Summer - AgSouth Farm Credit
Transcription
Summer - AgSouth Farm Credit
Financing Rural America Summer 2010 | $2.95 www.agsouthfc.com www.ikeepitrural.com “Leasing makes it easier to manage my cash flow.” – Lane Wade AgSouth’s Out in the Country is published three times a year for stockholders and friends of AgSouth. President William P. Spigener, Jr. Board of directors Chairman: A. Harvey Lemmon, Woodbury, Ga. Vice Chairman: Arthur Q. Black, York, S.C. Gary L. Alexander, Westminster, S.C. Harry S. Bell, Ward, S.C. James C. Carter, Jr., McDonough, Ga. Thomas H. Coward, Aiken, S.C. Loy D. Cowart, Twin City, Ga. Lee H. DeLoach, Statesboro, Ga. Diane H. Edwins, Ridgeville, S.C. Eugene W. Merrit, Jr., Easley, S.C. Jimmy B. Metts, Pearson, Ga. Jerome G. Parker, Reidsville, Ga. Charles C. Rucks, Brooks, Ga. Raymond L. Tumbleston, Meggett, S.C. Hugh E. Weathers, Bowman, S.C. John R. Wells, Carrollton, Ga. David H. Womack, Claxton, Ga. EDITOR Rhonda Uzzolino Leasing— the Easiest Way to Add to Your Profit Margin Need new equipment or farm building? LEASE IT ! CALL FOR DETAILS. Co-Editors Miriam Pflug Christy Smith Publisher AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Publishing director Donna Camacho Design TEAM Athina Eargle, Darren Hill, Amanda Simpson, Travis Taylor Circulation Kathi DeFlorio Address changes, questions, comments or requests for copies of financial reports should be directed to AgSouth Farm Credit by writing Darlene Ellis at PO Box 718, Statesboro GA 304590718 or calling 800-633-9091. If you prefer, you may send your request via email to dellis@agsouthfc.com. AgSouth Farm Credit does not endorse or accept responsibility for the advertisements contained in this publication and is not responsible for any misrepresentations contained therein, including misprints. Opinions and statements contained in advertising are those of the advertisers. To advertise in AgSouth’s Out in the Country, email Rhonda Uzzolino at ruzzolino@agsouthfc.com or call 803-767-1559. AgSouth reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising deemed inappropriate in the opinion of management. Christian Taylor Douglas, Ga | 912-384-3200 | 800-334-1224 We appreciate your comments! We hope you enjoy AgSouth’s Out in the Country. Please thank our advertisers and let them know you saw their ad in our magazine. Advertising helps defray the cost of printing and mailing your cooperative’s magazine. If you have any comments or suggestions about AgSouth’s Out in the Country articles, columns or advertisements, please contact Rhonda Uzzolino at ruzzolino@agsouthfc.com or 803-767-1559. Please support your Out in the Country advertisers! PRINTED WITH SOY INK TM From the Editor In This Issue member information T Important Crop Insurance Dates. . . . . . . . 4 here’s an age-old question every mother gets asked at some point: “Mom, where do babies come from?” More and more today, I think our younger generations are adding, “Mom, where does our food come from?” No longer does the average kid just accept the fact that the food we eat comes from the grocery store. They’re a more curious generation than we were. They don’t want to know only that dinner will be ready at five; they have the audacity to ask WHAT is for dinner and how it’s going to be cooked. As the mother of three girls who are “watching their figures,” I know that the mashed potatoes with a stick of butter and biscuits and gravy and fried meat I grew up on probably won’t meet their standards. Snapshots from Around the Association. . 6 What’s New with AccountAccess? . . . . . . . . 7 AgSouth Sponsors UGA Students at Congressional Ag Fellowship. . . . . . . . . . 8 Branden Williams Honored by FFA. . . . . . 8 Notes of Appreciation from Scholarship Recipients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AgSouth Returns $14.3 Million in Allocated Surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 They want LEAN meat (and don’t understand why the best part of fried chicken is the Annual Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 chicken skin!) They want fresh fruit that’s actually in season and hasn’t been traveling for Part of the Economic Impact, etc. . . . . . . . 11 weeks from another country. They want homemade bread and jams for their sandwiches Why Do Our Customers Do Business with AgSouth?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 (which just ain’t happening at my house). Bottom line is they want fresh whenever they can get it, sans chemicals. In this issue, we’re exploring what locally grown really is and who is benefitting from buying locally. I know that I, for one, have been visiting our local farmers market more often and coming home with fresh fruits and vegetables that just say, “Taste me! I’m better than what’s in the can.” My cabinets these days are emptier than my refrigerator, and that’s a good thing! Member Spotlight Ambrose Family Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Mortgage Market Your Guide to Home Financing . . . . . . . . . 18 How Can I Improve My Credit Score?. . . . 19 Rhonda Uzzolino Rhonda Uzzolino Editor Member Spotlight A Small, But Unique CSA Caters to a Special Clientele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Association News AgSouth’s Douglas Office Hosts the Magnolia Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 AgSouth Serves Breakfast at the Landrum Farmer’s Market . . . . . . . . . . 23 Feature Tilapia—The New Super Fish . . . . . . . . . . 24 Member Spotlight Fishing, Farming, Forestry and Football. . . 27 Agribusiness Career Counseling 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Association News AgSouth Employees Retire . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Meet the AgSouth Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Marketplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 m emb er infor m ation F eature Important Crop Insurance Dates Please be sure to contact one of our crop insurance agents prior to the following dates for assistance with these crop insurance programs. 8-31-10 Contract Change Date—AGR-Lite, Blueberries, Peaches 9-30-10 Sales Closing Date/Cancellation Date—Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye 10-15-10 End of Insurance Period— Tobacco (GA) 11-10-10 End of Insurance Period— Tomatoes (SC) 8-31-10 Contract Change Date—Clams, Tomatoes (SC) 9- 30-10 Sales Closing/Cancellation— Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) and Apiculture (API) Rainfall Index 10-15-10 Production Reporting Date— Onions (GA) 11-14-10 Production Reporting Date— Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye 10-20-10 Final Planting Date—Onions: Fall Direct Seeded (GA) 11-15-10 Acreage Reporting Date— Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) and Apiculture (API) Rainfall Index 8-31-10 Sales Closing Date/Cancellation Date—Onions (GA) 9-15-10 Billing Date—Blueberries, Peaches 9-15-10 End of Insurance Period— Blueberries 9-20-10 Initial Planting Date—Onions: Fall Direct Seeded (GA) 9-30-10 End of Insurance Period—Peaches 10-01-10 Billing Date—Clams (SC) 10-01-10 Billing Date—Tomatoes (SC) 10-01-10 Billing Date—Corn, Grain Sorghum, Peanuts, Soybeans, Tobacco 10-01-10 Billing Date—Pasture, Rangeland, Forage 10-31-10 Contract Change Date—Pecans 10-31-10 End of Insurance Period— Tobacco (SC) 11-01-10 Billing Date—Cotton 11-01-10 Initial Planting Date—Onions: Transplanted (GA) 11-20-10 Sales Closing Date/ Cancellation Date—Blueberries, Peaches, Apples 11-20-10; 11-30-10 Final Planting Date—Barley, Oats, Wheat 11-30-10 Billing Date—Pecans We’ve got you covered. When Mother Nature takes its toll on your crops, you don’t have to worry if you’ve got AgSouth behind you! AgSouth offers crop insurance and Weatherbill protection so you can relax no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Call your AgSouth crop insurance salesman today to make sure your crops—and your family—are protected! 866.585.6234 | agsouthfc.com We are an equal opportunity provider and employer. AgSouth Farm Credit 4 11-30-10 Contract Change Date—Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Peanuts, Soybeans, Tobacco 11-30-10 End of Insurance Period— Peanuts 11-30-10 Final Planting Date—Rye (SC) 11-30-10 Sales Closing Date/Cancellation Date/Acreage Reporting Date— Pasture, Rangeland, Forage 11-30-10 Sales Closing Date/Acreage Reporting Date/End of Insurance Period/Cancellation Date—Clams (SC) 12-01-10 Billing Date—AGR-Lite 12-10-10 End of Insurance Period—Corn, Grain Sorghum, Soybeans 12-15-10 Acreage Reporting Date—Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye 12-31-10 End of Insurance Period—Cotton 1-10-11 Production Reporting Date, Acreage Reporting Date— Blueberries 1-15-11 Production Reporting Date/ Acreage Reporting Date—Peaches 1-31-11 Sales Closing Date, End of Insurance Period, Cancellation Date—Pecans 1-31-11 Sales Closing Date/Cancellation Date—Tomatoes (SC) 4-1-11 Initial Planting Date—Peanuts (GA) 5-31-11 Final Planting Date—Peanuts (GA) 1-31-11 Contract Change Date—Nursery 4-11-11 Initial Planting Date—Grain Sorghum 6-1-11 Acreage Reporting Date— Tobacco 4-14-11 Production Reporting Date— Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Peanuts, Soybeans, Tobacco 6-1-11 End of Insurance Period—Onions (GA) 2-01-11 Final Planting Date—Winter Transplanted Onions (GA) 2-01-11 Acreage Reporting Date—Fall Direct Seeded Onions (GA) 2-28-11 Sales Closing Date—Corn/ Cotton/Grain Sorghum/Peanuts/ Soybeans/Tobacco 2-28-11 Cancellation Date—Corn/ Cotton/Grain Sorghum/Peanuts/ Soybeans 3-01-11 Initial Planting Date—Corn 3-01-11 Production Reporting Date, Acreage Reporting Date—Pecans 3-01-11 Acreage Reporting Date—Winter Transplanted Onions (GA) 3-15-11 Initial Planting Date—Spring Transplanted Tomatoes (SC) 3-15-11 Cancellation Date—Tobacco 3-17-11 Production Reporting Date— Tomatoes (SC) 3-26-11 Initial Planting Date—Peanuts (SC) 4-16; 4-30-11 Initial Planting Date—Soybeans 4-30-11 Final Planting Date—Tobacco (GA) 4-30-11 Final Planting Date—Tomatoes: Spring Planted (SC) 4-30; 5-15; 5-31-11 Final Planting Date—Corn 5-1-11 Sales Closing Date—Nursery 5-15-11 Acreage Reporting Date— Tomatoes: