake Man”, Dave’s role as Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association Executive Director consists of supporting the next generation of farmers, educating consumers about milk, and promoting the Dairy Princess program. He enjoys taking the milkshake truck out to events across the state to share sweet treats and the stories of Pennsylvania dairy farmers.

Farm Credit | v1i1 LEADER

Board of Directors HORIZON FARM CREDIT

Erie

Northwestern PA Election Region

Warren

Northeastern PA Election Region Southwestern PA Election Region Region Northwestern PA Election

Venango

Northeastern PA Election Region

Clarion

Keystone Election Region Potomac Election Region

Clearfield

Butler

Southwestern PA Election Region

Armstrong

Beaver Hancock

Mercer

Venango

Ohio

Marshall

Delmarva Election Region

Cambria

Lawrence

Clarion Blair

Jefferson Juniata

Butler

Washington

Beaver Fayette Greene Hancock

Somerset

Allegheny Brooke

Morgan

Washington

Marshall

Blair Carroll

Cambria

Frederick

Greene

Fayette

York

WarrenSomerset

Bedford

Berks

Lancaster

Queen Anne's

Sussex

Washington

Carroll

Ches

York

Adams Caroline

Dorchester

Baltimore

Harford

Berkeley Frederick Wicomico Jefferson Howard Worcester Frederick Somerset Montgomery Baltimore Clarke City Warren Accomack Shenandoah Page

Kent

Cumberland Kent

Baltimore Fulton City Franklin

Morgan

Carb

Schuylkill

Talbot

Page

Luzerne

Northumberland Chester Snyder Philadelphia Delaware

Dauphin Juniata Cecil New Castle Harford Perry Lebanon Baltimore Huntingdon

Shenandoah

T. Jeffery Jennings, Luray, VA Fred R. Moore, Jr., Eden, MD Michael S. Nelson, Taneytown, MD Jennifer L. Rhodes, Centreville, MD Paul H. Schmidt, Watsontown, PA Douglas D. Scott, Hurlock, MD Larry A. Seibert, Lewisburg, PA Richard D. Shuman, Bloomsburg, PA Alan N. Siegfried, Crofton, MD Dennis B. Spangler, New Berlin, PA

Columbia Montour

Bucks Montgomery Union

Mifflin

Howard

Montgomery

Lac

Lehigh

Centre Lancaster

Adams

Wyoming

Sullivan

Northampton

Berks

Lebanon

Susqueha

Monroe

Lycoming

Clearfield

Franklin Indiana

Clarke

Shawn D. Wolfinger, Chair, Coudersport, PA David R. Smith, Vice Chair, Palmyra, PA Richard A. Allen, Smock, PA Paul D. Baumgardner, Emmitsburg, MD Julie A. Bolyard, Martinsburg, WV Samuel BowerCraft, New Cumberland, PA Brian L. Boyd, Lebanon, PA Kevin D. Grim, Dover, PA Steven H. Gross, Jr., Manchester, PA John Travis Hastings, Laurel, DE Laura M. Heilinger, Lebanon, PA Anthony M. Ill, Bel Air, MD William K. Jackson, New Salem, PA

Dauphin Perry

Pike

Bradford

Carbon

Clinton

Berkeley Frederick Westmoreland Jefferson

Washington

Lackawanna

Montour

Cumberland

ArmstrongFulton Bedford

Sullivan

Luzerne Tioga Potter Columbia Union

Huntingdon

Wyoming

Northumberland Cameron Snyder Schuylkill

Elk

Mifflin

Westmoreland

Ohio

McKean

Forest Centre

Susquehanna Wayne

Lycoming

Clinton

Indiana

Allegheny Brooke

Warren

Jefferson

Bradford

Tioga

Potter Cameron

Elk

Crawford

Lawrence

Keystone Election Region

Southcentral PA Election Region Delmarva Election Region

Forest Erie

Mercer

Southcentral PA Election Region

Potomac Election Region

McKean

Crawford

Cecil

N Ca

Kent Queen Anne's

Carolin Talbot

Northampton

Dorchester

Wico

Charles F. Ulmer, Cogan Station, PA Christine Waddell, Townville, PA Fred N. West, Frankford, DE Charles M. Wright IV, Hebron, MD

Somers

Acc

Northampto

ANNUAL ELECTION THIS FALL Horizon Farm Credit’s annual stockholder election will take place this fall. Members will receive an Annual Information Statement in the mail, followed by a ballot and a booklet with biographies on each of the Director and Nominating Committee candidates. If we have your email address on file, your ballot will be emailed to you — allowing you to make your voice heard more quickly! More information will be sent to stockholders later this fall, but in the meantime, if you’d like to vote electronically this year, please email info@horizonfc.com!

