SERIES: The Experts in Our Field ft. Crop Insurance

Meet the Experts, Part 2

At Farm Credit, we realize the risks you face each day and are here to help.  That’s why we’re expanding our crop insurance department to cover all of our territory.  We’ve also brought a couple new faces on board to help us serve you better.  So, without further a due, say “hello” to our crop insurance sales representatives:

Steve Grant.  Steve has been at Farm Credit for 35 years where he sells and services crop insurance in the Valley and Virginia territory.  He likes that insurance is reliable when the unfortunates of crop loss does happen.  Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking.

Jason Wisecarver.  Jason has worked for Farm Credit for 5 years.  Recently, he joined the department to sell and service crop insurance to the MidMD and Valley regions.  He loves giving farmers a little peace of mind, in good times and bad.  In his spare time, he likes to hunt, fish, and farm with his family.

Jordan Risser.  Jordan is new to Farm Credit and will be servicing and selling crop insurance in the Penn region.  He is really excited to get out there and help farmers manage their risks.  Outside of work, he enjoys farming, hunting, camping, and vacationing.

Now that you’ve met our whole department, tomorrow Kelly Bailey will be discussing the basics of crop insurance and why it is crucial for your farming operation.

SERIES: The Experts in Our Field ft. Crop Insurance

Meet the Experts, Part 1

You know the old saying – if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  And as farmers, you know nothing could be truer when it comes to your farming operation.  Risk management is a factor that all farmers face, but crop insurance could be your golden answer.  Let us introduce you to our crop insurance department:

                                    

Tom Truitt, senior vice president of Valley region and crop insurance department.  Tom has been here for 19 years and likes taking on new challenges and capitalizing on opportunities.  At home, you can find him running, travelling, or spending time with his family.

Kathi Levan, our crop insurance manager.  Kathi has worked at Farm Credit for 12 years and is responsible for supervising and managing the department members.  She believes in forming relationships with customers to become trusted partners.  In her spare time, she enjoys quilting and reading.

Teresa Gleockler, crop insurance specialist.  Teresa has been servicing current crop insurance customers for 5 years.  She loves working with farmers to help them understand the workings of their policies.  Outside of work, you can find her spending time with her daughters.

Kelly Bailey, crop insurance specialist.  Alongside Teresa, she has been servicing current crop insurance customers for 1.5 years.  She thinks it’s a great feeling to help customers with risk management.  In her spare time, she likes to travel and spend time with her family.

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow to meet our crop insurance sales representatives.

Want to Become the Face of Farming?

Do you think you have what it takes to become the face of farming? When it comes to today’s agriculture, there are many examples of great farmers who bring food to the table for those around the world.  But unfortunately, few of those farmers are recognized by consumers, mainstream media, and influencers.  In fact, pictures and perceptions of farmers and their lives often don’t match reality – and U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance wants to change that.

The USFRA is looking for “faces of farming” to help put a real face on agriculture to the public.  The farmers selected will be featured in various national media, influencer, and public-facing opportunities.

The goal is to bring farmers and consumers together to answer people’s questions about how their food is grown and raised.

Selected winners will have opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences, plus they’ll receive:

• A $10,000 stipend to limit the burden on time away from the farm (no more than 30 days in 2013)
• A $5,000 charitable donation to the local or ag-related charity of their choice
• Professional media and speaker training

So, we’ll ask again…do you have what it takes to be the face of farming?  We bet you do.  Hurry up and apply at fooddialogues.com.

Have a Bite of the World’s Largest Crab Cake

Most of us could agree that nothing beats a fresh Maryland crab cake (speaking of, is it lunch time yet…now, we’re hungry)!  But if you want a piece of history, literally, head out to the Maryland State Fair on Saturday, September 1^st for a crab cake sandwich made from hopes of breaking another Guinness World Record.

Handy International is a 100+ year old Maryland seafood processor who currently holds the title for world’s largest crab cake.  They first set the record in 2006 and then broke that record in 2009 with a 253-pound crab cake.  This year they will attempt to break their record again!