Spring Planted (SC) 6-10-11 Final Planting Date—Grain Sorghum 6-15-11 Final Planting Date—Soybeans 6-30-11 Acreage Reporting Date—Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Peanuts 6-30-11 Contract Change Date—Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye 6-30-11 Contract Change Date—Future Issues 5-15-11 Final Planting Date—Tobacco (SC) 5-20; 5-25; 5-31-11 Final Planting Date—Cotton 5-25-11 Final Planting Date—Peanuts (SC) 5-31-11 Cancellation Date/End of Insurance Period—Nursery This notice is for informational purposes only. Policy provisions will prevail. AgSouth is an equal opportunity provider. If you know of someone who needs crop insurance or would like more information about our products, please contact one of the the insurance agents listed below: Jimmy Dockery Douglas, Ga. 800-334-1224 jdockery@agsouthfc.com From the left: Roger Uldrick, Sandra Crews, Jimmy Dockery, Sam Perry, Missy Givens, Cindy Saxon Out in the Country Summer 2010 5 Sandra Crews 800-522-0596 Blackshear, Ga. skcrews@agsouthfc.com Cindy Saxon 800-633-9091 Statesboro, Ga. csaxon@agsouthfc.com Roger Uldrick 800-868-6546 Orangeburg, S.C. ruldrick@agsouthfc.com Sam Perry 800-868-6758 Summerville, S.C. sperry@agsouthfc.com Me mb er Infor m ation Snapshots from Around the Association AgSouth recently sponsored two of the 26 couples who attended the 2010 Co-op Education Conference for Couples in Pawley’s Island, S.C. According to AgSouth Marketing Manager and S.C. Cooperative Council Conference Chairman Miriam Pflug, “The three-day event allowed couples to engage in breakout sessions, where they gained an in-depth look at the inner workings of cooperatives.” From the left: AgSouth Farm Credit Region 1 Chief Lending Officer Van McCall, AgSouth members Colin Matthews, Niamh O’Malley, Carol Anne Tholkes, Jon Tholkes and AgSouth Loan Officer Shane Boyer. We salute AgSouth’s USC Gamecocks Athletes of the Year, Pedro Campos and Brooke Jacobs. Throughout the school year, Gamecock student athletes were selected by the Athletic Department as AgSouth Athletes of the Week for their outstanding athletic accomplishments. Based on those weekly winners, fans were given the opportunity to vote for the AgSouth Athletes of the Year. Pedro Campos, Men’s Tennis Brooke Jacobs, Women’s Soccer Golfer Ben Martin and women’s tennis player Jospia Bek have been named AgSouth’s Home Grown Student Athletes of the Year at Clemson University. The award takes into account both performances on the field and in the classroom. AgSouth’s Region 2 Chief Lending Officer Owen Smith (center) presents the awards to Bek and Martin at the Clemson baseball field. AgSouth Farm Credit 6 Congratulations to AgSouth Regional Vice President Karen Baxley, in our Rock Hill, S.C., office, who was recently named the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association 2010 Associate of the Year. Karen received the Award of Excellence from Cattlemen’s President Brandon Hurley. What’s New with AccountAccess? A gSouth is constantly on the lookout for new and improved methods of serving our members, including helping you when we’re not available to talk with you. To that end, we’ve made some changes to our online AccountAccess we think you’ll like: New Design—We’ve added our logo, made the screen cleaner and used larger fonts for easier reading and maneuvering. Improved Navigation—We’ve added tabs to make it easier to switch your viewing from one loan to another, and we’ve added FastCash and payment links to take you straight to this information. Paid Out Loans—We’ve added a section for paid out loans so you can From the left: Baxter Black, cowboy comedian, Brandon Hurley, president of the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, and AgSouth’s Karen Baxley. access information on loans paid out within the past 12 months. Coming Soon! The next version of AccountAccess will allow members to sign up for, schedule and maintain your AutoDraft payments. It will also allow your FastCash transfers to be scheduled up to 35 days in advance. Look for Congratulations to Sarah Tobin and her horse Blue, who won the these improvements and others as we continue to find ways to improve championship in the horse program record book contest held at the our service to you. State 4-H Horse Show at Clemson University this June. AgSouth co-sponsored the event. Sarah is the daughter of AgSouth employee Audrey Tobin and her husband, Rick, of Walterboro, S.C. Out in the Country Summer 2010 7 Me mb er infor m ation AgSouth Sponsors UGA Students at Congressional Ag Fellowship By: Christy Smith, Marketing Specialist A gSouth recently awarded scholarships to UGA students to attend the Congressional Agricultural Fellowship in Washington, D.C. this summer. In order to be eligible, students must be in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UGA, have completed at least 60 semester hours, plan to continue undergraduate study at UGA, be in good academic standing, have good interpersonal and public relations skills and a record of campus involvement, have a background or interest in agriculture, food or natural resources and give both oral and written presentations. Scholarship recipients will attend agriculture committee hearings, prepare briefs, conduct ag research, meet with constituents and write papers detailing their Washington experience as ag interns. Upon completion of the internship, each student will earn three semester credit hours toward an undergraduate degree. From the left, back row: AgSouth Farm Credit Loan Officer Shane Boyer, William Collins, Mark Smith, Zeb Duvall and AgSouth Regional Vice President Ricky Cochran Front row: Shruti Suresh, Maggie McBrearty, Katie Williams and Angela Boothe Branden Williams Honored by FFA By: Myrtle Jones, Loan Specialist M ontgomery County High School senior Branden Williams Through his accomplishments in these areas, Branden was named was honored as the FFA Central Region Proficiency the Central Region Star in Agriculture Placement. He is one of three Winner in the area of diversified crop production FFA members from across the state who was a finalist for the State Star placement and in the area of vegetable crop production placement. in Ag Placement Award, the highest award given by the Georgia FFA This is the third year that Williams has received the award for diver- Association. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students sified crop production and the second year for winning the vegetable by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth crop production. He was the 2008 fiber and oil crop production state and career success through agricultural education. winner for Georgia. Branden is the son of Ronald and Cindy Williams of Uvalda, Ga., Branden has served as a past chapter sentinel of the FFA and is and the brother of AgSouth member Brett G. Williams of Williams currently the chapter president. He has also competed in the EMC Farms in Uvalda. Brett is a young, beginning and small farmer and has Electrical Wiring CDE, Tractor Operations and Maintenance CDE, been a member of the association for six years. Williams Farms, which Lawnmower Operations and Maintenance CDE, Agricultural Mechanics employs Branden, produces Vidalia Sweet Onions , cotton, corn CDE and Forestry CDE. and wheat. ® AgSouth Farm Credit 8 Notes of Appreciation from Scholarship Recipients Out in the Country Summer 2010 9 Me mb er infor m ation AgSouth Returns $14.3 Million in Allocated Surplus E arlier this year AgSouth distributed $14.3 million in allocated surplus revolvements to its members in Georgia and South Carolina. According to Chief Financial Officer Alisa D. Gunter, “AgSouth is committed to cooperative principles and strives to return the allocated surplus portion of its patronage payments to members in a five-year turnaround. This revolvement represents allocated surplus for the year ending December 31, 2004.” Allocated surplus distributions are another way that AgSouth puts OUR profits in YOUR pockets! AgSouth Directors, from the left: Jimmy Metts, Loy D. Cowart, Arthur Black, John Wells, Hugh Weathers, Harry Bell, Jerome Parker, Raymond Tumbleston, Diane Edwins, Gary Alexander, Charles Rucks, Lee DeLoach, Jimmy Carter, Tommy Cowart, David Womack, Eugene Merritt and Harvey Lemmon Annual Meeting M ake plans to attend your annual meeting this fall. Learn how your association is holding up in this economy and exercise your right to determine the Monday, October 18 Orangeburg, SC The Cinema, Old Orangeburg Mall leadership and growth of the association by participating in the election of the board. You’ll also have a chance to win some pretty good prizes. Mark your Tuesday, October 19 Clinton, SC First Presbyterian Family Life Center calendar for the meeting nearest you! AgSouth Farm Credit 10 Monday, October 25 Statesboro, GA Nessmith-Lane Center at GSU Tuesday, October 26 Eatonton, GA Rock Eagle 4-H Center Part of the Economic Impact in Your Local Community By: Alisa D. Gunter, Chief Financial Officer D uring fiscal year 2009, AgSouth loaned a total of $614 million cash portion of the 2009 patronage distribution. In April, AgSouth paid in new money to our member/borrowers. What did this money out $14.3 million in allocated surplus from fiscal year 2004. do? It purchased real estate for agriculture and recreational Some of you may have taken your patronage and/or surplus checks use. It bought tractors, combines, irrigation pivots, fertilizer, livestock and paid down your existing loans. Others may have used the money to and feed. It built homes, barns and sheds in rural communities. Each go on vacation, put a down payment on a new truck, start a home renovation of these activities generates economic activity, and it started with your project, pay college tuition or make a deposit in your savings account. dream and your decision to borrow money from AgSouth. Regardless, your use of the patronage distribution fueled the economic Our patronage distribution is another way AgSouth spurs economic engine in your communities. The charts below show the cash paid in the activity in your communities. During the spring of 2010, AgSouth counties served by your association in 2010. You can be proud that AgSouth distributed a combined total of $21.2 million in cash and allocated surplus is tied to the communities we serve and dedicated to operating in a safe to our members. In March, the association paid out $6.9 million as the and sound manner so we can continue to pay strong patronage distributions and revolve allocated surplus on a regular basis. Total Patronage Cash & Allocated Surplus Paid in 2010 Georgia South Carolina County Total Paid County Total Paid Appling Atkinson Bacon Brantley Bryan Bulloch Butts Camden Candler Carroll Charlton Chatham Clayton Clinch Coffee Coweta Dekalb Douglas Effingham Emanuel Evans Fayette Fulton Glynn Greene Gwinnett Haralson Harris Heard Henry $ 522,185 402,121 370,827 88,972 33,984 448,485 31,575 94,460 88,542 102,765 66,712. 