5 Tips to Stretch Your Grocery Dollars

Eating healthy and saving money are two important things to most of us, but they don’t always seem to go hand in hand.  We believe that planning ahead is the key to serving a nutritious meal and not emptying your wallet each trip to the grocery store.

Consider these tips to stretch your grocery dollars and eat healthier:

1. Know your food budget and shop with a list.
2. Plan nutritious meals and snacks to prepare at home.
3. Use nutrition facts labels to make informed food choices.
4. Reduce impulse purchases by not shopping when hungry.
5. Serve recommended portion sizes to save calories and money.

You probably have money saving and healthy eating tips that you use every day, in addition to our list, that help you stretch your food dollar.  Please, feel free to share them below in the comments section!

West Virginia is looking for big trees!

Do you want to see some of the state’s biggest trees?  There is no better time than now, while the weather is nice and before the leaves start falling off this autumn.  To make your expedition to the largest trees in the state of West Virginia easier, the state department of forestry has made a list of big trees that grow on public areas.  You can find that list here.

Or, maybe you think you have a big tree that others need to check out. If so, you can even enter your own into the register here.  Just be ready to submit the measurements of the tree’s circumference, total height, crown spread, and the location with your nomination.  Then, someone from the department of forestry will come to verify the tree before it is submitted to the registry.

Forestry is a significant part of our agriculture industry and should be recognized by all.  What do you think – would you visit the big trees or do you have one to submit? Comment and let us know!

Agriculture is More Than Food

When someone mentions the word “agriculture,” what is the first thing that comes to mind?  For some, it may be farming and food production.  And although a large portion of agriculture goes towards feeding the nation, that is not the only industry that agriculture contributes to.  Unfortunately, the other industries are often overlooked in terms of agriculture.

Products we use (not eat) everyday come from plant and animal byproducts produced by America’s farmers and ranchers.  Here are a few examples of these products being used in other industries, besides food:

• Manufacturing – adhesives, lubricants, solvents, detergents, polymers
• Construction – lumber, paints, brushes, tar paper, drywall, tool handles, particle board
• Health Care – pharmaceuticals, surgical sutures, ointments, latex gloves, x-ray film
• Personal Care Products – shampoo, soap, cosmetics, lotions, fingernail polish, toothpaste
• Transportation – biofuels including ethanol and biodiesel, lubricants, antifreeze, tires, upholstery, packing materials
• Sports – uniforms, baseball bats, leather equipment and balls, shoes
• Printing – paper, ink
• Education – crayons, textbooks, chalk, desks, pencils, paper
• Entertainment – strings for musical instruments

Did you know that agriculture contributed to all of these products within the listed industries?  As agriculturalists, it’s important for us to inform the public that agriculture is important for our food supply, and the functionality of our careers and everyday lives.

Could you use an extra $250?

We’ll ask you again (as if we don’t already know the answer), but could you use an extra $250?  If so, enter your best ag-related photo from your local fair in our photo contest on Facebook.

So what kind of photos are we looking for?  Anything that represents agriculture taken at a fair – shots of your kids winning their first blue ribbon, in the petting zoo, checking out the equipment, and more!  Your creativity could land you the grand prize.

But, you’ll need to hurry because the deadline to enter is September 30, 2012 and then we’ll open up the polls for public voting.  We can’t wait to see your favorite fair memories – Good luck!

Back to School (Already?)!

It’s that time of the year again…

The school buses are loaded with children dreaming of the next summer vacation, teachers are back in action, and the supply shelves at Wal-Mart are wiped clean.  It’s truly the meaning that summer is over. L

Here is a funny “back to school” joke – Nathan came home from his first day of school and his mother asked, “What did you learn today?” He replied, “Not enough. I have to go back tomorrow.”

As your children are back to hitting the books, what will you be doing – relaxing or taking on your role as a “taxi driver” again?  Comment below and let us know.  And we wish you and your children a fantastic school year!

MidAtlantic Farm Credit Reports Second Quarter Financial Results

Westminster, MD - August 16, 2012

MidAtlantic Farm Credit, a members-owned cooperative and a lending institution of the nation-wide Farm Credit System, recently announced financial results for the second quarter of 2012.

Net income for the second quarter and first half of 2012 was $15.8 million and $26.5 million, compared with $10.3 million and $21.1 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. Average loan volume for the first half was $2.185 billion, compared to $2.301 billion for the same period in 2011.

"While it's always tempting to want more growth," says Bob Frazee, CEO of MidAtlantic Farm Credit, "we are proud of the fact that farmers are doing well in our region and that they are able to pay down their debt. We know that farming is cyclical, and it is a good sign that our borrowers are taking advantage of the trend of higher commodity prices, and preparing for the next down cycle."

