Going Green to Save Green

Leader
Farm Credit
Financing Rural America for More Than 90 Years
HARNESS
THE WIND
SAVE MONEY
LEARN ABOUT
OUR NEW REGION
Going Green to Save Green
volume 14 | issue 1 | $3.95
ON YOUR HOME
in this issue
Leader
farm | land
4 Warm or Windy, It Works
6 Investing in Greenhouse
Energy Efficiency
volume 14 | issue 1
MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ACA
J. Robert Frazee, CEO
4
Fred R. Moore Jr.
Chairman
home | garden
Gary L. Grossnickle
Vice Chairman
8 Your Energy Efficient Home:
It is Easy Being Green
10 Reuse, Recycle and Remodel
11 The Tree Hugging Gardener
6
your association
12 A View of Valley
14 2009 Annual Meetings:
The Tools You Need
15 Patronage Overview
16 Out and About
16 Book Contest!
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Board of Directors
8
Paul D. Baumgardner
Kenneth R. Biederman
Deborah A. Benner
J.P. Burns, Jr.
Gary W. Bushong
Dale R. Hershey
Walter C. Hopkins
T. Jeffery Jennings
Harry M. Kable
M. Wayne Lambertson
Jim A. Long
Howard A. McHenry
Kenneth S. Meck
M. Linda Moore
D. Wheatley Neal
Dale J. Ockels
Dudley H. Rinker
Ralph L. Robertson
Paul J. Rock
Lingan T. Spicer
Robert N. Stabler
Rodger L. Wagner
Fred N. West
Questions or Ideas
If you have any questions or ideas for the
editorial staff of the Leader, contact Donna
Dawson at 800.333.7950, e-mail her at
[email protected] or write her at MidAtlantic
Farm Credit, 680 Robert Fulton Highway,
Quarryville, PA 17566. This publication is for
you, our reader. We’d love to hear from you!
community
17 Properties for Sale
The Leader is published quarterly
for stockholders, friends and
business associates.
11
2
12
The Farm Credit Administration does not require
the association to distribute its quarterly financial
reports to shareholders. However, copies of its
complete report are available upon request or see
quarterly updates online at mafc.com. The shareholders’ investment in the association is materially
affected by the financial condition and results
of operations of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
and copies of its quarterly financial report
are available upon request by writing:
Jay Wise, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
P.O. Box 1499, Columbia, SC 29202-1499
Address changes, questions or requests for the
association’s quarterly financial report should
be directed to: MidAtlantic Farm Credit,
ACA by calling 800.333.7950 or writing:
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
P.O. Box 770, Westminster, MD 21158-0770
New Year, Old Challenges.
Since I’ve written to you last time, a lot
of things have changed: we’ve changed
the calendar to a new year, we have a
new President, and we have a mostly
new cabinet, including a new Secretary
of Agriculture.
But a lot hasn’t changed, too: we’re
all still worried about the economy, there
continue to be credit issues in the financial industry, and there is still no sign of
when this will end.
Seems like the more things change, the
more they stay the same, doesn’t it?
But I’m not at all doom and gloom.
Challenging times are good tests of your
preparedness…and we have been preparing. As you know, Farm Credit has very
strong oversight procedures, from our
internal auditors, to our external auditors,
to our board of directors, to our federal
regulator, FCA. We don’t mind being
looked at closely, because we want to
make sure that we’re doing everything
we can to keep our association strong
and stable for our members. That means
conservative lending practices, and stable
capital levels. We’ve been doing these
things for years, and will continue doing
them as times are difficult.
It’s not just financial companies that
are having difficult times. In the last few
months, we’ve seen the economic challenges move from Wall Street to Main
Street. Individuals are now feeling the
pinch, whether it’s in the form of layoffs or
simply slower business…we’re all tightening our belts.
That’s why we’ve devoted this issue
to saving you money by going green.
Check out the story about Menno Blank,
who has installed both windmills and
solar panels on his workshop in Gap,
Pennsylvania. And see how some of our
area greenhouses, like Catoctin Mountain
Growers in Detour, Maryland, are using
alternative fuels to keep their greenhouses green.
Of course, you don’t have to live in a
greenhouse to try and save some green.
See how simple changes—as simple as
changing a lightbulb, honestly—can save
you money at home this year. After all, in
challenging economic times, every little
bit helps.
Another thing that helps our members
is our patronage program. Last year, we
returned $28 million in cash and revolvement payments to our members. On page
15 you’ll find an article focusing on questions we hear most often from our customers and prospects. We hope this gives you
an increased understanding of our patronage program. Feel free to share this article
with your neighbors—as you know, referrals
are a great way for us to keep growing.
Finally, speaking of growth, you can
learn more about our newest territory—our
Valley region—in this issue on page 12. As
you might remember, I’ve spent a lot of
time in this part of the world, and it’s absolutely gorgeous in spring. Swing down and
visit in the next few months and introduce
yourself to our newest staff and members.
We’re proud to have them as part of our
MidAtlantic family.
I’m hoping to see hundreds of members
of that family in just a few weeks…at our
annual stockholder meetings. I hope that
you’ll be able to join us.
See you then!
events | deadlines
MAR event
place
1 Deadline: nursery policy premiums due
1-8 Philadelphia
Flower Show
Philadelphia PA
7-8 Washington County
Home Show
Hagerstown MD
8 Daylight Savings Time Begins
12 Feed Efficiency-WV Ag
Education Meetings Martinsburg WV
12-15 PA Garden Show
Harrisburg PA
4-15 Frederick County
1
Home Show
Frederick MD
15 Deadline: sales closing for spring crops
0-22 Lancaster County
2
Spring Home Show
Lancaster PA
21-22 Delaware Horse Expo Harrington DE
1-22 Carroll County
2
Horse Fair and Expo Westminster MD
4-28 Lebanon County
2
Builders Show
Lebanon PA
25 Harford County Realtor
Association Tradeshow
Bel Air MD
APR event
place
1 Annual Meeting Dover DE
2 Annual Meeting
Salisbury MD
6 Annual Meeting
New Holland PA
7 Annual Meeting
Walkersville MD
8 Annual Meeting
Winchester VA
30 Deadline: spring production deadline
MAY event
10 Willowdale
Steeplechase
place
Unionville PA
25 Memorial Day
MAFC offices closed
Bob Frazee
President, MidAtlantic Farm Credit
For a complete list of fairs and events,
visit our website at mafc.com
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
message from
the president
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1
John Smucker and
his installation
crew are shown installing solar panels on the
roof of the business’
office. Smucker’s Sales
& Service installs wind
turbines, solar panels
and a combination of
both systems depending on the environment of a property.
2
1
WARM OR WINDY, IT
WORKS
Harnessing atmospheric power makes cents.
story and photos by MICHELLE KUNJAPPU, photo 1 provided by JOHN SMUCKER
If you live in Pennsylvania or Virginia your electric bill
might look a little different in a couple years. The year
2010 marks the expiration of electricity rate caps in these
two states as they transition to market-based pricing. In
the state of Delaware rate caps expired in 2005, while
folks in Maryland faced the same issue in 2008.
Two years ago, Menno Blank of Gap, Pennsylvania
began looking into an option that is getting a lot of
attention as consumers, anxious to manage rising
fuel prices, look into alternative energy choices.
needing a power source
Blank and his family, like others who are part of the
Amish community, do not use electricity in their
home but need power for the shop situated just steps
from their back door.
As an employee of E-Zee Milking Equipment,
Gordonville, Menno uses his home shop to repair
circuit boards used in milking parlors.
The company sells their own new dairy-related
equipment as well as buying used equipment to
repair and sell. Consequently, he not only assembles
new but also repairs damaged circuit boards, the
“brains” inside of liquid level control boxes, receiver
boxes, and air injector boxes for a dairy parlor.