66,667. 14,605 209,264 524,874 244,881 42,177 20,783 290,138 99,889 201,666 54,155 457,541 196,585 256,710 210,876 22,405 55,023 124,007 83,568 Jasper $ 44,523 Jeff Davis 230,373 Jenkins 132,223 Lamar 105,135 Liberty 42,937 Long 20,570 Mcintosh 48,082 Meriwether 285,403 Monroe 390,897 Montgomery 58,944 Morgan 296,163 Muscogee 38,124 Newton 70,789 Oconee 397,384 Peirce 230,779 Pike 167,851 Putnam 76,490 Rockdale 64,271 Screven 132,533 Spalding 110,211 Talbot 153,024 Tattnall 319,087 Toombs 308,808 Troup 235,174 Upson 131,988 Walton 89,388 Ware 233,231 Wayne 195,290 Wheeler 148,773 County Total Paid County Abbeville Aiken Allendale Anderson Bamberg Barnwell Beaufort Berkeley Calhoun Charleston Cherokee Chester Colleton Dorchester Edgefield Fairfield Greenville $ 133,067 705,821 219,709 817,183 174,413 218,618 125,745 268,588 231,243 670,736 64,910 152,476 399,446 209,284 258,247 170,974 332,508 Greenwood $ 158,348 Hampton 559,210 Jasper 176,737 Kershaw 172,521 Lancaster 164,712 Laurens 543,346 Lexington 448,126 Mccormick 27,514 Newberry 431,132 Oconee 679,290 Orangeburg 757,910 Pickens 224,496 Richland 450,183 Saluda 271,373 Spartanburg 432,791 Union 71,327 York 252,012 Out in the Country Summer 2010 Grand Total $21,158,882 11 Total Paid Me mber I nfor m ation Why Do Our Customers Do Business with AgSouth? Last quarter some of our customers talked about how patronage factors into their decision to make AgSouth their lender of choice. But there are many other reasons our customers love us. We’re letting them continue to tell the AgSouth story here in their own words. “I have always enjoyed doing business with AgSouth and appreciate the fact that the loan officers have an understanding of my business and the cattle industry.” —Brandon Hurley Loan Officer Will Taylor (left) with Brandon Hurley “I like doing business with AgSouth because of the patronage program. Every year AgSouth puts money back into my pocket.” —Mike McCravy Regional Vice President Teddy Howard (left) with Mike McCravy “AgSouth has helped us settle into home and land ownership with amazing ease. They were there every step of the way with their excellent customer service … !” —Matt & Ashley Burns Loan Officer Eva Leatherman (left) with Matt & Ashley Burns AgSouth Farm Credit 12 David Wilson (left) with Regional Vice President Karen Baxley “AgSouth has been a part of my life for 25+ years, starting with my first stock trailer in 1984, to my third set of breeder houses in 2010. Unlike other bankers, Karen [Baxley] always shows interest and knowledge of my farm and family’s well-being. Last, but not least, I love getting those patronage checks in the spring!” —David Wilson “AgSouth knows about farming … and the profits go in MY pocket!” —Richard W. Vickers Regional Vice President Stan Carver (left) with Richard Vickers Out in the Country Summer 2010 13 Me mber Sp otlight Ambrose Family Farms How a Community Saved the Farm! By: Jerry Bishop, Regional Vice President T hree years ago, long-time AgSouth was to cut out the middleman and deliver The Ambrose CSA program is just one of Farm Credit member Pete Ambrose, fresh produce weekly to consumers. The CSA the many CSA groups that have grown up over of Ambrose Family Farms in would establish specific drop-off points where the last 20 years. With the establishment of Charleston County, S.C., was looking for a way customers could pick up their farm fresh the Certified South Carolina Grown campaign to diversify his operation when he came upon produce on specified days, and the products instituted by Commissioner of Agriculture the idea of starting an area CSA (Community would consist of whatever summer vegetables Hugh Weathers in March of 2009, in which Supported Agriculture) group. Ambrose says were ready for harvesting at that time. South Carolinians are urged to eat locally he had begun thinking of ways to diversify grown products, more people are visiting their because of something AgSouth Regional Vice local farmers markets these days instead of President Karen Baxley, of Rock Hill, said to buying shipped in produce from the grocery him at a meeting. “During our discussion, stores. “It’s all about eating what’s good for you Karen told me that most farmers get out [of … eating fresh foods,” emphasizes Ambrose. farming] two years too late. I didn’t want to be one of those farmers.” Left: Members of the CSA get a weekly delivery of freshly picked produce. Ambrose, who has been farming and shrimping nearly all of his life, formed a group to bring fresh produce directly to the public Above: Pete Ambrose and wife, Babs, at the Tomato Shed Café in and around the Charleston area. The idea AgSouth Farm Credit 14 “I trust AgSouth with my financing because they’ve been here for me all along and their loan officers give excellent advice.” — Pete Ambrose Ambrose was startled by the number of people who initially signed up for the CSA. “We sent out a bunch of brochures to healthrelated businesses and expected to get maybe 300 families to sign up,” he explains. Instead, nearly 650 families signed up to have fresh produce delivered almost to their doorstep, and another hundred or so regularly stop by to pick their own produce fresh off the 130-acre farm or at Ambrose’s farm market, Stono Market. The farm has seen up to 500 visitors a day during its busiest time of year. All of the products on the farm are naturally grown, on their way to being certified organic. “The only thing standing in the way of the certification,” explains Ambrose, “is all the paperwork.” He expects that next year’s crops will be certified organic. Individuals who participate in the CSA sign up for a 12-week delivery program that begins in April and runs through mid-July. With four sizes of packages to choose from, deliveries are custom made to accommodate an individual or a large family. Customers get everything from squash to corn to tomatoes and peppers, depending on what is ripe that week from a variety of approximately 40 fruits and vegetables that are planted. Ambrose workers harvest six days a week and load boxes three times a week. The food is stored in a 40-foot trailer kept at 42 degrees until time for delivery. Nothing stays in the refrigerated container more than 3 days. There are around 20 drop-off locations from Goose Creek to Summerville to Mt. Pleasant with anywhere from 60-70 people picking up at any one location. Everything is pre-paid, so whatever doesn’t get picked up by patrons is donated to the Palmetto House, a shelter for the homeless, or to other local groups supporting families in need. Ambrose also delivers to restaurants in and around Charleston. The CSA operation run by Ambrose Family Farms is now the largest CSA in the area, supplying more than 1,000 families and restaurants with fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the drop-off points is the Stono Farm Market/Tomato Shed Café on John’s Island, which Ambrose and his wife, Babs, began in 1990. Last year Charleston’s Post and Courier named the cafe the “Lunch Counter of the Year.” The newspaper further claims that the restaurant has the best crab cakes and tomato pie around. Having tasted them myself, I’m hard pressed to disagree with them. The restaurant serves all local produce, most of it from the Ambrose farm. Not only do they cook with it, but they also sell the fresh fruits and vegetables in the small market Continued on next page Out in the Country Summer 2010 15 Above: Ambrose shows AgSouth Loan Officer Drew McClam (in yellow) how the produce is housed. The daily board sheet tells packers what to put in each package. Below: Ambrose Farms tomatoes are sold at the Columbia Sandhill Farmer’s Market. Me mber Sp otlight Continued from last page attached to the restaurant. For more information on the restaurant and market, visit www.stonofarmmarket.com. And the Ambrose CSA’s following is a loyal one. When a neighbor filed a lawsuit stating that road dust from the delivery trucks and cars coming and going from the farm was encroaching on his land and bothering his horses, fans gathered to protest with bumper stickers—“No farms, no food”—and a Facebook page in support of the farm. Save Ambrose Farm’s Facebook page has more than 4,200 fans, and they’ve set up an account to help Ambrose with the legal fees revolving around the lawsuit. According to the site, if Ambrose Family Farms loses the lawsuit, “thousands of families could be left out of a chance for affordable, fresh, local organic produce, and the community without even more jobs at a time when we can’t afford it.” Another fan put it more succinctly: “… You don’t get between a Southerner and his tomatoes.” Many of the fans post updates on what they picked on the farm that day, how good the quality of the produce and berries is, and even recipes and photos of the meals they have made from items from the farm. Pete says that during The new CSA delivery truck is loaded three times a week and makes deliveries at dozens of Charleston-area locations. the hottest point of the debate so far, many committee members thought he was too fans even changed their Facebook photos to conservative in granting loans, and he the “Who’s Your Farmer?” logo the farm has eventually left the committee, but stayed on adopted to show their support for the farm. as an association member. “I have a good Never underestimate the value of a good relationship with Jerry [Bishop, an AgSouth reputation and word-of-mouth—or a good, regional vice president in Summerville, S.C.]