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Albemarle CiderWorks

Are You a Lifelong Learner?

Diamond V Farm

Leaderis published quarterly for stockholders, directors and friends of Farm Credit of the Virginias.

PresidentDave Lawrence

BOArd OF direCtOrsBarry W. Shelor, ChairmanCharles B. Leech IV, Vice ChairmanRonald L. BennettDonna M. Brooke-AltWilliam J. Franklin, Jr. Bobby C. GrayPaul M. HouseMelody S. JonesJames A. KinseyMilton L. McPikeDonald W. ReeseW.W. Sanford IIIRaymond L. SimmsAlfred W. Stephens, Jr.Thomas V. ThackerJoseph W. WamplerJohn E. Wells

editOrJenna Mullins

PUBlisherAgFirst Farm Credit Bank

PUBlishing direCtOrAmanda Wagasky

designersAthina EargleDarren HillAmanda SimpsonTravis Taylor

PrinterProfessional Printers

CirCUlAtiOnKathi DeFlorio

Address changes, questions, comments or requests for copies of our financial reports should be directed to Farm Credit of the Virginias, ACA by writing P.O. Box 899, Staunton, VA 24402 or calling 800-559-1016. Our quarterly financial report can also be obtained on our website: www.farmcreditofvirginias.com, or by email: [email protected].

Farm Credit of the Virginias furnishes data to credit reporting agencies. The association’s reporting efforts are important for aiding consumers in obtaining credit, assisting businesses in credit approval, providing consumers with timely and accurate personal credit information, reducing fraud and abuse, helping prevent identity theft and minimizing errors in credit reporting. If you have questions regarding this process, please contact our Credit Desk at 540-886-3435 ext. 5037.

800-919-3276FarmCreditofVirginias.com

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• Homes & Estates

• Farms & Farmettes

• Land & Construction

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• Livestock & Equipment

• Barns & Facilities

• Recreation Properties

Leader Autumn 2013 3

Holiday ScheduleOctober 14—Columbus Day (Monday)

November 28–29—Thanksgiving (Thursday & Friday)

December 24–25—Christmas (Tuesday & Wednesday)

The Point Pleasant office has moved to:2227 Jackson Ave, Suite 3

Point Pleasant, WV 25550

Phone: 304-675-3280

In This IssueASSoCIATIon neWSMessage from the President 4

2013 Customer Appreciation Events 5

FeATureAlbemarle CiderWorks 6

InDuSTrY neWS

Are You a Lifelong Learner? 10

West Virginia State Fair 12

Sunshine Goat Show 13

Farm Credit Loan Officer Attends NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference 14

ASSoCIATIon neWSCAP News 16

In Memory of Moffett McNeel 17

MeMber FeATureA Sense of Duty 18

Diamond V Farm 20

Young FArMer ProFILe

Quill and Robin Ward 24

reCIPeSPerfect Autumn Eats! 27

Office Relocation

we’re on the move!we’re on the move!

OPEN:

Tuesdays 9 am – 4 pm

and by Appointment

board of Director electionsYou will find the Farm Credit of the Virginias

Board of Directors Election Notification inside

this edition of the Leader, and I encourage you

to vote in the upcoming election of directors.

Your cooperative has four seats up for director

election, and ballots were mailed in early

October.

Planning for 2014 – “building bridges to new ridges”It seems like the beginning of 2013 was only

yesterday, and now autumn is upon us as I

write this message, and your elected board of

directors and senior team has already held its

planning session for 2014. The board and senior

team hold the session yearly and go off-site to

do a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats) of the association.

The session is devoted to planning, and we look

at all aspects of the cooperative to determine

if our current path is helping us achieve Farm

Credit’s vision to be “Rural America’s Lender of

Choice” and mission to be an “engaged partner

in the rural community.” Tracey McCabe, CEO of

the Farm Credit Funding Corporation, reported

the investors in the Farm Credit System are

asking two tough questions:

1) Where will your growth come from

looking forward 3–5 years?

2) How are you positioning Farm Credit

to ensure it provides financing to the

next generation of farmers?

In response to those questions, the Board

re-confirmed its strategic goals:

1) Conduct business in all aspects

following the cooperative principles.

2) Provide board governance that

ensures Farm Credit remains

focused on the customer’s ultimate

success—understanding the customers’

individual needs, expectations and

repayment capacity while providing

a level of service that exceeds their

expectations.

3) Be a continuous learning organization

that implements best practices by the

Board, employees and customers.