The crab cake has to be cooked in a specially-built pan that weighs almost as much as the ingredients themselves.  It will take about 10 hours to cook being flipped every 15-20 minutes by 4 men for even cooking.

“Everyone is excited to see how many sandwiches the colossal crab cake yields” said Andy Cashman of the Maryland State Fair. Handy International’s goal is to serve more than 700 sandwiches served from the 2009’s crab cake.  Proceeds from the sales will benefit the Maryland 4-H Foundation.

So, be sure to stop by the Maryland State Fair and get a taste of the world’s largest crab cake. Let us know how it tastes, but in the meantime – we’re too hungry to keep writing…it’s lunchtime!

Cool (and yummy) Summer Recipes

With the extreme heat lately taking a toll on our outdoors activities, crops, and air conditioning bill, we find it fitting to provide you with 10 “cool” summer recipes.  From the creamy cucumber spread to the snickers salad, you’ll be sure to find something delicious to cool you down from the heat and fill your snacking desire.

You can find the recipes here.

We’re partial to trying the watermelon ice, but be sure to let us know your favorite and how it turned out!

Happy 96th Birthday, Farm Credit!

Yes, you heard it right – Farm Credit has officially turned the big 9-6!  That’s a whole lot of candles to blow out.  Last week, 96 years ago, on July 17, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson signed the Farm Loan Act.

During the signing ceremony, President Wilson said, “I am very glad to have a modest part in the piece of legislation.  It is high time that something was done to provide additional financial assistance for the farmer. Our existing banking machinery, while helpful to the farmer as to all other citizens, because it has secured and assured safe banking and provided a national currency and credit, has been adapted primarily to the needs of the manufacturer and merchant. Their turnover is rapid, their assets are liquid. There has been a gap. There has been need of an agency, under understanding management, reaching out intimately and to the rural district, and operating on terms suited to the farmers’ needs. The farmer is the servant of the seasons. The gap has now been filled.”

Thanks to President Wilson, those in the photograph above (Senator Duncan Fletcher, Herbert Myrick, and David Lubin) and many others who worked hard on this legislation to make Farm Credit possible.

Happy Birthday, Farm Credit and cheers to many more years of lending support to rural America.

Vote for Your Favorites Farmers’ Market!

Everyone loves a little friendly competition, right? Well, if you think you own (or shop from) the best farmers’ market in the country, make sure to submit your vote! The American Farmland Trust has kicked off its 4^th annual America’s Favorite Farmers’ Markets contest at votemyfarmersmarket.org.

Shoppers can vote – only once – through Sept. 3 for as many participating markets as they choose.

The 2012 contest has expanded to include all 7,175 markets listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Farmers’ Market Directory. The grand prize, a $1,000 Farmers’ Market Inspiration Award, sponsored by the Farmers’ Market Coalition, will be presented to the farmer who shows the greatest dedication to his or her market.

Last year, Virginia had more winning markets than any other state, with nine ranked in the top 20 and four in the top 5, in their respective size categories.

So, go ahead and vote for your favorite market!  And while you’re at it, leave us a comment of who you voted for!

Prepare Yourself and Your Farm for Hurricane Season

The Mid-Atlantic region has been pretty lucky the last few years by being spared serious problems as a result of hurricanes, but this year that could change!  The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration expects as many as 18 named storms (in which 10 could strengthen to hurricanes and 3-6 to major hurricanes) in our area this year.

So what should you do if a hurricane or major storm is headed towards your home and farm?  Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Check your back-up generator and have adequate fuel, filters, and spare parts on hand for several days of operations.
2. Plan your propane and gas delivery for an earlier time that normal.
3. Check your feed inventory and purchase extra ahead of time.
4. Keep your farm and house lanes and driveways clear of debris and roadblocks.
5. Secure all outside objects.
6. Keep cell phones fully charged.
7. Keep drain ditches free of debris to move flooding away from home and barns.
8. Make sure your equipment is fully fueled.
9. Put all important documents in waterproof containers.
10. Keep cash on hand and a list of important contacts.