. straight-off-the vine tomato! All I have to do is pick up the phone and give Ambrose became an association member him a call, and he can often give me an answer in 1976, when it was called the Coastal right then and there. I trust AgSouth with my Production Credit Association. As a farmer financing because they’ve been here for me and shrimper for more than 30 years, at one all along and their loan officers give point he was even on the association’s advisory excellent advice.” committee for shrimp loans. Some other Left: Ambrose and AgSouth employees, Jerry Bishop and Drew McClam, inspect the blackberry crop. Below: Allison Davis and siblings, Julien and Alexandra Noble, already know how to select the ripest berries. AgSouth Farm Credit 16 Mortgage Market Your Guide to Home Financing By: John Wight, Mortgage Originator The Mortgage Process The mortgage process is a series of steps that consists of qualifying, It is very important that you provide accurate information on the processing, underwriting and closing your loan. Your AgSouth originator application. This speeds up the process and helps eliminate the chances will guide you through the entire process from the initial application of any unexpected delays or problems that could keep you from getting to closing. We will keep you up to date on your loan status, answer your mortgage loan. your questions and obtain all of the documentation and information the underwriter may need. After we receive and review your loan application, we will provide you with the required disclosures and request the supporting documentation from you. AgSouth Mortgages Program Highlights Benefits and Features • Programs for urban, suburban and rural properties • Visit www.agsouthmortgages.com to learn more about home loans • Programs for primary residences, second homes and investment properties • Use our online calculator to estimate your mortgage payments or to determine how much house you can afford • Conventional programs with 10 - 30-year fixed rate terms • Find out answers to frequently asked questions • FHA, VA and USDA rural development programs • Obtain free pre-qualification • Purchases • Apply for a mortgage by phone, online or in a face-to-face application at a designated time and place convenient to you • Refinances for both rate/term and cash-out transactions • Manufactured home programs • Construction loans and lot loans (subject to eligibility) • Programs for homes with large acreages Checklist for Mortgage Loan Applicants • Identification: Copy of driver’s license, passport or other government-issued form of ID. • Residence: (For borrower and co-borrower) Address for past two years with zip code, dates lived at each location and, if rented during the past two years, landlord’s or rental company’s name and phone number. • Employment: (For borrower and co-borrower) Names, addresses, phone numbers and dates worked for each employer for the past two years, originals of last two years’ W-2s and most recent pay stubs (for last 30 days), proof of social security, retirement or interest income, written explanation of any gaps in last two years. • Rental Property: Current copies of leases and mortgages (leases should be signed by all parties). • Real Estate Owned: Current value, address, acreage, debt balance and monthly payment. • Alimony/Child Support: If you pay or receive child support and/or alimony, you must furnish a copy of the divorce decree. If alimony and/or child support is to be counted as income, three years must be remaining for a conventional loan and 12 months of cancelled checks or proof of payment is required. • Purchases: Furnish an original sales contract signed by all parties, including legal description and/or survey. • Self-Employed Borrowers: Copies of last two years’ personal tax returns (with all schedules signed and dated), copies of last two years’ corporate or partnership tax returns (with all schedules signed and dated), current profit and loss statement and balance sheet prepared by an accountant (signed and dated). • Earnest Money Check: Provide copy of front and back of cancelled check or proof of deposit by seller agent. • Bank Accounts: Last two month’s original bank statements for all checking, savings or investment accounts. • Derogatory Credit Explanations: If related to divorce, provide copy of decree. • Other Investments: Current original investment account statements, 401k statement or IRA statement. • Prior Bankruptcy: If filed in last 10 years, a copy of the filing, petition and discharge is required. • Refinances or Construction Loans: Furnish a copy of your warranty deed, current survey plat, hazard insurance renewal notice, most recent tax bill and mortgage statement and/or coupon book. AgSouth Farm Credit 18 How Can I Improve My Credit Score? By: Deidre Nelson, Originator Supervisor/Trainer B3b B5b Decrease your debt. I loan. In the past, a credit score of 620 would Pay down your credit, especially high-interest Don’t open a revolving line of credit unless it’s truly needed. probably get you a prime rate; now, however, credit cards, and never use more than 30 Apply for new credit sparingly. Don’t apply for you need a 720-730 minimum credit score in percent of your total available credit on a new credit card simply to have more money order to qualify for the lowest rate. If you’re revolving credit cards. to spend. Keep Unused, Long-Standing Lines Of Credit Open. Contrary to popular belief, you should not close Don’t transfer a credit balance from a high-interest rate card to a lower-rate card. unused credit accounts. Instead, destroy the This can hurt your credit score and is usually Pay all your bills on time, every time. card or put it in a safe place. Open credit cards only a temporary fix. Instead, pay down do not lower your credit score. What lowers the debt. While the most important credits are your it is having a credit card that’s nearly maxed mortgage (or rent), credit card and utilities, out. Closing a long-standing account lowers the if you’re late on insurance bills, health club average credit age in your file, giving you, in memberships and the like, these late payments effect, a shorter credit history, and it decreases can damage your credit score. your overall available credit amount. n today’s mortgage market your credit score may be the most important factor in determining your interest rate on a considering a mortgage or loan of any kind, here are some things you can do now to improve your credit rating and qualify for a lower interest rate. B1b B2b Check your credit report regularly. B4b B6b B7b Keep the number of inquiries to your credit report to a minimum. If you have too many credit cards or if Several inquiries within a relatively short you suspect that your card may have been period are signals to creditors that you’re compromised, then disregard the above and do scouting for loans. not hesitate to close the account. The bottom While checking your report won’t improve your line: if you want to close a score, it will allow you to review the report for zero balance account just negative or erroneous information and give to raise your credit score, you an opportunity to fix errors. If you need to don’t bother. It will not affect correct any information, file a dispute with the your credit score. credit bureau and the originating source of the error (the supplier of the credit). You can get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport. com, which includes information from all three main credit bureaus–Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Out in the Country Summer 2010 19 Continued on next page Mortgage Market Continued From last page B8b Increase Your Credit With An Existing Creditor. If you have good credit and are responsible with your debt, call your credit company and request a credit limit increase. Ask for the highest amount possible without them having to check your credit report and thus incur another “hit” on your report. An increase in a credit limit will signify to other creditors that you are credit-worthy. B9b Keep good financial records, Contact your AgSouth Mortgages Loan Originator In Georgia: Location Loan Originator Office Mobile Toll-Free Baxley Cae Hutchinson 912-367-7006 912-222-2774 800-222-7006 Blackshear Chris Shimkus 912-449-4701 912-222-2780 800-522-0596 Carrollton Mark Herring 770-834-3319 770-468-2360 888-327-3969 x 2 including bank and credit card statements, Douglas Christian Taylor 912-384-3200 912-389-5775 800-334-1224 receipts, bills and canceled checks for several Griffin Wanda Smith 770-228-8958 770-468-2361 888-327-3969 x 1 years. This will help protect you in the case of Madison Rick Spence 706-342-2352 706-614-4522 888-327-3969 x 6 identity theft or fraud. Midway Rhonda Brant 912-884-5644 912-222-2240 Statesboro Christy Marsh 912-764-9091 Thomaston Lynn Smith 706-647-8991 770-468-8252 888-647-8991 Vidalia Melissa Williamson 912-537-4135 912-293-1976 800-633-4887 Mobile B 10 b Do not file for bankruptcy. 