Spring - AgSouth Farm Credit

The Beautiful Beulah Land Farm
Summer Gardening
How creditworthy are you?
What’s Ahead for Rural America?
Financing Rural America.
Spring 2006 | $2.95
www.agsouthfc.com
AgSouth’s Out in the Country is
published three times a year for
stockholders and friends of AgSouth.
President
William P. Spigener, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
Noel L. Riggins
Vice Chairman
Thomas H. Coward
EDITOR
Rhonda Uzzolino
Co-Editor
Miriam Pflug
Publisher
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Publishing director
Donna Camacho
Design TEAM
Will Gettys, Darren Hill, Travis
Taylor, Cassandra Zimmerly
Circulation
Kathi DeFlorio
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 304590718 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 Out in the Country,
email Rhonda Uzzolino at ruzzolino@agsouthfc.
com or call 803-767-1559. AgSouth reserves
the right to refuse publication of any advertising
deemed inappropriate in the opinion of
management.
call toll-free
1.866.824.5626 www.
FarmCreditCFL.com
We appreciate your comments!
We hope you enjoy the new AgSouth Out in the
Country. Please thank our advertisers and let
them know you saw their ad in our magazine.
Advertising helps defray the cost of printing
and mailing your cooperative’s magazine. If
you have any comments or suggestions about
AgSouth’s Out in the Country articles, columns
or advertisements, please contact Rhonda
Uzzolino at [email protected] or 803767-1559. Please support your Out in the
Country advertisers!
From the Editor:
Welcome to Out in the Country!
A
gSouth’s member magazine has gone
As the magazine has grown and shifted, so
through a lot of changes in the past 18
has our membership. In addition to traditional
years. Since the first Leader was printed
farmers, AgSouth proudly serves more of rural
in 1988, we’ve gone from black and white to full
America’s financial needs than ever before, and
color, expanded from 4 pages to 36, and have
is making efforts through the HORIZONS project
gone from printing only financial information
(see HORIZONS article on Page 19) to identify
to featuring stories and articles of interest to our
and address the future financial needs of a grow-
readership. We also began featuring properties
ing rural population.
for sale in our area in an attempt to both help
Our new member magazine, Out in the
our members sell and find the perfect acreage
Country, mirrors the changing status of rural
and equipment. In 2002 we also began accepting
America from traditional farmers to those who
outside advertisers.
want to escape from the stress of everyday life
and find a more peaceful lifestyle . . . out in the
country.
We hope you enjoy the new format.
Rhonda Uzzolino
Rhonda Uzzolino
Marketing Manager
Fun with Numbers:
• More than
10,000 copies of AgSouth’s member magazine are delivered through-
out Georgia and South Carolina with each edition.
• The first issue of the member magazine was published in
• The average edition has
36 full-color pages.
• The first member article was featured in the May
1988.
1992 edition.
2001 saw the publication of the first full-color Leader.
• Nearly 100 members have been featured in the magazine.
•
In This Issue
Feature STORY
Happy Birthday, AgSouth
4
Member information
Crop Insurance Information
Annual Meeting Information
Patronage Information 5
5
6
INDUSTRY
Directors and Congressmen
Meet
8
W. Baynard Boykin;
Distinguished Cooperator
9
News
New Camden/Lugoff
Branch Opens
Congratulations to AgSouth
Employees
AgSouth Employees Retire
Cooper Receives SC Co-op
Council Award
Home and Garden
Summer Gardening Care
Summer Care for Pets
Lake Water Rights and
Ownership
10
10
11
12
13
14
15
Money Matters
How Creditworthy Are YOU?
Thinking of Building Your
Dream Home?
What’s Ahead for
Rural America? 19
Member Spotlight
The Mixon Family
The Crumbley Family
20
22
Feature Story
The Beautiful Beulah
Land Farm
24
17
18
Real Estate Market 26
Mortgage Originator Directory 29
First Quarter Financials
30
F eature
Happy Birthday, AgSouth!
By Miriam R. Pflug, Marketing Manager
O
n July 17, 1916, President Woodrow
funding for agricultural producers, agribusiness,
bia, S.C., remains an important part of the fabric
Wilson signed the Federal Farm Loan
rural homeowners and other rural landowners.
of rural America and a partner to the nation’s ag-
Act, which authorized the chartering of
As of April 1, 2006, the Farm Credit System was
ricultural sector. We are a leader in rural financ-
composed of the following lending institutions:
ing, offering competitive loan products, financial
twelve Federal Land Banks and local Farm Loan
Associations throughout the country. The Feder-
Four Farm Credit Banks (FCBs) that
al Land Bank of Columbia was chartered a year
provide loan funds to 80 Agricultural Credit As-
later on March 16, 1917, and the first Farm Loan
sociations (ACAs) and 11 Federal Land Credit
Association in the Columbia Land Bank district
Associations (FLCAs). ACAs make short-, in-
was chartered at Holly Hill in Orangeburg Coun-
termediate-, and long-term loans, while FLCAs
ty, S.C., on May 4, 1917. AgSouth Farm Credit
make long-term loans.
emerged from that initial association, and now
One Agricultural Credit Bank (ACB),
serves Farm Credit members throughout Geor-
which has the authority of an FCB and provides
gia and South Carolina.
loan funds to five ACAs. In addition, the ACB
Part of the Fabric of Rural America
makes loans of all kinds to agricultural, aquatic
The cooperative credit system envisioned by
Congress has stood the test of time. Since 1916,
the Farm Credit System has pursued a mission
to maintain the quality of life in rural America by
ensuring the availability of sound, dependable
and public utility cooperatives and is authorized
to finance U.S. agricultural exports and provide
international banking services for farmer-owned
cooperatives.
Today, AgSouth Farm Credit, ACA, funded
by AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, located in ColumAgSouth
AgSouth Farm
Farm Credit
Credit
services and specialized expertise in agricultural
financing.
Please join us in celebrating 89 years of service to rural America.
M ember
F eature
information
Crop Insurance
Information
Important Crop Insurance Dates
5/20–05/31
Cotton Final Planting Date
5/25–05/31
Peanuts Final Planting Date
5/31
Peanuts Final Planting Date
Nursery End of Insurance Period/ Cancellation Date
6/1
Acreage Reporting Date Tobacco
6/10
Final Planting Date Grain Sorghum
6/15
Final Planting Date Soybeans (GA)
6/15 – 06/30
Final Planting Date Soybeans (SC)
6/30
Acreage Reporting Date Corn/Cotton/Grain
Sorghum/Peanuts
End Contract Change, Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye
7/1
Billing Date Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye, Onions
Tomatoes Fall Initial Planting Date
7/1 – 8/1
Initial Planting Date Peppers
07/15
Acreage Reporting Date Soybeans
Tomatoes Fall Final Planting Date
07/30
Fall Acreage Reporting Date Tomatoes (SC)
07/31
Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye End of Insurance Period
This notice is for informational purposes only. Policy provisions will prevail.
AgSouth Farm Credit 2006
Stockholder Meetings
Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend
the meeting of your choice.
If you know of someone who needs crop insurance or would like more information about our products, please contact one of the insurance agents
listed below:
Jimmy Dockery Douglas GA 800-334-1224
[email protected]
Mary Hutcheson Vidalia GA 800-633-4887
[email protected]
Sandra Crews Blackshear GA 800-522-0596
[email protected]
Cindy Saxon Statesboro GA 800-633-9091
[email protected]
Johnson Atkinson Walterboro SC 800-868-1584
[email protected]
• Thursday, November 9
First Presbyterian Christian Life Center,
Clinton SC
• Monday, November 13
Orangeburg First Baptist Family Life,
Orangeburg SC
• Tuesday, November 14
1st United Methodist Activity Center,
Vidalia GA
• Thursday, November 16
Thomaston Civic Center,
Thomaston GA
AgSouth’s Insurance Department looks forward to serving you
(l to r): Johnson Atkinson, Sandra Crews, Jimmy Dockery, Mary Hutchinson, Cindy Saxon.
Out
Out inin the
the Country
Country Spring
Spring 2006
2006
M ember
F eature
information
AgSouth Returns More than $20 Million
in Cash to its Members for 2005
AgSouth Members Receive Record $26.92 Million in Patronage Returns!
I
n March of 2006, AgSouth Farm Credit
members received a record $26.92 million
in patronage. More than $8.08 million of the
total patronage was returned in cash, with the
remaining $18.84 million being designated as
allocated surplus.
The 2005 patronage return represents more
than 30% in interest returned to our members.