4
“I have a lot of equipment that I need to run and
no power off of the street,” Menno says. To power
his tools, he uses several batteries tied together. An
inverter changes the battery’s power from 12 volts
DC to 120 AC, which is household electricity. Menno’s
diesel engine powers an industrial-grade alternator
which charges the batteries.
“With fuel going up—and maintenance on the diesel
engine—I wanted something to charge the batteries
without running my diesel as much,” says Menno.
learning the electronic repair trade
Menno grew up on a nearby dairy farm and began
his career in electronics when his brother-in-law first
needed help with a backlog of work in repairing electronic flashlights, chargers, and fencers.
He learned the circuit board work in
his brother-in-law’s shop.
Once he was comfortable
with everything, he got to
move the work home.
how to lower costs?
By the end of 2005, two
years after moving to his
own shop, Menno was
beginning to mull over ideas
to lower his diesel fuel and
maintenance costs.
To discuss his options, he
called a local family-owned
2
Menno Blank
repairs circuit
boards used in milking
parlors from his home
shop in Gap, PA. The
circuit boards serve
as the “brains” inside
of liquid level control
boxes, receiver boxes,
and air injector boxes
for a dairy parlor.
3
John Smucker
(left), a partner
in Smucker’s Sales
& Service visits with
John Mylin, MAFC
loan officer who has
worked with Menno
for six years. With
subsidies, rebates
and incentives more
people are looking
into alternative energy
systems—­not only
for economic reasons
but for environmental
reasons too.
4
Menno Blank
hired Smucker’s
Sales & Service to
install a wind turbine
on the roof of his
shop. Four solar panels
complement the
turbine which enables
Menno to run his diesel engine fewer hours
per day—saving him
money on fuel.
Once the system is put in, there is very little maintenance
on the solar panels, which have a 20-25 year warranty. With
the stress put on the wind units, there is more maintenance
associated with their operation. But, says John, his experience
has shown so far that the maintenance on the turbines has
been minimal.
farm | land
Together, they look at how many kilowatt hours are used
per month to find out what the customer needs. “It’s common
for customers to put a smaller system in and add on as funds
become available,” says John.
grants, incentives, loans
business, Smucker’s Sales & Service LLC of New Holland, which
specializes in power-generating equipment.
In early 2006 he installed one of Smucker’s weather stations
on his roof to determine if his location was a good candidate
for wind turbine power. By November of that year, Menno had
Smucker’s install a wind turbine on the roof of his shop. To
provide even more power, he had four solar panels installed to
complement the turbine. With the turbine and solar panels he
now only has to run his diesel engine two to three hours a day as
opposed to five or six hours.
“The wind turbine needs seven-mile-an-hour winds before
it puts out power,” explains Menno. Fortunately, the wintry
weather common to his area provides enough strong winds
to power his shop during the cold months, while the summer
sunshine powers his shop in the warmer months.
increasing interest in alternative energy
We’re doing more and more combo systems, such as this, says
John Smucker, who does sales and technician work as a partner in the Smucker’s Sales & Service business. The company
is installing solar and wind turbine systems for both Amish
and English customers, in New York, New Jersey, Maryland,
Delaware, and throughout Pennsylvania.
Whether the customer receives a wind turbine or solar
panels depends on the environment of a property. Owners of
a home or farm located on a high, windy hill will often be the
best candidate for wind turbine installation. However, a valley
could lend itself to wind turbines too—a long, narrow valley can
produce the right current to support a turbine. Others who are
considering some type of alternative energy should look closely
at solar panels, says John.
In fact, when someone contacts Smucker’s to learn more
about their options, the company sends out a weather station
to meter the wind. The wireless device, which sits atop a pole
or silo, sends information to the homeowners’ computer and
helps both the business and the prospective customer determine what energy source should be installed.
Prices for installing alternative energy systems can be daunting, but
grants, tax incentives, rebates, and loans are available.
Without financial aid, the system may take too many years to
pay for itself. However, with the electricity cap coming off, a 30
percent tax credit and other incentives [from the government],
alternative energy systems can pay for themselves in a surprisingly short amount of time. “As a lender, that’s a lot more appealing to me,” says John Mylin, MAFC loan officer who has worked
with Menno since 2002.
“With all these options put together, the cost can look a lot
more appealing,” adds John Smucker. If someone is thinking
about installing an alternative energy system, they should check
out the website: dsireusa.org. This site offers information on
state, local, utility and federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
“I estimated that in five years it (the combination of wind
turbine and solar panels) would pay for itself. But it will pay
off even sooner with the diesel fuel prices we experienced this
summer,” Menno says.
more than just saving money
As financially attractive as alternative energy systems may
eventually prove to be, these options are worth considering for reasons beyond finances, believes Mylin.
“I think alternative energy is good for agriculture
and for the environment in the long term,” says
Mylin. Without the subsidies, however, he thinks
that customers would be hard-pressed to make
the decision to invest. “I think most decide
to invest based on a combination
of economics and a belief that
it is the right thing to do.”
“I think it goes further than
just saving money, but how do we
make less of an impact on the environment—
we all know we have to move in that direction,” he concludes. “And, if it helps to reduce
our total costs over the long term, that’s an
added bonus.”
n
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
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5
4
1
As they stroll
through the
greenhouse complex
at Catoctin Mountain
Growers (from left)
Bill Borsa, MAFC loan
officer, owner Bob
VanWingerden and
his two sons, Tyler
and Billy talk about
how the heat is distributed throughout
the greenhouses. The
complex consists of
12 acres under glass
and the heating plant
consists of three
computer-controlled
boilers.
2
1
GREENHOUSES GO GREEN
AND INVEST IN THE FUTURE
When energy prices soar, the pain goes beyond the pump.
There’s grief in the greenhouse, too.
story by WILLIAM BORSA, MIDATLANTIC FARM CREDIT and photos by MICHAEL CIESIELSKI
Of course, you would think that greenhouses—with
their early use of solar energy—would be the picture of
energy efficiency. And most greenhouse owners do use
low-cost yet effective measures to cut energy costs—
such as adding sidewall and endwall insulation, installing horizontal air flow fans, switching to electronic
thermostats, and correcting insulation deficiencies
around doors, vents and fan openings.
Many of these ideas, in fact, are similar to what a
homeowner would do to make their home more energy
efficient: stabilize the internal temperatures, and keep
the heat from leaking out.
But there are other, cutting edge options used by the
industry. Like most upgrades, these can be very expensive.
The good news is that in some cases, programs are
available to offset the start-up costs for energy-saving
equipment. And, of course, the idea of these upgrades
is to have them pay for themselves by reducing operating expenses. It’s an opportunity to protect the planet,
while protecting your bottom line!
make it pay
6
Energy saving is an investment. By carefully calculating the amount of saving that can be expected over
the course of a loan, greenhouse operators will greatly
increase their ability to obtain financing. Having a strong
plan is particularly important in today’s tightened credit
markets: strong planning and a well thought out business plan will help your lender feel more secure.
Not all capital has to come from loans, either. Many
greenhouse operators use government and private
programs to help defray the cost of implementing
energy efficient measures. Some natural gas providers offer grants to offset the costs of energy audits and
incentives to install energy efficient equipment. If you’re
planning to start a new business or open a new location, check to see if the state offers recruitment incentives designed to attract industries that will benefit the
environment and create jobs. Your Farm Credit loan
officer can help you with this—so feel free to call.
Animal fat and
yellow grease
(from restaurants)
is stored in this insulated tank and used
as an alternative
fuel. The boilers can
be set to burn either
of these biofuels
or #2 fuel oil. Bob
obtained federal tax
credits for burning
blended biofuels.
