Summer - AgSouth Farm Credit

Transcription

ON THE COVER
Photo of Georgia Swamp by John R. Clark
AgSouth
Leader
AgSouth’s Leader is published quarterly for stockholders
and friends of AgSouth.
PRESIDENT
William P Spigener, Jr.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Harry S. Bell, Chairman of the Board
Noel L. Riggins, Vice Chairman
Gary L. Alexander
Jack J. Arnold
Earle J. Bedenbaugh
Kenneth Bennett
Arthur Q. Black
Dr. W. Baynard Boykin
Charles Ray Brown
Dolan E. Brown
Albert F. Busby
T.W. Buzhardt
Jimmy C. Carter, Jr.
Thomas H. Coward
Loy D. Cowart
Herbert A. Daniel, Sr.
Jacob L. Davis, III
Lee H. DeLoach
W. Lewis Duvall
Diane H. Edwins
George A. Hillsman
Eugene T. Jones
Jeffrey M. Knowles
A. Harvey Lemmon
Eugene W. Merritt, Jr.
Jimmy B. Metts
Samuel A. Milford
Ricky C. North
H.L. Page
Jerome G. Parker
L.L. Post
Edward M. Rast
Charles C. Rucks
Jerry A. Smoak
C. Earl Thrailkill, Jr.
Raymond L. Tumbleston
Hugh E. Weathers
John R. Wells
W. Gordon Wells
David H. Womack
Robert A. Youmans
EDITOR
Rhonda Uzzolino
Important Crop
Insurance Dates!
By: Sandra Crews, Insurance Specialist
Address changes, questions, comments or requests for copies of financial
reports should be directed to AgSouth Farm Credit by writing Pat Bowen
at PO Box 718, Statesboro GA 30459-0718 or calling 800-633-9091. If you
prefer, you may send your request via email to pbowen@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 Leader, 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.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS!
Spring crop acreage reports are being finalized in both Georgia and South
Carolina. This volume will determine a significant amount of AgSouth’s
2004 financially related services income. Members can help their
association grow strong by buying crop insurance - a product you need
anyway - from AgSouth, the cooperative that YOU own. Please note the
important crop insurance dates below.
08/31
09/01
09/30
10/15
Sales Closing Date - Onions (Ga Only)
Inventory Reporting Date/Last day to Transfer Policy - Nursery
(Ga & SC)
Sales Closing Date - Barley; Oats; Wheat (Ga & SC)
Production Reporting Date - Onions (Ga Only)
We hope you enjoy the new AgSouth Leader. 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 Leader articles, columns or
advertisements, please contact Rhonda Uzzolino at ruzzolino@agsouthfc.com
or 803-767-1559. Please support your Leader advertisers!
If you know of someone who needs crop
insurance or would like more information
about our products, please contact
Jimmy Dockery at 800-334-1224 or
jdockery@agsouthfc.com.
This notice is for informational purposes
only. Policy provisions will prevail.
PRINTED WITH
SOY INK
JIMMY DOCKERY
Summer 2004, AgSouth Leader | 3
Contact your
Representatives!
South Carolina
Representatives
1st District
Henry Brown (R)
Washington
202-225-3176
N Charleston
843-747-4175
Myrtle Beach
843-445-6418
2nd District
Joe Wilson (R)
Washington
W Columbia
202-225-2452
803-939-0041
3rd District
Gresham Barrett (R)
Washington
202-225-5301
Anderson
864-224-7401
Greenwood
864-223-8251
Aiken
803-649-5571
4th District
Jim DeMint (R)
Washington
Greenville
Spartanburg
202-225-6030
864-232-1141
864-582-6422
5th District
John Spratt (D)
Washington
Darlington
Sumter
202-225-5501
843-393-3998
803-773-3362
6th District
Jim Clyburn (D)
Washington
Columbia
Florence
Santee
202-225-3315
803-799-1100
843-662-1212
803-854-4700
Georgia
Representatives
1st District
Jack Kingston (R)
Washington
Savannah
Brunswick
Warner Robins
2nd District
Sanford Bishop, Jr. (D)
Washington
202-225-3631
Albany
229-439-8067
Dawson
912-995-3991
Valdosta
912-247-9705
Columbus
706-320-9477
3rd District
Jim Marshall (D)
Washington
Macon
Dublin
202-225-6531
877-464-0255
478-296-2101
4th District
Denise Majette (D)
Washington
202-225-1605
Decatur
404-633-0927
5th District
John Lewis (D)
Washington
Atlanta
202-225-3801
404-659-0116
6th District
Johnny Isakson (R)
Washington
202-225-4501
Atlanta
404-252-5239
7th District
John Linder (R)
Washington
Duluth
Canton
4 | Summer 2004, AgSouth Leader
202-225-5831
912-352-0101
912-265-9010
478-923-8957
202-225-4272
770-232-3005
770-479-1888
8th District
Michael “Mac” Collins (R)
Washington
202-225-5901
Newnan
770-683-4622
Columbus
706-327-7228
9th District
Charles “Charlie” Norwood (R)
Washington
202-225-4101
Augusta
706-733-7066
Tocca
706-886-2776
10th District
Nathan Deal (R)
Washington
Gainesville
LaFayette
Dalton
202-225-5211
770-535-2592
706-638-7042
706-226-5320
11th District
Phil Gingrey (R)
Washington
Marietta
Rome
Carrollton
202-225-2931
770-429-1776
706-290-1776
770-836-8130
12th District
Max Burns (R)
Washington
Athens
Augusta
202-225-2823
706-613-1613
706-854-4595
13th District
David Scott (D)
Washington
Savannah
Statesboro
Jonesboro
202-225-2939
912-352-1736
912-764-4589
770-210-5073
BILL SPIGENER, CEO
President’s
Message
As we look back on the first six months of 2004, we are proud of the
accomplishments made by the AgSouth staff.
W
e have brought together two organizations, and we are well on our way to achieving all of
the merger goals set for the association. Earnings continue to exceed budget, and expenses
are below estimates. If you consider the nonrecurring merger expenses charged during the
first half of the year, we are substantially ahead of last year’s combined record earnings for Palmetto
and AgSouth. As we move into the second half of the year, we anticipate that earnings will continue to
increase as we realize some of the cost savings associated with the merger.
After a dry early spring, June rains have been substantial in most of our production agriculture
territory. As a result, crop conditions are now very good in most areas, and we should have average
or above average yields for most of the commodities we
produce. A good year in 2003 allowed many of our
customers to repay loans ahead of schedule, as well as
borrow less for 2004 production. Consequently, loan
volume is below budget targets, even with loan closings
substantially ahead of 2003 levels. Delinquencies, credit
quality and non-earning assets have improved over 2003
due to the improved cash flow of our customers in 2003
and into 2004.
As we begin looking to 2005, we will continue
to explore ways to enhance customer service and our
marketing efforts. To this end, we have made some
strategic additions to our lending staff and are planning
to continue to expand our secondary market program in
both states. We are also building new facilities in Camden/
Lugoff, Laurens, Batesburg and Statesboro. The staff and
customers are already enjoying the new facilities in Baxley.
Management and the board are committed to continuing
a review of our marketplace to find underserved areas
where we can expand, and we remain committed to operate
efficiently so that we can continue to put our profits in your
pockets. 