This means that for every $1.00 paid in interest
on an AgSouth loan, members received 30 cents
back. In the past 15 years, the association has put
more than $254 million of AgSouth’s profits into
our members’ pockets. In 2006 alone, AgSouth
Farm Credit members saw more than $20 million dollars returned to them. CEO Bill Spigener
attributes the strength of the patronage program
to the strong financial position of the cooperative and the commitment of the association’s directors, managementand staff.
We put our profits in your pockets.
Since 1991, AgSouth
has put $180 million
in cash and
allocated surplus
into the pockets of its
members.
Year Ending
Total Patronage
Distribution
Cash
1991-1999
$ 132,236,633
June 2000
$
December 2000
December 2001
Allocated Surplus
Allocated Surplus
Distributed
$ 39,525,775
$
92,710,858
$ 92,710,858
$
1,111,613
$
2,593,764
$
2,593,764
$ 13,526,813
$ 3,967,608
$
9,559,206
$
9,559,206
$ 20,092,776
$ 5,933,924
$
14,158,852
24.11%
December 2002
$ 17,000,908
$ 5,100,260
$
11,900,648
21.61%
December 2003
$ 19,265,722
$
$ 13,486,005
25.73%
December 2004
$ 21,412,050
$ 6,423,615
$
28.46%
December 2005
$ 26,917,231
$ 8,075,169
$ 18,842,062
Total
$ 254,157,510
$ 75,917,681
$ 178,239,830
3,705,705
5,779,717
14,988,435
Total Cash
$
Total Allocated Surplus Distributed
$ 104,863,827
Total Patronage Paid to our Customers!
$
AgSouth Farm Credit
75,917,681
180,781,508
% Interest Earned*
23.13%
Combined with December 2000
21.06%
30.25%
$ 104,863,827
23.96%
* For the years 1991-2003, amounts shown are on a consolidated
basis for a comparative purpose. Due to various mergers during
this period, the actual interest earned percentages differ from the
consolidated percentages reflected above.
M ember
information
F eature
AgSouth Revolves
Y2K Allocated
Surplus to Members
In February of 2006, AgSouth Farm
Credit distributed $12 million in allocated surplus from 2000 to its members.
According to CEO Bill Spigener,
“AgSouth strives to return the allocated
surplus portion of its patronage payments to members on a five-year turnaround, and we are very proud to have
met that goal once again.”
Chief Financial Officer Alisa Gunter
added, “AgSouth is committed to cooperative principles, and we are pleased that
we are able to show that it really does pay
to do business with AgSouth!”
AgSouth’s Crop Insurance Policyholders
Receive $63,712 in Crop Insurance Patronage
We are very pleased to announce that policy-
pate in the program. The crop patronage pay-
holders who purchased crop insurance through
ments, like the interest patronage payments, are
AgSouth Farm Credit last year received $63,712,
scheduled to be paid through a combination of
or 22.86%, of the 2005 crop insurance income in
cash and allocated surplus.
the form of a crop insurance patronage return.
This is the second year AgSouth has re-
The revolvement of the 2005 crop insurance in-
turned money to its crop insurance policyhold-
come will be distributed to 203 policyholders in
ers through the new crop insurance patronage
AgSouth’s territory.
program, which was implemented only two years
The amount of the return is based on the
ago. Don’t miss your opportunity to be included
amount of crop insurance income earned by the
in the next crop insurance patronage revolve-
association annually. If a profit is earned and
ment. Although we are already past the sales
the board elects to make a patronage payment,
closing date for spring crops for the 2006 crop
the profits are distributed to those who pur-
year, there is still opportunity to sign up for crop
chase crop insurance through AgSouth. Like all
hail, timber and nursery insurance, as well as on-
patronage programs, there is no guarantee of a
ions, blueberry and fall crops. Call an AgSouth
patronage return. Crop insurance customers do
agent today!
not have to be AgSouth borrowers to participate
in the crop insurance patronage program. However, all crop insurance customers must become
members of the association by purchasing five
dollars of AgSouth Farm Credit stock to partici-
For any questions concerning the patronage program,
the revolvement, or the crop insurance patronage
program please contact Alisa Gunter at 864-585-6234
ext 237 or call your local branch office.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
This is the second
year AgSouth has
returned money to
its crop insurance
policyholders
through the new
crop insurance
patronage program,
which was
implemented only
two years ago.
F eature
The Future on
the Horizon
AgSouth Directors &
Employees Discuss Concerns
with Congressmen
By Rhonda Uzzolino,
Marketing Manager
D
AgSouth Vice President Ricky Cochran (left) met with Representative John Barrow (center) & Alton Thornton of AgGeorgia Farm Credit (right). Attending, but not pictured: AgSouth Ga. Divisional President Craig Peebles and Harold Smith.
uring the past few months, AgSouth employees and directors met with area congressmen to discuss the future of rural
America and Farm Credit’s HORIZONS project.
All in all, the congressmen were very supportive
of the System’s initiatives to develop financial
solutions and strategies for the future growth of
rural America.
AgSouth directors Jack Arnold (retired), Gene Merritt, Gary Alexander and Harry Bell (far right) met with South
Carolina congressman Gresham Barrett (second from right). (AgSouth S.C. Divisional President Ronnie Summers not
shown).
AgSouth S.C. Divisional President Ronnie Summers
introduces Congressman Joe Wilson at a meeting held
AgSouth Director Jimmy Carter (left) discusses the credit needs of a changing rural population with AgSouth Ga. Divisional President Craig Peebles (center) and Congressman David Scott. Missing from the photo, but attending the meeting,
were: AgSouth Director Noel Riggins and AgSouth employees, Harold Smith, Ricky Cochran and Tony Prather.
AgSouth Farm Credit
F eature
T
he South Carolina Cooperative Council held its annual awards luncheon on
March 9, 2006, at Seawell’s Restaurant
Distinguished Cooperator Award Recipient
this annual meeting, where representatives of
AgSouth Director Dr. W. Baynard Boykin
South Carolina cooperatives come together to
By Miriam Pflug, Marketing Manager
in Columbia, S.C. More than 80 people attended
recognize distinguished members. The meeting
is co-sponsored by AgSouth Farm Credit.
Ronnie Summers, S.C. divisional president of AgSouth Farm Credit, presented a distinguished cooperator award to Dr. W. Baynard
Boykin of Rembert, S.C.
The distinguished cooperator award recognizes individuals who have exemplified the spirit
of cooperation throughout their careers. Dr.
Boykin is a retired member of AgSouth’s board
of directors. He served on various committees
during his 30 years of service to AgSouth, and
also served as chairman and vice chairman of
AgSouth’s board.
Dr. Boykin graduated from Clemson College
in 1950 with a B.S. in Agronomy. He received his
Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, and
is a retired associate professor of Agronomy at
Clemson University.
Dr. Boykin is the owner of W. B. Boykin
Fertilizer Company and a row-crop and timber
farmer. He is a board member of the South Carolina and the Kershaw County Farm Bureaus, the
South Carolina Farm Bureau Marketing Association, the Kershaw County Forest Land Owners
Association, an associate commissioner of the
Kershaw County Soil and Water Conservation
Service and a member of the advisory board of
the Kershaw County Clemson Extension Service.
AgSouth S.C. divisional president Ronnie Summers (right) presents the distinguished cooperator award to former
AgSouth Director, Dr.W. Baynard Boykin.
He is also director emeritus of the South Carolina
Peanut Board. He and his wife Matilda (Tilley)
reside on their family farm near Rembert, S.C.
According to Summers, “Dr. Boykin’s contributions to the AgSouth board and membership, as well as to agriculture in South Carolina,
have been significant.”
The distinguished cooperator award recognizes
individuals who have exemplified the spirit of
cooperation throughout their careers.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
F eature
AgSouth Opens New
Lugoff Office
By Larry Ferguson, Regional Vice President
AgSouth Farm Credit officially opened its new
offices at 951 Highway 1 in Lugoff, S.C., in November 2005.
The new space is more conveniently located
and affords better parking facilities and easier
office access, which will allow branch staff to
better serve its growing membership. For more
information on AgSouth’s newest office, or to
determine how AgSouth can help you with your
financial needs, please call 803-438-2464 or
800-499-2786.
AgSouth’s newest office in Lugoff, S.C.
Congratulations to AgSouth Employees
We congratulate the following employees, who did an outstanding job representing AgSouth in 2005:
Ricky Varnadoe, a loan officer in Allendale, S.C., was named 2005 Regional Agribusiness Person of
the Year; and Jon Harris, a loan officer in Blackshear, Ga., was recognized as the 2005 Young Farmer
Southern Region President of the Year. Jon is president of the Wayne County Chapter of Young Farmers.