3
Bob is constructing a system for
burning wood as a
major fuel source.
A 550,000 gallon
underground tank for
storing hot water to
heat will be placed
where excavation is
occurring. This will
double his heating
plant capacity.
find the right fuel
Catoctin Mountain Growers in Detour, Maryland is
good example of a business that keeps adapting to
changes in the energy market. I walk the greenhouse
quarterly with owner and long-time client Bob Van
Wingerden, so I’ve seen how he responds to everincreasing fuel costs.
“Whatever size your business is, you have to be
creative,” Bob says.
Portions of this
article have been
reprinted with
permission of
“GROWERTALKS”
magazine.
In some states, such as New Jersey and North Carolina,
methane gas from municipal landfills is captured for use by
nearby greenhouses.
what you can do
Two winters ago, Bob looked into animal fat as an inexpensive alternative fuel. Animal fat is interchangeable with yellow
grease from restaurants, and Bob’s boilers can be set to burn
either of these biofuels or #2 fuel oil. After investigating the
operational characteristics of animal fat and its local availability, he found a local source that would deliver the fat in trucks,
heated to 140 degrees to prevent solidification, for storage in an
insulated tank.
Here are some tips for greenhouse operators seeking to implement and finance energy-saving equipment:
Over the course of the last two winters, Bob saw fat prices
increase from $1.50 per gallon to $2.50, usually trailing oil prices
by about $1.00 a gallon. The price kept ratcheting up because of
demand from primary users, who use the fat as an animal feed
additive. As corn prices soared, feed producers compensated by
increasing the proportion of yellow grease, forcing its price up, too.
• Challenge your own assumptions. For example, before investing in new heating systems, energy curtains or glazing for an
old greenhouse, calculate the ROI of replacing it with a modern
new greenhouse.
Bob is now building the infrastructure for burning wood as
a major fuel source. He has identified several local sources of
woodchips, lumber scraps and old pallets. Many businesses
generate a waste stream of wood, and are glad to give it away.
Bob has found that once he starts using a new fuel, the word gets
out and new sources of that fuel start popping up.
• Attend trade shows to see the latest equipment. I learn a lot
talking to vendors and growers at the floriculture industry’s
premier event, the OFA Short Course, which is held every July in
Columbus, Ohio.
• Before requesting a loan, prepare a business case that shows
how quickly estimated energy savings will pay off the loan.
Ground your business case in facts—for example, show the
formulas you used to compare fuel costs.
• Be persistent. If your current lender shows little inclination to
understand your business, find a lender that is in touch with the
needs of farms, greenhouses and nurseries.
n
2
Tax incentives, a greenhouse
modeling tool, formulas for
comparing alternative fuel costs
and other resources at
hrt.msu.edu/Energy/
consumption.htm
Setting up a wood-burning facility for a greenhouse requires
a sizeable capital outlay that small growers may find prohibitive.
Stick to what you can afford, or reasonably finance, and keep
evaluating other alternatives as your business grows.
Growers may need to finance new energy-efficient equipment
for existing greenhouses and especially for new greenhouses.
Recently Bob financed a greenhouse expansion that has three
curtains—a blackout curtain for heat retention, a clear curtain
that retains some heat while admitting sunlight, and a shade
curtain for summer.
“Greenhouse Heating
Requirements” fact sheet at
aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/
GREENHOUSE/NURSERY/GUIDES/
OFI Short Course trade show
information at ofa.org
Bob also financed some of the infrastructure needed for the
wood-burning system, which requires boilers to operate around
the clock. Instead of adding more boilers as he reached the limit
of their capabilities, Bob is effectively doubling the capacity of
his heating plant by adding a 500,000-gallon storage tank for the
wood-burning operation.
Treat higher energy costs like any other business problem:
Get creative, and find a solution with an eye toward return on
investment. For example, if you are considering changing to an
alternative fuel, first make sure that you can find a steady, reliable
source for the new fuel. Then, your ROI calculation will need to
account not only for the different costs and efficiencies of the old
and new fuels, but also the costs of any new equipment and any
change in maintenance needs.
These days, all types of agribusinesses are seeking innovative, environmentally friendly ways to conserve energy. Some
dairy farms are using equipment that captures methane gas from
decomposing manure to run an on-site power generator. They
can either meet much of their own power needs from this source
or sell “manure power” to local power grids.
For more information,
try these excellent sources:
“Energy Conservation for
Commercial Greenhouses,” by
John W. Bartok, Jr., available for
purchase at nraes.org/nra_order.
taf?_function=view&ct_id=28
3
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
Bob also obtained federal tax credits for burning blended
biofuels. Congress may eventually change the rules, but all it
currently takes to qualify for the credit is to blend a few gallons
of diesel into every trailer of animal fat or yellow grease.
• Learn as much as you can about alternative fuels, their costs,
their operating characteristics and their availability in your area.
farm | land
Bob founded Catoctin Mountain Growers in 1985. The business now has 12 acres under glass and offers spring bedding
plants, fall pansies and hardy mums, and poinsettias. It’s all
grown in a single greenhouse under one roof. The heating plant
consists of three computer-controlled boilers.
7
YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME:
IT IS EASY BEING GREEN
story by SANDY WIEBER
You know that you should be saving
energy at home. After all, in the United
States, buildings (that includes your house)
account for 36 percent of our total energy use, 65 percent of
our electricity consumption, and 12 percent of all potable water
consumed. In fact, according to the Green Building Resource
Center, a typical 1,700 square foot wood frame home has the same
environmental impact of clear-cutting one acre of forest.
If that isn’t enough reason for you to save energy, consider this:
saving energy can save you money. And you don’t have to be a
contractor to make the changes necessary.
“Sometimes the smallest changes can be the biggest changes,”
says Danny Seo, former co-host of HGTV’s Red, Hot and Green. “A
big change doesn’t mean you have to do a lot of work, or make a
major disruption in your life…sometimes it’s just about breaking a
bad habit that we’re not even aware we’re doing.”
So, read on, green warrior, and start saving green by being green.
see the light
“How easy is it to change a light bulb?” asks Linda Foy, a spokesperson for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). “It’s one of the easiest
steps that homeowners can take, but it can make a big impact.”
Simply switch your regular light bulbs to CFLs (that’s compact fluorescent bulbs) and start saving money immediately.
Regular incandescent light bulbs use more than 90 percent of
their energy to generate heat, not light, which costs the country
energy and the homeowner money. CFL’s use 75 percent less energy
and last up to 10 times longer—saving you about anywhere from
$30 - $65 over the life of the bulb. So, yes, throw out the bulbs you
have and replace them now. Although the bulbs are a little more
expensive than standard bulbs, you’ll see the savings quickly.
become a vampire slayer
You have vampires in your home. They’re not exactly undead, but
they’re appliances that continue to suck energy even when they
are turned off. According to the Department of Energy, vampire
energy loss represents between five and eight percent of a single
family home’s total electricity use per year. That’s almost an extra
month’s bill!
Luckily, these vampires are easy to stake. Unplug larger items,
like plasma televisions, which
can use the
8
equivalent of about $160 a year (1,400 kiloWatt hours) when not
in use. Or go to smarthomeusa.com and purchase an electrical
strip that actually stops the current when the appliance is not in
use (around $30). If you don’t want to turn the appliances off, try
reducing the brightness of your television and computer screens
by half, and power consumption of the entire machine will drop
by about 30 percent.
plugging away
Your appliances are some of the biggest energy consumers in your
whole house. And the biggest of the big is your refrigerator. “If you’ve
been meaning to replace it but feel bad about getting something new
when something old “sorta” works, think again,” says Danny Seo.