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O ffice Locations HORIZON FARM CREDIT

HEADQUARTERS

300 Winding Creek Boulevard Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 1. MEADVILLE 11555 State Highway 98 Meadville, PA 16335 2. COUDERSPORT 1 Buffalo Street, Suite 3 Coudersport, PA 16915

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5. REEDSVILLE 45 Sheetz Drive Reedsville, PA 17084 6. LEWISBURG 450 International Drive Lewisburg, PA 17837 7. NEW STANTON 921 S. Center Avenue Hunker, PA 15639

★

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3. TOWANDA 24668 Route 6 Towanda, PA 18848 4. BUTLER 610 Evans City Road Butler, PA 16001

18 17

12. QUARRYVILLE 680 Robert Fulton Highway Quarryville, PA 17566

14.WOODSTOCK 1031 S. Main Street Woodstock, VA 22664

13. SHOEMAKERSVILLE 1513 Main Street Shoemakersville, PA 19555

19. BEL AIR 1614 E. Churchville Road Suite 102 Bel Air, MD 21015 20. CHESTERTOWN 102 Morgnec Road Chestertown, MD 21620

8. MARTINSBURG, PA 2322 Curryville Road Martinsburg, PA 16662

15. WINCHESTER 125 Prosperity Drive Suite 100 Winchester, VA 22602

9. CHAMBERSBURG 109 Farm Credit Drive Chambersburg, PA 17202

16. MARTINSBURG, WV 158 Crimson Circle Martinsburg, WV 25403

22. DENTON 379 Deep Shore Road Denton, MD 21629

10. YORK 1434 Seven Valleys Road York, PA 17408

17. FREDERICK 925 N. East Street Frederick, MD 21701

23. GEORGETOWN 20816 DuPont Boulevard Georgetown, DE 19947

11. MOUNT JOY 15 Eby Chiques Road Mount Joy, PA 17552

18. WESTMINSTER 45 Aileron Court Westminster, MD 21157

24. SALISBURY 6546 Mid Atlantic Lane Salisbury, MD 21804

21. DOVER 1410 S. State Street Dover, DE 19901

Farm Credit | v1i1 LEADER

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Rooted in Agriculture FARM CREDIT IS

Just like a strong crop, our roots are deeply integrated in agriculture and rural America. Horizon Farm Credit’s staff share many similarities with our member-owners, but are very diverse in their locations and farming backgrounds. Growing our team means growing our expertise. From grain and dairy, to orchards and maple syrup, our employees have produced and financed it all. Meet some of our friendly faces on the following pages and learn about their stories from the barn to the board room!

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Johanna Rohrer

Deanna Husfelt

What's your ag story?

Member Education and YBS Program Specialist in the Mount Joy, PA office

I grew up as a farm kid on a diversified family farm in Lancaster County, PA, heavily involved in 4-H and FFA. My parents own and operate a seasonal farm market, specializing in apple and peach production. We also grow corn, soybeans, and wheat for grain production. I start and end each day with barn chores, while enjoying the company of my three horses.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

Having both a career in agriculture and staying connected to on-farm production have been equally important to me. Being a farm kid and working in agriculture makes it real and meaningful. Our family farm is what built me, and it serves as the foundation to my career.

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

Regional Credit Officer in the Dover, DE office, serving Delmarva

I grew up on my grandparents’ dairy farm near Smyrna, DE and my father operated a grain and custom harvesting operation with his uncle and brother. After my grandparents sold the dairy cows in the early 2000s, they converted over to raising beef, and purchased a few registered Angus heifers so I could continue showing at the Delaware State Fair. My husband and I currently own a farmette where we raise registered pygmy goats and have a small hay crop.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

As my grandparent’s farm is small, it was never an option for another family member to be on the farm full time. Working off the farm, I have enjoyed being able to incorporate my passion into a career and to work for an Association that understands the farming lifestyle.

Growing up in production ag helps me understand and relate to the complexity of the industry. I’ve been lucky to have the support of my family and the opportunity to learn from the generations that have come before me. This perspective is what drives me forward to serve the agricultural community with learning and engagement experiences to help support the future of agriculture.

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

Mitch Freeman

Mary Bixler

What's your ag story?

Ag Relationship Manager in the Coudersport, PA office, serving Northern Pennsylvania

I am a second-generation maple syrup producer in Potter County, PA. We started making maple syrup in 2001 as a hobby. Twenty two years later, we’re still making syrup under the Freeman Family Farm brand.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

Having ag knowledge has allowed me to structure loans appropriately to match the cash flow of the operations, and at the same time, being able to identify risk mitigates. Being raised on a farm gave me an understanding of the businesses and lifestyle of our members.