CHEROKEE
GREENVILLE
DADE
TOWNS
FANNIN
CATOOSA
GORDON
CHATTOOGA
WHITE
HABERSHAM
STEPHENS
LUMPKIN
GILMER
WALKER
OCONEE
UNION
MURRAY
WHITFIELD
PICKENS
ABBEVILLE
JACKSON
FLOYD
POLK
DOUGLAS
GREENE
DALE
ON ROCK
FULTON CLAYT
NEWTON
CARROLL
FAYETTE
COWETA
LAMAR
MERIWETHER PIKE
PUTNAM
TAYLOR
TWIGGS
PEACH
MUSCOGEE
STEWART
PULASKI
DOOLY
SUMTER
WEBSTER
TERRELL
LEE
DODGE
WILCOX
RANDOLPH
CLAY
IRWIN
CALHOUN
EARLY
DOUGHERTY
WORTH
GRADY
SEMINOLE
DECATUR
COFFEE
BERRIEN
MITCHELL
JEFF
DAVIS
COLQUITT
COOK
BROOKS
LONG
BACON
LOWNDES
EFFINGHAM
HAM
BRYAN CHAT
TATTNALL
APPLING
WAYNE
PIERCE
WARE
CHARLESTON
BEAUFORT
EVANS
LIBERTY
MCINTOSH
GLYNN
BRANTLEY
LANIER
CLINCH
THOMAS
BULLOCH
CANDLER
ATKINSON
BERKELEY
JASPER
EMANUEL
TIFT
BAKER
MILLER
COLLETON
HAMPTON
SCREVEN
TELFAIR
BEN HILL
TURNER
DORCHESTER
BAMBERG
ALLENDALE
JENKINS
MONTGOMERY
TOOMBS
WHEELER
CRISP
QUITMAN
BURKE
TREUTLEN
MACON
SCHLEY
BARNWELL
LAURENS
HOUSTON BLECKLEY
MARION
CHATAHOOCHEE
RICHMOND
JOHNSON
CRAWFORD
TALBOT
WILLIAMSBURG
ORANGEBURG
WASHINGTON
WILKINSON
BIBB
CLARENDON
GEORGETOWN
JEFFERSON
BALDWIN
JONES
CALHOUN
AIKEN
GLASCOCK
HANCOCK
HORRY
SUMTER
LEXINGTON
MBIA
MCDUFFIECOLU
WARREN
MONROE
UPSON
HARRIS
MORGAN
JASPER
BUTTS
SPALDING
HEARD
TROUP
HENRY
TALIAFERRO
MARION
RICHLAND
SALUDA
EDGEFIELD
LINCOLN
WALTON
DE KALB
LEE
FLORENCE
GREENWOOD
MCCORMICK
CLARKE OGLETHORPE
OCONEE
WILKES
MARLBORO
DARLINGTON
KERSHAW
FAIRFIELD
NEWBERRY
ELBERT
BARROW
GWINNETTE
COBB
PAULDING
HARALSON
MADISON
CHESTERFIELD
DILLON
LAURENS
HART
HALL
FORSYTH
LANCASTER
CHESTER
UNION
ANDERSON
BANKS FRANKLIN
DAWSON
CHEROKEE
BARTOW
PICKENS
RABUN
YORK
SPARTANBURG
CHARLETON
CAMDEN
ECHOLS
CALL YOUR LOCAL AGSOUTH BRANCH FROM ANYWHERE WITH
OUR NEW NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE NUMBER NUMBER 866-585-6234!
YOUR CALL WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY FORWARDED TO YOUR HOME BRANCH!
We Put Our Profits
in YOUR Pocket!
Cooperative borrowing provides a great value to our customers. Not only do AgSouth members receive competitive interest rates up-front, but
customers share in the profits of the association through the patronage program. Help strengthen your association and increase the possibility of
larger patronage returns by:
• sharing the AgSouth story! Tell friends and neighbors about the benefits of doing business with your cooperative.
• purchasing your life, crop and timber insurance - coverage you need anyway - from your own company, AgSouth.
• asking your loan officer about the benefits of leasing equipment, vehicles and buildings from AgSouth.
• refinancing loans you have with other lenders through AgSouth, the cooperative YOU own and govern.
• referring customers to our premier home mortgage unit, AgSouth Mortgages.
When we grow and spread our operating expense over a larger base, we become more profitable, and the patronage distribution grows accordingly. It
pays to do business with AgSouth!
AgSOUTH FARM CREDIT
PATRONAGE
REFUND HISTORY
Patronage Refund
History
TOTAL
PATRONAGE
DISTRIBUTION
9,530,295
15,298,275
13,680,732
14,557,441
16,656,821
15,829,795
15,943,456
16,206,631
14,533,187
3,705,377
13,526,813
20,092,776
17,000,908
19,265,722
FISCAL YEAR
ENDING
December-91
December-92
December-93
December-94
December-95
December-96
December-97
December-98
December-99
June-00
December-00
December-01
December-02
December-03
TOTAL
$
205,828,229
CASH
2,726,702
4,421,688
3,923,324
4,364,369
4,996,784
4,748,340
4,782,958
5,218,369
4,343,241
1,111,613
3,967,608
5,933,924
5,100,260
5,779,717
$
61,418,897
ALLOCATED
SURPLUS
DISTRIBUTED
6,803,593
10,876,587
9,757,408
10,193,072
11,660,037
11,081,455
11,160,498
8,135,975
ALLOCATED
SURPLUS
6,803,593
10,876,587
9,757,408
10,193,072
11,660,037
11,081,455
11,160,498
10,988,262
10,189,946
2,593,764
9,559,206
14,158,852
11,900,648
13,486,005
$
144,409,333
$
$141,087,522
$141,087,522
Total cash payments
to our customers!
TOTAL CASH PAYMENTS TO CUSTOMERS!
TRONAGEHISTORY.xls
79,668,625
EMPLOYEE NEWS
Employee
News
The Rock Hill, S.C., branch welcomed
Samantha Hunter as a customer
service representative in April.
Samantha obtained her B.A. in
Business Administration from Winthrop
University with a concentration in
Computer Information Systems.
SAMANTHA HUNTER
AgSouth Welcomes New Employees
In March Crystal Harton was hired as a
mortgage originator for the Spartanburg,
S.C., area. Crystal earned her B.S. in
Business Management from Georgia Tech
and spent the last two years working in the
real estate industry in Madison, Ga.
By: Lisa Peden, Director of Personnel
As you know, your association has gone through many changes in the past
few months to accommodate the needs of the new AgSouth. One of these
changes has included hiring personnel in some of the branches to help with
growing loan volume and to provide better customer service. Please join us
in welcoming the following individuals to the AgSouth team:
CRYSTAL HARTON
RICKY VARNADOE
Ricky Varnadoe joined the Allendale,
S.C., branch in January as a loan
officer. Ricky graduated from Clemson
University in 2001 with a B.A. in Forestry
and recently received his Masters in
Agriculture Education. Before coming
to AgSouth, Ricky was employed by
Clemson University as a graduate
assistant.
Russ Stewart joined the AgSouth team in
May as a loan officer in the Greenville,
Ga., office. Russ graduated from Georgia
Southern University in 1995 and worked
as an assistant vice president for United
Bank in Thomaston, Ga., before coming
to AgSouth.
RUSS STEWART
Mortgage originator Quincy X. Miller began
working out of the Summerville, S.C., branch
in January. Quincy obtained his B.S. in
Business Management from South Carolina
State University in 1994, and has worked in
the lending and banking industries for the
past 10 years.
QUNCY X. MILLER
BOBBY VOLKMER
The Bamberg, S.C. office welcomed
Tina Hutto as an associate accountant
in May. Tina obtained her B.A. in
Business Accounting from OrangeburgCalhoun Technical College in 1989.