The Board charged the senior team with

the challenge of developing action steps to

achieve the strategic goals—to operate from

the “higher ground” while “building bridges

to new ridges.”

Farm Credit is in a strong financial

position to take care of its customers’ lending

needs. The cooperative’s capital position has

increased to 18 percent permanent capital

from a 12 percent level in 2009. The patronage

refund to its owner-customers should remain

at the 12 percent level. The bottom line: Farm

Credit of the Virginias is well-positioned to be

your lender of choice.

Corporate Partner of the YearWest Virginia University’s Davis College of

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

named Farm Credit of the Virginias as

“Corporate Partner of the Year.” Your Board

met with West Virgina University Dean Dan

Robison and the Davis College of Agriculture

Team during Farm Credit’s planning session

held in Morgantown. Farm Credit has funded

a graduate assistant support fund enabling

research, travel and conference attendance by

WVU graduate students. Farm Credit of the

Virginias Board Chair Barry W. Shelor stated,

“The Board considers this gift an investment

in the future of agriculture.”

In ClosingThank you for attending the customer

appreciation events during the spring and

summer and allowing the Farm Credit Team to

show how much your business means to us.

2014 Director election ballot

Be on the lookout, your ballot should be arriving very soon. Don’t miss your opportunity

to be heard—Vote!

Message from the PresidentDave Lawrence

Farm Credit of the Virginias 4

ASSoCIATIon neWS

Watch Your Mailbox!

Thanks for making it to our customer appreciation events in 2013!

2013 Customer Appreciation Events

Farming is everybody’s &ButterBread


Loans for Farms, Homes & Land!

800.919.FARMFarmCreditofVirginias.com

NMLS# 456965

F or nearly two centuries, cider was

America’s staple beverage, but

virtually disappeared after the

mid-19th century. From the first settlements,

cider provided vital nutrients through the

winter months and was often used for barter

and trade. Orchards today grow apples

primarily for fresh markets instead of cider

production, but cider is enjoying a comeback

in America and Virginia.

Albemarle CiderWorks is one of eight

cideries in Virginia specializing in this

long-lost craft. Like the orchards of yesteryear,

Albemarle CiderWorks’ Vintage Virginia Apples

orchard includes numerous heirloom varieties

of apples with many being grown exclusively

for cider.

A retirement Farm that Took offOriginally intended as a simple place for the

Shelton family to retire, this 80-acre farm

tucked away in the mountains of North Garden,

Va., has turned into both a productive and

attractive business. Charlotte Shelton along

with her brothers, Chuck and Bill, and their

93-year-old father, “Bud,” all work together to

make their business a success. They purchased

the farm in 1986, and remodeled the old farm

house, which serves as a guest house today. Bud

had intended to run a few cattle, but he and

his children began raising different heirloom

apples instead. To their surprise, their hobby

quickly became a flourishing business with

several facets.

Since starting to plant trees in

the mid-1990s, the Sheltons now grow

Albemarle CiderWorks: Where the craft of fine cider-making is making a comeback!

by Jennifer Showalter


FeATure

some 250 varieties of apples. Realizing

they had outgrown the hobby stage, they

founded Vintage Virginia Apples LLC in

2000. In response to the interest in the rare

varieties of fruit trees they were growing, the

Sheltons started grafting and propagating

trees from their collection. Today, they

have an online catalog to accompany their

3-acre nursery so customers can easily place

orders. The Sheltons sell several thousand

apple, peach and pear whips a year and

continue to increase that number. With their

sales growing throughout the United States,

they hope to help preserve the older varieties

that are rarely available and difficult to find.

Realizing that cider was the reason for

which many of these heirlooms were grown,

the Sheltons branched into cider-making,

completing their cidery in 2009. “Building

the cidery and its tasting room was the most

ambitious thing we have done,” says Charlotte.

“Farm Credit has been our lender of choice

all the way through since the beginning back

in the late 1980s. Farm Credit is flexible and

understands the business. They are more

receptive to entertaining plans than the

classic bank.”

A Family AdventureChuck works full time on the farm as the cider

maker. Bill and Charlotte, still active in their

careers, are very involved in the business

and work there most of their free time. The

youngest brother, Todd, lives away from the

farm presently but maintains his interest

with the operation for the future. Despite his

age, Bud is also active and points out that he

planted the first trees. He mows grass, greets

people, gardens and keeps the roads up around

the orchard. Bill’s daughter, Anne Shelton,

works full time along with two other full-time

and six part-time employees who help in the

tasting room and with making cider. Other

part timers work in the orchard.