Ricky Varnadoe
Jon Harris
Save the family and the farm
Landowners without an
It’s an all too common
estate plan risk losing
situation you can avoid.
the family farm to
At Ellis Lawhorne,
estate taxes, but also risk
it’s our business
losing something greater,
to keep your land
family harmony.
Erin Cook
1 5 0 1
M a i n
in the family.
David Sojourner
Karen Thomas
Rita Cullum
S t r e e t , 5 t h F l o o r • C o l u m b i a , S o u t h
8 0 3 . 2 5 4 . 4 1 9 0 • e l l i s l a w h o r n e . c o m
AgSouth Farm Credit
10
C a r o l i n a
F eature
AgSouth Employees Retire
AgSouth Farm Credit is blessed with knowledgeable and com-
pany, as well as to the many customers he has served during
mitted employees who have dedicated their careers to serving
his career.
the needs of rural America. The following employees retired
Tony Prather
Tom has been actively involved in a Christmas tree op-
this year after a combined service record of 126 years!
eration since 1979 on his 300-acre farm in Monetta, S.C., and
Tony Prather Retires
will continue this business, along with many other projects in
the next stage of his life. Tom and his wife Debbie are very ac-
By: Ricky Cochran, Regional Vice President
tive in the community and look forward to the opportunities
David A. “Tony” Prather retired on January 31, 2006, after
that lie ahead.
more than 34 years of service to Farm Credit. Tony’s Farm
Tom Sawyer
Credit career began in the training program in Columbia, S.C.,
Goodbye to Pam Orange!
in 1972. After short stays in Lumberton and Statesville, N.C.,
By: Teddy Howard, Regional Vice President
Tony took a job with the Federal Land Bank Association of
Pam Orange, a loan assistant in the Carrollton, Ga., office, re-
Madison in January 1973. He continued working in the Madi-
tired earlier this year after 27 years of service to the association.
son office as a corporate loan officer until his retirement ear-
Pam began her Farm Credit career on October 9, 1978, and
lier this year.
played an important role in the success of the Carrollton branch.
After 34 years of helping Farm Credit’s customers with
As her retirement begins, Pam plans to spend time read-
their financing needs, Tony decided to retire so he could spend
ing, gardening, visiting friends and doing volunteer work in
more time with his family and in his land development business.
Carrollton. She may even sneak in another trip to Alaska to
Tony has eagerly anticipated this stage of his life and
visit her daughter, son-in-law and three grandsons.
states he is “enjoying retirement to its fullest.” He and his wife
Margie Crawford Hutchinson
Teresa have been married for 31 years and have three children
By: Daniel E. Good, Regional Vice President
and two grandchildren. Tony plans to spend more time with
Margie Crawford Hutchinson, branch operations coordinator
his grandchildren and spoil them the best he can.
in AgSouth’s Blackshear office, retired February 28, 2006, af-
Tony would like to thank his co-workers and customers
ter more than 23 years of service to the association.
for their many years of friendship and loyalty. Tony stated, “It
Margie’s Farm Credit career began in July 1982 at the
was a good run, and I thoroughly enjoyed my career with Farm
Pam Orange
Margie Crawford
Hutchinson
Federal Land Bank and the Satilla Production Credit Associa-
Credit. Most of all I am going to miss the people I worked with.
tion in Blackshear.
And Go, Dawgs!”
Throughout her employment with the association, Mar-
Tom Sawyer Retires After 32 Years
gie was always known for her thoroughness and detail for ac-
By: Owen Smith, Region 2 Chief Lending Officer
curacy. She said her daddy taught her that if you were going
Thomas W. “Tom” Sawyer retired from AgSouth Farm Credit
to do something, do it right the first time. Margie has always
April 30, 2006, after more than 32 years of service with the
been an inspiration to her co-workers, friends, and family.
Farm Credit system. Tom started work with the Federal Land
Margie says that as she looks back over the past 23 years,
Bank Association of Batesburg on February 17, 1974. In 1976
she is very grateful to God for giving her the opportunity to
he transferred to the Aiken branch office of Batesburg FLBA,
have worked with this fine organization and all the wonderful
where he was branch manager until 1986. After a merger of
people associated with it. She will miss everyone at AgSouth,
several Farm Credit associations, Tom returned to Batesburg
including the many customers she had an opportunity to work
as branch manager for Palmetto Farm Credit, continued in
with, but is looking forward to the next chapter in her life.
that position through the transition of the new AgSouth, and
has been instrumental in the development of business in his
All employees of AgSouth wish only the best to these re-
service territory. The Batesburg office has grown consistently
tirees as they settle into the next stage of their lives!
under his watch, with volume in excess of $70 million. Tom’s
expertise in all lines of agricultural finance, especially poultry
lending, will be missed. He has added much value to our com-
Out in the Country Spring 2006
11
F eature
Cooper Receives S.C. Cooperative Council Award
By Marie Stiles, Executive Director, SC Cooperative Council
Hunter Cooper, a junior at Calhoun Falls High
School, FFA chapter officer, and son of Stanley
and Mary Cooper of Calhoun Falls, S.C. was recently honored as the first recipient of the South
Carolina Cooperative Council’s Outstanding
Youth Award. AgSouth Marketing Manager Miriam Pflug presented the award at the council’s
annual meeting, according to John W. Parris,
state director of public affairs with the SC FFA
organization.
Hunter represented South Carolina at the
Regional Cooperative Youth Leadership Conference at the North Carolina FFA Center last summer, where he was selected as the outstanding
delegate from South Carolina and awarded an
expense-paid trip to the National Institute of Cooperative Education in Lexington, KY. The event
is co-sponsored by AgSouth Farm Credit.
While attending the national conference,
Hunter competed in the Youth Scholar Program
and was named one of the top four male scholars
in the nation. He will represent the South Carolina Cooperative Council at the 2006 National
S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture and AgSouth director Hugh Weathers (left) with Hunter Cooper and Calvert Sherard.
Cooperative Education Conference in Pennsylvania this August.
AgSouth Farm Credit
12
F eature
Flowers
Summer Gardening Care
By Robert F. Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, State Master Gardener Coordinator
• Roses may stop growing and take a rest during extremely hot weather, especially those
growing in full sun. Water your roses deeply
at least once a week and cease fertilizing until
vigorous growth returns.
• Evaluate your perennials for color and growth
to determine the need for fertilizer. To encourage more growth, use a slow-release fertilizer.
• Some flowers should be sheared after flowering by shearing one-half of their height or
cutting them back by one-half after flowering.
• Look for signs of powdery mildew on your
garden phlox and beebalm. Infected leaves
have a grayish-white powder on both sides of
the leaves. Remove any infected plants and
discard them. In the future, select powdery
mildew-resistant varieties.
Lawns
• When you return your grass clippings to the
lawn, you’re fertilizing your lawn at the same
time. Grass clippings contain about 4% nitrogen, ½% to 1% phosphorus, 2% to 3% potassium and smaller amounts of other essential
plants nutrients.
• If you choose to water your lawn, apply an
inch of water on clay soils once a week and 1/2
inch on sandy soils every three days. Calibrate
your irrigation system to apply the correct
amount of water: too much will be wasteful,
and too little produces shallow-rooted plants.
Shrubs and Trees
• Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around
your shrubs and trees. Extend the mulch layer up
to the drip line or outermost branches of the tree.
• Summer storms can seriously damage trees in
the landscape. Storm-damaged trees should
be repaired immediately. Hire certified arborists to remove large limbs damaged by storms.
Vegetables
As spring gives way to summer, the following tips
will help you keep your garden and landscape in
tip-top shape. If you follow these directions, your
summer lawn and garden will give you much
delight throughout the hot months ahead.
• Harvest beans, cucumbers, okra and squash
daily to keep the plants producing.
• Pick cucumbers when the fruits are small and
before they turn yellow.
• Harvest okra pods when they are 2 to 4 inches
long. Wait much longer, and the pods become
tough and fibrous, and the plant stops producing. An exception is the “Burgundy” variety,
whose pods can stay tender up to 8 inches long.
• Pick yellow squash when the fruit is 4 to 6 inches long, when zucchini are 6 to 8 inches long
and when pattypan is 3 to 5 inches wide.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
13
F eature
Summer
Care for Pets
By David Hardy, DVM
David Hardy, DVM, is a veterinarian at Trinity Ridge Animal Health in Laurens, S.C. If you have any questions about the
topics in this article, you may contact him at 864-682-8724.