Before joining AgSouth, she was a
manager for several staffing companies.
TINA HUTTO
Bobby Volkmer filled a much-needed
position as an information systems
coordinator for the association in March.
He works out of the Spartanburg, S.C.,
administrative office. Bobby graduated
from Georgia Tech with a Materials
Engineering Degree. Before coming to
AgSouth, he was employed by IBM as
a process development engineer in the
microelectronics division.
KENDRA ZITTROUER
Kendra Zittrouer is the newest addition
to the AgSouth family. She joined the
Statesboro, Ga., administrative office in
May as an assistant accountant. Kendra
graduated from Effingham County
High School in 2003, and is currently
a sophomore at Georgia Southern
University. She was previously
employed by the Effingham County
Farm Bureau.
Pflug Receives
Honorary State FFA
Degree
The South Carolina FFA 77th State Convention was held June 711 at Clemson University, in Clemson, S.C. Officers, leaders and
members of the South Carolina FFA met for a five-day session
that culminated in an awards and recognition banquet on Thursday
evening, June 10, at the Anderson Civic Center.
During the banquet, an Honorary State FFA Degree was
presented to AgSouth Marketing Manager, Miriam R. Pflug.
The Honorary Degree Program is the highest award available
to a friend or supporter of the FFA at the state level. The
honorarium is awarded to individuals who
have rendered outstanding service
to the ag-based education program.
Congratulations to Miriam
and other recipients of the Honorary
State FFA Degree. 
AgSouth Marketing Manager Miriam Pflug receives an
Honorary State FFA Degree.
Director Earl Thrailkill, Jr.,
Named S.C. Farmer of the Year
By Karen Baxley, Regional Vice President
Congratulations to AgSouth Director,
Earl Thrailkill, S.C. Farmer of the Year!
AgSouth member and Director, Earl Thrailkill, Jr., was recently named South Carolina’s Farmer
of the Year by a committee for the Lancaster/Sunbelt Agricultural Expo and its sponsor, Swisher
International, Inc. (Lancaster refers to a tobacco brand and not the S.C. county.) Thrailkill was
nominated by the Chester County Extension Service for his success in operating the Thrailkill farming
operation, which consists of beef cattle and turkeys. Winners from eight southern states will compete
for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year, where they will have a chance to win more than $14,000
in cash and prizes. The Southeastern Farmer of the Year will be selected from one of the following
participating states: Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Florida and
North Carolina. The recipient of the award will be announced at the Sunbelt Expo on Tuesday, October
19, in Moultrie, Ga. We wish Mr. Thrailkill good luck at the Expo! 
FEATURED MEMBERS
Charlie Phillips inspects a newly planted clam field.
Take One Georgia Aquatic Farmer; Add a South Carolina Forage Grass Farmer and You Get
AgSouth Surf and Turf!
Member Joe Gallagher owns one of the area’s largest forage grass farms.
FEATURED MEMBERS
Brunswick Area Clam Farmer Hits Pay Dirt
When He’s Up to His Knees in Mud!
By Rhonda Uzzolino, Marketing Manager
Pelican Point provides dockage for fishing vessels.
McIntosh, Ga., resident, Charlie Phillips, is happiest when he’s up to
his knees in the mud bogs at low tide on the Intercoastal Waterway
checking his clam beds. He doesn’t mind the mud - it washes off - but
the freedom of owning his own business and roaming through the salty
marshes with the wind in his hair - that stays.
Charlie and his family moved from Jesup to coastal McIntosh
County more than 35 years ago. His father, Myron Phillips, sold a
feed mill and moved the family to a cottage on the Sapelo River near
Crescent, Ga. Myron went out on a shrimp boat with a friend one day
and, after a good catch, caught “shrimp fever.” That half-day trip was
the beginning of what is now a multi-faceted, family-owned aquatic and
aquaculture business.
Phillips Seafood is a wholesale seafood distributor that provides
dockage and supplies for area shrimpers and fishermen and purchases
their catches. Pelican Point Restaurant, owned by Myron Phillips, is
located adjacent to the dock and is famous for its fresh seafood. Sapelo
Sea Farms grows and sells “hard” clams (mercenaria mercenaria)
in the wholesale market. Myron started Phillips Seafood and Pelican
Point Restaurant years ago. He sold Phillips Seafood to Charlie a few
years back and now operates the restaurant, while Charlie runs Phillips
Seafood and Sapelo Sea Farms.
Charlie himself has been an aquatic farmer since 1975. Most of
his business comes from his clams, but he also harvests shrimp, red
snapper, king mackerel, shark, grouper and sea bass. Like any other
farmer, Phillips sees the need for diversification, even in the aquatic
industry. During his 30 years in the business, Phillips has seen the price
of seafood fluctuate just like any other agricultural commodity. Now, he
says, what are in demand are cheaper fish like amberjack, as well as top
quality domestic fish like grouper and vermillion snapper.
Phillips and his former partner, Roger DeWitt, started Sapelo Sea
Farms in 1996, with the purchase of Fourmile Island, one of the few
islands surrounding historic Brunswick that was available for purchase;
most of the islands are government-owned to protect the natural habitat
that survives in these Intercoastal areas. A few years later, with the
help of AgSouth, Phillips bought out his partner’s interest in the clam
business, and now has five full-time employees working for him. “I like
working with AgSouth because they know agriculture. Their knowledge
makes AgSouth easier to work with than other lenders,” says Phillips.
DeWitt maintains a half interest in the island and has his own
clam business. The former partners are now working together with the
Extension Service to find better ways to grow and harvest shellfish.
They are also discussing the possibility of venturing into the oyster
business.
In addition to being a co-owner of Fourmile Island and owning
the right to harvest the island’s shellfish, Phillips also owns the rights
to harvest the wild clams that grow on other nearby mud flats. These
wild clams make up approximately 15-20% of his clam sales. Sapelo
Sea Farms sells clams and other types of seafood up and down the East
Coast from Florida to Canada. Phillips is only one of a dozen Georgialicensed clam farmers, and one of the largest in the state.
Phillips credits his good fortune in part to the extension agents
at the University of Georgia, who came to him and DeWitt and asked
whether they wanted to try growing clams.
The agents taught them how to grow the
clams in the warm Georgia waters. Because
there are no chemical treatments available for
the shellfish, most years Phillips is lucky to
get a 60% yield. The only protection he can
provide for his crop is to cover the clams with
fine netting to protect them from such natural
predators as stingrays, crabs and conches.
According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, agriculture is one of the top ten
most dangerous jobs in the United States;
fishing is ranked at number two. Phillips
admits to having been in many dangerous
situations, even in the “shallow” coastal
waters. “The best thing you can do when
you’re on the ocean is to respect her. You
never know when a sudden storm might come
up,” he says. “I watch the weather and then
just go with the flow. I’ve learned never to
fight the tide. It’s like fighting a woman - you
just can’t turn either one.” 
One of the waterways leading to Fourmile Island.
The white rings around the outside of
a clam indicate how fast it is growing.
Phillips grabs a handful of wild clams
and emerges with a variety of little
necks, cherry necks and top necks.
FEATURED MEMBERS
Allendale County Farmer Finds Profit in Foraging
By Ernie Avant, Regional Vice President
AgSouth member Joe Gallagher (Right) discusses the forage business with AgSouth Regional Vice President, Ernie Avant at the “world headquarters” of
Gallagher Forage Grass Farms.