ConTInueD on neXT PAge

The two owners of CiderWorks, Charlotte Shelton and her brother, Chuck Shelton

The Sheltons are very proud of their award winning ciders. They have them on display in the tasting room for all to see and taste.

The Sheltons specialize in apples, but

also have 30 to 35 varieties of peaches which

they sell fresh; 20 varieties of pears with

which they are experimenting in hopes of

making perry, a fermented pear juice; and

a few cherries, plums and apricots. Tending

to so many different varieties of fruits is

a considerable challenge. “Orcharding is

highly specialized and requires a high level

of skill,” says Charlotte. “Our learning curve

has been steep. We are gradually moving

towards larger plantings of varieties we want

especially for cider.”

Hard Cider MakingThe Sheltons have put their best efforts

into learning and perfecting the crafting of

their ciders. Like wine, cider is produced by

fermenting the juice of apples. Since the end

of Prohibition, most Americans think of cider

as fresh juice and the fermented product as

“hard” cider.

The apples are selected when the sugar

and acidity levels are optimal. The apples are

then ground into in a coarse mash known as

pomace. The pomace is fed into a press where

the juice is extracted. The juice is transferred

into tanks and fermented for four or more

weeks and bottled. With good, firm cider

apples, the Sheltons generally get two and a

half to three gallons of juice per bushel.

Most cider is made from a blend of

different apples that give a richer, better crafted

cider, but the Sheltons have also experimented

with several single varietal ciders using just

one particularly promising apple variety. With

much of their own orchard still being young,

they source around three-fourths of their

cider apples from other local orchards with

whom they have relationships. Their current

storage and tank space permit a production

of approximately 3,000 cases of cider each

year. Their cider can be purchased at the

farm and from a variety of other locations

throughout Virginia. Albemarle CiderWorks


FeATure

ConTInueD FroM PreVIouS PAge

“Farm Credit has been our lender of choice all the way through since the beginning back in the late 1980s. Farm Credit is flexible and understands

the business. They are more receptive to entertaining plans than the classic bank,” says Charlotte.

Chuck Shelton pours a glass of royal Pippin, one of the many varieties they offer, for us to taste.


is a licensed farm winery and is just starting

to ship cider within Virginia.

open DoorsDifferent events throughout the year draw

people to Albemarle CiderWorks. Vintage

Virginia Apples and Albemarle Ciderworks

offer classes and workshops on topics such

as pruning, grafting, cider making and

other horticultural topics, featuring noted

authorities in the field. Live music and other

events also encourage visitors to stop by the

tasting room. In addition to cider, guests

will find a variety of locally sourced foods

for enjoying with their ciders. Local cheeses,

ham, sausages, salami, baked goods, candy

and other items are available.

Albemarle CiderWorks Harvest Festival

has been a popular feature for the past 12 years.

Offered on the first Saturday in November

every year, it features approximately 35

vendors of local foods and crafts, fresh cider,

live music all day and a broad selection of

apples. This event typically draws well over

1,000 guests and features tastings of rare

apples from their collection along with talks

and workshops on topics related to the

agricultural history of southern Albemarle

county and Virginia.

The Sheltons also rent out their tasting

room facility for meetings, dinners and

receptions throughout the year. Their guest

house sleeps eight people and can be booked

through their website.

The Sheltons are not only excited about

what they are doing on their own family farm,

but are passionate about striving to help bring

back the cider industry as a whole. “Cider today

is where the wine industry was in Virginia 35

to 40 years ago,” says Charlotte. “I would like

to think the cider industry will get its own legs

as we go forward. We were the second cidery

to open in Virginia. Now there are eight.”

Albemarle CiderWorks is open year

round, Wednesdays through Sundays from

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit

www.albemarleciderworks.com.

The tasting room where products are sampled and sold and where different events take place.

O ne of the exciting trends observed

in the agriculture industry

through interaction with people

from around the globe at seminars is the

emergence of lifelong learners.

These eager, inquisitive participants,

regardless of their endeavors in agriculture,

have found a competitive edge by developing a

game plan for lifelong learning. They are on a

quest for information, knowledge and forums

at which to network and interact with like-

minded people. Whether it is youth, young and

beginning producers, the senior generation or

agricultural product and service providers, the

self-improvement light bulb has been turned

on. Why has this trend emerged in agriculture?

I challenge you to critically think about

your role as an agricultural knowledge worker.