Accounting Officer in the Lewisburg, PA office

My husband Andy and I farm in partnership with his mother. We manage three poultry broiler barns and 60 acres in Schuylkill County, PA. I also help out with my family’s farm in Dauphin County, PA, coordinating sales and marketing of our direct to consumer beef program and both farms’ financial records.

Aside from my career at Farm Credit and the maple syrup business, I also serve as a field artillery officer with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, recently returning from a deployment to Lithuania for Defender Europe 22. I appreciate Farm Credit’s flexibility with my military duties.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

As a young, beginning and small (YBS) farmer, it’s easy for me to relate to our YBS members. I can give them guidance as we both experience the victory and spoils of farming through the good and bad years.

I decided to pursue a career at Farm Credit because I knew my accounting skills would benefit farmers and allow me to keep working in agriculture, the industry I love.

Since I am farming too, I know what our customers are going through. I’m right there with them.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Jessica Harris

Jessica Clarke

What's your ag story?

Ag Relationship Manager in the Woodstock, VA office, serving the Shenandoah Valley

I grew up on my grandparent’s 150 acre farm in Jefferson, MD. My grandfather and uncle had a small dairy herd while I was young, and sold the cows in 1999. The farm was then used for hay production, which continues today. We kept a few cattle on the farm after the dairy herd was sold, which my brother and I showed at various fairs and events growing up. During college, I completed internships at a dairy farm in New York and with Land O’ Lakes.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

Crop Insurance Agent in the Denton, MD office, serving Delmarva

I grew up on a farm in Frederick County, MD where we raised Angus cattle and had quarter horses. I was heavily involved in 4-H, FFA, and the National Angus Association. I now reside on a 250 acre farm in Queenstown, MD with my boyfriend and my cows! Together we run an Angus Show Cattle Operation, have a feedlot operation, and sell freezer beef. I am still heavily involved in the National Angus Association and volunteer for Queen Anne’s County 4-H in the beef program and the livestock sale at the fair.

With a small family farm business, going back to the farm wasn’t a viable option. While studying Dairy Science at Virginia Tech, I became really interested in the financial aspect of farm businesses. I knew I wanted to work directly with farmers and stay involved in agriculture, so Farm Credit was the perfect fit for me.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

Mandy Landis

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

What's your ag story?

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

Growing up on a farm, I can relate to the experiences my customers have in terms of good years and bad years. I have seen firsthand the hardships farmers endure due to weather, loss of livestock, equipment breakdowns, financial challenges, and more. I feel I can celebrate my customers’ success alongside them in good years, and be a reliable support system in tough times.

Accountant in the Mechanicsburg, PA office

I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I married a farmer. My husband Scott initially worked for someone before renting a dairy farm, and we eventually bought the farm in 2011. Scott manages his Holstein herd with help from his three sons; Seth, Westin, and Owen. In 2021, Scott was recognized as Juniata County, PA Farmer of the Year.

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I chose to work off the farm for the simple fact that I enjoy using my ag knowledge, skills and relationships to help the farmers in our area. Luckily, working for Farm Credit allows for a fantastic work-life balance. I am able to have a full time job that I really enjoy, and still be able to help out on the farm.

With my experience in the row crop and beef industry, I can better serve my customers because I understand what it’s like when things get tough. I want to make sure that my customers have a strong risk management plan for their operation, because I know how important that is from a personal level. It helps me know the most important time of year to touch base with them and understand their way of thinking.

Living on a dairy farm, I like the work/life balance that Farm Credit provides. And hearing customers’ stories of successes and challenges, I realize we are not going through the farming journey alone.

Even though my Farm Credit role is more internal operations, I can relate to our customers because of our farm. I’m not the only one experiencing the dairy cycles. I understand the agricultural challenges that impact our customers and the cooperative.

Emily Snyder

Marvin Charles

What's your ag story?

Relationship Manager for Farm Credit EXPRESS in the Frederick, MD office

Although I did not grow up on a farm, I was very involved in the 4-H horse program as a kid. I purchased my first beef cattle in high school, and grew a retail beef business until several years after college. I added dairy cows to the herd, met and married a dairy farmer, and we now reside on his family’s working dairy with an on-farm ice cream shop.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

Ag Relationship Manager in the Mount Joy, PA office, serving Lancaster County

I grew up on a 100 acre centennial family farm in western Lancaster County, PA. We specialized in asparagus, strawberries, pumpkins, fall decorator items, and traditional row crops. After I married, I moved to my grandfather’s farm and my youngest brother and I grew butternut squash on contract with a processor from New York. I have since sold my share in that business to my brother when we moved off the farm and I became busier with pastoral work.