When Allendale County AgSouth member Joe Gallagher is not out
rescuing damsels in distress (i.e., AgSouth employees who get their
vehicles stuck in the mud trying to photograph wet fields), you can find
him in what he calls the “world headquarters” of Forage Grass Farms,
a one-room office he added to his farm warehouse when he outgrew his
home office. On the way to the office, you’ll find Gallagher’s collection
of neon signs, which has been a hobby of his for many years. Inside the
small headquarters are a computer, a desk and a small bench for guests
(“not for napping,” insists Gallagher, “there’s no time for that.”)
But don’t let the size of the office fool you. Forage Grass Farms
is one of the area’s largest suppliers of forage grasses. Gallagher digs
sprigs from more than 17,000 acres of Coastal Bermuda and other
grazing grasses. According to him, it takes three years for the Bermuda
sprigs to grow back to a sellable size. If the grass is harvested before
that time, the roots are too weak to ensure a successful transplant. Since
quality is the key to a quick stand of Bermuda, a field is dug only once
every four years. As an added benefit, digging the sprigs is beneficial to
the health of the stand of Bermuda grass.
Gallagher began the operation in 1986, working part time to meet
local forage needs. After 10 years spent working as a manager for
Goldkist Fertilizer, and working in the forage grass business part time,
Gallagher decided to become a full-time grass planter. That decision
turned out to be a good one. He says that the timing was perfect for an
area forage grass business. Small row crop farmers, as well as the larger
South Carolina tobacco farms, were being converted into cattle farms,
and many came to Gallagher for their grazing needs.
When he was working in the forage business part time, Gallagher
borrowed equipment as it was needed. But soon the business had grown
so much that he found that he had to purchase his own planter and
digger. He sought financial advice from friend Pat Chappell, who, at the
time, was on Farm Credit’s board of directors. Chappell told Gallagher
that the people at Farm Credit were the ones to see for any agricultural
financing. Gallagher set up an appointment with then loan officer
Gene McCutchen and has been an association member ever since. “I
can go to a local bank for fast money any time,” says Gallagher, “but
I like the idea of a structured payment with a fixed rate. The folks
at Farm Credit understand farming and know the questions to ask to
keep a farmer from getting in over his head. Most banks are in and
out of the farming business, but Farm Credit is always there. They are
great people to work with.”
What began as a part-time venture has turned into a year-round
custom forage service operation. Gallagher now has two planting
crews that plant Bermuda grass in South Carolina, as well as North
Carolina and Georgia. Over the years Gallagher has diversified
his operation by adding Christmas tree production and sales, and,
beginning this year, pine straw harvesting and sales.
In his “spare time,” Gallagher works from the “mobile command
center” - either his pickup truck or four-wheeler ATV - taking
soil samples for farmers in three counties and making fertilizer
recommendations for more than 18,000 acres of row crops. This line
of business dates from the time he spent with Goldkist as an ag supply
salesman and the won trust of the local farmers with his expertise.
Gallagher credits much of his success to good timing and “having
the best people in the universe working for me, including the folks at
Farm Credit.” 
“Most banks are in and out of
the farming business, but Farm
Credit is always there. They are
great people to work with.”
One of Gallagher’s Bermuda fields shows recently harvested grass, as well as
1-year-old and 2-year-old grasses in various stages of growth.
This field, picked only two weeks before, sprouts new growth quickly with the help of the mid-summer rain.
2004 Young Couples Cooperative
Conference
By Miriam Pflug, Marketing Manager
November 12-14, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
S
ched
Frida
ule o
y,
If you are an AgSouth member between the ages of 20 and 40 and would like to
f Eve
3:00 Novemb
er 12
nts
Arriva
learn more about the advantages of doing business with cooperatives, you may be
l&C
h
C
6:00
eck-in
onfer
interested in attending the 2004 Cooperative Educational Conference for Young
Welc ence Reg
o
m
Couples.
e Rec istration
Satu
eptio
r
d
n&B
The conference is sponsored by the South Carolina, Georgia and North
7:30 ay, Nove
anqu
mber
et
Break
8:30
Carolina Cooperative Councils. Last year’s conference provided an opportunity
fast B 13
O
uffet
penin
for 18 couples from the tri-state area to learn more about the cooperatives they
* Coo g Genera
l
p
do business with every day and how co-ops differ from typical businesses.
* Elec erative Pr Session
10:15
in
t
r
ciples
ic
Co
Couples attending this year’s conference will have the same opportunity to
Small
11:45
Grou operatives & Practic
p
Lunc
es
1:00
learn about their cooperatives, plus an occasion to exchange information
h Buf Sessions
fet
S
w
2
m
it
:
3
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h
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and ideas with other cooperative members and leaders.
ll G
Coop
erativ
Grou roup Ses
2:45
p Pho
e Len
sions
The 2004 conference will be held November 12 -14 at Ocean Creek,
ders
tos
Free
w
5:30
it
h Co
T
im
opera
e
a 57-acre resort and conference center in Myrtle Beach, S.C.. The resort
Grou
t
iv
p Din
e Len
ner &
ders
Sund
is just a short walk to some of South Carolina’s finest beaches, and
Show
ay, N
o
8
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:
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e
overnight accommodations are in one-bedroom villas adjacent to the
0
m
Break ber 14
9:00
f
conference center and indoor swimming pool. The resort is across
Devo ast Buffet
11:00
tio
the street from Barefoot Landing, a popular shopping destination for
Adjou n and Clo
rn
sing
Gene
tourists, and home of the House of Blues, where a group dinner will
ral Se
ssion
be held on Saturday night.
If you and your spouse are interested in having AgSouth
Farm Credit sponsor you for this event and are between the
ages of 20 and 40, please complete the attached form by Friday,
August 20, 2004, and send it to Miriam Pflug, Marketing
Manager, AgSouth Farm Credit, PO Box 4966, Spartanburg S.C.
29305-4966.
2004 Young Couples Cooperative Conference Sponsorship Form
Return to Miriam Pflug, Marketing Manager, AgSouth Farm Credit, PO Box 4966, Spartanburg S.C. 29305-4966, by Friday, August 20, 2004
Name of Husband ______________________________________ Age _____ Name of Wife ______________________________________ Age _____
Mailing Address __________________________________________City ___________________________________ State _____ Zip _____________
Home Phone ________________________________ Work Phone ________________________________ Email ______________________________
Cooperatives with which you are or have done business:
 Dairy  Farm Supply  Telephone  Electric  Farm Credit
 Other ________________________________________________________
Community Leadership and Development
Organization __________________________________________________ Positions Held _________________________________________________
Accomplishments and Awards (If necessary, continue on attached pages) ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Description of Agricultural Operation, if applicable:________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Husband’s Occupation: ___________________________________________ Wife’s Occupation:_____________________________________________
EXTENSION AGENTS NEWS FORUM
S.C Junior Beef Round Up to
be Held July 31-August 1
By Dr. John W. Irwin, Extension Animal Scientist, Clemson University
The S.C. Junior Beef Round Up is scheduled
for Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, August
1, 2004, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in
Clemson, S.C. This year’s Round Up will
again feature scholarship competitions,
showmanship and breed shows, the beef sales
talk competition and the junior cattlemen’s
contest. The S.C. Junior Beef Round Up is
a family-oriented event. Last year’s event
drew 260 youth exhibitors and over 400
head of cattle. The Round Up is supported
by various agribusinesses and associations,
such as the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association.
AgSouth Farm Credit is proud to be a cosponsor of this young farmer event. The
18th S.C. Junior Beef Round Up promises
to be a fun experience for the entire family.