912-531-1542 — 800-633-9091 If your goal is to have a good credit score, In South Carolina: avoid this at all costs. A bankruptcy will Location Loan Originator Office usually plunge your score by hundreds of Aiken Angie Webber 803-648-6818 803-295-2638 866-215-0147 points and will keep it there for many years. Anderson Tommy Harper 864-226-8507 864-617-7233 800-675-8507 Batesburg John Wight 803-532-3841 803-582-9723 800-238-7447 Camden Dan Miller 803-438-3032 803-486-1636 800-499-2786 but remember that keeping good credit is a Greenwood Lisa Crawford 864-227-2561 864-992-4058 800-922-1435 long-term process. Start developing good credit Rock Hill Matt Elston 803-324-1131 habits early. As the years progress, your credit Spartanburg Phil Long 864-585-0344 864-580-0089 800-462-5819 score will soar, assuring you that your credit will Walterboro 843-549-1584 843-599-1401 Finally, use these ten rules as a guideline, Justin McClure Toll-Free 803-493-1392 877-488-2642 800-686-1584 be in good shape when you really need it. “Christy went above and beyond to get my mortgage closed. I am very pleased with the service she provided.” —Tammy Mallard Christy Marsh Mortgage originator www.agsouthmortgages.com AgSouth Farm Credit 20 Me mber Sp otlight A Small, But Unique CSA Caters to a Special Clientele By: Drew McClam, Loan Officer A newer member to the Community on Marion Square in downtown Charleston. Supported Agriculture (CSA) What he doesn’t sell to his members or local movement, Thackeray Farms on restaurants gets sold at the market here, Wadmalaw Island, S.C., has established his and what doesn’t sell at the market gets own CSA that serves a smaller clientele, mainly fed to the pog of 27 pigs he keeps and sells Charleston-area restaurants that want a more to restaurants. unique type of produce. The entrance to Thackeray Farms In the late autumn and winter he keeps AgSouth member Shawn Thackeray has busy supplying the City of Charleston with all been a vendor at the local farmer’s market of its winter wreaths, which decorate the city for 21 years. He began selling cut flowers during the holidays. and eventually branched out to farm fresh “I may not have the most [produce] to produce. A few years ago, he decided to grow offer,” Thackeray rationalizes, “but I strive to his business by incorporating a CSA program have the best.” Shawn Thackeray in the tomato shed (see Ambrose article) into his operation. Thackeray Farms may be comparatively small in acreage, but tending to fewer acres allows Shawn to focus on the quality of his produce and uniqueness of his product. Shawn devotes his acreage to a variety of different products, like heirloom tomatoes, eight-ball squash, lemon cucumbers and hakurei turnips— items that are hard to find locally, but he never gave up on the flowers he started out with. Sunflowers, delphiniums, hydrangea and other brightly colored flowers dot the landscape from spring through autumn. Shawn and his crew spend most Saturdays at the Charleston Farmers Market Ken Melton shows AgSouth’s Jerry Bishop and Drew McClam recently picked heirloom tomatoes. Jalepeño peppers Fingerling eggplant Out in the Country Summer 2010 Hydrangea 21 A ssociation New s AgSouth’s Douglas Office Hosts the Magnolia Market By: Amanda Allison, Loan Officer The Magnolia Market opened June 5 at the AgSouth Douglas, Ga., office T he newly founded produce market, at the market include sweet corn, potatoes, 7:00 p.m. and is located in the parking lot of Magnolia Market, held its grand tomatoes, peas, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, AgSouth Farm Credit at 204 Bowens Mill Road. opening on June 5, 2010, at the okra, peppers, squash, cucumbers, greens According to Rick Reed, a retired AgSouth Farm Credit Douglas, Ga., office. and fresh-cut flowers. Caroline Merritt, one Extension Agent and one of the growers, the Approximately 50 supporters from the of the local produce growers and a vendor at market has been “very successful.” This effort community were in attendance to support the market encourages the public to “know has been possible with the help of a USDA the new market. what you are eating!” She urges, “Eat local: grant to connect growers and SNAP eat fresh!” (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) The Magnolia Market is made up of a handful of local produce growers, some The market is open for the rest of the recipients to encourage the addition of fruits of whom are AgSouth customers. All of summer every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to and vegetables in their diets. AgSouth is happy the produce offered is grown locally in 12:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 5:00 to to be able to participate in the program by Coffee County. Some of the items for sale Some of the fresh fruits and vegetables for sale at the market. providing a place for the market. Customers line up for fresh vegetables. AgSouth Farm Credit 22 AgSouth Serves Breakfast at the Landrum Farmer’s Market By: Lisa Gunter, Chief Financial Officer S taff members from the Spartanburg, peaches, blueberries, squash, cucumbers and and given a chance to register for some great S.C., branch and administrative other great items. Some vendors even bring door prizes. offices woke up with the chickens on flowers, gourds and home-baked goods to “Farmers markets like this one in Landrum Saturday, June 26, and headed to Landrum sell. The market opens early at 7:00 a.m. and are a great source for local produce,” according to cook a hearty breakfast of sausage biscuits, usually sells out before noon. Approximately to Daryl Griner, regional vice president of the jelly biscuits, coffee and juice for farmers and 20 vendors participated in the market on this Spartanburg AgSouth office. “At AgSouth we shoppers at the Landrum Farmer’s Market. Saturday morning, with some selling out as want to do our part to support these growers early as 9:00 a.m. and producers, as well as the consumers of The Landrum Farmer’s Market, which is held at The Depot, opened Memorial Day Vendors and shoppers coming by the weekend and hosts area growers of tomatoes, AgSouth tent were served a free breakfast these home-grown products.” The AgSouth Spartanburg team cooks for farmers and vendors at the Landrum Farmer’s Market (from the left): Sarah Collins, Daryl Griner, Phil Long, Candice Taylor, Lynn Christiansen, Lisa Gunter, Ken Taylor. Out in the Country Summer 2010 23 Hom e & L and Tilapia The New Super Fish By: Jeff Slipke I f I were to poll pond owners throughout so? Sure, it would, but like they say, “If ‘ifs’ reason tilapia are commonly referred to as “St. the Southeast and ask them what they and ‘buts’ were candy and nuts, it would be Peter’s fish.” Although tilapia have been cultured perceived to be the most difficult task Christmas all year long.” worldwide for hundreds, if not thousands, of related to the management of their ponds, two What if I were to tell you there is a fish years, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that fish answers would likely rise to the top: keeping that can convert filamentous algae and other farmers in the U.S. started growing them. While their bass well fed and keeping their ponds macro algae like chara into bass food? Kind of there are many species of tilapia worldwide, free of filamentous algae. Let’s face it, bass are like Rumpelstiltskin spinning straw into gold, those most commonly grown in the U.S. are eating machines, and it requires a good bit of but with a trophy bass twist? You might just Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), blue effort and expense to keep them fed enough call that fish a super fish. Or you could just tilapia (O. aureus) and Mozambique tilapia to reach their maximum growth potential. call it by its real name, tilapia. (O. mossambicus). Actually, more often than As for filamentous algae, or “moss,” as When most folks hear mention of tilapia, not, hybrid mixes of these three species are it is often referred, the stuff grows in almost the thought of a pile of filets packed in ice at more common than either of the pure species. every pond, making an unsightly mess that the supermarket comes to mind—and for good Due to their nature as a tropical fish, is impossible to fish through. Not only that, reason. Tipalia have grown in popularity over tilapia love warm water—the warmer, the but it grows incredibly fast. Sure, you can kill the past decade, so much so that more tilapia is better. And they hate cold water. In fact, it easily enough with aquatic herbicides. But consumed each year than catfish. Accordingly, tilapia will die when exposed to water less sooner or later—usually sooner—it grows back, the vast majority of tilapia grown in the U.S. than about 50˚F, but that’s a good thing. More sometimes as bad, or worse, than before. In is produced for human consumption. on that later. small, shallow ponds, filamentous algae can Tilapia refers to a family of cichlid fish We began stocking tilapia in recre- completely cover the surface to the point where endemic to Africa. It is believed that the fish ational ponds a few years ago with one the pond looks like a golf green. caught by Jesus’ disciples from the Sea of purpose in mind: to increase the growth rate Wouldn’t it be nice if bass would eat Galilee and miraculously used to feed the and condition of bass by offering them an filamentous algae and grow big and fat doing masses was one of the tilapia species, hence the additional source of forage. Interestingly, most AgSouth Farm Credit 24 of the tilapia grown for human consumption the abundance of intermediate-sized bluegill Tilapia possess two physiological attri- are produced from all-male tilapia populations increase following the introduction of tilapia. butes that allow them to efficiently process because male tilapia grow faster and more Tilapia will eventually die in the late fall/ algae and other plant matter and convert uniformly than females. However, when it early winter when the water cools into the it into somatic growth: 1) pharyngeal teeth comes to recreational ponds, we want tilapia low 50s, but not before they become lethargic that are used to grind plant tissue and 2) a to reproduce—a lot! Therefore, we stock and create an opportunity for bass to gorge highly acidic stomach to rupture cell walls. mixed-sex brood fish that will start spawning themselves one last time before winter. This allows tilapia to digest up to 60 percent within days of being introduced into a pond. This sends the bass into the winter period of the protein found in algae and helps explain Let’s get back to the tilapia’s ability to healthy and strong. In fact, when the tilapia why tilapia are able to grow so quickly during help grow big bass. A look at the reproductive die—typically sometime in December in the just one growing season; routinely up to two traits of tilapia helps illustrate what a truly Southeast—it is very, very rare to see any small pounds or larger by October. unique and amazing group of fish this is. First, fish die. Why? Because nearly