This is definitely just a starting point for what to do for your home or farm if a hurricane is headed your way, so if you have more to add, feel free!  Keep safe this season, readers.

Just Released: West Virginia’s Crop Acreage Reports

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has released acreage reports based on the results of their recently completed agriculture survey.  The results show that:

• Winter wheat – In 2011, 10,000 acres were planted and 6,000 acres were harvested. In 2012, 8,000 acres were planted and the projected harvest is 4,000 acres.
• Corn – In 2011, 48,000 acres were planted and 31,000 acres were harvested.  In 2012, an estimated 52,000 acres were planted and the projected harvest is 37,000 acres.
• Soybeans – The acreage planted and projected to harvest is the same for 2012 as in 2011 at 20,000 acres planted and 19,000 acres harvested.
• Hay – Overall, it is expected that farmer’s will harvest 645,000 acres in 2012, compared to 640,000 in 2011.

Are you a grower in West Virginia?  How do these acreage projections compare to your farm? Tell us!

Right Now, It’s All About Sweet Corn!

TRIVIA: Which of the following fresh vegetable crops ranked highest in economic value in 2011 in Pennsylvania?

A. Sweet Corn
B. Potatoes
C. Pumpkins
D. Tomatoes

Be sure to put your guess in the comments section below before reading any further…

Okay, so the answer is A, sweet corn.  Did you get the answer correct?  Well, in 2011, Pennsylvania farmers harvested 13,000 acres of sweet corn that had a total estimated work of $30.5 million.  As sweet corn is coming into season all over the region, including Pennsylvania, this month, here are a few quick tips for selecting the best sweet corn at your local farmers’ market:

1. Look for fresh green husks and ears that are filled all the way to the tip.
2. The tassels should be light brown and sticky to touch.
3. Kernels should be tender, full, and firm enough to puncture under the slightest pressure.
4. Refrigerate immediately to preserve the corn’s sugar content and flavor. (It can stay fresh up to 5 days if sealed tightly!)

Do you have any tips of your own for picking or preserving your fresh sweet corn? Share them below!

Here’s To The Last Few Decades, and Many More!

It’s once again time to congratulate our employees who are celebrating service anniversaries this month.  We love that our employees love their jobs so much that they decide to stick around for a few decades.  Here’s a tip of the hat to:

Kenny Bounds, DMV senior vice president located in our Georgetown, DE office – 35 years

Jay Shannon, loan officer located in our Lancaster, PA office – 30 years

As crucial parts of our loan staff, we are glad that Kenny and Jay have decided to stick around for so long.  Congratulations, gentlemen!  Here’s to the last few decades at Farm Credit, and many more!

Get On The Bus, Let’s Go to Ag Progress!

 That’s right…our annual bus trip to Ag Progress Days at Penn State is back again.  Everyone is welcome, so come join us this year – there is something for everyone including machinery, demonstrations, tours, exhibits, shows, food, and more!

We’ll be loading up the buses on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 from these locations:

• Centre at Salisbury, Salisbury, MD at 5 a.m.
• Rt. 50 & 404 Park & Ride, Wye Mills, MD at 6:15 a.m.
• MidAtlantic Farm Credit office, Winchester, VA at 6 a.m., and
• MidAtlantic Farm Credit office, Martinsburg, WV at 6:30 a.m.

The cost to you is only $20 per person and includes morning snacks, bus fare, and dinner.  But, you will be on your own for lunch at Ag Progress.

Just register online by clicking here and then mail your $20 registration fee to:  MidAtlantic Farm Credit, 379 Deep Shore Road; Denton, MD 21629.

Don’t miss out on this fun adventure!  So, register today because seating is limited.  Also, comment below and let us know if you’re going.  What are you waiting for?

Have You Seen “The Maryland Harvest?”