I
n the fall issue of AgSouth’s member maga-
cats can get them. In our area, there are plenty
treatment options on the market currently. One
zine, I discussed horse care for the winter
of mosquitoes around, and even pets of the “in-
important note is to avoid using flea and tick
months, but in this article I’m switching
doors only” variety can get heartworms from the
preventatives containing permethrins on cats
gears to focus on our companion animals, dogs
occasional mosquito that gets inside the home.
because these ingredients can be fatal. If you ac-
and cats. Most of us have at least one dog and/or
Heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated.
cidentally apply a product containing these prod-
a cat, if not several, around the house. As with
Signs in dogs can include exercise intolerance
ucts to your cat, you should immediately bathe
horses, we have a responsibility to look after
and coughing for starters, while cats, on the
the cat with a dish detergent soap to help strip
their well being.
other hand, may or may not express these symp-
the product from its coat and contact your veteri-
Puppies and kittens need to receive their
toms, but instead may have vomiting episodes.
narian immediately for further instructions.
initial series of immunizations to help boost
Your veterinarian can determine if your dog or
Lastly, I recommend not feeding your pets
their immunities against a variety of contagious
cat has heartworms by obtaining a blood sample.
from the table. Sure, some people have managed
diseases. Following this series, you should con-
With the potential for zoonotic diseases (i.e.,
to feed their dogs or cats table food for years with
sult with your veterinarian as to the best protocol
transmissible to humans), it is also important to
seemingly no adverse affects. However, if you’ve
of care to meet your pet’s needs. At a minimum,
have your pet’s feces examined for the presence
ever had a cat or dog suffer from pancreatitis
I recommend that young animals be examined
of intestinal parasites (i.e., worms). Humans can
or gastroenteritis that required hospitalization,
annually by a veterinarian, and more frequently
get hookworms and roundworms, so if your pets
you know the effects a poor diet can have on our
as they progress in age. A physical examination
have these worms, have them dewormed and
pets. Try to avoid the temptation to feed these
can reveal underlying conditions that might not
practice good hygiene. This is especially true for
sad-eyed friends from the table. If you have to,
be noticed otherwise (i.e., heart murmurs, lung
small children, who often run around barefoot in
put them in another room during meals or while
disease, lymphadenopathy, ear infections, cata-
the summer.
you’re in the kitchen. In closing, as Bob Barker
It is also important to use flea and tick pre-
says on The Price Is Right, “have your dogs and
With the summer coming on, it is a good idea
ventatives on your pets to minimize or prevent a
cats spayed and neutered” to avoid unwanted
to mention heartworm prevention. Heartworms
number of diseases that can be carried by them.
stray animals.
are spread by mosquitoes, and both dogs and
Speak with your veterinarian about the available
racts, etc.).
AgSouth Farm Credit
14
F eature
Lake Water Rights and Ownership
By Laura Wheaten, Esq.
Laura Wheaten
S
ome of my best memories of childhood
are from the days spent swimming, canoeing, picnicking and exploring in and
around a lake outside of Hillsboro, Missouri,
in the northeast fringe of the Ozark Mountains.
My grandfather had a house on the lake, and my
family would spend many weekends there. Even
as a teenager and young adult, I would often go
to the lake at all hours of the day or night with
friends or for an impromptu swim. Our area,
too, is blessed with copious water resources and
boasts many lakes, both artificial and natural. If
you own property on or near a private lake, what
rights do you have to use and enjoy the lake?
A landowner’s rights to use a lake are in
some ways analogous to rights in a stream and
in other ways are very different. In Georgia, if a
non-navigable stream forms the boundary between two property owners, each owner owns to
the middle of the stream, or to the thread of the
current. If the stream is navigable, each property
owner generally owns to the low water mark; the
and does not easily subdivide. Under Georgia
original property line existed, one parcel is sold
navigable portion of the stream is considered to
law, if a stream has been recently dammed, the
to a new owner. The new owner owns to the low
belong to the public. A property owner whose
property owners have title to the lake and under-
water mark of the lake, and the owner of the oth-
land is bounded by a stream or one who has a
lying bed along the same boundaries that existed
er parcel retains title to the lakebed. One should
stream that flows through the property has what
before the stream was dammed. In time, the
keep in mind, however, that this is a presump-
are called “riparian rights” in the stream to rea-
dammed stream may evolve into a full-fledged
tion made by law and parties are always free to
sonably use the water that flows through it. This
lake and acquire a name, and everyone will think
contract the ownership of the lake otherwise.
is in contrast to property rights in the water it-
of it as a lake rather than a dammed stream.
The next question is: What rights does the
self; in other words, you do not own the water,
Eventually, the old boundaries will no longer be
new owner, who only owns to the low water
but you have the property right to use the wa-
relevant or remembered. Ownership of property
mark, have in the lake? The new owner still has
ter. Property owners may not alter the natural
that borders this type of lake or a lake formed by
“riparian,” or “littoral” rights - as they are called
course of the stream or otherwise substantially
other means includes all of the property up to the
with respect to a lake - in the lake water. In other
affect the rights of owners downstream.
low water mark of the lake. In other words, let’s
words, the owner can have reasonable use of the
What happens if the stream is dammed
say a stream that forms the boundary for two
water to do such things as irrigate crops, provide
to form a lake? Unlike a stream, which is fairly
parcels of property is dammed, creating a lake.
water to a house or fish in the lake while seat-
symmetrical, a lake often has irregular borders
Years later, when no one remembers where the
Continued on next page
Out in the Country Spring 2006
15
F eature
Continued from previous page
...If a stream has been recently dammed, the property owners have title to the
lake... along the same boundaries that existed before the stream was dammed.
ed on the owner’s property. However, the new
This article describes the basic format by
owner does not have the right to use the surface
which ownership and rights in a lake are con-
area of the lake, in that the owner cannot boat
strued. This article is not inclusive of the many
or swim on it. Rather, the owner of the lakebed
variations upon the format that may occur in the
has the concomitant title to the surface area of
layers of land transactions that affect present day
the lake, and therefore has the right to exclude
title to property. If you have lake front property
others from it. Nonetheless, the owner of the
or own a lot in a lake subdivision and have any
lakebed cannot interfere with the littoral rights
questions as to your rights in the lake, you should
of adjoining property owners. Again, as with title
consult an attorney who can review all the neces-
to the lakebed, these rights can be altered upon
sary documents to determine your rights. Before
agreement of the parties.
buying such a lot, you should make inquire of the
A substantial wrinkle upon this common
marketer about all agreements and documents
law rule is property rights that exist when a de-
affecting water rights. It may also be a good idea
veloper creates or incorporates a lake into a plat
to have such documents reviewed by a lawyer.
for the subdivision of land. For example, a developer wants to develop “Blackacre” into a subdivision that will surround Lake Oglethorpe and subsequently sell the lots to homeowners. No matter
who eventually gets title to the lakebed and surface area of the lake, the lot owners will retain an
irrevocable property right in Lake Oglethorpe in
the form of an easement to use and enjoy the lake
for boating and swimming. This right extends to
all lots in the subdivision, not just those that border the lake. If the lake was created by a dam that
was constructed by the developer with the intent
of creating the lake for the subdivision, the easement rights include some ability to prevent future property owners from dismantling the dam.
In other words, regardless of the fact that the
lot owners do not own the lake, they nonetheless have the right to use the lake for recreation,
and this right cannot be infringed upon no matter who eventually owns the lake. These rights
may be further amended by restrictive covenants
placed on the subdivision by the developer.
AgSouth Farm Credit
16
F eature
How Creditworthy are You?
5
2
4
7
69
473 712
783
By Rhonda Uzzolino, Marketing Manager
How Can You Make Sure
You Maintain a Good Credit
Score?
W
1. Make your payments on time.
hat do these numbers mean? They are
“good” credit rating, with 850 being the highest.