Since the beginning of the century, the great

global agricultural commodity super cycle has

elevated the importance of lifelong learning,

transforming the needs, skills and mindsets

of agriculturalists. It requires businesses,

regardless of size, enterprise or location,

to challenge the status quo concerning

innovation, strategy and execution, or be left

behind in today’s fast paced, interconnected

global marketplace.

Learning needs AssessmentThe emphasis on lifelong learning and personal

development is a major trend amongst elite

manager groups. To determine your knowledge

and training needs, start out with a good old

fashioned SWOT analysis that examines

strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

threats. For example, one business conducts

this assessment of its owners, managers,

employees and stakeholders to determine

training and development priorities. They

allocate up to 2 percent of revenues and up to 5

percent of the individual’s time for educational,

professional and personal development. The

organization recommends 25 percent of the

time be spent outside the agriculture industry

to expand horizons, perspectives and develop

empowerment amongst the team members.

In some cases, team members are asked to

prepare a brief summary of their experiences

to share with others in the business to leverage

information and knowledge exchange.

Remember to consider the whole person,

and not just the business priorities. For

example, an owner and employee entered a

Are You a Lifelong Learner?by: Dr. David M. Kohl


InDuSTrY neWS

wellness program together and lost a combined

200 pounds, which had a positive impact

on key health metrics. A balance between

professional and personal development is key.

Advisory TeamsAnother major business trend that supports

the lifelong learning concept is developing

and utilizing advisory teams. These teams

are seen as an investment instead of a cost,

and are often utilized to fortify individual and

business strategic areas of weakness, building

upon the strengths of advisers who are used

as a sounding board for exchange of ideas and

suggestions for improvement.

Learning PrioritiesDr. Danny Klinefelter, a well-respected

economist at Texas A&M University, says

good managers prioritize. Taking this a

step further, great managers prioritize their

priorities. They can distinguish between the

$100, $1,000 and $10,000 decisions and

channel resources, energy and time for the

best results. Sometimes the tractor seat can

be more fun, but educational seminars may

be more economical for long run success.

However, some producers accomplish both

by listening to podcasts or audio books,

monitoring markets and analyzing information

from the tractor seat, utilizing technology.

Knowledge and information delivery methods

to lifelong learners can include time-tested

face-to-face meetings, online education or a

blended approach.

Success StoryRecently a young farmer and his spouse were

on a panel discussion I moderated on family

business transition and communication

issues. The young couple explained they

had completed personality profiles during

a personal development seminar, and then

they, in turn, encouraged their parents to do

the same. The bottom line is that the family

is communicating much better now that they

have learned about and understand each

other’s personality styles and the different

ways family members present their thoughts

and perspectives. This “take charge” approach

most likely will save thousands of dollars in

legal fees and circumvent struggles in growth

management in the future.

You are responsible for your own

commitment to lifelong learning and personal

development. If you manage employees, you are

also responsible for identifying standards and

metrics for employee personal development

that align with business production, finance

and marketing goals. A commitment to lifelong

learning is a way to gain the competitive edge

in a dynamic global marketplace. What is your

game plan?


David Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics from Cornell University. For 25 years, Kohl was Professor of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. He was on special leave with the Royal Bank of Canada working on advanced initiatives for two years, and also assisted in the launch of the successful entrepreneurship program at Cornell University. Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the AAEC Department at Virginia Tech.

Each year at the State Fair of West

Virginia, the youth exhibitors

participate in a Livestock Exhibitors

Meeting before the start of any activities.

Once the meeting is finished, each exhibitor

is given a Farm Credit t-shirt. It is always

exciting to see how fast they put their new T’s

on before leaving the barn! Pictured are just

a few youngsters who were excited to receive

their Farm Credit t-shirts.

West Virginia State Fair


InDuSTrY neWS

Farm Credit has also sponsored the

Dairy Birthing Center at the State Fair of West

Virginia for the past several years partnering

with customer Rem Perkins, owner of Perk

Farm Organic Dairy. The dairy birthing center

receives a lot of attention from on-lookers

experiencing the birth of a baby calf for the

first time. The exhibit seems to attract more

and more people every year.

Pictured above is a new born Jersey calf. once a calf is born, a child who witnessed the birth gets to name the calf, and a sign is put up displaying the calf’s name.

The Sunshine Goat Show was held

August 15, 2013, at the Rockingham

County Fairgrounds. The “Sunshine”

class was open to all individuals with a

developmental disability under the age of

22, to show a goat during the week of the

Rockingham County Fair. All exhibitors did

a fabulous job!