I love all the opportunities Farm Credit offers. I work with amazing professionals both internally and with our dealer partners, and appreciate the knowledge, perspective, and friendships I have gained. Working and traveling for Farm Credit have made me better in my role at the dairy farm and the creamery by giving me a different worldview.

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

Larry Labowski

Why did you choose to work for Farm Credit?

When people know you’re living a similar life and can truly understand both the joys and struggles they have, it goes a long way. Having an understanding of the equipment our dealerships are selling, or situations customers are in, and being able to put it in layman’s terms for some of our staff with no ag background is very helpful too!

Ag Relationship Manager in the Meadville, PA office, serving Western Pennsylvania

What's your ag story?

While helping my grape customers, I also cultivated my own interest in growing grapes. After placing a ‘financing available’ sign at a property near Lake Erie, I asked my dad to bid on that same property. The next day, I purchased the farm with four acres of Vignoles, a white wine grape. I currently farm 20 acres of Concord grapes and market them to a beverage company, and the Vignoles to a local wine producer.

I’ve always enjoyed economics, investing, and the financial markets. I believe I was called to use my ag experience and finance degree to serve my local community by providing financing solutions to farmers and agribusinesses.

I can relate to the lifestyle of a farmer. The different seasons, the stress of the weather, and the challenges of disease, weeds, labor, and marketing are all aspects of which I can identify. With your lender as a business partner, I believe it is crucial that we understand what it takes to make a farm successful.

With an Ag Business degree from Penn State and experience working with many of our local farmers in different capacities prior, I jumped at the opportunity when the local Farm Credit advertised for a new loan officer years ago.

How does your ag experience better serve our members in your role?

My experiences growing grapes help me better understand my customers. I know their feelings and what to expect as a Farm Credit customer myself, and I also receive the same materials and resources that my customers do!

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YOUNG, BEGINNING & SMALL FARMERS

FARMERS ON THE

RISE

COMING SOON! Are you a young, beginning, small, or minority (YBSM) farmer working hard to be outstanding in your field? Be on the lookout to apply for a Farmers on the Rise Award for the chance at a $10,000 prize! We were happy to award six farmers in 2021 through our inaugural program and are excited to bring it back again this year to Horizon Farm Credit. For more information and to apply this summer, visit FarmersOnTheRise.com.

10,000

Agriculture Education

FOR

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is accepting applications for Phase 2 of its Community Education program to support organizations within our 100 county footprint and Washington D.C. The program benefits agriculture education and provides funding for projects that make a positive impact in our area. Applications will be accepted now through October 20, 2022. To learn more and apply online, visit FCFoundationForAg.org.

14 LEADER Summer 2022

W hat's F resh

ummertime is here — and that means it’s grilling

season! One way to cook your favorite meats and veggies outside is on kabobs. Bite them off the skewer, or slide them onto a plate or over a salad to enjoy after grilling. Check out this simple kabob recipe below and find our region’s fresh, local ingredients in bold!

Photo by Andrew Bui curtesy Delish.com

Not sure where to purchase local produce? Visit the National Farmers Market Directory at nfmd.org.

CHICKEN BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER KABOBS Makes 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted 1/2 c. hot sauce 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1” pieces 1 head cauliflower, florets only 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces 1 large orange bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces 1 celery stalk, cut into 1” pieces Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Blue cheese dressing, for serving Bamboo skewers

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and hot sauce. Add chicken, cauliflower, celery and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss to coat. Thread the chicken, cauliflower, celery, and bell peppers onto the skewers. Reserve the hot sauce left in the bowl. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Transfer the kabobs to the grill and cook for 5 minutes, turning halfway. After the first 5 minutes, begin brushing the skewers with the buffalo mixture. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the cauliflower is tender and slightly charred. Transfer kabobs to a platter, drizzle with blue cheese dressing and serve.

Farm Credit | v1i1 LEADER 15

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

300 Winding Creek Blvd | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

UPDATE YOUR RECORDS As a result of the recent merger, the first eight digits of all Horizon Farm Credit members’ loan numbers have changed. Please reference your full loan number on your August billing statement and update this on any record or system this may affect (like a commercial bank for automatic payments). Give us a call at 888.339.3334 or reach out to your relationship manager if you have any questions.

BALTIMORE, MD PERMIT 1608