2. Reduce credit card debt by pay-
just as important as other numbers you
Anything lower than 650 can cause problems for
ing more than the minimum each
are probably very familiar with - your
someone trying to obtain credit. Let’s say you
month.
blood pressure, resting heart rate and cholesterol
want to apply for a $200,000 mortgage. You
3. Get rid of the zero balance credit
levels – but do you know your true credit score?
make plenty of money to pay back the loan and
cards you no longer use. (Open bal-
In today’s world of plastic money, on-line
you have little existing debt. Let’s also say that
ances signal a lender that you have
banking, even fingerprint credit, cash is becom-
two years ago you had a history of slow payments
immediate access to additional
ing a rare commodity, and wealth management
on two outstanding credits, which have since
credit, which could affect your abil-
is more important than ever. With every lender
been paid off. That two-year history may come
ity to pay back a loan as agreed.)
you deal with, you are expected to manage your
back to haunt you. Generally, credit information
4. Be careful how often and with whom
credit responsibly. To a lender, that means pay-
stays on your credit report for seven years, with
you apply for credit. You don’t need
ing on time every time. Late payments, tax liens,
judgments and bankruptcies staying on for even
every credit card available on the
judgments - even divorce - can all affect your
longer periods of time. You may still be able to
market today, and potential credi-
credit rating in a negative manner.
obtain a mortgage to purchase the home of your
tors reviewing your application may
What is a Good Credit Score, and
How Can a Bad One Affect You?
dreams, but instead of getting a rate of 6.00%,
be suspicious to find several appli-
the lender may charge you 7.00%. That could
cations for credit on your report in
mean an increase in your monthly payments of
only a few weeks.
Your credit score tells a potential creditor just how likely you are to pay back a loan as
agreed. 650 is generally considered the lowest
$131.50, or a total of $47,340 over the life of your
5. Finally, check your credit report
at least once a year. Errors can be
loan (based on a 30-year mortgage).
made, and the sooner discrepancies
To find out what’s on your credit report, contact any of the following agencies:
Equifax | 1.800.525.6285 • Experian | 1.888.397.3742 • TransUnion | 1.800.680.7289
Out in the Country Spring 2006
17
are cleared up, the better.
F eature
Thinking of
Building
Your Dream
Home?
AgSouth’s Homestyle
Mortgage may be the
Perfect Loan for You!
By Cae Cauley, Mortgage Originator
S
pringtime is finally here! This is the time
of year when many people begin building
a home. Even with the recent rate increas-
es, long-term mortgage rates are still at record
lows. With a little help from AgSouth Mortgages,
you can build that dream home in many instances for less than you’re currently paying for rent
or, if you haven’t refinanced within the last two
years, less than your current mortgage payment.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a custom-built home
that better suits your lifestyle? We can make
your dream a reality.
AgSouth is able to provide both your construction loan and your permanent financing
– saving you time and money. Several options
and programs are available, including the Homestyle construction-to-permanent (“Homestyle”)
mortgage, where financing for the purchase of
land, the construction of your new home and the
final long-term loan is combined into ONE loan
with ONE closing! With the Homestyle loan, the
construction financing automatically converts to
permanent mortgage financing, which enables
you to concentrate more on landscaping, furnishing and moving into your new home. Another advantage of the Homestyle loan is that the
interest rate is locked in for the full term of the
mortgage before construction even begins. In
the current rising rate environment, this advan-
construction, based on the funds that are drawn
tage can be very beneficial to anyone worrying
each month. This allows customers to maintain
about their long-term rate increasing before the
cash savings that may be needed for other pur-
house is finished.
chases, including furniture and appliances for
AgSouth also offers Two-Closing construc-
the new home.
tion-to-permanent financing. This program may
If you are thinking about building your
better suit those who choose to build their own
dream home, whether inside the city limits or
homes or be their own contractors. The first step
out in the country, stop by your local AgSouth of-
is to get pre-qualified for the permanent mort-
fice. AgSouth has a variety of loan programs, one
gage before construction begins. This eliminates
of which is sure to fit your needs. Whether you’re
the usual stress of having to re-qualify for a per-
looking for lot financing, construction financ-
manent loan after the house is built. Your loan
ing, or a long-term mortgage, the loan officers at
originator reviews your financial situation, de-
AgSouth can guide you through the process and
termines how much payment you can afford and
find the loan that best meets your needs, all at
recommends the best program for you. Once the
a very competitive rate. Our friendly and expe-
permanent financing is approved and the con-
rienced loan originators are ready, willing and
struction loan is set up, funds are disbursed as
able to make that dream home a reality.
needed. Interest-only payments are made during
AgSouth Farm Credit
18
F eature
What’s Ahead for Rural America?
Farm Credit Associations Look to the Horizon
By Mike Mason, Farm Credit Council
A
lmost every aspect of rural America has
culture and to the future vitality of our nation’s
It is important to point out that the HORIZONS
undergone dramatic change in the years
rural communities.
initiative aims not only to foster consensus
since the Farm Credit System was estab-
To meet the demands of this evolving
within the System, but also to move forward in
lished. Today’s agricultural market is more di-
economy, Farm Credit institutions like AgSouth
a spirit of cooperation with those institutions
verse, more complex and more consumer-driven
currently offer a range of financial solutions and
that are not part of the System but also have a
than ever before. Recognizing this, the Farm
programs to benefit all types of agricultural pro-
vital interest in issues affecting agriculture and
Credit System undertook the HORIZONS proj-
ducers, including young, beginning and small
rural America. We will seek to build bridges of
ect – a forward-looking planning initiative that
farmers, the businesses they rely on, new mar-
support and understanding between the many
will help the System meet the changing needs of
kets and the rural infrastructure that supports
stakeholders that also share our vision of success
U.S. agriculture and rural America.
them all.
for U.S. agriculture and rural communities. After
A number of committees and task forces
As rural America’s customer-owned part-
all, the Farm Credit System is owned by agricul-
comprised of more than one hundred individu-
ners, the institutions that make up the Farm
tural producers. Not only their businesses, but
als from across the System nationwide are par-
Credit System are currently reviewing the HO-
the communities they call home, are the focus of
ticipating in the effort. The Farm Credit System,
RIZONS findings and proposed recommenda-
the HORIZONS initiative.
with $117 billion in assets and uniquely posi-
tions in order to first develop a consensus within
tioned as a national network of locally-owned co-
the System about what changes are required to
Horizons Research
operative lending associations and banks, is the
ensure that Farm Credit can effectively and ef-
single largest lender to our nation’s agricultural
ficiently serve rural America, and second, to take
sector and rural communities. The HORIZONS
action to ensure that Farm Credit is able to con-
research proves that the Farm Credit System’s
tinue its historic mission to serve agriculture and
role is vital to the continued success of U.S. agri-
rural America.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
Globalization and technological advances
continue to drive change in the food system and
in rural communities, which increasingly are dependent on non-agricultural and non-traditional
Continued on page 28
19
F eature
AgSouth Vice President Jon Harris (left) talks to Jack, Donald
and Phillip in front of one of the tobacco seedling houses.
It’s Berry Beautiful in Southeast Georgia!
The Mixon Family of Ware County, Ga.
By Jon Harris, Vice President
J
ack Mixon, of Ware Co., Ga., and his son, Donald Mixon, and grandson, Phillip Mixon, added their very first blueberry plants to their operation early this spring – a million of them, to be exact. The plants
were housed in five greenhouses until mid-April, when they planted the berries on 100 acres the Mixons set aside for the crop.
In addition to adding blueberry production, the Mixons are long-time
tobacco farmers, growing the crop on 300 acres of their spread. Phillip is the
fourth generation to work on the farm. With the tobacco buyout in 2005, the
family was able to purchase additional land for the blueberries to diversify
their farm production.
With a greater demand for land out in the country and real estate values continuing to grow, many farmers are finding it hard to continue making a living from one crop. Although they still plan to grow tobacco as large
part of their operation, the Mixons are excited about the opportunity to diversify with blueberry production.
The strong roots of the plant indicate that they are ready for planting.
AgSouth Farm Credit
20
F eature
The southern climate and high organic content
of the southeast Georgia soil from the Okefenokee Swamp makes the Mixon farm ideal for Rabbiteye blueberry production. Jack estimates that
it will be three years before they see any berries
from the plants, but when the crop does come in,
they expect to produce between 1,000 – 1,800
lbs. per acre. With smart planning, the Mixons
hope to get their initial investment back in five
years.
Jack Mixon has been a Farm Credit member since 1969. He says this year’s tobacco
crop will be the 62nd he’s helped harvest. The
present day Mixon spread was a series of small
sharecropper farms when Jack was a boy. His
father and six other families sharecropped
small plots of tobacco in the Waresboro community. As Jack remembers, “Ten acres was a
whole lot back then. We didn’t have the equipment to harvest it like we do now. We had to
do nearly everything by hand.” As a child, Jack
worked on the farm alongside his father, but had
never seen a large tobacco farm until he went to
Canada at age 15 to pick tobacco. There he got
to see what a big tobacco farm looked like and
how it operated. He came home and vowed to
increase the family’s acreage. The Mixons now
own over 1,000 acres in Ware County, including 600 acres of timber, and there’s a fifth generation of Mixon farmers on the way. Austin
Mixon, Phillip’s two-year-old son, is already
riding the tractor with his father, and all three
generations before him hope that he will become
a part of the Mixon family farmer tradition.