In a culture that is increasingly separated from its agricultural roots, all most Americans know about their food is that it comes from the grocery store.  Pretty disturbing, huh?  Fortunately, the rise of the “Eat Local” movement is helping people all across the country reconnect with the foods they eat and the farmers who grow or raise those foods.

So, we ask again, “Have you seen The Maryland Harvest?”  This is a new hour-long documentary that aired on Maryland Public Television highlighting the partnership between local farmers and chefs, giving the viewers a chance to get to know the farmers who supply the bounty of produce, meat, and seafood they devour.  You may know the host, Al Spoler, as a co-host of “Cellar Notes” radio program and a former MPT director.

The documentary includes interviews with over forty Maryland farmers and eight local chefs who work with them.  This documentary is important for educating the public about how important farming and the farmers are to having nutritious products on our dinner tables.

Tell us – What do you think? How can we educate the public about the importance of farming? And most importantly, have you seen The Maryland Harvest? To read more, check out page 4 of our Farm Credit Leader magazine.

It’s Fair Season (Already?)!

The aroma of popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs fill the air.  You hear children laughing and cows ‘mooing’.  Your feet are aching from walking all day and you are ready to sit down and enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel.  Does that sound about right – like your last trip to your local fair?

Well, in case you are ready to get back out there and enjoy the cool summer nights, there are tons of fairs going on in your area in the next couple weeks!  Whether it’s the first time you’ll attend, or a continued family tradition, be sure to check these out:

• July 11-14: Talbot Co. Fair, Easton, MD
• July 12-15: Baltimore Co. 4-H Fair, Timonium, MD
• July 19-28: Delaware State Fair, Harrington, DE
• July 20-28: Cecil Co. Fair, Childs, MD
• July 21-28: Washington Co. Ag Expo & Fair, Boonsboro, MD

If you do attend, be sure to snap an ag-related photo and enter it in our fair photo contest on Facebook - you could win up to $250!  You can scan the QR code to be directed to the official contest page.

To find out what other fairs are occurring in your area this summer, check out our Calendar of Events.

These Local Students are Iowa Bound

As the average age of a farmer increases and less young adults are entering the production agriculture field, how will we produce enough food for the future?  That seems to be the urging question lately, for sure.  The National FFA Organization thinks they have a way to excite and educate young adults on the importance of returning to the farm.

The 2012 New Century Farmer conference will be held July 8 – 13^th in Des Moines, Iowa.  The goal of the conference is to help participants develop their careers in production agriculture by providing them with an opportunity to advance their entrepreneurial leadership, practical knowledge, visioning, global perspective and continuous personal growth.

During the five day conference, participants attend a series of workshops and sessions discussing topics ranging from the global marketplace to farm financing, consumer trends and managing risk.  Participants also have the opportunity to network with industry experts and take part in field and operation tours.

The program is highly competitive and accepts 50 participants nationwide.  We are proud that three of the participants are from the Mid-Atlantic region – Richard Kitchen and Joy Powers from Virginia, and Jacqueline Keenan from Delaware. 

We all know that in today’s global economy, farming is an exciting, fast-paced, and highly technical career.  And who better to take on the challenge then young, educated adults? Congratulations Richard, Joy, and Jacqueline!

Storm Damage? Help is Available!

Was your farm affected by the devastating storms last week? The numbers from the damage are just starting to trickle in, but many farmers throughout the Mid-Atlantic area have experienced crop damage, loss of power and animal fatality. For those affected, Commissioner Matt Lohr from Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services suggests talking to your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) for help.

For contract livestock growers, an Operating Loan from FSA is one option available. “Eligible applicants may obtain direct loans for up to a maximum indebtedness of $300,000 and guaranteed loans for up to a maximum indebtedness of $1,214,000 (amount adjusted annually for inflation),”reports Lohr in an email this week to Virginia agricultural officials. Repayment terms may vary, but is usually between 12 months and seven years.

Other commodity groups may also be eligible for the FSA Emergency loans. These loans have a maximum amount of $500,000 and are available for up to 30 years, depending on the damage types and uses.