all tilapia small The effectiveness of tilapia at controlling they grow fast. A half-pound tilapia stocked enough to fit into a bass’ mouth get eaten. algae is dependent upon a number of factors into a pond in early May can grow to two There is very little waste. that are difficult to precisely quantify. These pounds or better by late fall. Second, tilapia include the number of tilapia initially stocked, spawn frequently throughout the summer, the amount and type of vegetation present, the approximately every three weeks. Since the likelihood of the pond to support re-growth number of eggs produced by a female tilapia is a function of her body weight, this means a lot of tilapia production all summer long. Also, tilapia are able to spawn at a very small size. They can reach sexual maturity at about six inches in length, possibly even smaller. Therefore, tilapia spawned early in the year may be spawning themselves within a few months. Tilapia build spawning beds that look similar to those made by bluegill, only larger in diameter. The male builds the nest and then When most folks hear mention of tilapia, the thought of a pile of filets packed in ice at the supermarket comes to mind … of weeds and the density of the predator population. All things being equal, a shallow, algae-choked pond would require a higher density of tilapia to control filamentous algae than a deep pond with just a marginal band of algae. Similarly, a bass-crowded pond would require a higher stocking rate than a balanced pond to account for higher predation on the young tilapia. Therefore, stocking rates should be tailored to each pond and typically range from about 10 pounds per acre for larger, attracts several females with which he will deeper ponds up to 100 pounds per acre for mate. Although tilapia don’t produce nearly smaller, shallower ponds. In highly bass- as many eggs per spawn as a similarly-sized About now you might be asking, “In crowded and/or algae infested ponds, stocking bluegill, tilapia do something really neat that order for tilapia to grow so fast and spawn at an even higher rate should be considered. makes up for the difference: tilapia exhibit a so often, they must be eating something, but Another uncertainty is the amount of unique spawning strategy known as mouth what?” That’s a great question, the answer time required for tilapia to reduce or eliminate brooding. After fertilization, they female to which adds more credence to their “super filamentous algae from a pond. This, too, actually picks up the eggs and holds them in fish” moniker. depends on the factors mentioned above. her mouth. Not only do the eggs hatch in her The diets of tilapia vary slightly by Because tilapia are not stocked until the water mouth, but she also holds the newly-hatched species, but, in general, they are omnivorous warms in late April or early May, filamentous fry for several days while they absorb their yolk with a preference toward herbivory. What algae may become problematic before tilapia sacs and begin external feeding. That means in the heck does that mean? It means tilapia are stocked. In such cases, a comprehensive a high rate of recruitment for young tilapia. will eat a variety of food items, including approach consisting of an herbicide treatment The bottom line of all this is a bountiful zooplankton and other invertebrates, detritus followed by a tilapia introduction might be crop of intermediate-sized forage to help feed (decaying organic matter), an occasional small all that is needed to keep the pond algae-free the insatiable appetite of largemouth bass all fish and even artificial fish food. But they tend for the remainder of the year. However, I summer long. That takes a lot of pressure off to prefer algae: planktonic, filamentous and have seen cases where ponds covered with the bluegill population. In fact, we routinely see macro algae such as chara. Out in the Country Summer 2010 Continued on next page 25 F eature Continued from last page in excess of 2,000 pounds of tilapia per acre! Of course, this assumes no bass are present. filamentous algae and chara that were stocked Finally, tilapia are delicious to eat and with tilapia in mid-May were completely not all that difficult to catch. Preferred baits weed-free by mid-June, and no herbicides tend to be the same you would use for bluegill. were ever applied. In addition, as the water cools in the fall and A number of Web sites and publications tilapia become lethargic, they will occasionally have touted tilapia as an effective means to swim high in the water column near the control duckweed and watermeal. I’m not shoreline looking for the warmest water they ready to jump on that bandwagon just yet. I can find. That’s a good time to get them with know they will eat these two nasty plants, but a long-handled dip net. I have yet to see them effectively control it in To summarize, stocking tilapia is like a natural pond environment. Duckweed and that tilapia readily consume filamentous algae watermeal simply spread so fast, I question means that they are not in direct competition the tilapia’s ability to keep up with it. In my with other forage fish in your pond such as opinion you would have to stock at a very bluegill or threadfin shad. This allows your high rate for tilapia to have even a chance at forage fish community to make more efficient controlling these two invasive weeds. But given use of available resources. However, to the cost of fluridone, even a high stocking rate enhance production of tilapia and other forage Excerpt copyrighted by Wildlife Trends and of tilapia might be worth a try. fish, proper pond fertilization is a must. In used with permission. This article may not be Although tilapia can and do utilize plank- fact, tilapia are so efficient at utilizing natural duplicated in any form without prior written tonic algae and aquatic invertebrates, the fact food that a well fertilized pond can support permission from Wildlife Trends. installing a machine in your pond that converts unwanted, unsightly filamentous algae into food for your bass or food for you and your family if you can catch them. Now that’s what I call a super fish! Excerpt copyrighted by Wildlife Trends and used with permission. This article may not be duplicated in any form without prior written permission from Wildlife Trends. AgSouth Farm Credit 26 Me mber Sp otlight Jeff Lageman and AgSouth Regional Vice President Dan Good stand in front of a row of managed timber. Fishing, Farming, Forestry and Football By: Rhonda Uzzolino, Marketing Manager A gSouth member Jeff Lageman grew Jets, which lead to a 10-year NFL career as year-round color analyst for Jaguars radio and up in the suburbs of Virginia, not a defensive end. After a stellar six-year run television broadcasting (he does 40-44 live far from his grandparents’ farm, with the Jets, in 1994 he left to play for a new T.V. shows a year). He is also following another where he spent a lot of time exploring the franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his long-time passion—the outdoors. Since 1996, fields and helping out with the chores. The decade with the NFL, he suffered numerous he has co-hosted a radio talk show on hunting suburbs were an ideal place for Jeff. They injuries to his knees, tore tendons on both and fishing with friend Kevin Faver, a charter offered him an opportunity to appreciate shoulders and suffered a hernia, but it was captain in St. Augustine. The pair came up life in the nearby city of Fairfax and explore the last torn ligament in his arm that made with the idea for a radio show based on their the outdoors. It’s where he first discovered him decide to end his career in 1999, after a love of the outdoors and approached the local the four “Fs” that would dictate his lifestyle: decade of playing in the NFL. “It was time to AM radio station in Jacksonville with their fishing, farming, forestry and football. explore my other interests,” he says. idea, and the show grew from there. Jeff played college football at the Although Lageman quit playing profes- The Hunt Life Outdoors Show is University of Virginia and was selected in the sional ball, he never lost his love of the game. now a three-hour radio show syndicated first round of the NFL draft by the New York These days Jeff spends his time working as a Continued on next page Out in the Country Summer 2010 27 Me mber Sp otlight Continued on from last page in six major cities: Jacksonville, Macon, Brunswick, Gainesville, Birmingham and Montgomery. During the show Jeff and Kevin interview experts in hunting, fishing, wildlife management and anything else that sparks their interest as outdoorsmen. Some of their guests have included the president of the Wild Turkey Federation, Brenda Valentine, the “First Lady of Hunting,” as well as local sportsmen and celebrities who are avid outdoorsmen. In addition to their hosting responsibilities, Jeff and Kevin are also actively involved in the show. They buy the three hours of time, so it’s their job to do everything to keep it going. Not only do A picture frame created by Lageman housing an outdoor scene decorates a wall of the barn. they select the guests, but they call them named Dylan for the Celtic word meaning Jeff bought the Wheeler County pine to arrange interviews, do the research and “from the sea.” It’s no wonder that nine-year- plantation in 2006 after looking for hunting interview them. They also make calls to solicit old Dylan’s favorite sport is fishing. Lately, land on line. “Thank God for the Internet,” advertising to keep the show afloat. Jeff is a though, Jeff has been teaching Dylan to hunt. he said. “I was able to search for exactly strong believer in promoting the outdoor life Dylan recently killed his first deer, a six-point what I wanted without wasting a lot of and wants to reach as large an audience as buck, on the 941-acre plantation Jeff owns in time traveling.” From growing up near the possible. If you’re not in an area that receives Wheeler County, Ga., Dylan was so excited farmlands of Virginia, he knew exactly what The Hunt Life Outdoors Show, you can listen about