The following beef breed shows will be
conducted at the 2004 show: Angus, Brangus,
Belted Galloway, Charolais, Crossbreds,
Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus,
Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Simmental, S.C.
Feeder Steers and Texas Longhorn. Please
join AgSouth in supporting South Carolina’s
premier family-oriented livestock event,
the S.C. Junior Beef Round Up. For more
information, contact Clemson University’s
Cooperative Extension Service at
864-984-2514. 
The high scoring novice division team from 2003 (From the left): Patrick McGill (son of AgSouth
members, Steven and Laura McGill, of Iva), Austin Groce (Fountain Inn), Steven Meadows (son of
AgSouth member, Steven E. Meadows, from Blackville) and Corbin Yon (Ridge Spring).
Stop Surfing the Web!
Get all the information you need at
www.agsouthfc.com
If you haven’t visited AgSouth’s website lately, get ready for a big
change. The new website is more informative than ever. You can still
obtain information on AgSouth’s products and mortgage rates, get past
and current issues of the Leader online and access your loan information.
However, new features allow you to obtain the weather conditions specific
to your ZIP code, as well as the latest in market and commodity news - all
with the click of a button. Make www.agsouthfc.com your home page, and
you’ll never have to go surfing for ag news or information again! 
Alexander’s soil amendment, Clay’s Helper, is ready for retail.
EXTENSION AGENTS NEWS FORUM
Farm Statistics in
AgSouth’s Service Area
By Wes Harris, Special Projects Coordinator, Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, The University of Georgia College of Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences
Number of Farms
Policy development and economic strategy necessitate the characterization
major occupations (excludes limited resource farms whose operators
and classification of farms. With the merger of AgSouth and Palmetto Farm
report farming as their major occupations).
Credits earlier this year, the new territory is greatly diversified with respect
• Farming occupation/higher sales — Small farms with sales from
to farm sizes and sales.
$100,000 to $249,999 whose operators report farming as their major
Based on the 2002 Census data, the ag industry in AgSouth’s territory
occupations.
is very representative of farming in the southeast. Southeastern farms are
• Large family farms — Farms with sales from $250,000 to $499,999.
highly diverse in physical and production traits. Agricultural production
• Very large family farms — Farms with sales of $500,000 or more.
is concentrated in large and very large farms, although small farms
• Non-family farms — Farms organized as non-family corporations or
produce substantial amounts of individual commodities. Small farms hold
cooperatives, as well as farms operated by hired managers.
approximately two-thirds of all farm assets, including land.
Understanding these characteristics is useful in defining AgSouth’s
Since 1850, when minimum criteria defining a farm for Census
territory. According to the 2002 Census, AgSouth’s service area has a total
purposes were first established, the definition of what a farm is has changed of 36,226 farms (Chart 1). Farms with less than 180 acres represent 77% of
with the growth and ideas of the nation. A farm is currently defined,
all farms in the association’s territory. The high proportion of the number
for statistical purposes, as “any place from which $1,000 or more of
of smaller acreage farms shows a strong division of land ownership. This
agricultural products (crops and livestock) were sold or normally would
would indicate a large base of people that are impacted by policy and
have been sold during the year under consideration.”
economic implications within AgSouth’s agricultural community.
A typology has been created by the USDA’s Economic Research
Chart 2 illustrates AgSouth’s service area farms by volume of sales.
Service based on the occupation and sales class of farms. This method
Farms with sales volume under $2,500 per year make up the bulk of this
provides a better definition of “family type” farms. The report identifies
category. There are 20,373 farms, or 56%, that fall below this annual
five groups of small family farms (sales < $250,000): limited resource;
sales volume, meaning that most of these farms fall into the limited
retirement; residential/lifestyle; farming occupation/lower sales; and
resource, farming occupation/lower sales, retirement or residential/lifestyle
farming occupation/higher sales. To cover the remaining farms, the
categories. Although sales volume may be quite low with these farms, the
typology identifies large family farms, very
large family farms and non-family farms.
• Limited resource — A small farm
Chart 1 - AgSouth Service Area Farm Size
with gross sales < $100,000, total farm
assets < $150,000 and total operator
14000
household income < $20,000. Limited
resource farmers may report farming,
12000
non-farm occupations or retirement as
their major occupations.
10000
• Retirement — Small farms whose
operators are retired (excludes limited
8000
resource farms operated by retired
6000
farmers).
• Residential/lifestyle — Small
4000
farms whose operators report major
occupations other than farming
2000
(excludes limited resource farms with
operators reporting non-farm major
0
occupations).
1-9
10-49
50-179
180-499
500-999
1000+
• Farming occupation/lower sales
Farm Size in Acres
— Small farms with sales < $100,000
whose operators report farming as their
$1
00
,0
00
+
00
0:
99
,9
99
$5
0,
00
0:
49
,9
99
$2
5,
00
0:
24
,9
99
$1
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00
:9
,9
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$5
,0
00
:4
,9
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Number of Farms
$2
,5
>$
2,
50
0
Number of Farms
investment in property can be quite significant. There are 2,475 farms
with annual farm sales above $100,000, comprising 7% of all farms
in the service area. These farms are classified as farming occupation/
higher sales, large family farms or
very large family farms, with a few
Chart 2 - AgSouth Service Area Farms By Sales
non-family farms.
Chart 3 illustrates the highest
25000
annual sales volume of farms in
AgSouth’s service area. Farms
with sales of more than $250,000
20000
per year totaled 1,668, or 5%, of
the farms in the area. These farms
are large family farms or very
15000
large family farms, with a small
number of non-family farms. Large
sales volume farms span many
10000
commodities. Poultry operations,
which are vertically integrated,
can be very large family farms,
5000
but occupy minimal acreage.
High value crops such as nursery,
turf and some produce also may
0
have a smaller acreage base than
the traditional commodity farms.
Obviously, large and very large
family farms that are row crop-,
dairy-, and/or livestock-oriented
Annual Farm Sales
must work very large acreages.
Expenses on these types of farms
range above 90% of the sales volume.
To summarize, the AgSouth service area farm structure is a
diversified base both in commodity production and size distribution.
The large number of farms provides an opportunity to create a
reasonably stable portfolio, particularly when most of the farms do not
rely primarily on farm income. The
higher risk commercial operations
Chart 3 - AgSouth Service Area Large Farms by Sales
involve large operational expenses,
but with comprehensive analysis
1200
of each farm loan, the risks can
be reduced. The specialization
required by association personnel
1000
is paramount to the successful
working relationship with these
800
high dollar operations. As the farm
economy continues to improve
600
for the large to very large family
farms, the potential for net income
400
for all parts of the agricultural
support system is enhanced. This
200
is certainly good news for all of
AgSouth’s patrons. 
0
$100-249
$250-499
$500+
Farm Sales (1,000s)
The 2002 Ag Census Results
are Now Available On-Line
Who is the average American farmer? According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, the
average American farmer is 55 years old and has farmed for nearly 21 years. He has 441 acres
and makes over $97,000 in total sales (including government payments), with a total net cash
farm income of just over $19,000. These are just some of the facts revealed in the recently
published survey. The survey also makes note of the fact that more women and minorities are
becoming principal ag operators. More of the interesting facts revealed by the 2002 Census
include:
• While farmers spent 5.2% more in livestock and poultry purchases, interestingly enough,
the largest decrease in farm expenses was in feed purchases, which fell by 3%.
• The estimated value of land and improvements increased from $967 to $1,213 per acre.