“A refrigerator that’s ten years old is likely to be using twice as
much energy today as the first day you plugged it in.” When you
head out to the appliance department, look for ENERGY STAR rated
refrigerators. They are the most efficient in their category and can
save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs.
“The ENERGY STAR rating will show you how efficient the motor
is,” says Dick McClary, a department supervisor at Home Depot in
Towson, Maryland. “But a new front loading washing machine will
save you a ton of money on water, too.” Front loading machines
use only a small amount of water, which can save up to 7,000
gallons of water each year (or about 60 percent of what your current
appliance uses).
getting in hot water
There are lots of other ways to save money on your water usage. By
now, you know to take a shower instead of a bath (you’ll save about
50 percent of the water), to turn off the water when you’re brushing
your teeth, and to run full loads, whether you’re doing the dishes
or the laundry. But Kathleen Kuhn, CEO of HouseMaster Home
Inspections, says that there are other easy fixes for do-it-yourselfers.
“The least handy person can install water saving showerheads
and faucets,” says Kuhn, “and save thousands of gallons of water
a year.” All the parts you need are available at your local hardware
store, or order the Niagara Water Conservation Kit at niagaraconservation.com for under twenty-five bucks.
Kuhn also recommends turning the thermostat on your water
heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. “That’s still hot, but it saves
a lot of money heating the water,” she says. Save even more by
purchasing an insulating wrap for your water heater, and wrap it
around the tank.
go green and put some green in your pocket
Heating and cooling total about 44 percent of
your home’s energy costs, so careful attention
to temperature settings can reap big savings.
You may have heard that the large tax benefits for buying energy efficient
products ended on January 1, 2008. It’s true: tax credits for window and door
replacement, adding installation, and upgrading your heating and air conditioning system have all expired, although Congressional leaders have said
they will look for opportunities to discuss legislation to extend the credits.
Another opportunity to save is by plugging
up the holes in your home. “A lot of energy
leaks out of a house,” says Dick McClary at
Home Depot. Plug small holes with caulk
(such as where input lines come into your
home), and consider adding insulation to
attics, the basement ceiling and around
windows and doors. “But don’t forget that
it’s air that provides the insulation—not the
insulation itself,” says McClary. “Think of a
double-paned window…it’s not the second
layer of glass that makes the house tighter,
it’s the trapped air between the layers. So
don’t “squish” your insulation into a space—
or you won’t be doing any good.”
Other leaky areas include doors that don’t
fit tightly (add weatherstripping), the fireplace
flue (make sure it’s closed when not in use),
and the empty space behind electrical outlets
(add a pre-cut insulation layer). When in
doubt, says McClary, ask an expert—either
a sales associate at your local store, or on
the web. Most companies have complete
sections dedicated to going green.
“There’s a bigger emphasis than ever on
educating the consumer,” says Kathleen
Kuhn of HouseMaster. “Ask questions, take
notes, and spend some time making small
repairs and upgrades. I guarantee that small
projects can pay off big—both for the value of
your home, and for its energy efficiency.” n
But don’t despair—there are still opportunities for tax benefits as well as
rebates for making energy-saving upgrades to your home. And, in addition
to the money that you’ll get back, these products will save you money every
month! (Note: check with your tax professional on any tax credits available).
tax credits on fuel efficient cars
If you purchased a hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative
fuel or fuel cell vehicle, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. The tax
credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models. However, the tax
credits phase out as each manufacturer sells 60,000 models…so ask your car
dealership if any of their fuel efficient cars are eligible before you start spending all those savings.
other incentives
While the two tax credits listed above are federal benefits, there are also
a number of state and local incentives available for consumers. DSIRE, or
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and other incentives available to consumers making energy-efficient changes to their homes. Check
out their website at dsireusa.org, and click the link to Search By Zip Codes.
What follows is a list of programs available to local homeowners, including property tax exemptions for solar heating and cooling systems, sales tax
exemptions for consumers purchasing wood heating fuel, and state rebate
programs such as a rebate for geothermal heat pump and a grant for solar
energy homes. The website is updated frequently with program statuses—if
you want to see if your county still has incentives available, this is a great
place to start.
rebates
You’ve seen the ENERGY STAR label on a variety of appliances, but it’s not
the name of an appliance manufacturer. ENERGY STAR is a joint program
of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of
Energy, helping consumers save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
The ENERGY STAR label on an appliance
means that it’s met strict energy efficiency
guidelines. The label will also show you
the annual usage cost of each appliance, so you can compare the total
cost of your purchase each year,
rather than just the retail cost.
Many retailers offer rebates on
ENERGY STAR appliances, but the
list changes frequently. To find out
if anything is on sale now, go to
energystar.gov and search for
Rebates. You will find a list of ENERGY
STAR partners and current offers.
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
“Ceiling fans cool the room in summer
and only cost 10 percent as much as air
conditioning,” says Abby Buford, a spokesperson for Lowe’s. “And it’s easy to install
one.” Lowe’s makes it especially easy with a
whole website—lowes.com/energy—filled
with videos and step by step instructions on
tasks that will help you save money on your
energy bills. Reverse the fan’s motor so that it’s
running clockwise, and you’ll save money in
the winter as well.
home | garden
keeping cool
9
Reuse, Recycle and Remodel
story by SUSAN WALKER
It used to be tough to find green building materials. But now your home center’s
aisles are full of items that can make your next home improvement project better
for your family and the earth.
even yellow paint can be green
Traditional paints contain harmful chemicals,
including volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
carbon-based chemicals released as gasses. Some
of the most common VOCs (benzene, formaldehyde
and toluene) have been linked to headaches, eye,
nose and throat irritation, nausea and lung and
kidney damage. While you’re painting and when the
paint is drying, your exposure to VOCs can be up to
1,000 times greater than normal.
Instead, choose a very low or no VOC paint, now
available from every major manufacturer in a wide
selection of colors and finishes for about the same
cost as traditional paints. To ensure your choice
is low or no VOC, check the ingredient list for the
chemicals mentioned above or contact the manufacturer for a Materials Safety and Data Sheet.
more floors
It takes 120 years for an oak tree to mature, but only
three for bamboo to be ready for harvest, so some
people are choosing bamboo as a sustainable flooring alternative. One caveat—some bamboo flooring
contains formaldehyde binders, so check the product label and choose laminated bamboo which gives
off almost no VOCs.
Other flooring options include:
• Cork. Made from wine stopper industry waste,
cork provides good sound absorption and stays
cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Linoleum or marmoleum. These durable
materials are made of linseed oil and wood
flour attached to jute backing.
• Reclaimed wood. The weathered
look adds character and you’re
saving trees.
counter culture
The particleboard in most laminate
countertops releases high levels of
VOCs. Some greener choices? Long-
10
lasting concrete can be formed to any shape, stained
and recycled at the end of its life. Paperstone is
made of 100 percent recycled paper and resins from
cashew shells. Recycled glass, also very durable, is
an elegant choice, though fabrication can cost more
than other materials.
less water, less waste
You can save water (and money) by installing low
flow toilets which cut water use in half. There are
also “two-button” toilets where your choice of
button releases just the amount of water needed
to effectively “clear” the bowl using only about 1.6
gallons per flush.
Faucets and showerheads with aerators or flow
restrictors can reduce water use up to 70 percent.
Another water-saver is a greywater system that recycles used shower and sink water to flush the toilet.
the cost question
Is greening your home too expensive? While it
may cost more upfront, it’s important to consider
life-cycle costs. Explains Chuck Hovancik, Director,
Green Design at CSD Architects, “When you’re
spending money on your home, it makes sense to
do it right. Cheap materials require more maintenance and need to be replaced sooner. There are
many green options that will serve you well over
time, making the life-cycle costs comparable.”
n
home | garden
THE
Tree Hugging
GARDENER
story by SANDY WIEBER
I’ll admit I take trees for granted .