that hunt with his father that he wrote a he wanted in a property: rolling hills, pine to it at www.huntlife.com. story about the experience for his third grade trees, hard woods and water. He wanted a Although the work keeps Jeff busy, class, complete with a colorful drawing. Jeff place to hunt and fish and get away from the what keeps him sane is spending time with proudly framed it and put it in the barn on hustle and bustle of his Jacksonville life. He his family: wife, Misti, and son, Dylan. Jeff the plantation. also wanted some place he could watch the leaves change colors. And it was important that the property be somewhere he could travel to without spending a lot of time on the road. He also knew that he wanted to be able not only to enjoy the land, but use it so that it could help pay for itself. The Wheeler County property met all of his requirements. Having no prior experience taking care of such a big piece of property didn’t intimidate him. Friend Bill Oettmeier, from Fargo, Ga., taught him about forest products and management and suggested he hire a management team to help him carry out his plans. This hollow is a sacred place on the plantation where Jeff and company watch deer. There is no hunting allowed in this area. AgSouth Farm Credit 28 “I liked the fact that the company would manage my loan as well as I would manage my property. Getting money back at the end of the year for just doing business with them was icing on the cake.” — Jeff Lageman Lageman shows Dan the landscaping he has done to the property, including adding the pond and young trees surrounding it. Before he could manage the property, and bream, establishes and maintains food though, Jeff had to purchase it. A CPA in plots and manages the timber growth through Waycross told him about AgSouth, and he controlled burning. approached Regional Vice President Dan Good Jeff began managing the property the in the Blackshear office about financing the first year he bought it, when he clear cut a property. Jeff admits that he looked at other small plot and planted pines. This year he financing options, but says he was turned off plans to thin some 212 acres. “It’s important by the automation of the “system” banks. He to manage the land,” says Jeff. “I want this wanted a “real” person to talk to who knew property to be around for my family to enjoy about land and financing, and he found that for many generations to come.” person in Dan. Finding out that AgSouth paid Before he got married 11 years ago, Jeff’s patronage sealed the deal. “I liked the fact life was all about football. Once he retired, he that the company would manage my loan as went into a different mindset and arranged well as I would manage my property. Getting his life so that he could devote it to family. money back at the end of the year for just Buying the plantation was part of that thinking doing business with them was icing on the process. Now he brings family and friends to cake,” he says with a smile. hunt and fellowship together. When asked Jeff is very hands-on when it comes whether son Dylan was impressed with his to taking care of the property. “I enjoy this father’s football celebrity, Jeff said that he property in every way possible,” he says. was more impressed by the fact that he had a “Not only do I enjoy what the property offers father who showed him how to hunt and fish. me—relaxation and a place to hunt and fish—I When he’s not doing radio or T.V., enjoy the upkeep. I ride the tractors; I plow the managing the property or relaxing on it, fields; I plant the trees; and I fix things when Jeff is active in outdoor memberships. He they break. I’ve even driven the bulldozer a time or two. If it has a motor, I can drive it. I’ve been able to do that since I was a boy.” He also stocks his ponds with bass, catfish Jeff and son, Dylan, built this deer stand. It was from this stand that Dylan killed his first buck. Out in the Country Summer 2010 29 is a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Quality Deer Management Association, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Rifle Association and a former member of Quail Unlimited. He is also involved with the Mossy Oak Pro Staff as one of their main advocates. “My main objectives are to enjoy my family and spread my love of the outdoors with a new generation,” says Lageman. “From bringing my family here to enjoy the outdoors to hosting a syndicated radio show about it and being an advocate for it in other ways, I’m living my dream life. I’d like to give that opportunity to others who follow me.” A gribusiness Career Counseling 101 By: Dr. David M. Kohl M any readers are seeking or have enterprises, from small to very large, some children seeking education or with complex business arrangements. This will employment in the agricultural require an agri-professional with deep industry industry. Others in the mid-stages of their and customer knowledge who is in touch with I have some management experience. Does management always involve so much politics and turf protection? career are contemplating new employment consumer needs in a constantly changing It sounds like you are a bit frustrated. Every opportunities and possible next moves. Being marketplace. A person who will engage in a organization has its flaws and will make an educator, I have found that a bond or trust career in agriculture will need training and mistakes. It is important to find a situation is developed and evolved with many former skills in business, economics, biology and with the chemistry that aligns with your students, so they seek me out for advice. The communications with an understanding of value systems and your style of management. following is a set of well-thought-out questions global cultures, in addition to knowledge of Why do some teams and organizations pull from a former student, which can be applied the agricultural industry. together and perform at high levels? It is all to anyone planning to be involved in the What will the ag lending career look like in the next twenty years? about chemistry, which is constantly evolving. agricultural industry. Is agriculture the right industry for a career? A person with sound business and economic Oftentimes I will hear the comment that “our organization is like family that cares and respects each other.” Yes, new and old established family members will do things to My response is yes. Agriculture over the next training with a high level of emotional intel- several decades will be five-dimensional, ligence will be able to “write their ticket” all including food, fiber, fuel, products for the way up the management chain. Expect the life sciences and life experiences. This project and assignment work that will require diversified industry will need to thrive both alignment of your skill base with the circum- domestically and globally to feed and clothe stances or situation. Constant training and How do I determine the stability of a new opportunity? a growing world population. There will be a education will be critical for you to maintain First, examine where the business has been wide range of agricultural entrepreneurial the competency edge and employment security. and its direction for the future. When you say AgSouth Farm Credit 30 upset this chemistry. This is sometimes good and sometimes bad, but unfortunately that the way life goes. from the recent financial crisis was that the A person with sound business and economic training with a high level of emotional intelligence will be able to “write their ticket” all the way up the management chain. management teams were disconnected from the customers they served. Agricultural business models in the future may be flat instead of hierarchical. That being said, good managers and CEOs are constantly developing people in their organizations to serve customers in a profitable manner or on a long-term basis. A major metric is whether “security,” you are indirectly telling me that Sometimes taking on special projects and or not you are accomplishing this. Do you raise is a high career priority. Check the financial performing well is the avenue to spotlight the performance of those around you inside health of the business, its business plan and your talent or potential abilities. Remember and outside the business? objectives, plan for succession, and where you it is the people you work with who promote or In summary, involvement in agriculture, would fit. Does it have a strategic vision? How fire you; the supervisor or boss just delivers regardless of enterprise, size of business, or has it changed over the years? the message. Sometimes one must go outside responsibilities, can be challenging and I have the experience, vision, and intellect to contribute to a company at a high level. How long do I have to wait? the nest to get the reward, but it may come rewarding. While the big cities often come with with risk. higher pay and some glamour, busy commutes and higher cost of living can be an impediment. Often patience is a virtue, but tough on a Are there risks just being a manager and not producing direct income? young, aggressive, “up and coming” profes- Yes and no. If the organization is flat with sional in a specialized field such as agriculture. little hierarchy, possibly yes. A lesson learned Out in the Country Summer 2010 31 In agriculture, you can work with a grounded customer base. Many rural areas you serve can be great places to raise a family for a balanced career and livelihood. A ssociation New s Join Farm Credit at the Sunbelt Ag Expo October 19-21, 2010 Spence Field in Moultrie, GA Sunbelt Ag Expo - 29 0-G Harper Blvd. • M oultrie, GA John Deere Gator™ Givea way Stop by the Farm Credit bu ild chance to win a John Deer ing and register for a e Gator™ compliments of Farm Credit and Lasseter Eq uipment Group! Contest Rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age. Contest is open to residents of the continental United States. Entries will be accepted at the Farm Credit building at the Sunbelt Expo during regular Expo hours October 19-October 21, 2010 until the time of the drawing on October 