Members have been cautious about incurring more debt in MidAtlantic’s five-state territory; the lender’s portfolio has been showing a positive trend in credit quality. Nonaccrual loans decreased to $62.3 million at June 30, 2012, compared to $69.6 million at December 31, 2011 and $95.9 million at June 30, 2011. The Association’s nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans also decreased to 2.89 percent at the end of the quarter, compared to 3.21 percent at the end of 2011.

During the second quarter of 2012, the Association recorded a provision for loan losses of $1.75 million, compared to $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2011. For the first half of 2012, the provision for loan losses with was $3.5 million, compared to $6.0 million in the first half of 2011.

MidAtlantic’s capital ratios remain well in excess of regulatory minimums. At June 30, 2012, shareholder’s equity totaled $440.2 million, and the permanent capital ratio was 17.64 percent, compared with the 7.00 percent minimum mandated by the Farm Credit Administration (FCA).

Results for the second quarter of 2012 included a $3.8 million distribution from the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation, which insures the System’s debt obligations.

10 Tasty Tomato Recipes

So summer is almost over and you still have a ton of tomatoes left over from your garden?  If you’re tired of canning, making sauce, and eating tomato sandwiches, try out these recipes.  Here are 10 recipes using tomatoes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds!  Click here for the recipes.

Are you a “buzzy” bee?

Attention beekeepers – here is something that won’t “sting” your wallet!

Beginning January 1, 2013 registered beekeepers in Virginia are eligible to apply for the Beehive Grant Program.  The program allows for a $200 grant for each new hive purchased or materials and supplies purchased to construct a new hive. Just keep in mind, the law limits the grant to $2,400 per individual per calendar year.

This is a great opportunity for those of you who make “sweet honey” and need some extra money to help you out.  To learn more or apply for the grant yourself, visit the official website.  And happy beekeeping, to you! Buzzzz….

Here’s What Drought Does to Your Garden

We all know that high temperatures and drought can do some serious damage to our vegetable gardens, and this summers’ weather is no exception.  Here are some effects you may observe on your vegetables:

Tomatoes: They may become sunburnt in high temperatures and humidity which causes the bottom end to rot because the fruit expands too rapidly for the plant to evenly distribute calcium for growth. (Uneven watering causes this, as well.)

Squash: High temperatures cause the flower to close quickly, so unless bees pollinate the plant early in the morning, the flowers will fall of the plant.

Peppers: High temperatures stop fruit production all together on peppers and it decreases the leaf area.

Cucumbers: Heat and drought cause excess bitterness.

Green Beans: Beans have shallow root systems, so without water the bean plants will not produce fruit.

Sweet Corn: Corn is one of the most heat-tolerant vegetables, but the main concern for you should be to maintain water supply to the roots to ensure the ears develop fully.

So what can you do to save your garden in high temperatures and droughts? You can use a shade cloth, or even a light mist to cool the plants during the hot hours of the day.  But always, as suggested, drip systems work best to water your plants, avoid plant diseases, and conserve water.  Happy gardening!

You Can Add “Shredlage” to Your Dictionary

Every year Webster’s dictionary adds new words to its voluminous Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.  Last year, “tweet” and “bromance” we’re added to the coveted collection of words.

In the dairy world, “shredlage” is a word that has only entered our farm vocabulary in the past few months and has already been trademarked. Shredlage describes a new kind of corn silage produced when corn is harvested with a modified chopper.  The modification replaces a now standard kernel processor with what might be best termed a shredder processor.

This may not be a brand new idea, but the usage and relevance has become more pertinent in the past few years.  Researchers at Perdue University found that shredding corn required 40 percent less energy to harvest than chopping.

This technology is not yet available to the average dairyman, but the kinks are being worked out.

So, what are your thoughts on shredlage? Comment below and let us know.  You can learn more at shredlage.com or by following @VTDairy (Virginia Tech’s Dairy Science Dept.) on Twitter.  

“Nursing” Medicinal Herbs to Health

Chris Himmel and Henriette den Ouden found themselves farming and business partners in the non-traditional way.  Chris and Henriette met as graduate students attending Tai Sophia in Laurel, MD – a school offering master’s degrees in a variety of alternative medicine approaches to health and wellness.  Chris studied applied healing arts and Henriette became a medicinal herbalist.

Mid-life they decided to work together to harness the healing power of nature and share that with others.  For quality control, they decided to grow the herbs they would use in the practice.  Despite the challenges they faced, they now have a healing and wellness practice complete with an herbal “pharmacy” of which they grow in their backyard in Tyaskin, MD.

In December 2005, they moved to the former Dolby Farm near Whitehaven and incorporated their new herb farm enterprise, Habenera Farm LLC, by midyear 2006.