The majority of my gardening energy is spent on perennials and
annuals. Oh, I notice the trees in my garden, especially when I
can’t plant a perennial because of an overly ambitious tree root;
and I notice the trees in my neighborhood, particularly when my
sly neighbors blow their leaves onto my lawn when they think
that I’m at work (note: I blow them back when I think they’re
grocery shopping).
Of course, my relationship with trees is not all negative: I
look up occasionally to see where the branches throw their
shadows, so that I can determine if a need to buy a perennial
with a tag for moderate or deep shade. And sometimes, when I
am looking up, I do think that trees are beautiful in their elegant
growth patterns.
But most of the time, my focus is closer
to the ground.
Nothing else was green, either—the oleanders were dead,
the hibiscus were gone, even the lawns looked like the frigid
north—but it was the trees that really caught me by surprise.
This is an island with gorgeous live oaks lining the main
thoroughfare into town. If you haven’t seen a live oak, they
are big, sprawling, hovering kinds of trees. They have lots of
brawny low branches, so that even the athletically challenged
can climb them. And, of course, there are always green, hence
“live” oaks, unlike the Maryland variety that “die” during the
winter. Technically, there are a lot of different types of unrelated
oaks in the genus “Quercus”, but if they have evergreen leaves,
you can call them a live oak, and no one but the snobbiest of
horticulturists will make fun of you.
The live oaks in Galveston are alive, they say, but they are
not green. The city hopes that they will sprout out in the spring.
They’ve hired crews to water the dead-looking beasts every
day, washing the damaging salt away from the roots.
A few weeks
ago, I visited
Galveston, Texas,
to see how the
small barrier island
was recovering
from the storm
in September. I’m
fairly familiar with
the landscape there,
having enjoyed their “hidden garden” tours over the years.
I was shocked to see that none of their trees were green.
So I’m guessing this year will be a year for me
to appreciate the trees around me. I know I’ve
looked at them differently already, appreciating
the architecture that they give to my garden in
the winter, and the leafy backdrop they provide
in the summer. I’ve found myself studying the
interesting patterns in the winter bark, and the
way the bare branches reach towards the skies.
But as elegant as the bare branches are, I’m
really looking forward to the day when the first
peak of lacy green begins to unfurl from the
trees. That day will be tree-mendous.
Stay warm this winter, and see you in Spring!
Note: Based on my most recent visit, Galveston is still struggling
after the damage from Hurricane Ike. To make a donation to the
n
rebuilding effort, visit bushclintoncoastalfund.org.
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
I’m hoping that they will be alive in spring, just as our
trees are waking up in the mid-Atlantic region.
11
A View of Valley:
Come Down for a Visit
story by CHRISTIE HYRE
With the merger of Valley Farm Credit
and MidAtlantic Farm Credit, a new operating
region was born, one that is rich in history and agriculturally
diverse. With a quick peek at the association map, one will see
that the Valley region encompasses the northern Shenandoah
Valley of Virginia and the eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Contiguous to MidAtlantic’s MidMaryland region, Valley is
comprised of eight counties (the Virginia counties of Page,
Shenandoah, Warren, Frederick and Clarke and West Virginia’s
Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson counties). That accounts for a
manageable 2,392 square miles of land area to explore.
diverse agriculture
The region, well known for its historical importance during
the American Revolution and Civil War, attracts tourists for all
seasons. Many come to see battlefields and visit Frederick County’s
Historic Winchester, which changed hands at least seventy times
during the course of the Civil War. Others, with cameras in hand,
travel to Skyline Drive to commit the beauty of the Blue Ridge
Mountains to photographs, or lace up their hiking boots to traverse
the trails in the Shenandoah National Park or George Washington
National Forest. Some may even treat their feet to the ultimate
Appalachian Trail, which has its national headquarters in Harpers
Ferry, West Virginia.
Just as diverse as the region’s 370,000 inhabitants, is its agriculture industry. Valley’s loan portfolio serves as confirmation of
the area’s wide variety of agriculture interests. Turkey growers in
Shenandoah and Page counties, apple orchards and fresh market
producers with on-farm experiences in Frederick and Berkeley
counties, a booming equine community in Clarke and Jefferson
counties, plus consistent production of beef cattle, hay and
grain crops are all proof that the area’s agriculture industry offers
something for everyone. The fact that over 75 percent of Valley’s
customers are classified as young, beginning and/or small farmers, serves as a gentle reminder of the influences and implications
the bordering metropolitan locales have on the region’s growth
and development. Farm markets and on-farm festivals benefit from
today’s consumers who want a connection to where and how their
food is produced, and often draw large crowds of local residents
and folks from neighboring cities too.
In addition the region is home to many quaint towns brimming
with centuries old historic houses, shopping districts, the longest
The unique mix of semi-mountainous terrain, fertile river and
creek bed soils, and a large abundance of clay-packed grazing
sights to see
12
covered bridge in Virginia (Meems Bottom Bridge, just outside of
New Market, VA), the joining of the Shenandoah and Potomac
rivers (in Harpers Ferry, WV), tons of natural caverns to explore, a
horse track and casino (Charles Town Races and Slots), and museums galore. If one is still feeling less than satisfied, a visit to any
of our locally-owned restaurants and eateries or, when in season,
our on-farm markets will surely please the palate.
your association
and pasture land, lends to the diversity.
Specialization and creativity are two
concepts that seem to be embraced
by area producers. From alpacas and
miniature horses, to pumpkin patches,
Christmas trees and apples, gourd and
peach festivals, local lovers of agriculture
don’t seem to mind stretching the envelope and reaching outside the bounds of
traditional farming. To discover a niche
that draws a crowd, lands a photo-op
in the local paper, rings the phones and
brings potential customers to visit… that
is ultimately what many new producers and even some centuries-old family
farms are craving in today’s marketplace. Many traditional family farms are
branching out into new-age agritourism,
facing adversity and challenges from
development and residential growth
head-on with a positive attitude and an
open mind.
the organization
The Valley staff members devote
much time and energy to supporting
agriculture and the communities in
which they live and work. Some volunteer as 4-H leaders, many participate
in FFA alumni activities, and livestock
events, while others are active in
community civic organizations. From
Habitat for Humanity builds to Food Bank
drives, there are many opportunities to
serve the community and our members
throughout the year.
n
1
1
2
Adjacent to the MidMaryland region, the
newly formed Valley region
consists of eight counties
in the northern Shenandoah
Valley of Virginia and the
eastern Panhandle of West
Virginia. The area boasts
many historical attractions, beautiful views along
Skyline Drive and a variety
of agriculture.
2
Harpers Ferry is a historic town in Jefferson
County, WV. It is best known
for John Brown’s raid on the
Armory in 1859 and its role
in the American Civil War.
3
Washington, DC may
have the beautiful
cherry blossoms—but in
Frederick County, VA they
have apple blossoms. The
world famous Shenandoah
Apple Blossom Festival will
be held in Winchester from
April 24-May 3. Be sure to
check it out if you are in
the area.
3
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
Want to swing by some of the offices?
To meet the many needs of the agriculture and residential customers in the
Valley region, a force of approximately
40 staff members currently work out
of three branch offices and three satellite mortgage offices. Branch offices are
strategically located at the southern end
of the region in Woodstock, Virginia to
service Page and Shenandoah Counties,
in the central portion of the region in
Winchester, Virginia to service Frederick,
Clarke and Warren Counties, and in
the northern section of the region in
Martinsburg, West Virginia to service
customers in Morgan, Berkeley and
Jefferson Counties. Satellite offices are
located in Front Royal, Virginia, Berkeley
Springs, West Virginia and Charles Town,
West Virginia.
