Farm Credit Contributes to the United Way Summer Reading Program

March 24, 2017- Farm Credit has recently partnered with local United Way Foundation’s Summer Reading Program to contribute to improving reading proficiency rates. Statistics prove that children who are not reading proficiently in third grade are four times as likely to drop out of high school compared to their peers. Though summer time provides lots of fun ways for kids to be active, they can lose as many as three months of reading skills by the time classes resume. The effect is most dramatic for children from low-income homes.

Understanding the importance of reading, Farm Credit of the Virginias went all in during their Spring Meeting, donating a total of 721 new and gently used books! “Our Farm Credit employees have a long history of giving back to their communities and contributing to the United Way book drive is just another example of our employees making a difference. Our goal was 500 books in 2 days and because our people went way above that goal, Farm Credit also made donations to several United Way agencies throughout our footprint totaling $5000”, said Kay Manchester, Chief Training & Human Resources Officer at Farm Credit of the Virginias.

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.8 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending, expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center. For more information, visit http://www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or http://www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.

Farm Credit Donates $25,000 for Flood Recovery

Farm Credit has announced a $25,000 donation to United Way to assist with the relief efforts in West Virginia due to the recent flooding. Farm Credit of the Virginias CEO- Elect, Peery Heldreth says, “It’s a privilege to support the ongoing recovery efforts that brought devastation to so many in late June. We know that many people remain displaced and others continue to face challenges restoring their homes. We hope this money can help some find a bit of relief.”

United Way plays a vital role in creating positive change within their local communities and the same can be said for the progress they have made with the flood recovery efforts taking place in West Virginia. Using a simple, but effective strategy they examined the needs of those affected, determined the most effective and efficient way to help, rallied their partners and resources and deployed them. Farm Credit is proud to partner with United Way in order to continue making great strides towards the rebuilding of southern West Virginia.

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.8 billion dollars in financing to more than 11,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them. In fact, as part of a nationwide network they are the largest single provider of agricultural credit in the United States and have been for 100 years. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending, expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center. For more information, visit http://www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or http://www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.

 

The 2017 Farm Credit of the Virginias’ Calendar Photo Contest is Underway

The Farm Credit of the Virginias Calendar Photo Contest is now open to the public at:

www.farmcreditofvirginias.com – Members, employees, and friends of Farm Credit of the Virginias can submit photos via the website until May 31, 2016.

Those participating are allowed to submit up to three photos that have been taken within the Farm Credit of the Virginias territory.  All photo files must be at least 1MB in size. The top 3 photos will be featured in the 2017 Farm Credit of the Virginias calendar– with the top 3 photos receiving gift cards for: $100.00, $75.00, and $50.00.  Those selected to be featured, will also receive three copies of the 2016 calendar!

You can find the Calendar Photo Contest under the ‘News’ tab on our website. We look forward to seeing the photos you share! Give us your best shot!

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them.  Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending,  expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center.   For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.

The Cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen named 2016 Virginia AITC book of the year

Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program has named The Cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen, a children’s book written by Diana Prichard, its 2016 Book of the Year.
The book encourages young readers to consider how their favorite breakfast foods arrive on their plates. Volunteers will read it in schools across Virginia March 14-31 as part of Virginia AITC’s Agriculture Literacy Project.

National Ag Day is March 15; the Agriculture Literacy Project will run concurrently with National Ag Week but has been extended this year.

“We expanded from Agriculture Literacy Week to two weeks due to its increasing popularity and demand for volunteer readers,” said Tammy Maxey, senior education program coordinator for Virginia AITC.

Last year 1,200 volunteers read to more than 50,000 children across the state. Volunteers have included participants in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Program and Young Farmers Program, FFA members, employees of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state agencies, and members of other agricultural organizations and businesses. Farm Credit of the Virginias and Southern States Cooperative Inc. have been major supporters.

For more information, visit AgInTheClass.org. Companion educational materials will be available on the website to accompany the book.

Farm Credit of the Virginias Hires New Loan Officer

Farm Credit of the Virginia recently announced that Wytheville native and current resident Jacob Sharitz has joined the organization as a loan officer. Sharitz will report to Brian Repass, Wytheville branch manager.

 

Prior to joining Farm Credit of the Virginias, Sharitz worked in the insurance and construction industries.

 

“I’m excited to help farmers in our area be successful, whether that’s an older farmer continuing their passion or a new young farmer getting the wheels rolling with their farming career,” said Sharitz. “I’m also looking forward to being able to help families purchase their dream homes.”

 

Sharitz holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management from Radford University.  He was raised on a family farm that first produced dairy before transitioning to beef. He continues to help on the family farm, as he has throughout his life, and is also managing his own cow/calf herd.

 

 

About Farm Credit of the Virginias

 

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending, expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center.  For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.

Farm Credit of the Virginias Hires New Loan Assistant

Farm Credit of the Virginias recently announced that Wytheville native and current resident Jody Fiorini has joined the Wytheville office as loan assistant. Fiorini will report to Teresa Lyons, Loan Operations Supervisor with the organization.

 

Fiorini is the former owner and operator of Tree Hugger’s Outdoors, a small Wytheville business once located on Main Street. She also comes to Farm Credit of the Virginias with experience as a paralegal, and as a project manager and designer for commercial and residential properties.

 

“I look forward to bringing my knowledge of real estate transactions to better assist our clients and loan officers in their property closings,” Fiorini said. “I also know first-hand what it means to be a small business owner in this wonderful, rural community and I’m excited to be part of a team that is so deeply committed to the financial success of our local farmers.”