For both of these loans, and any federal assistance programs, the key is accurate records. It is important during this time to record exact amounts of losses and mortality records. Lohr writes, “In the event that the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) is included in the upcoming Farm Bill, accurate records during this time are essential for farmers to be compensated.”

For more complete information, be sure to contact your local FSA office or their website at www.fsa.usda.gov.

A Friendly Voice to Agriculture

Jeff Ishee may not have childhood stories of working on the farm to tell his audience, but he does have a passion for agriculture and a unique way of sharing it.

Jeff began working with agriculture after contacting the Augusta County Extension Service in 1995.  Then, he started a four acre market garden and sold produce at local farmers’ markets.  From there, Jeff’s career blossomed to the realm of agriculture communications.

If you live near the Shenandoah Valley, you may recognize Jeff as the voice on WSVA radio, the host of “Virginia Farming” on WVPT television and RFD-TV, the founder of “On the Farm”, or as a weekly gardening journalist for the Staunton News Leader.

Today, Jeff has retired from his posts on local and national radio and television shows, but still remains involved in the agriculture industry.  He is currently the general manager of the Rockingham Country Fair Association and occasionally does radio and newspaper segments.

With his vast involvement in agriculture communications, you may be surprised to find that Jeff didn’t grow up on a farm and wasn’t a member of the 4-H or FFA.  But, despite the lack of agriculture in his background, Jeff learned the importance of the industry and still continues to tell agriculture’s story.  To read more about Jeff, check out page 10 of our Farm Credit Leader magazine!

Teamwork Leads to Penn State’s New Aquaponics Lab

There is something to be said about teamwork!  Foster, a junior Horticulture major with a minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Science has teamed up with greenhouse manager, DiLoreto to develop the first aquaponics system at Penn State.

"She expressed an interest in working with aquaponics from the very beginning,” DiLoreto said.  "She was pretty serious about it. You could tell she had read a lot and had really thought it out. It's uncommon to find someone who is that motivated."

In case you aren’t familiar with aquaponics, here is a quick overview:

Aquaponics is an integrated fish-culture and plant-propagation system that relies on a symbiotic relationship between fish and plants. Fish, such as tilapia -- grown for human consumption -- are cultured in tanks.  Those tanks are connected to a hydroponic plant-growing area. The tank water, which becomes rich in fish wastes as the fish grow, flows to the hydroponics system, where the plants take up and utilize the nutrients in the waste to grow.  The fish wastes, especially the nitrogen component, are toxic to fish, so the plants perform a service to the fish by purifying the water. The clean water is then pumped back to the fish tanks -- and the cycle continues.  Aquaponics differs from hydroponics in that it relies on the natural nutrients in fish waste, rather than added nutrient salts.

"Aquaponics is the coupling of two biological systems," DiLoreto explained. "The plants feed off the fish and the fish purify the water for the plants -- so at the end you have two products, fish and plants. It's a much more natural process."

Current plans for the Penn State aquaponics system include using two 300-gallon tanks to grow tilapia, and a large hydroponics area where basil, lettuce, mustard greens and micro-greens will be grown.

Teamwork really can lead to great outcomes – Way to go, Foster and DiLoreto! We think their plan is pretty awesome, what do you think?

It’s Time to Celebrate the 4th of July!

With the 4^th of July quickly approaching, it’s time to take a moment to be thankful for our freedom and all the blessings we as American citizens have.  Since that day in 1776, Americans have established customs and traditions to celebrate our independence – fireworks, parades, barbeques, festivals, and political speeches, just to name a few.

As you are gearing up for your celebration with family and friends, check out our Let’s Celebrate board on Pinterest for great recipes, crafts, decorations, and photos that will help you showcase your American pride.

Feel free to follow our boards, “repin” our favorite pins, or leave us a comment about how you’re celebrating the 4^th of July this year with your family and friends.  But all in all…Happy 236^th birthday, America!