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?