• 90% of America’s farms were family-owned.
• 50% of operators had Internet access, and 39% used the computer for business-related
activities.
How do Georgia and South Carolina farmers stand in relation to the national statistics? To
read the Census in full, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/census.
LEGAL ISSUES
LAURA HARRIMAN
WHEATON
Employment Law
Basics for Farmers
By Laura Harriman Wheaton, Brown Rountree & Stewart PC
A perennial concern to farmers is how to secure
labor for the annual tasks of planting, cultivating
and harvesting. Another concern is whether or
not to employ those who perform these tasks or
to contract with someone else to provide labor.
While it may not appear at first glance that there
is much difference between these two options;
legally, there is a vast difference.
When you employ someone, you have
the right to control every facet of that person’s
work- the hours, what he or she does and how
the person does it. However, you also incur
responsibilities, obligations and expenses such
as Social Security and tort liability.
On the other hand, an independent
contractor relationship gives you less control,
but also affords you less liability exposure.
While you can specify in your contract about
how the work will be performed, you lose the
power to control the specific details of the work.
However, you also do not have to worry about
the obligations and liabilities.
Problems can arise if you think you have
hired a farm labor contractor to provide labor
for your farm but legally you are the employer
of the labor contractor or the joint employer of
those hired by the labor contractor. Farmers can
be especially vulnerable for minimum wage and
overtime pay because laborers are often paid by
the piece rather than by the hour.
So how do you know if you are an
employer or not? In Georgia, you are an
employer if you control the time, manner, and
method of the work. The federal test is broader
in that a court considers several factors. These
include control, supervision, and permanency of
the relationship, skill level of the job, provision
of equipment and whether Social Security is
paid.
Here are some guidelines to ensure your
labor contractor is a really a contractor:
• Do not take out Social Security from what
you pay the contractor. Let the contractor pay
the workers. Make sure the contractor receives a
1099 form from you rather than a W-2.
• Do not overly supervise or control the
work. You may tell the contractor which fields
need to be picked on what days and in what
order, but you cross the line if you otherwise
try to run the operation. Telling a worker what
to do through the contractor or supervisor is
still considered supervision. However, you are
allowed to evaluate the work periodically to
ensure that it is being performed according to
your specifications.
that doing so is one of the terms of the deal.
You can also retain the right to verify that the
contractor is obeying the law.
• Use a written contract that specifically
defines the job and its parameters. A more
general contract indicates an employer/
employee relationship.
Employment laws can be very subtle
and complex. If you have any questions about
whether or not you are an employer or which
laws may apply to you, it is best to hire an
attorney to evaluate your specific situation. 
This column is not to be considered legal
advice or to be considered an alternative to
contacting your own lawyer on these matters.
• Let the contractor handle the tax and
immigration paperwork and provide
Workers Compensation and insurance. If
you are concerned that the contractor may not
be following state and federal law, make it clear
Spalding County Farm Day Provides
Opportunity for First-Graders to
Learn about Farming
By Harry King, Commercial Loan Officer
Bobby Ogletree, an AgSouth member, takes a group on a hay ride.
Hundreds of elementary school children turned out
for the Spalding County Farm Day at the Kiwanis
Fairgrounds in Griffin, Ga., on May 11. This annual
event provides an opportunity for those involved in
agriculture to teach first graders where they get many
of the products they use every day. The children got
an up-close view of many farm animals brought to the
fairgrounds by area farmers: goats, dairy calves, a 1,000pound steer, hogs, a quarter horse, a Shetland pony,
chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits and even honey bees in
the hive. The group of 6- and 7-year-olds learned the
individual roles each animal plays in producing food
and/or materials for clothing. The first-graders also had
a chance to examine a row-crop garden and see wheat
growing.
The highlight of the day’s event was a hayride on
a tractor-pulled wagon driven by AgSouth member, Bobby Ogletree. Another AgSouth
member, Julian Jones, showed the children two pullets and talked about what it takes to
raise over 100,000 chickens per year.
AgSouth Vice President Ricky Grice served as a group leader, taking four different
groups of children around to each station. According to Grice, “Most of the kids were
fascinated to learn about the work that goes on behind the foods they eat and the clothes
they wear. They were particularly interested in discovering that the grains of wheat they
were holding in their hands were eventually made into doughnuts and biscuits and that
the leather sneakers most of them wore were made from cow hides.” 
The children line up to see the geese.
AgSouth Vice President Ricky
Grice with a group of first
graders and Dan, a Belgium
draft horse.
Tell a friend about the great financing and
outstanding personal service you receive from
AgSouth.
When that friend becomes a customer, you will receive your choice of a jacket or a check for $100!
More importantly, you’ll be doing your friends a
favor by introducing them to the experts in rural
finance. For more than 85 years, Farm Credit has
been lending money to farmers and those who
live in the country. We know about farming,
buying land, raising livestock, and all the unique
situations that arise when you purchase property
outside of the city.
For all of your financing needs, tell your friends
that AgSouth has a wide selection of terms,
rates, and products. Home mortgages, land or
farm purchases, new construction, remodeling,
horses & livestock, barns, equipment, leasing and
operating lines of credit are just a few examples of
the products we offer.
It’s easy to refer a friend to AgSouth. Simply fill
out the referral form and mail it to us, or give us a
call with the information at 866-585-6234.
With AgSouth’s great personal service and nohassle loan process, your friend will thank you for
the good advice.
Refer someone who is not a member to AgSouth, and if that referral results in a new loan or
lease of $10,000 or more, you will receive an AgSouth jacket or $100 to use any way you like.*
This card introduces: (PLEASE PRINT)
Name ______________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________
County ________________________________ Phone_______________________________
If eligible, I would like:
q A Farm Credit jacket
(Circle Size: S M L XL XXL)
q
A Check for $100
Please give this prospective customer every consideration and courtesy for available loan products.
*Loans subject to RESPA regulations are prohibited from inclusion in this promotion.
Referred by_________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
SS#___________________________________________
Date____________ Phone________________________
Complete this card and either mail or
Branch________________________________________
drop it by your local AgSouth branch.
MEET AGSOUTH’S DIRECTORS
Jones (Right)
reminisces with
AgSouth Vice
President Stacy
Nobles on the
front porch of his
birthplace, which
still rests on Jones’
land.
Meet AgSouth’s Directors
In our Spring issue, we began introducing you to AgSouth’s board of directors with stories on Gary Alexander (South Carolina) and Harvey Lemmon
(Georgia). We plan to continue this series so that you will get to know your board members and the impact that their combined years of agricultural
experience has on the operation of your association. The directors will be presented in no particular order, but we will attempt to showcase a director from
both Georgia and South Carolina in forthcoming issues.
Director Arthur Black shows AgSouth Regional Vice President Karen
Baxley what qualities to look for in a good peach.
Eugene Jones, Wayne
County, Georgia
By Stacy Nobles, Commercial Loan Officer
ACA director Eugene “Gene”
Jones and his wife Dorothy
have been farming together on
Jones’ family land for more
than 40 years. Jones inherited
a portion of his father’s 715acre farm in Wayne County,
Ga., and eventually bought
more of the surrounding
property. The Jones now own
400 acres, a portion of which
Gene leases for row crop
farming. Planted pines cover
80 acres of the property. Gene
says that they raise cattle on
“whatever is left of the 110
remaining acres Dorothy has
not confiscated for her everexpanding flower garden.”