Much of their time is used discovering what will grow and thrive in the area, instead of forcing herbs that are not suited for the climate and soil.  Currently, they grow 30 varieties of medicinal plants and have a retreat center and an antioxidant orchard.

The two women make herbal tea, take their crops to farmers market and overall enjoy “nursing” medicinal herbs to health and growth potential.

Calling All Beginning Farmers in Maryland

U.S. Senators from Maryland, Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski have announced that the University of Maryland College Park has been awarded an $845,850 grant through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for their Maryland Collaborative for Beginning Farmer Success program.

So what does this mean for you?  As beginning farmers, there is now even more help for you to learn about and establish successful farms.  The Maryland Collaborative program has four objectives set to reach their goal of preparing beginning farmers just like you for a successful agricultural career.

1. UMD Extension educators will develop a curriculum for new farmers to encourage and enhance their interest and comprehension of the field.
2. The program will offer workshops that bridge the gap between exploring the career to on-farm apprenticeships and mentorship.  It aims to increase the practical knowledge and skills of beginning farmers so they can make informed decision about what types of farming is practical for their resources, abilities and location.
3. To expand upon an existing new farmer training program managed by Future Harvest – a Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, to provide practical, hands-on training for beginning farmers who will work on farms.
4. To ensure long-term success through continued support.

Mikulski says, “Maryland’s number one industry is agriculture.  This grant invests in our students by giving them the tools necessary to succeed in the field.”  So, calling all beginning farmers in Maryland…be sure to take advantage of this grant money and learning experience.

Better Check for Aflatoxins in Your Corn

You already know how dangerous aflatoxins can be to your corn, so it is always important to keep a keen eye out for them appearing.  Aflatoxins are a group of chemicals produced by a certain mold fungi which appears as a yellow-green or gray-green color on corn kernels, either in the field or in storage.

So, why should you be concerned about them now?  The prime conditions for the fungus to produce are during warm August nights during a drought…and well, those conditions describe our Mid-Atlantic area right now!

The best way to check your corn for aflatoxins is to make a composite sample consisting of subsamples from every load or bin of corn and test periodically.

And what should you do if you find aflatoxins?  If you suspect this fungus, call your local Farm Credit crop insurance agent immediately.  To ensure coverage, samples must be taken before the grain goes into the bin or any other storage facility.  We can be reached at 888-339-3334 or on mafc.com.

Think Before You Swipe

We all know it’s important to think before you speak, but what about before you swipe (your credit card, that is!)?  We also can probably all agree that credit cards have their distinct pros and cons.

Credit cards are a great way to build your credit score (which lenders consider in terms of financing) as long as they are managed responsibly.  But, because credit cards are simple to obtain and use, it is easy not to even think of credit card balances as debt.  A good rule to stick with is if you can’t pay for it in cash today, don’t put it on your credit card!  And most importantly, pay off your balance each month to avoid increasing debt and high interest rates.

Here are a few interesting facts about credit card usage:

• In 2011, the United States’ household debt was $793.1 billion – 98% was credit card usage
• 2/3 of Americans have credit cards
• 54% of Americans pay off their credit card balance each month
• The average American has 4 credit cards
• The average credit card interest rate is approximately 19%

It is easy to see how credit cards can be a positive or negative factor when it comes to managing your finances, but just remember to “think before you swipe.”

We’re Here in Good and Bad Times

As a part of the agricultural community, we know how tough farming can be at times.  With the current drought among us, together we are facing the struggles.  Over the course of the summer, more than half of the country has been under moderate to extreme drought – the largest are of the US affected by such dryness in nearly 60 years.  Nearly 1,300 counties in 29 states have been declared federal disaster areas.  Click here to see the map showing areas under moderate to extreme drought during the summers from 1896 to 2012.

There isn’t a whole lot to say…but if you are being affected, please know that we are here for you and on your side, in good times and bad.

“Around the Farm” Olympics!

So, this is obviously just for fun, but since the Olympics are now in full swing this summer…we want to pick your brain!  Olympic athletes train hard for years in order to perfect every move, strengthen every muscle, and hopefully capture gold.  Like Olympians, we farmers work hard in the barn and fields to perfect our crop, livestock, and “capture gold” with a successful harvest or sale.

If you were to host “Around the Farm” Olympics, what would you include?  Here are a few of our ideas:

• Soybean spitting
• Horseback riding
• Livestock showmanship
• Tractor driving
• Hay bale toss

What ideas do you have?  Come on and comment your Olympic game ideas and we’ll be “golden!”

Do you want to get out and about?

It’s the end of the summer and of course, fair season is in full swing.  Most likely you have already indulged yourself in cotton candy, French fries, ferris wheel rides, and blue ribbons…but over the next few weeks there is still more to come!

For family fun (or a one night escape from the kiddos), check out our events calendar for local fairs in your area!