Above: Donald and Phillip Mixon inspect the young
tobacco plants before planting them.
Middle: The Mixons examine their first crop of blueberry plants.
Below: The Mixons have already cleared the land for
the next crop of berries.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
21
F eature
The Sweetest Berry
By Rhonda Uzzolino, Marketing Manager
J
ohnny and Joy Sessoms Crumbley have owned a site prep and reforestation operation in Clinch County, Ga., since their graduation from
the University of Georgia in 1975. They contract reforestation ser-
vices for paper companies and private landowners in Georgia and Florida.
Members of Joy’s family have been land and timber owners in the
southeast Georgia area for seven generations and were some of the original
settlers in this country. In 1913, her grandfather, Alexander Kelly Sessoms,
established a settlement on family property in Clinch County and named
the place “Cogdell,” which was his mother’s maiden name. The community
grew through Sessoms’ involvement in timber, cattle and navel stores. He,
Dr. Charles Herty and a group of other men in the area, were instrumental
in developing the pulp from pine process that is used in the paper industry
today. In 1938, Alexander Sessoms created the Sessoms Family Trust, which
today owns 55,000 acres of timberland in three counties surrounding Cogdell. After his death in 1942, Joy’s grandmother and father ran the Trust.
This blackberry blossom will soon sprout the berries that will become Georgia Sweets.
Above: Joy Crumbley checks the Georgia Sweet blackberries for blossoms.
Today management is conducted by family members of the next generation.
AgSouth Farm Credit
22
F eature
The Crumbley’s son-in-law, Russ Goodman, husband of their daughter
Carra, joined the family business after graduating with a degree in agri-
Johnny Crumbley and Russ Goodman show AgSouth Vice President Jon Harris the
4-year old Highbush berries that will soon be blossoming.
cultural economics in 1999 from the University of Georgia. After doing a
lot of research, Johnny, Joy and Russ decided to diversify their business to
include berry farming. In 2001, they decided to buy the home place farm
from the family to form Cogdell Berry Farms, LLC. They already owned the
site preparation equipment through the timber business, so the transformation of a portion of the property into a berry farm was a natural and easy
progression. It took two years to prepare the land and plant the berries, but
today the company grows 60 acres of Highbush blueberries, 160 acres of
Rabbiteyes and 30 acres of blackberries.
During the busy berry season, Cogdell Berry Farms employs more than
75 full-time workers, who pick the fruit as it ripens daily. For the duration
of this intense harvest period, late April through mid-July, the berries must
be picked daily, immediately cooled and taken for processing. The season
begins with Highbush blueberries, then moves to blackberries and finishes
with the Rabbiteyes. According to Joy, the blackberry harvest is more workintensive than the blueberry harvest because blackberries are too fragile to
double-handle: the pickers pack directly into the clamshells, so the workers
must be graders, as well as pickers.
Alexander Sessoms (far left) and his partners were instrumental in developing the pulp
from pine process that is used in the paper industry today.
Continued on page 28
Out in the Country Spring 2006
23
F eature
Beautiful
Beulah Land
Farm
By David Whittle, Loan Officer
In the middle of Abbeville County, S.C.,
lies 4,000+ acres of some of the most
beautiful farmland in South Carolina.
T
he property is owned by the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church,
headquartered in Detroit, MI. The church had a dream back in 1985
to build a Christian community that could grow its own food, be self-
sufficient and serve as a spiritual retreat for those in need. Members scouted
the country for the perfect property and found it right here in the south.
The church’s dream was first brought to fruition in 1999 with the initial
purchase of 2,600 acres in Abbeville County.
To celebrate its 52nd anniversary, the church, which serves approximately 50 members in the Abbeville County area, recently added to their
dream with the purchase of an additional 1,400 acres of adjoining property.
With the purchase, they became a member of the AgSouth cooperative family.
Reverends Harold Jefferson (left) and Andrew Seegars (right) hold a photo of the
church’s founder, the late Reverend Albert Cleage.
Beulah Land Farm is truly a remarkable lesson in self-support, at least
in today’s fast-paced society. The farm has two chicken houses and uses the
chicken litter to fertilize its row crops. All of the food grown on the farm, inAgSouth Farm Credit
24
F eature
cluding turnips, peas, garlic, tomatoes, chard,
potatoes and spinach, is organic. The farm
has a 9-acre catfish pond and a 7-acre tilapia
pond, where members can come to relax and
fish the day away, carrying their dinner home
with them. Beulah Land also has 100 Black
Angus cattle, 30 goats and 18 horses, all of
which graze on hay grown on the farm. It has
a processing plant for both the fish and the
chickens and 1,100 acres of timber for future
growth and development.
Reverend Harold Jefferson and Reverend Andrew Seegars oversee the farm and
work closely with their steering committee to
When finished, this cabin will be one of four housing
units for kids and their counselors.
gain the advice of Clemson’s extension agents,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AgSouth
and the Forestry Service on how to get the best
use from the land.
The property is also the site of a retreat
for energetic kids and a haven to missionaries and souls in need of rest and relaxation.
One of the purposes of Beulah Land is to bring
kids from the cities out to the country, where
they can experience horseback riding, biking
and hiking trails, fishing, baseball, camping
– experiences they don’t have access to back
home. Eventually, Beulah Land hopes to promote itself as an agritourism venue for anyone
who wants to experience the communal life.
According to the Reverends, one of the
gospels behind the church is that we are all
stewards of the land and need to stay connected to it in order to create and maintain a balance in our lives. They urge members to grow
through farming and development of the land
and in their spiritual awareness, and then teach
those skills to the others that follow in the spirit
of Christianity that lies behind the church.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
25
Horse trainer Sherard works with the horses to ensure
that they’re gentle enough for any rider.
Real
F eature
E state
AgSouth’s Market
Don’t forget to browse our web site for more items and properties. To add or delete something from AgSouth’s
Market, please contact [email protected] If you find what you’re looking for, don’t forget to contact your
local AgSouth office for your financing needs!
Real Estate:
Looking For:
3-5+ acres in Oconee and/or Pickens Co,
SC. Contact Cal at 864-656-0912 (day) or 864654-0104 (evening).
10-20 acres in Lincoln or Columbia Co,
Ga, to develop test vineyard. Will help landowner establish vineyard. Call Burt at 706-2105101 or email [email protected].
20-40 acres w/in 50 miles of Atlanta w/
pond for homesite. Contact ceemay1@yahoo.
com or call 954-572-7937.
For Sale:
6 wooded acres 2 miles from Greenville,
Ga. $41,000. Contact Tammy Pierce at 706-3253940.
60 acres in Taylor Co, Ga. $1950/acre. Contact Jim Comer @ 770-460-1919.
32+/- acres in Pike Co, Ga, w/280+ feet of
road frontage on Beeks Rd, Williamson
area. Call Jerry Kempson at 770-228-4998.
Beautiful home on 126-acre cattle/sheep
farm located in Oconee Co, SC. Convenient to I-85. 1200’ on 30-acre lake w/2 ponds
& streams & small orchard. Land divided into 10
paddocks with 25+ gates, 5 dog kennels w/concrete pads, 3 outbuildings. 30’x 40’ equipment
shop w/200 amp service, 36’ x 38’ hay barn and
18’x 18’ livestock barn w/water & elec. Catch pen
w/sweep tube & squeeze chute for working livestock. $1,375,000. Call Truman at 864-202-8482
or Charles at 864-940-0803.
Beautiful building lot near BMW plant,
Spartanburg Co, SC. Duplex, modular or mobile home OK. No restrictions; District 5 schools;
utilities w/SJWD & Duke Power; water, gas &
power available; septic tank necessary. Level topography, approx. 200’ of road frontage. Rural
location, yet close to I-85 & BMW. Approx. 3.66
acres @ $25,000/acre. Call Audrey Arledge at
864-905-5001.
Approx 17+/- acres near BMW plant,
Spartanburg Co, SC. No restrictions; District
5 schools; water, gas, & power. Sewer available.
Gently sloping topography, approx. 940’ of road
frontage. Rural location, yet close to I-85 & BMW.
$20,000/acre or $346,000. Call Audrey Arledge
@ 864-905-5001.