Dorothy has been a
“hobby gardener” for years,
and the acreage surrounding
the house is overflowing with
flowers and bushes so that something is almost always blooming yearround. If you have questions on anything from lantana, roses, day lilies,
daisies, ornamental grasses - to just about anything that grows in Georgia
Jones raises Limousin and Angus cattle on his Wayne County, Ga., farm.
Dorothy and Eugene Jones in front of
the entrance to the backyard garden.
soil - Dorothy is the person to go to for advice. Before retiring to her
flowerbeds, she ran the nearby Quick Stop for 12 years. Prior to that,
she managed the locally famous Reedy Creek Restaurant. Established
by the Jones family in 1972, the restaurant was the first of its kind in the
area to offer patrons a fresh salad
bar. After nearly 30 years in the
food service industry, the family
sold the restaurant in 2000, but
still eats there quite often. When
the Jones established Reedy Creek
Restaurant, they earned a reputation
for fresh-off-the-farm good country
cooking, and that reputation still
stands today.
Gene worked on his father’s
farm from the time he was a young
boy until it was time to go to
college. During his childhood, the
family raised mostly row crops,
which they took to the markets in
Jacksonville, Fl., or Atlanta, Ga.
Jones remembers the back-breaking
work of hand-picking 100 acres
of cotton, and was very grateful
the day the family purchased a
One of Jones’ Angus bulls grazes in the pasture.
cotton picker. After two years of pre-med (he intended to become a
veterinarian), he returned home to help with the farm. In 1954 he was
hired by Rayonier and began to work on the farm part time. After
retiring from Rayonier, Jones returned to full-time farming.
Today Jones raises both Angus and Limousin cattle. He has 37
Limousin heifers and 2 bulls, which, he jokes, “makes the bulls very
happy.” When we arrived at the farm in June, the Limousin heifers had
recently given birth to 37 calves. He has another 30 or so Angus heifers.
To this date, Jones still takes care of the cattle himself, giving them their
shots, checking for illness or infection and supervising the mating. It’s
apparent that his love for animals never left him.
The Jones’ sons are also in farming. Gene, Jr., helps out on the
family farm, and son, Pat, has a high-rise layer house nearby. Their
two girls, Terri and Pam, used to help out on the farm, but are now
busy raising their families instead of crops. Gene and Dorothy don’t
mind, though. Together their four children have blessed them with eight
grandchildren, who keep their grandparents very busy.
Grandson Ryan Aldridge attended Middle Georgia Junior College,
where he was a star baseball pitcher, leading all of the national junior
colleges in strikeouts. After turning down offers from the Atlanta
Braves and the Yankees to finish school, Ryan was recently drafted
by the Anaheim Angels in the major league baseball draft. He has
consequently signed a contract and will be playing for the Angels minor
league affiliate in Mesa, Arizona.
When they’re not on the farm or attending O’Quinn Baptist
Church, where Gene has served as a deacon for the past 12 years,
Gene and Dorothy love nothing better than heading out to their Lake
George cabin. There, Gene hunts and fishes to his heart’s content. While
Dorothy does not join her husband in hunting, she does share his love
“This generation of farmers has seen
more changes in agriculture than
any other generation, and I think it’s
smart to do business with someone
who knows something about yours.
I’ve borrowed from other lenders in
the past, but you just can’t find a
better deal than at AgSouth.”
of fishing and the outdoors. Thanks to grandson Ryan, their future plans
probably include a lot of traveling.
Jones originally heard about Farm Credit (then the Federal Land
Bank) in the 1970’s from friend and long-time ACA director, Kenneth
Bennett. The two serve together on the Satilla River Soil and Water
Conservation District Board. Jones has served on AgSouth’s board since
1979.
When we asked him what he liked about AgSouth, Jones
replied, “Working with Stacy Nobles and Theron Anderson has been
a real blessing. This generation of farmers has seen more changes
in agriculture than any other generation, and I think it’s smart to do
business with someone who knows something about yours. Being on
AgSouth’s board of directors has made me aware of what a cooperative
has to do in order to make quality loans to keep the company profitable
and continue paying dividends to its members. I’ve borrowed from
other lenders in the past, but you just can’t find a better deal than at
AgSouth.”
Arthur Black, York County,
South Carolina
By Karen Baxley, Regional Vice President
If your mouth is watering for some of the freshest and finest
summer vegetables around, then Black’s Peach Farm in York
County, S.C., is where you need to be. Set back on rolling hills right
off of Highway 5 near York, S.C., Black’s Peach Farm offers more
than 30 varieties of peaches.
AgSouth member and Director, Arthur Q. Black, is the owner
and operator of the farm, originally established in 1923 by his
grandfather, Arthur Lindsey Black. The Blacks were one of the first
families in York County to grow peaches as a commercial crop.
They started with 25 acres and gradually expanded the crop to its
present 100 acres. Black’s Peach Farm is now one of the largest
peach farms in the county, selling the crop not only at the York
County produce stand, but also in Chester County and three stands
in nearby North Carolina.
Black also grows strawberries, tomatoes, okra, hay, soybeans,
wheat, pumpkins, apples and watermelon on the farm. Additionally,
he has approximately 10,000-planted trees. With all the rain and
mild weather the area has experienced this year, he says that his
summer crop is one of the best he’s had in a number of years.
Arthur Black graduated from Clemson University in 1972 with
a degree in animal science. He planned to eventually add livestock
to the farm, but the peach business was so successful that he had
little time to expand into livestock ventures. During peak season,
Black has approximately 20 employees who help in all phases of the
operation - from planting and picking, to selling at his local produce
stand, to boxing and hauling the crops for sale in other areas.
With summer crops as his main staple, Black is busiest from
May through September of each year, but there’s always something
Arthur Black Slices open the
perfect peach.
Black’s peaches are some of the best in the county.
to do when you have as diversified an
operation as his. In the fall, Black runs a
pick-your-own apple and pumpkin operation
and offers wagon rides and tours to school
groups. In the summer, he harvests his staple
crops and also makes homemade ice cream
from fruit grown on the farm. To churn the
ice cream, he uses an old-fashioned churn
run by a 1917 John Deere engine. He began
manufacturing ice cream only this year and
has been so successful so far, that his son is
now taking the Black Family ice cream to
area trade and farm shows. In December of
each year, Black and his friends host a huge
Christmas party, where they serve oysters,
pit-turned pork and fixins to approximately
500 locals. Black says they do this as a way
of saying “thanks” for the business and
support they receive from the community.
The event’s highlight is a big fireworks
display at the end of the night.
Black serves as an officer of his church,
is on the local planning commission and is
an ASCS officer. You could say that he likes
to stay involved in programs that affect his
community and business. That’s one of the
reasons he ran for the Farm Credit board of
directors. His aunt, Margaret Bell, worked
for the old Federal Land Bank and told
him about the organization. He became a
member 20 years ago because he “wanted to
do business with a company that understood
agriculture,” and has spent the last 9 years
as a director. “Being a director,” says
Black, “has helped me better understand the
Tomatoes and other farm fresh produce are sold at Black’s market.
“Being a director has
helped me better
understand the
interaction between
the lending business
and farming.”
interaction between the lending business and
farming.”
After touring the operation, Black took
us to an immaculate 80+-year-old home
adjacent to the produce stand, where we were
delighted to meet his mother, Mrs. Rogers,
who has lived in the house for more than 60
years. Her husband was born in the house,
as were her children. A widow for more than
20 years, she still makes lunch for whoever
happens to pop in that day - that is, when
she’s not out playing Rook with the “girls.”