And while you’re there…don’t forget to snap an ag-related photo for our Facebook fair photo contest.  You could be the grand prize winner of $250! (Now, that would buy a lot of cotton candy…)  You can also check out the other entries here.

So, get out and about – go to a local fair and enter our Facebook photo contest!

SERIES: The Experts in Our Field ft. Crop Insurance

Choose MAFC for Your Crop Insurance Needs, Part 2

By: Kelly Bailey, crop insurance specialist

Happy Friday, and welcome to our last crop insurance department tribute.  I told you there were more reasons for why we’re your best choice for crop insurance.  So, here you go:

1. We are committed to learning.  We take the time to attend different agriculture and insurance related seminars, trainings, and events multiple times per year to expand our knowledge and better serve you. Crop insurance is an industry of change, and we work hard to make sure that we stay up to date with the industry.
2. We have a service oriented attitude – from figuring out production totals to filing claims, we work with our customers to ensure they receive exceptional service from our agents. Since crop insurance can be used as a tool to increase borrowing potential, what better place to work with an agent that has your loan officer in house? All of your needs can be met in the same place.
3. And we’re growing (and will continue to if that means better service to you). We mentioned earlier this week that our services have expanded to cover our entire territory by hiring new employees.  Do you have any other suggestions for us?

All in all, you put everything you have into your business, so why not let the best of the industry take care of your crop insurance needs?  We’re here to help you make the best of your growing seasons – in good times and bad.  So, choose Farm Credit and our team of experts to help you plan for success.  If you have any questions, tweet me @KellyBailey1103 or give us a call at 888-339-3334.

SERIES: The Experts in Our Field ft. Crop Insurance

Choose MAFC for Your Crop Insurance Needs, Part 1

By: Kelly Bailey, crop insurance specialist

Hello, again!  I knew you would come back today to learn about why you should partner with MAFC for your crop insurance needs.  Since selecting your crop insurance agent is an important business decision that could impact your operation for years to come, you want to select someone who knows the industry and can keep up with the changes in the program that could impact your coverage.  We can do just that! Here are a few reasons why we are the experts in our field:

1. Our crop insurance department has been meeting farmer’s needs for over 25 years. How? We make sure your acreage and production reports are completed accurately and on time.  Also, we help our customers determine the best coverage for their individual needs.
2. Our agents have agricultural backgrounds, so they understand your concerns.  Teresa, Jordan, Jason, Kathi and I all grew up on farms varying to and from dairy, orchard, grain, and cattle operations.
3. We only sell crop insurance. This means we can devote as much time as necessary to keep up with industry changes, and make sure that our clients’ needs are met.
4. We work with those in our community: The agents at MAFC strive to establish relationships with the local FSA offices, Farm Bureaus, and Extension offices. We believe that by working together, we can help serve our customers more efficiently and provide exceptional service.

Still need more proof that we are the best crop of experts in our field?  Stop by tomorrow as we wrap up our mini-series on the crop insurance department and tell you more about how we’re working to serve you.  If you have any questions, tweet me @KellyBailey1103.

SERIES: The Experts in Our Field ft. Crop Insurance

Here’s All You Need to Know (about crop insurance, that is!)

By: Kelly Bailey, crop insurance specialist

So, you want to know what crop insurance is, why you need it, or how it came to be?  Let me share my thoughts with you.

The Federal Crop Insurance Program was first established in 1938, but due to the Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994 which increased the demand for program participation, it became necessary for farmers to rely on private insurance companies for their crop insurance needs.  And we figured, who better to fill that need than an ag expert like Farm Credit?

Crop insurance is part of the Farm Bill (which is an agriculture hot topic right now) and as those programs, policies, and procedures change, crop insurance changes with it.  We lobby to make sure the changes don’t decrease your coverage when faced with crop loss.

Last year, there were 264 million acres of farmland protected through crop insurance. But, I bet you’re really wondering how such a large program impacts the local agricultural industry, right?  Well, in Maryland alone there were just over 900,000 acres of farmland insured and over $26 million was paid to the farmers in indemnities for both production and/or revenue losses. In Delaware, crop insurance protected $145 million of liability, with $8.8 million being paid to farmers for indemnities.

• So, you want to know why you need crop insurance and how it can benefit you? Consider this:
• Crop insurance makes sure you don’t suffer losses due to price or natural disaster.
• The programs are customizable to meet your individual needs and help protect you against revenue or production losses.
• Crop insurance can help with your marketing plans when it comes to settling forward contracts.
• Producers receive indemnities in a timely manner.
• Loan collateral – helps you increase your borrowing capacity. 

I think I’ve told you all you need to know (to get started), but do you want to know more? Visit farmcreditcropinsurance.com or tweet me @KellyBailey1103.  See you tomorrow to discuss why you should choose MAFC for your crop insurance needs.