AgSouth Farm Credit
26
38 acres in Ludowici Ga. Large home, guest
house & poultry farm. Income from poultry farm
$100k-$120k gross. 3200 sq ft main home. 1100
sq ft guest house. Both properties are nestled
on 9 cleared acres. Two poultry coops are under a yearly contract with Claxton Chickens. Call
Alonso Lopez at 912-877-9233.
50+/- acres in NW Spalding County Ga.
Virgin timber, excellent for hunting and other
recreational activity, abundance of wildlife. Creek
is the side boundary. 400’ of road frontage. This
land is very private and would make a great family estate. $6,000/acre. Call Georgia WilsonJones at 770-227-7068.
111.44 acres in Macon County Ga. $2850/
acre. Beautiful hardwoods, double creek frontage,
32 acres of 7-year-old planted pine, paved road
frontage, food plots & great road system. This
property is loaded with deer, ducks and turkey.
Hunters dream only 8 miles from I-75. Contact
Jeff Comer at 770- 460-1919.
8 acres on Boyd’s Mill Pond Road in Laurens Co, SC. Creek, city water at front of property, Hickory Tavern School, $3800/acre. Contact
[email protected].
101 acres on Highway 29 N in Anderson,
SC. Asking $875,000. 1200’ road frontage on
Hwy 29 & 20 acres zoned commercial. A creek
runs through the property & the elevation change
provides for a wonderful view. Would be great
as a farm, hunting, residential development or
dream home site. Call David Seawell at 803-3091153.
104 acres in Wilkinson Co, Ga. w/paved hwy.
frontage, 18 acre of 12-year-old planted pine; 30
acres of 2005 planted pine, 4+-acre spring-fed
pond w/dock, 1000-2005 Sawtooth Oaks, creeks,
30’ camper w/30’ x 40’ tin roof, power, food
plots, tower stand, great hunting/fishing. $2295/
acre. Call Barry (day 770-235-2535), (night-770914-6484).
111 acres in Candler Co, Ga., 1-1/2 miles S
of I-16 on Hwy 57. 75 acres cultivated. Balance
in woods & ponds. 1/4 mile paved road frontage.
Contact Dale Bennett at 912-682-9808.
98 acres in Talbot Co., Ga., 6 miles west of
Talbotton. Incredible hunting retreat or place for
a new home. Old farm with 15+ acres of pastures
and two 1+ acre stocked ponds. Great hilltop
home or cabin sites overlooking pond and pas-
Real
F eature
E state
ture. Long dirt and gravel road frontage, just 3/10
mile from paved roads. Nice old hardwood drains,
60+ acres of natural timber, good trails and food
plots. Could divide in half. $3,250/acre. Contact
Brent Beasley @ 404-695-1380.
Coon Creek Rd, Fairplay, SC. Great location
close to I-85. Two sections of 9+/- acres restricted
to stick-built homes. 18+/- acres total. Two creeks.
Platted but uncut for roads and cul-de-sac. Perfect
for an estate in the country. May sell in multiple
parcels for $8,500/acre. Property recently surveyed. Contact Laury Gardner @ 864-324-1494,
866-970-2662 or [email protected].
frontage. $300,000 in timber. $2,200/acre. Contact Jeff Comer @770-460-1919.
Looking for a location out of the hustle
and bustle? 50 acres with an additional 25
available of high and dry land is available just NW
of Statesboro, Ga. The 50-acre tract is currently
undeveloped, clear land and the additional 25 is
heavily wooded and home to an abundance of
wildlife. Just across the road is 46 a-year and 15year-old pines and new cutover. Contact Christy
Marsh @ 912-764-1127.
Lovely lot in restricted neighborhood in
Lexington County, SC area. Hardwoods and
pines. $25,500 - $28,500. Contact Any Bedenbaugh @ 803-532-3866.
1.03-acre prime commercial lot off Hwy
1 in Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Zoned C-1.
Cleared for prime development. $169,900. Contact Andy Bedenbaugh @ 803-532-3866.
11.19 acres in Taylor County, Ga. Well/septic/EMC. $30,000. Contact Jeff Comer @ 770460-1919.
40 acres in Spalding, Ga. Fenced and crossfenced w/5,000 sq ft home; 2 lakes; work shop;
barn w/tack room; hot tub; pool. Seller will pay
up to $10,000 of closing costs. Contact Kim Clower @ 404-597-5336.
Beautiful 11.94 acre piece of land in upstate SC. $13,780/acre or $164,565. Current
use is agricultural. Great location for a small subdivision of homes, for 2 sites over 5 acres each or
for a very private estate. City water and septic.
DHEC approval for up to 12 lots. Located on the
same road as Gunter Place Subdivision. Contact
Ronald Clyde @ 864-979-8852.
102.86 acres in Burke County, Ga. 7 miles
SE of Waynesboro. 27 acres w/9-year-old planted pines, approximately 65 acres in 10-year-old
planed pines, 5 acres wet weather pond, balance
in open areas around pond and extensive road
system. Deer, rabbits and quail. $2,000/acre.
Contact Bil Wham @ 864-993-6588.
100-1,630 acres in McCormick Co., SC.
Managed for timber production. Some portions
of the property adjoin the Corps of Engineer’s
land on Lake Storm Thurmond. All tracts have
nice home sites in quiet areas w/abundant wildlife and hunting. $1,800 - $2,500/acre. Contact
888-462-3455.
30-240 acres in upstate SC. $7,200/acre per
acre. First 30 acres has 430+/- foot road frontage
and if all 240+ acres are bought, it will include
Lake Rabon lake frontage. Site includes pond,
small waterfall, and a large home, all, of course, at
additional costs. Contact Ronald Clyde @ 864979-8852.
72.44 acres in Montgomery Co, Ga. Located 1/2-mile off Highway 29, NW of Vidalia and
Higgston. Property consists of approximately 10
acres of 4-year-old planted pines, approximately
50 acres of cut-over woodland, balance of property in natural woodland. Property has excellent
pond site and hunting potential. Contact Eric @
912-537-1102 or 912-293-2966.
Home on 6.36 Beautiful Acres in NW
Spalding Co., Ga. Split Bdrm Plan. Huge Bsmt
w/HVAC. Screened Back Porch. Rocking Chair
Front Porch. Beautifully Landscaped. (Y2K
Proofed) $235,000 Call Sue Johnson @ 770-6055661.
2.7 +/- acres in upstate SC. Corner of Woodruff Road and Hart Road. Approx 347 feet fronting on Woodruff Rd (SC 101) opposite side of
Woodruff Rd from Woodruff Chevrolet. SC DOT
has completed all acquisitions for the 4-lane highway project on this parcel & work is in process.
Excellent potential to rezone to COMMERCIAL.
Present use is such. From Gvl, on right just past
intersection with HWY 101. Contact Ronald
Clyde @ 864-979-8852.
524 acres in Marion Co, Ga. with one mile
of highway frontage and .6 mile of county road
12 acres in Gilbert, SC. Ideal for home or horses. Unrestricted w/road frontage. Will subdivide.
$78,000. Contact Andy Bedenbaugh @ 803-5323866.
Out in the Country Spring 2006
27
F eature
More Member Discounts
Available through AgSouth
Berries: Continued from Page 22
The blackberry varieties grown on Cogdell
As members of AgSouth for more than four years,
AgSouth is pleased to announce another
Berry Farm were developed in Arkansas, but have
Johnny jokes “AgSouth has helped us with every-
discount opportunity for AgSouth mem-
taken well to the South Georgia climate. Unlike
thing we have from equipment to land and pro-
bers and their families: Celebrate any oc-
imported berries, they are extremely sweet and
duction. I believe between the four of us and the
casion with gifts and treats from 1-800-
are marketed as Georgia “Super Sweets.” Russ ex-
three businesses, we have gotten just about every
FLOWERS.COM or The Popcorn Factory
plains, “There is no sweeter berry on the market
type of loan that AgSouth offers. We are very
and receive a 15% discount on flowers,
today; the sugar level is tested and guaranteed.”
thankful to have the knowledge and expertise of
plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods,
Joy uses these delicious berries in many of her fa-
Jon Harris working for us. He knows farming
snacks, candy and other items.
vorite recipes, including a marvelous blackberry
and our operation, and is happy to meet us on the
To make a purchase from 1-800-
jelly. However, she admits that the family’s favor-
farm when we need him to.” As grandson John
FLOWERS.COM, visit www.1800flowers.
ite is her blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream.
Rustin, age two, rides with his “Papa” each day to
com or call 1-800-FLOWERS. To receive
Using the latest research and newest plant
check the farm, he sees a berry bright future for
the 15% Farm Credit discount, use pro-
varieties, Cogdell Berry Farms is on the way to be-
motion code FCCS during checkout.
coming a major producer of berries in this area.