Ma Rogers may have one guest or 10, but
that doesn’t faze her. After 60 years on the
farm, she knows how to stretch a meal if
necessary. As one of the guests who just
happened to be there at lunchtime (we were
joined by Arthur’s brother and nephew),
I was treated to fresh pole beans, corn,
tomatoes, cucumbers, pork loin, homemade
biscuits and, of course, a fresh peach cobbler.
If every tour of Black’s Peach Farm ended
that way, he would soon be out of peaches!
Mrs. Rogers, we thank you for your oldfashioned Southern hospitality, and Mr.
Black, we thank you for the fresh peaches
and the tour. 
Black uses a 1917 John Deere
engine to run his ice cream
churn at area events.
Planning to Build a New Home?
AgSouth Mortgages Has Just the Program You’ve Been Looking For!
By: Quincy X. Miller, Mortgage Originator
AgSouth Mortgages’ construction-to-permanent mortgage combines financing
for the purchase of land, the construction of a new home and the permanent
mortgage into one loan with one simple closing.
Key Product Features
• A one-time-closing without the risk of rising interest rates affecting the
permanent loan
• Primary, secondary and investment properties are eligible
• Up to 95% financing on eligible properties
• Only one set of closing costs and related fees
• Borrower can lock in interest rate for the full term of the mortgage before
construction begins
• Qualifying loans up to $333,700
• 6-, 9- and 12-month construction periods available
Eligible Properties
Purchase your land, build your home and finance your
permanent mortgage with one simple closing
• One- or two-unit primary homes; one-unit secondary homes or investment properties
• Stick-built, modular housing and log homes
• Detached unit in a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
For more information on the programs AgSouth Mortgages has to offer, please contact your local AgSouth office.
Upcoming Stockholders Meetings
Watch for your notices in the mail. Entertainment will be provided by Three on a String.
November 09
November 15
November 16
November 18
Stockholder Mtg Thomaston, GA
Stockholder Mtg Anderson, SC
Stockholder Mtg Orangeburg, SC
Stockholder Mtg Vidalia, GA
| 6:30 pm
| 6:30 pm
| 6:30 pm
| 6:30 pm
Manufacturers of Southern Pine Lumber
Top prices for quality timber
Consulting foresters available
Steve Keadle
President
Homer Keadle
Chairman
Southern Yellow Pine Lumber
Pallets & pallet parts
889 Railroad St, Thomaston GA
706-647-8982 (phone) * 706-647-1392 (fax)
www.keadlelumber.com
AGSOUTH’S MARKET
AgSouth’s Market
Don’t forget to browse our website for more items. To add or delete something
from AgSouth’s Market, please contact ruzzolino@agsouthfc.com. If you find
what you’re looking for, contact your local AgSouth branch for financing!
Real Estate Wanted
10-15 ac of vacant land in Paulding Co., Ga. Contact
mo6pak@go.com.
1-5 ac for home in Newnan or Coweta Co., Ga. Contact
solomart@aol.com.
60+-year-old home w/acreage, pond or stream in or near
Coweta Co., Ga. Outbuildings a plus. House must be sound
and habitable, but willing to do cosmetic work. Contact
martinrudy@mail.newnanutilities.org.
30-50 ac land/small farm/ranch in Morgan, Jasper, Greene
or Walton Co., Ga. Contact jwmalcol46@aol.com.
1- 20 ac w/water within 100-mile radius of Ware Co., Ga.
Contact waycrossred@hotmail.com or call Jim @ 912-2841571.
Large tracts in SW Ga. or N FL from St. Marks, FL, to
Panama City, FL, up to I-10. Does not need to be on Gulf.
Hunting tracts, timberland, farms, plantations with/without
improvements. Contact salbany123@aol.com.
Small residential lots in Rockdale Co., Ga., w/sewer &
utilities. Contact wilnoreen1@wmconnect.com.
1+ ac lots at Clark Hill, Ga. Lake frontage. Contact David
@ 912-884-5130.
200-400 ac for planting in SE Ga. to buy or lease. Would
consider buying used farm equipment & irrigation pivots.
Contact Billy @ sundowncc@aol.com.
Established farm in Wilkes or Morgan Co., Ga., w/
minimum of 40 pasture/hay ac, suitable for horses & cattle.
Contact dfinco@vet.uga.edu.
2-5 ac in Ware, Brantley or Pierce Co., Ga., suitable
for mobile home. Have 2 horses & need plenty of
room to ride. Barn and pasture preferable. Contact
sbennett103@hotmail.com.
1-10 ac suitable for home. Prefer small communities or
rural area in Paulding, Cobb or Douglas Co., Ga. Contact
Larry @ LAQ999@hotmail.com.
Real Estate for Sale
135 ac w/cabin managed year-round for deer. 5 miles
from Ideal, Ga., near Montezuma. Beautiful hardwood
ridges, pines & cutover. Managed food plots & internal
roads. 5 ac beaver pond & creek. 1/2-mile road frontage 1
mile from the last B&C buck taken in Macon Co. $2,595/ac.
Contact mike.edwards@delta.com or 404-545-8630.
7 ac in natural state in Jeff Davis Co., Ga. $2,500/ac.
Contact dwalls@giwireless.com or Debra Walls @ (912)
253-9290.
6 broiler houses & home in Jones Co., Ga. Asking
$600,000. 25 min from Macon, Ga. 1 hr 15 min from
Atlanta, Ga. Contact Charlie @ 1-478-986-1521 or
idrcdr@aol.com.
90 ac w/house in Anderson Co., S.C., bordering Lake
Hartwell. Access to additional 40 ac of Army Corps of
Engineering property. 50% pasture; 50% woodlands. 10 ac
fenced. 3 miles off
I-85. 1 hr from Atlanta, Ga.; 35 min from Greenville, S.C..
Asking $450,000. Contact 864-314-5983 or 864-260-8739.
Sil house poultry farm w/5 BR. Asking $600,000. Contact
Charlie Richardson @ 478-986-1521 or idrcdr@aol.com.
2,380 sq ft home on 3-1/2 ac. 4 BR;4 BA; large open LR;
formal DR; wood-burning fireplace; custom-designed
kitchen w/center island; breakfast nook. Great view of
ponds. CHA. Extra room upstairs. Master BR w/large
walk-in closet. Master B has his/her sinks w/large garden
tub, separate shower. Lots of cabinets. 2-car garage,
patio, complete alarm system. 2 stocked ponds front
& back yards. Lots of privacy. $180,000.00. Contact
tedjan08@yahoo.com.
Small home on 2 ac near Ware Co., Ga. Large LR and
kitchen, 2 BR and 2 BA. Contact ollie@brantleytel.net or
call 912-778-4890.
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The shareholders’ investment in the association is materially affected by the financial condition and results of operations of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. Copies of AgFirst’s quarterly
and annual financial reports to shareholders are available free of charge at www.agfirst.com, or by writing to AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, Financial Reporting Department, P.O. Box
1499, Columbia, SC 29202-1499.
There’s more to life than work...
and shoes and socks are optional.
With rates still the lowest they’ve been in years, there’s never been a better time to buy that rural
property or country home you’ve been dreaming of, so stop dreaming and start doing.
Loans and leases for rural America:
farmland, livestock, rural property, home construction, home purchases, and much more!
AgSouth Farm Credit
P.O. Box 718
Statesboro, GA 30459
1.866.585.6234 www.agsouthfc.com
PRSRT STD
U.S POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBIA, S.C.
PERMIT 785

Summer - AgSouth Farm Credit

Transcription

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