 

Fiorini holds a bachelor’s degree in Design from Radford University. Active as a 4-H member as a youth, Fiorini has also been active in the community, working to preserve public lands, promoting tourism and small businesses, and encouraging smart development to enhance the region’s agricultural businesses.

 

 

About Farm Credit of the Virginias

 

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending, expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center.  For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.

Farm Credit of the Virginias Hires “Green Industry” Relationship Manager

Farm Credit of the Virginias recently announced that Clover Hill native and Rockingham County resident Dustin Bowman has joined the Harrisonburg office as relationship manager with a focus on financing the flourishing “green industry”. Bowman will report to Mike Diehl, regional sales and lending manager with the organization.

 

Bowman joins Farm Credit of the Virginias with 11 years of financial services experience, including the past eight as a commercial banker.

 

“With a background in commercial banking, it is my goal to serve our clients and add value to their business operations and relationships with Farm Credit,” Bowman said. “The green industry is thriving in our area, and it’s an honor to help support this growth throughout the entire Farm Credit of the Virginias footprint.”

 

Raised on a beef cattle and turkey farm and a 4-H member as a youth, Bowman holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from James Madison University. He is active in the Harrisonburg-Massanutten Rotary Club and serves on the Bridgewater Community Little League board of directors.

 

 

About Farm Credit of the Virginias

 

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending, expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center.  For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.

 

Farm Credit Has Partnered with MANNRS to Creative the VIP Scholarship Program

Farm Credit has partnered with The National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) to create the Farm Credit VIP Scholarship Program which is now accepting applications.

Recipients of the Farm Credit VIP Scholarship Program will be awarded a total of $2,000, and be granted the opportunity to participate in the Farm Credit VIP Track on March 30, 2016 at the National MANRRS Career Fair & Training Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Of the $2,000 award, $1,000 will go to conference registration, lodging and travel expenses, and a $1,000 academic scholarship will be applied to the recipient’s college tuition, room and board. Up to 20 scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The scholarship program will provide recipients with meaningful interactions with Farm Credit leadership, better preparing them for careers in the agriculture industry. Students will also be exposed to career opportunities with Farm Credit including finance, credit, capital markets, information technology and marketing.

Recipients of the Farm Credit VIP Scholarship Program will be awarded a total of $2,000, and be granted the opportunity to participate in the Farm Credit VIP Track on March 30, 2016 at the National MANRRS Career Fair & Training Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.

Please encourage students in your network to apply now! The deadline for applications is January 3, 2016.

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them.  Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending,  expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center.   For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com

Farm Credit of the Virginias Launches New Loan Program for Small and Beginning Farmers

Farm Credit of the Virginias is pleased to announce a new loan program, FarmLaunch.  FarmLaunch has been designed to provide startup funding for beginning, small and veteran farmers that may not currently qualify for traditional financing.

While interest in getting started in agriculture is growing, many beginning farmers lack sufficient startup capital, educational tools, and trusted mentors needed to launch their operations. The FarmLaunch program aims to serve those needs in one easy-to-use program. “Through FarmLaunch, we not only provide access to capital, but offer mentors to partner with the participant, offering guidance and advice to help them be successful,” remarked Matt Lohr, Farm Credit of the Virginias’ Knowledge Center Director.

Farm Credit anticipates that FarmLaunch will be helpful to small and beginning farmers as well as veterans and minorities who are interested in entering production agriculture. “We want to make them aware of the services and opportunities that Farm Credit offers to help them succeed,” Lohr added.

Farm Credit continually looks for ways to better serve all its customers, especially beginning, small, veteran and minority producers. The Knowledge Center program, a unique program created two years ago, shares knowledge and resources with all those interested in agriculture. The new FarmLaunch program demonstrates Farm Credit’s commitment to the next generation of agricultural leaders and providers.

“For nearly 100 years, Farm Credit has been the lender of choice in the agricultural industry.  As our industry changes, we must be willing to innovate and develop new opportunities to help ensure the success of the next generation of farmers. FarmLaunch is a tremendous opportunity for beginning and small producers to enter into agriculture and develop their operations into a successful and thriving business for generations to come,” Lohr said.

For specific questions on the FarmLaunch program, please contact Matt Lohr: 540.514.1911

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides more than $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and agribusinesses that borrow from them. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending and expert financial services. For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com

Farm Credit of the Virginias Hires New Relationship Manager

Farm Credit of the Virginias recently announced that local resident Kevin Sutton has joined the Roanoke, Virginia and Lexington, Virginia offices as a Relationship Manager, focusing on working with full-time agricultural producers throughout the region.

Prior to joining Farm Credit of the Virginias, Sutton was a Regional Lending Manager for Colonial Farm Credit, another Farm Credit organization, where he worked for 13 years.

“Agriculture is a critical industry in our area and in the nation, and it’s important that our producers have access to the financial support and services they need,” Sutton said. “I’m excited to bring my experience to Farm Credit of the Virginias and to help a new group of farmers and customers achieve their goals.”

Sutton is originally from Capron, Virginia, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Virginia Tech. He was raised on a family farm that produced peanuts, corn, soybeans and wheat. Sutton has been involved with the Ruritans, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and has also coached YMCA sports teams.

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.5 billion dollars in financing to more than 10,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them.  Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending,  expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center.   For more information, visit www.FarmCreditKnowledgeCenter.com or www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.