To save 15% off purchases from The
his favorite fruit.
HORIZONS: Continued from Page 19
Popcorn Factory, visit www.thepopcornfactory.com or call 1-888-755-7474 and
use promotion code FCCS during checkout. We are also continuing our discount
promotion for Sprint products to our
members and their families. Receive special offers on Sprint products and up to
10% off your monthly bill when you sign
up for select Sprint PCS Plans.
industries. In addition, interdependence among
being have declined, the future of U.S. agricul-
farmers and farmer-owned businesses continues
ture remains bright.
to grow. In short, access to capital to meet these
5. It is becoming increasingly difficult to define
needs will remain critical as agriculture and ru-
a “rural” community solely by population or
ral America continue to grow and change. These
traditional qualities.
changes demand novel financial solutions and
strategies for a marketplace that is more diverse,
complex and consumer-driven than ever before.
6. Regional collaboration, public-private partnerships and coalitions of investors are key to the
future of many rural communities. To create
Findings
new jobs, attract new businesses and foster an
call 800-853-7001 or go to www.farm-
1. There is tremendous diversity in size, annual
environment for future economic development,
creditpcs.com and use discount number
revenue, ownership structure and marketing
agriculture and rural America need to find new
0552997018. Existing Sprint customers
approaches, as well as in the age, ethnicity and gen-
ways to reinvest farm real estate equity.
may call 866-853-4931 to receive the Ag-
der of the owners and operators of today’s farms.
7. As skilled, experienced and innovative business
If you are not a current Sprint user,
South Farm Credit discount.
2. Farmers are diversifying their business inter-
owners, today’s rural entrepreneurs - including
Note: This discount is available ex-
ests both within and outside agriculture. The
farmers, ranchers and producers - need access
clusively to AgSouth Farm Credit employ-
overwhelming majority of all farmers, espe-
to capital, essential infrastructure and business
ees, members and family members. Sign
cially small-sized operations, rely on off-farm
support services for that entrepreneurial engine
up now for a two-year term and receive a
employment to stay in agriculture.
to continue to spur rural economic growth.
$150 credit on your first invoice.
For more “members-only” discounts,
visit our web site at www.agsouthfc.com.
By providing discounted communication
services and other items of interest to our
members, AgSouth is helping rural America grow!
3. Farmers depend on a wide range of businesses
8. The diverse farms, rural businesses and rural com-
that may or may not be owned by farmers, and
munities of the 21st century need ongoing access
they may or may not even be located in rural
to dependable, flexible and competitive financial
communities, but all are essential to the eco-
products and services to compete and thrive in
nomic viability and quality of life for farmers.
this global and rapidly changing environment.
4. While the numbers of farmers, the jobs in agri-
For more information on the HORIZONS project, contact
Theron Anderson at 800-633-9091 or
[email protected].
culture and agriculturally-related industries,
and the number of counties and communities
that rely on agriculture for their economic well
AgSouth Farm Credit
28
I nformation
F eature
AgSouth’s Mortgage Origination Staff
South Carolina Originators:
Georgia Originators:
Baxley
Cae Cauley
912-367-7006
800-222-7006
Aiken
Angie Webber
803-648-6818
866-215-0147
Blackshear
Stacy Anderson
912-449-4701
800-522-0596
Allendale
Chris Brown
803-584-3406
800-868-6546
Carrollton
770-834-3319
Mark Herring
888-327-3969 x 2
Anderson
David DeFranco
864-226-8507
800-675-8507
Covington
Herb Shoulders
770-786-7098
888-327-3969 x 5
Bamberg
Chris Brown
803-245-4330
800-868-6546
Douglas
Christian Taylor
912-384-3200
800-334-1224
Batesburg-Leesville 803-532-3841
Mark Fisher
800-238-7447
Greenville
Lynn Smith
706-672-4285
888-647-8991
Camden
David Montgomery
803-438-2464
800-499-2786
Griffin
Wanda Smith
770-228-8958
888-327-3969 x 1
Greenwood
Lisa Crawford
864-227-2561
800-922-1435
Jesup
Stacy Anderson
912-530-7777
800-522-0596
Laurens
Lisa Crawford
864-984-3379
800-521-6697
Madison
Rick Spence
706-342-2352
888-327-3969 x 6
Lexington
Dennis Guerriero
803-960-9123
Midway
912-884-5644
Rhonda Brant/Danny Brant
Orangeburg
Chris Brown
803-534-6546
800-868-6546
Rincon
Sherrie Odom
912-826-1464
Rock Hill
David Montgomery
803-324-1131
800-499-2876
Statesboro
Deidre Nelson
912-764-9091
800-633-9091
Spartanburg
Phil Long
864-585-0344
800-462-5819
Sylvania
Polly Sherrod
912-564-2468
800-424-2651
St-Matthews
Chris Brown
803-874-3703
800-868-6546
Thomaston
Lynn Smith
706-647-8994
888-647-8991
Summerville
Claudia Crawford
843-821-6758
800-868-6758
Vidalia
Polly Sherrod
912-537-4135
800-633-4887
Walterboro
Justin McClure
843-549-1584
800-868-1584
Out in the Country Spring 2006
29
F eature
Consolidated Balance Sheets
AgSouth Farm Credit, ACA
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands)
Assets
Cash
March 31,
2006
December 31,
2005
(unaudited)
(audited)
$
Loans
Less: allowance for loan losses
Net loans
2,713
Liabilities
Notes payable to AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Accrued interest payable
Patronage refund payable
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
6,204
1,177,149
3,852
1,156,110
3,808
1,173,297
1,152,302
13,751
15,670
10,353
865
15,219
2,022
3,957
13,454
15,538
10,190
874
15,698
11,701
2,792
$1,237,847
$1,228,753
$1,001,148
4,330
953
10,663
28,347
$ 997,536
4,104
8,226
10,536
9,987
1,045,441
1,030,389
695
5,907
910
5,923
75,262
110,542
86,063
105,468
192,406
198,364
$1,237,847
$1,228,753
Accrued interest receivable
Investment in other Farm Credit institutions
Premises and equipment, net
Other property owned
Prepaid retirement expense
Due from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Other assets
Total assets
$
Commitments and contingencies
Members' Equity
Protected borrower equity
Capital stock and participation certificates
Retained earnings
Allocated
Unallocated
Total members' equity
Total liabilities and members' equity
AgSouth Farm Credit
30
F eature
Consolidated
Statements of Income
AgSouth Farm Credit, ACA
(unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
For the three months
ended March 31,
2006
2005
(dollars in thousands)
Interest Income
Loans
$
Interest Expense
Notes payable to AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Other
22,347
$
19,576
12,417
16
9,656
16
12,433
9,672
Net interest income
Provision for (reversal of allowance for) loan losses
9,914
—
9,904
161
Net interest income after provision for
(reversal of allowance for) loan losses
9,914
9,743
Noninterest Income
Loan fees
Fees for financially related services
Equity in earnings of other Farm Credit institutions
Gains (losses) on other property owned, net
Gains (losses) from sale of rural home loans
Other noninterest income
674
124
2,320
(11)
162
57
571
56
2,182
61
195
174
Total noninterest income
3,326
3,239
Noninterest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits
Occupancy and equipment
Insurance Fund premium
Other operating expenses
4,003
479
400
1,495
3,990
415
106
1,158
6,377
5,669
6,863
8
7,313
4
Total interest expense
Total noninterest expense
Income before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Net income
$
Out in the Country Spring 2006
6,855
31
$
7,309
Plantation ServiceS
Real Estate Specialists in Southeastern Farms and Plantations Since 1959
• Plantation Services has sold land to individuals and corporations from around the United States and most European countries.
The company's expertise, credibility and contacts help clients expose their properties to the widest number of qualified buyers.
• The company has represented individuals, corporations, investment firms, banks, estates, timber companies and foreign investors.
• Plantation Services is a member of The Board of Regents, an exclusive network of the world's most elite luxury real estate brokers,
and a member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate.
Albany, Georgia
Curt Hall
Lee Walters
Crisp Gatewood
229.888.2500
www.plantationservicesinc.com
Charleston, South Carolina
Contact
Chip Hall
Lynn Dantzler
843.958.0222
Visit our site for information on available properties.
If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, please call 229.888.2500 or e-mail [email protected].
AgSouth Farm Credit
26 South Main Street
Statesboro, Ga. 30458
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBIA SC
PERMIT 1160