21. Winner need not be present to win and will be notified by telephone after the drawing. Prize winner must make his/her own arrangements for pickup of the gator from the Sunbelt Expo grounds within 10 days of the prize drawing or prize is forfeited and secondary drawing will be held. Prize is not transferable or assignable. Acceptance of the prize shall constitute winner’s agreement that sponsor or agent(s) may use and/or display the winner’s name, address (city and state), likeness, biographical information and/or prize information, without limitation, for promotional purposes, without further consideration, except where prohibited by law. All taxes on prize (if applicable) are the sole responsibility of the winner. Prize is awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. Retail value of gator is $6,499 (Manufacturer’s suggested price.) Odds of winning depend on the number of entries. For a copy of the winner list, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request to the contest sponsor: The Georgia Farm Credit Associations, 468 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069. AgSouth Farm Credit 32 AgSouth Employees Retire after a Combined History of Nearly 123 Years of Service Ann Osborne Ann Osborne Harold Smith Debbie Clark Julie Taber transferring to Madison Production Credit Debbie has been an integral part of By: Beverly Burns, Credit Analyst Assoc./Federal Land Bank of Madison, the success of both the Madison office and Ann Osborne, a loan assistant in the Laurens Covington branch office. Throughout various AgSouth Farm Credit. Her knowledge and office, retired April 30, 2010, after nearly 29 mergers, Harold worked from the Covington expertise will be greatly missed. years of service. Ann began her career in 1971 office for nearly 30 years. Debbie and her husband, Gary, live in with Palmetto Production Credit. A reception According to Regional Vice President the Pennington-Farrar community of Morgan was held in Ann’s honor at the Laurens office Ricky Cochran, “Harold has always been County and have one son, Kristopher. We wish with many AgSouth employees, family, friends willing to help you with any tasks or problem her the very best as she starts this new phase and local businessmen and women attending you asked him to help you with. He has been of her life. the celebration. Ann is looking forward to an integral part of the success of both the spending more time with her family and, Covington office and AgSouth Farm Credit. Julie Taber according to her, “I also plan to do a lot of His knowledge and expertise will greatly be things I never had time for while working.” missed, and his customers will miss his many Ann’s service to Farm Credit is much appre- hunting and fishing stories.” ciated, and we wish her the best of everything in the years ahead. Harold Smith By: Christy Smith, Marketing Specialist After 34 years of service to the association, Harold Smith, a branch/relationship manager in Covington, Ga., retired July 31, 2010. Harold began his Farm Credit career with Harold and his wife Jan love to hike, bird hunt and fish, so in addition to spending more time with his children and grandchildren, they want to make as many trips out west as time will allow. We wish Harold all the best and hope he knows he will be greatly missed. Debbie Clark By: Sammy Fogle, Regional Vice President Julie Taber, branch operations coordinator in the St. Matthews, S.C. office, retired March 31, 2010, after 30 years of dedicated service. Julie began her Farm Credit career in 1979 at the Federal Land Bank of Orangeburg. In 1981, she moved to the St. Matthews office and remained there until her retirement. Julie was well known by all of the customers in the St. Matthews area and always welcomed everyone with a warm and friendly smile. By: Ricky Cochran, Regional Vice President Julie and her husband, William, live in Coastal Plain Production Credit Association Debbie Clark, branch operations coordinator the Ft. Motte area of Calhoun County with in Tifton in 1976. After four years there, he of the AgSouth Farm Credit office in Madison, their two dogs. She is spending her time now transferred to Flint River Production Credit Ga., retired March 31, 2010, after 30 years at home and at Folly Beach. We wish Julie all Assoc./Federal Land Bank of Carrollton and of loyal and dedicated service. Debbie began of the best in her retirement. worked in the Griffin office for a year before her career in May 1979 at the Federal Land Bank of Madison. Out in in the the Country Country Summer Summer 2010 2009 Out 33 association ne w s Meet the AgSouth Staff Meet our Senior Management Staff More than 233 years of experience working for you! Experience Working for YOU! By: Lisa Peden, Human Resource Director A gSouth is blessed with a knowledgeable and experienced staff that works hard to make sure our members receive the newest loan products available on the market, keep your interest rates low, keep your patronage program strong, and provide you with service beyond compare. In our fall issue, you met South Carolina’s Team 7. Over the next few issues, we’ll continue to introduce you to the people behind the name “AgSouth Farm Credit.” Standing, from the left: Theron Anderson, Director of Financially-Related Services and SMM; Van McCall, Georgia Chief Lending Officer; Ronnie Summers, South Carolina Divisional President; Owen Smith, South Carolina Chief Lending Officer; Craig Peebles, Georgia Divisional President Seated, from the left: Lisa Gunter, Chief Financial Officer; Bill Spigener, Chief Executive Officer; Rick Moore, Director of Risk Management Photo contest! ® video contest! Keepin’ It Rural is now bigger than ever! Show off your appreciation for all things rural in our Video AND Photo Contests! Whether it’s video or photography, we want to see how you “Keep It Rural.” Send us your funny, inspiring, unusual, bizarre, or amazing farm- or rural-themed videos or photos. Visit iKeepItRural.com for details and official rules AgSouth Farm Credit 34 Marketplace W e’re happy to have this opportunity to help you sell your property during these difficult economic times. If you’re a member and have equipment or rural property to sell, or if you’re a reader and have a great piece of land our members might like to buy, email ruzzolino@agsouthfc.com, and we’ll list it on our Web site and possibly run it in our magazine FOR FREE. AgSouth Farm Credit does not endorse or accept responsibility for the advertisements contained in AgSouth’s Marketplace, and is not responsible for any misrepresentations contained herein, including misprints. AgSouth Property: South Carolina: n 112.6 Acres in Allendale Co. Property has a small creek and is planted in pines and hardwood. $3500/acre. Call 803-346- a 40-minute drive to Bluffton/Hilton Head or Savannah. Call 803-942-0922 or 803-346-9473. $750,000. n 60+ Acres in Lower Richland Co. Forest land and recreational 9473. n 187.5 Acres in Jasper Co. Property is partially planted in w/mixed pines and hardwoods. Open wildlife plot; creek; fronts longleaf pines. Remaining portion is to be planted in longleaf this on Hwy 601. Agricultural zoning. $158,200 OBO. Call 803-957- upcoming season. $4,000 per acre. Call 803-346-9473. 3469. n 10 Acres and Plantation Home in Hampton Co. Completely n 36 Acres in Saluda Co. Nice small timber tract featuring renovated on 10 acres of heavily timbered property in the 36+/- acres of 1982 planted loblolly pines. Excellent small Lowcountry. Property adjoins large state wildlife tract and is hunting tract with abundant deer and turkey. $111,600. Contact elcid1996@comcast.net. AgSouth Property: Georgia: n 356 Acres in Jasper Co. On Jordan and Goolsby Roads. Will n 18 Acres in Ware Co. Western part of county in Manor. Property divide into 20-acre tracts or larger. Asking $4800/acre. Call Paul has dirt road frontage and is bordered by other farmland with Spieks at 770-235-4132. one home located directly across the road. Asking $3500/acre. n 24.9 Acres in Glynn Co. 251 Pennick Road, 10 minutes north Contact tbraddy@dishmail.net. of town. 625’ footage on Pennick Road and 433’ footage on Old n 41 Acres in Ware Co. Cut-over timberland. Ideal for growing Jesup Road; cleared/logged about 5 years ago, some majestic old blueberries. Timber has been sold and is waiting to be cut. Land oaks remain; front 6 acres clear with pasture grass; ready for your for sale now or later. $123,000. Contact leroyhudson2006@ country estate, asking $265,000 but negotiable. Call 912-571-0145 yahoo.com. or email uzbek@yahoo.com. To see the full list of properties and items for sell, visit www.agsouthfc.com and click on “AgSouth Marketplace.” Out in the Country Summer 2010 35 AgSouth Farm Credit P.O. Box 718 Statesboro, GA 30459 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE P AID COLUMBIA SC PERMIT 1160 Real Estate Specialists in Southeastern Farms and Plantations Since 1959 97 Acres in Calhoun County,South Carolina • Plantation Services has sold land to individuals and corporations from around the United States and most European countries. The company's expertise, credibility and contacts help clients expose their properties to the widest number of qualified buyers. • The company has represented individuals, corporations, investment firms, banks, estates, timber companies and foreign investors. • Plantation Services is a member of The Board of Regents, an exclusive network of the world's most elite luxury real estate brokers, and a member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate. Albany, Georgia Curt Hall Lee Walters Crisp Gatewood 229.888.2500 “Whether you are a landowner or potential investor, Plantation Services looks forward to welcoming you as a client. As a customer, you will receive personal attention, access to our knowledge and resources, expert advice, and the best service obtainable.” www.plantationservicesinc.com Charleston, South Carolina Contact Chip Hall Lynn Dantzler 843.958.0222 Visit our site for information on available properties. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, please call 229.888.2500 or e-mail cohplantation@aol.com.