13
2009 annual
he Tools
Youmeetings
Need | the tools you need
If you want to hear how your association did in 2008 and what is planned for 2009, you need to attend one of the five stockholder
meetings in April to hear first-hand all the accomplishments and new intiatives of your association.
Mark your calendar to join us for an evening of good food, networking with your fellow members, and great presentations at our
2009 annual stockholder meetings.
Another incentive to come out to one of the meetings—you can pick up your patronage check* (you’ll get it days early…if you
don’t pick your check up during the meeting, you’ll have to wait until the post office delivers it!)
registration
speakers
The doors open at 6:15 each night, which will give you 30 minutes
to catch up with your neighbors before the meeting is called to
order at 6:45. Each year we try hard to wrap the meetings up
early—so you can be an active participant in your cooperative and
still get to bed on time!
Ken Futch went from washing windshields
to leading a combat platoon in Vietnam, from
being the top revenue producer in a group of
6,000 AT&T salespeople to becoming one of
only 300 speakers internationally recognized
as a certified speaking professional. Ken is president of his own company, a training company
that teaches organizations and individuals how to turn opportunity
into success. Ken is the author of the book Take Your Best Shot, which
is filled with priceless insights and stories about recognizing and
achieving opportunities in life. A native of North Carolina, Ken will
speak to the stockholders at the Dover and Salisbury meetings.
In a few weeks, we’ll send our annual information statement
with details about the meeting and more information on the slate
of candidates for our annual election.
Within the mailing, you’ll find an RSVP card. Please fill it out
and return it as soon as you know your plans—that helps us to
make ours! Or if you prefer to save us the postage you can register
online. Log on to mafc.com and follow the link to annual meeting
registration. It is easy and quick—and you won’t even have to go
to the post office!
voting overview
April 15 Ballots mailed to all eligible stockholders
May 6
Polls close at end of day
May 7
Tellers committee convenes to count ballots
May 8
Tellers committee certifies election results
May 29 CEO sends notice of election results to stockholders
This voting procedure allows those who attend one of our meetings to vote that evening, while allowing stockholders who cannot
attend a meeting to vote as well. Remember—the chance to vote
for your nominating committee and board of directors is an important responsibility for each stockholder—whether you can attend
one of our meetings or not.
Suzie Humphreys background is a varied
one…from administrative secretary to television talk show host, to 20 years in radio. She
has hobnobbed with movie stars and politicians, interviewed the great and the “near”
great. She has lived her life with a passion for
learning not only how to be better, but to see
things differently. She is about believing that you can do anything
you want to do and enjoy getting there, heartbreak and all! Suzie
will be speaking in New Holland, Walkersville and Winchester. n
* Patronage checks will be available in Dover, Salisbury, New Holland and Walkersville.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the
meeting most convenient to you.
Date
April 1
April 2 April 6
April 7
April 8
14
Facility
Modern Maturity Center
The Fountains
Yoder’s Restaurant
Walkersville Fire Hall
Best Western Lee-Jackson
Conference Center
Location
Dover DE
Salisbury MD
New Holland PA
Walkersville MD
Winchester VA
What is a patronage refund?
How is my patronage refund issued?
A patronage refund is a way of distributing the association’s
net income to its member-stockholders. A member’s refund is
based on the proportion of interest earned on his or her loan
to the total interest earned by the association. A patronage
refund may be paid in cash, allocated surplus, stock, or any
combination of these items.
The cash portion of your patronage refund may be issued
to you by check or recorded on the association’s books in a
special account. In addition, each time a patronage distribution
is issued, Farm Credit will notify eligible members of their
patronage refunds. The notification will include a breakdown
of the amount paid in cash (by check or patronage payable
entry) and the amount paid in allocated surplus or stock.
Patronage refunds benefit borrowers by reducing their cost
of borrowing. Farm Credit charges competitive rates on its
loans—rates comparable to those charged by other lenders
for similar loans.
However, a major difference between Farm Credit and other
lenders is that Farm Credit returns its profits to its borrowers.
When you receive a patronage refund from Farm Credit, your
effective cost of borrowing is reduced.
What is allocated surplus?
Members, through their boards, usually elect to leave a portion
of the patronage refund in the cooperative to help keep its
operation on a sound financial basis. The retained portion of
each member’s patronage refund is recorded on the books of
the association, or allocated to each member’s equity account.
This retained patronage refund is called allocated surplus.
Allocated surplus is a portion of the patronage refund
retained for the purpose of providing for the capital needs
of your cooperative. Farm Credit operates with a minimal
stock requirement. This stock requirement is not adequate
to maintain the levels of capital which are required to operate
a safe and sound financial institution. Allocated surplus now
provides that source of capital.
Allocated surplus can be issued as Qualified which means
that the amount allocated to you is taxable when the Board
makes the declaration. Nonqualified is only taxable to you
when the Board distributes it to you in cash. The decision as
to which type to allocate is determined annually based on the
Association’s capital position. As the Association’s performance
in future years allows, as determined by the Board, the allocated
equities are distributed to you, our customer.
Why can’t I receive all of the
patronage refund in cash at one time?
Patronage refunds are a return of the Association’s net income.
If issued entirely in cash on the effective date of distribution,
your Association would be unable to meet the capital requirements necessary to stay a strong, viable institution. By retaining a portion of the distribution in your name, the Association
maintains a favorable capital position until such time the board
of directors determines that the distribution of allocated surplus
in the form of cash to its members would not hurt the financial
strength of the Association.
What is the bottom line on patronage refunds?
The use of patronage refunds makes a significant reduction in
your effective interest cost and saves you money. The next time
you sit down and write a check to another lending institution,
ask yourself a question, “How much of this interest payment
will the bank be returning to me?” If your answer is “none,”
then maybe you should consider doing
more of your business where
you are a stockholder—
Farm Credit.
Remember, you
own the bank,
and you share
in the profits. n
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
How do patronage refunds
benefit Farm Credit borrowers?
your association
Patronage
MAFC
:
Get Your Share of the Green
15
1
2
Out and About
1
FARM FOUNDATION FORUM: MidAtlantic Farm Credit CEO, Bob Frazee
(right), spoke at the Farm Foundation Forum in November at the
National Press Club in Washington, DC regarding the impact of recent
turmoil in the financial markets on agriculture. Bob is pictured here with
former US Representative Charles Stenholm of Texas. Courtesy Photo
2
WEATHERING THE STORM: It was a great weekend at the MD Horse
World Expo in January, talking to people about how Farm Credit
could help them weather the financial storm. MAFC loan officer Adam
Cramer (left) explains to a horse owner that one way MAFC can help
is to register for a chance to have MAFC feed his horse for a year.
The winner was Karen Kirby, from Milford, DE. Photo by Holly Porter
3
3
SHOOTING THE BREEZE: Thankfully, MidAtlantic loan officer Keith
Wills (pictured here to the right with MD Dept of Natural Resources
Associate Director, Dan Rider) did more than just shoot the breeze at
LEAD Maryland’s second annual sporting clay shoot. Keith placed second
in the tournament shooting 37/50. The 2009 shoot will be held on
Sunday, October 25, so mark your calendars now! Photo by Angel Adams
To view the latest Out and About
photos, visit our MidAtlantic Farm
Credit page on Facebook.
Log onto Facebook and search for MidAtlantic Farm Credit.
Learn More About
Going Green
Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier and a Cleaner Planet
by Sloan Barnett includes information that could protect you and your
family, and save you money, and help the planet! The book includes clear,
simple choices, small changes that could have a big impact on
your life. Would you like to own a copy? Five lucky winners will be
chosen at random, so be sure to sign up for your chance!
To enter go to: mafc.com/greenbook
16
Deadline to enter: March 23, 2009
Marydel, Delaware
SALE
community
PROPERTIES FOR
Milford, Delaware
Stevenson, Maryland
©2008 DigitalGlobe
105 +/- acre farm. 20 +/- acres clear with
large brick home, fenced paddock area,
pond, hay field, barn, and detached garage.
The other 85 +/- wooded acres serve as
a great hunting area. House includes five
bedrooms, 2.5 baths with all brick exterior.
Garage has plenty of room for equipment
and the barn features four box stalls, six tie
stalls, hayloft, poultry area and no freeze
water supply. $995,000.
Contact Jim Wirick, Keller Williams Realty
Central Delaware. 302.677.1351.
Stately historic property in the heart of
Greenspring Valley. 108.5 acres. Much
acclaimed English gardens surround covered
terrace and swimming pool, garden house
and fish ponds. Two tenant houses and
numerous outbuildings. Brochure upon
request. $7,400,000.
Contact Fayne Farrar, Hill & Company.
410.296.9114.
Preston, Maryland
78 acre farm with three bedrooms, one
bath house. Approximately 50 tillable acres.
Balance of land is mostly wooded. Fronts two
roads. $750,000.
Bridgeville, Delaware
A marsh farm finally hits the
market! This is your chance to
own a beautiful rolling farm with
Mispillion River frontage. Well
known goose farm offers waterfowl
and deer. 110 acres tillable. Several
outbuildings and a large pole barn.
$1,560,000.
Contact Jamie Masten, Masten
Realty, LLC. 302.422.1850.
Harrington, Delaware
Contact Ed Quidas, Jr., Benson & Mangold
Real Estate. 443.786.0232.
Easton, Maryland
Gorgeous 13 acre farm. Improved with five
bedroom, 2.5 bath home, 60x60 barn with
five stalls, 40x80 pole building, vinyl fencing
and blacktop drive. $895,000.
98.8 beautiful wooded acres with
approximately 25 year timber.
Development rights still intact.
Great hunting property. Surrounded
by nearly 1,000 acres of adjacent
woods. Listing agent is related to
seller. $495,000.
Contact Jamie Masten, Masten
Realty, LLC. 302.422.1850.
Contact Bobby Nibblett, Home Team Realty.
302.629.7711 or 302.236.2164 (cell).
Hurlock, Maryland
Contact Jeff Plummer, Century 21 Rosendale
Realty. 410.758.0333.
Custom built three bedroom rancher on nice
country acre. Enjoy the peace and serenity
on the rear deck. Outbuilding for storage.
$229,000.
Contact Renee Rishel, Exit Latham Realty.
Email: [email protected] or call
410.822.2152.
Federalsburg, Maryland
52 acre farm with three bedroom farmhouse
and two bedroom mobile home (both
livable). Lots of outbuildings. 35 acres
tillable. $427,000.
Contact Mary Libick, Wright Real Estate.
443.786.6585.
New Windsor, Maryland
Secluded 22 acre oasis! Beautiful four bedroom, 2.5 bath
Federal style colonial offers old world ambiance and
modern amenities. Amazing views from every angle!
Exterior features grand porches, swimming pool, bank
barn, machine shed and so much more. Possibilities are
endless. $649,900.
Contact Kathy Dixon or Lori Witmer-Kluge, Long & Foster
Real Estate, Inc. at 800.795.2255 or 410.707.7152.
Frederick, Maryland
With a great view of the Catoctin
Mountains, these 29.16 +/- acres are
located in an area of similar sized
farmettes. Close to Frederick City
and major arterials. Located on a
quiet country road! $475,000.
Contact Tom Rozynek, Frederick
Land Company. 301.662.9222.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Earleville, Maryland
86.8 acre dairy farm. Large farmhouse, dairy barn with 41 cow
set-up, horse barn, hay storage,
and heifer pens. Tobacco shed,
equipment shed, (2) silos and
manure pit. 71 acres tillable, 13
acres pasture. Asking $890,000
(no development rights) or
$1,190,000 (with rights).
Contact Joel Brown, BeilerCampbell Realtors Farm and Land
Division. 717.786.8000.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
REALTOR
®
EQUAL HOUSING
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
Waterfront lot with many options. Existing
farmhouse on 26 +/- acres. Several
outbuildings, great for horses! Approved
perc on property. Neighboring 25+ acre
waterfront lot also for sale with separate
perc. $699,000.
OPPORTUNITY
REALTOR
®
17
PROPERTIES FOR
Monkton, Maryland
SALE
Barclay, Maryland
Welcome to horse
country! Premium
lot, 3 acres total.
Two acres of open
land and one acre of
conservation easement. If you’re ready to build your dream
house, this is a must see. $375,000.
Contact Laura Christensen, Riley &
Associates Realtors. 410.456.4450
Frederick, Maryland
Dickerson, Maryland
147 acre farm on the west side of Sugarloaf
Mountain, approximately 50% open, 50%
wooded. Direct access to miles and miles
of trails. Secluded area but close to I-270
and Route 28. A rare find! $1,550,000.
125+ acres with best whitetail around!
Beautiful wooded farm. Improved by 2,300
sq. ft, four bedroom, 2 full bath Cape Cod.
Current owner has license to raise deer.
$799,900.
Contact Tim McGrath, Mackintosh Realtors,
Inc. 800.292.3547.
Rocky Ridge, Maryland
Contact Jonathan Olsavsky, Century 21
Rosendale Realty. 410.758.0333.
Ladiesburg, Maryland
Horse lovers delight! This 15 +/- acres has
a 5,214 sq. ft. home with five bedrooms and
3.5 baths. Other amenities include attached
two car garage and four car detached garage
with unfinished loft. In-ground pool with bath
house, two stall horse stable with fenced
paddocks and tennis court. $1,195,000.
Contact Tony Checchia, Frederick Land
Company. 301.662.9222.
Conowingo, Maryland
Exquisite farm! 227 acres with two ponds.
Ten minutes from Frederick. Brick rancher
with two fireplaces, master bedroom with
master bath, four garages. Huge farmhouse,
bank barn, milking parlor with holding pen,
free stall shed, machine shed, and metal
shed, block building. In farm preservation.
$1,675,350.
Contact Robert Jamison, Charles H. Jamison,
Inc. 301.428.8200.
Madonna, Maryland
Bring your horse! Seven acres of planted
pasture with approved perc. Near Rt. 301,
Warwick/Middletown. $199,000.
36 acre gentlemen’s
horse farm. Architectural
masterpiece, eight wood
burning fireplaces,
coffered ceilings, granite
kitchen, two master suites and many cozy
nooks. Heated pool and cabana. Nine stall
aisle barn has everything for the horseman,
loafing shed, automatic waterers, stocked
pond and more! $1,750,000.
Contact Sharon E. Clark, Sassafras River
Realty, Ltd. 410.778.0238.
Contact Frank Durkee, O’Conor & Mooney
Realtors, 410.935.4260.
Contact John & Bonnie Speak, Long & Foster
Real Estate, Inc. 410.984.2302.
Warwick, Maryland
23 acre farm in a beautiful farming area. Easy
commute to Aberdeen, Baltimore, Wilmington,
and Philadelphia area. Three bedroom farmhouse with wraparound porch, fenced rear
yard, barn, garage, springhouse and storage
buildings. Most of the acreage is cropland
but could be nice setting for horses. Pond,
small orchard and lots of room to enjoy life!
$469,900.
197 pastoral acres with river frontage. Two
ponds, streams and 20 acres of woodland.
Improvements include a red sandstone farmhouse, barn with silo storage and various
outbuildings. $2,000,000.
Dickerson, Maryland
Annville, Pennsylvania
Drastic reduction in price!14.9 beautifully
landscaped country acres with mature trees.
Agriculturally zoned, suitable for many uses.
Four bedroom main residence, large heated
and air conditioned outbuilding with offices
and game room. Large paved parking area
with separate entrance. $775,000.
25 acre farm lot at the base of Sugarloaf
Mountain. Improved with a 36x72 pole barn
with water and electric. The perimeter is
fenced with three board, 20 acres in pasture,
five acres is wooded. Perc approved with a
well. Miles of trails in all directions. Mountain
views are assured! $1,000,000.
Custom built home on 11.9 acres. First floor
master suite, 4.5 bathrooms, kitchen with
granite countertops and maple cabinets, two
gas fireplaces, central vac, in-ground pool,
oversized four car garage and so much more.
Property can be used for equestrian purposes.
$1,299,000.
Contact Lynda Haley, Benson & Mangold
Real Estate. 410.770.9255.
Contact Tim McGrath, Mackintosh Realtors,
Inc. 800.292.3547.
Contact Michael Yingling, RE/MAX Delta
Group, Inc, 717.652.8200.
Contact Charlie Roosa, Key Realty, Inc.
410.398.1247, Ext. 16 or 410.287.7241.
Chestertown, Maryland
Need financing for any of these properties? Call your local Farm Credit office.
18
MidAtlantic Farm Credit is not responsible for content or typographical errors. For more information on any of the properties listed on these pages, please call the Realtor listed.
At this time, we can only accept listings from licensed real estate agents.
Own a piece of history! Once a local stop for
travelers, this three bedroom, two bath 200
year old log home has been lovingly renovated. You’ll be amazed at the details and
pride this house shows. Exposed log walls
and brick fireplaces are just the beginning.
Over two acres with a view of a covered
bridge. $299,900.
Contact Tami Shaub, Hostetter Realty.
800.704.1701, 717.442.4114, or 717.529.0904.
Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Well maintained two
story home
situated
on private
three acre
wooded
lot. Home offers four bedrooms, 2.5 baths,
spacious rooms and two fireplaces. Detached
three car garage with storage above. $384,900.
Contact Kate Herr, Hostetter Realty.
800.704.1701 or 717.442.7499.
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Contact Cindy Stys, Cindy Stys Equestrian &
Country Properties, Ltd. Visit cshorseproperties.com or call 610.849.1790.
Hamburg, Pennsylvania
87 acres of farm land
zoned Agricultural
Preservation. Very
low taxes as it is in
the Clean and Green
program. $875,000.
Contact Jan M. Pasko, Century 21 Call First,
610.698.2061.
Emmitsburg, Maryland
Hayland Farms is a beautiful 175
acre farm with approximately 80%
tillable acreage and two streams.
Improvements include a historic
circa 1850 brick home, two-story
bank barn, milking parlor, machine
shed, and farm manager’s office.
$1,325,000.
Contact Frank C. Jamison, Charles H.
Jamison, Inc. 240.793.4320.
Ringtown, Pennsylvania
92+ acre
former race
horse stable,
43 box stalls
with automatic waterers, ½ race track around pond, 13 stallion
paddocks, six pastures, round pen, trainer’s
quarters, and office. $829,000.
community
Kirkwood, Pennsylvania
Atglen, Pennsylvania
Stunning historic estate on 11.95 acres. Main
house was designed by Thomas Jefferson!
Includes five bedrooms, 3.5 baths, four
fireplaces, modern old world kitchen. Also
included – 2 ½ story flour mill. The second floor
contains a spacious modern apartment. Great
property for equestrians. $1,450,000.
Contact Michael Yingling, RE/MAX Delta
Group, Inc, 717.652.8200.
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
17.5 acres of open and wooded land in rural
area. Great views and wildlife. Ideal for
secluded home site. $249,000.
33 +/- acre Gentleman farm.
Private setting. 2.5 story farmhouse
offering four plus bedrooms, 1.5
baths, two fireplaces, three story
bank barn, springhouse, utility shed
with workshop, and implement
building. Oversized two car garage.
Fenced pasture. $695,000.
Contact Kate Herr, Hostetter Realty.
800.704.1704 or 717.442.7499.
Contact JoAnn Reinert, GKS Realty &
Appraisal Services. 610.944.6623.
Gap, Pennsylvania
Well planned five acre horse farm. Long private tree-lined drive
leads to two story colonial with four bedrooms, brick fireplace,
sunroom with hot tub, two car garage, excellent four stall barn,
and two large fenced pastures in a beautiful scenic location. Also,
ideal for alpacas. 35 minutes from Allentown, PA. $370,000.
Contact Gary L. Coles or Jonathan D. Coles, New Pennsylvania
Realty, Inc. 570.386.5000.
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
New Ringgold, Pennsylvania
Sunnyside Farm, available first time
in 150 years! Historic farm on 95
acres offers unique opportunity to
own a part of local history as well
as a fully operational farm. Excellent
proximity to major roads and cities
– this property is perfect as a Bed &
Breakfast or quaint country home.
Call for brochure. $1,949,000.
Contact Chris Taylor, BeilerCampbell Realtors Farm and Land
Division. 717.786.8000.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Wind Gap, Pennsylvania
Horse farm with 64x120 barn/indoor arena
combo, 13 box stalls. Ten are 12x12 and three
huge foaling stalls, tack room, wash stall and
fenced pasture. Cute ranch with hardwood
floors, all on 8.49 acres. Also includes a two
bedroom, two bath mobile home.
Contact Cindy Stys, Cindy Stys Equestrian &
Country Properties, Ltd. Visit cshorseproperties.com or call 610.849.1790.
This fine 14 acre equine breeding facility is
situated close to other equine facilities and
numerous racetracks. The farm features a 13
stall block barn, 1,200 sq. ft. living quarters,
and indoor arena. Additional acres available.
Also idea for alpacas or build a new house
with fantastic views. $325,000.
Contact Gary L. Coles or Jonathan D. Coles,
New Pennsylvania Realty, Inc. 570.386.5000.
Excellent
farmette!
This quaint,
impeccable
farmhouse is situated on 15+ acres.
Several outbuildings, two ponds,
and convenient to major roads.
$430,000.
Contact Ron DeCesare, Jr., The
Great American Real Estate
Company. 610.863.6205.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
REALTOR
®
volume 14 | issue 1 | mafc.com
New Ringgold, Pennsylvania
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
REALTOR
®
19
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
P.O. Box 770
Westminster MD 21158-0770
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
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PERMIT NO. 7175
Our ideas have always been a little different.
Farm Credit is not like other lenders. That’s why we haven’t been plagued with some
of the problems facing commercial banks and lenders right now.
For one thing, the Farm Credit System is financially strong, with a healthy capital
position ($27.9 billion* in capital reserves), credit quality remains generally favorable
(with nonperforming loans representing 0.65 percent of the System’s outstanding
loans), and strong net income (2007 net income was a record $2.7 billion). We also
have a safety net—a self-funded insurance fund that provides protection for all of
our member/owners.
The biggest difference, of course, is the fact that we’re a cooperative. We return
our profits directly to our member/owners—more than $25 million in 2008!
And that’s just what we returned locally—as a national System, we returned
over $1 billion, with $707 million in cash in 2007! Now that’s a bright idea.
If the light bulb has gone on over your head, and you’re ready for a new kind
of lender, please give us a call.
* All financial information is taken from the Farm Credit System’s quarterly information statement
for third quarter 2008. Past performance does not guarantee future patronage payments.
“Serving all of rural America”
DelMarVa: 800.573.3028
MidMd: 800.442.7334
Penn:
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Valley:
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