Sunshine Goat Show


Participants of the Sunshine goat Show along with the goat handlers that assisted in the event.

The Sunshine goat Show was such a success, it aired on rFD TV in late August.

“We are proud supporters of the youth in agriculture in various ways. This is another extension of our commitment to the youth in our area.”

T rey Keyser, a cattleman from Upper

Tract, W.Va. and a loan officer

with Farm Credit of the Virginias,

recently was one of 50 young cattlemen and

women selected to participate in the National

Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) 34th

Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC). The

YCC was created to enhance leadership skills

in beef industry officials with a comprehensive,

nationwide tour of the beef industry.

Participants were selected to attend this

prestigious and competitive program based

on their exceptional contributions to the beef

industry and their potential to be a strong voice

in future development of the industry. The

Virginia Cattlemen’s Association finds this to

be a lifetime experience for young cattlemen

and women and was proud to sponsor Trey.

A Way of LifeGrowing up as the seventh generation farmer

on his family’s cow-calf, sheep, contract

poultry and row crop farm in Stanley, Va.,

Trey developed a deep love for agriculture at

an early age. Trey had a successful 4-H and

FFA career. He served as Virginia State FFA

Secretary from 1997 to 1998 and is a 4-H All

Star. Trey graduated from Page County High

school in 1997, and went on to Virginia Tech

where he received a Bachelor of Science degree

in agriculture education. While in college, Trey

was active in many organizations including

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and Block and

Bridle Club, and was the co-founding father of

the Virginia Tech Collegiate Young Farmers.

Fresh out of college in 2004, Trey was

hired as a loan officer at Farm Credit of the

Virginias’ Romney, W.Va., branch. Today,

Trey manages a portfolio of commercial

agriculture loans consisting largely of

cattle and poultry operations, and serves as

Farm Credit of the Virginia’s Agricultural

Resource Team Leader. With his roots in

production agriculture, Trey also manages his

home farm in Virginia and works alongside

his father-in-law and uncle, operating 3

M Cattle Company in Upper Tract, W.Va.,

where they run stocker and feeder cattle. Trey

and his wife, Kami, along with their 3-year-

old daughter, Katie, and their 1-year-old

daughter, Kallie, most certainly have a full

plate, but wouldn’t want it any other way. “I

would like to enhance and better utilize the

resources I have available on the family farm

operation with some possible expansion to

the operations,” says Trey.

Trey attributes much of his success to all

the people he has had pushing him to reach

for the stars. “My family and other mentors

in life have always pushed me to achieve all I

can and the concept of ‘anything is possible,

if I put my mind to it’ along with dedication

and hard work was instilled in me at a very

early age.”

Farm Credit Loan Officer Attends NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference

by: Jennifer Showalter

InDuSTrY neWS


Trey Keyser manages his home farm in Virginia, but also works alongside his father-in-law and uncle operating 3 M Cattle Co. in upper Tract, W.Va.

The experienceThe 10-day tour began at the NCBA

headquarters in Denver, Colo., where

participants got a better idea of what NCBA

and the Beef Checkoff Program are all about.

While in Denver, the group heard from

representatives of Cattle Fax and the U.S.

Meat Export Federation. They also toured

a Safeway retail store and learned about

Rancher’s Reserve brand beef marketing

efforts. The participants spent a day in

Greely, Colo., visiting JBS Five Rivers feed

yards and processing facilities.

The group then flew to Chicago, where

they met with the senior management of the

Chicago Mercantile Exchange at the Chicago

Board of Trade. They had the chance to watch

the activity on the trading floor and witness

futures trading firsthand. The participants also

visited Otto & Sons Industries, a family-owned

company that has been providing quality

products and custom solutions for the food

industry since 1909. The group was able to see

how boxed beef is turned into custom order

portions for both major restaurant chains and

some of the nation’s top steak houses.

The participants boarded a plane again

and headed to Washington, D.C., where they

received an issues briefing from NCBA’s

government affairs staff about policy issues

currently facing the cattle industry. The group

then traveled to Aldie, Va., for a tour and

barbeque at Whitestone Farms, one of the

nation’s top purebred Angus operations. Back

in D.C. the next day, the young cattlemen and

women were given the opportunity to visit

one-on-one with members of their state’s

congressional delegation, expressing their

viewpoints regarding the beef industry and

their cattle operations. The 2013 Farm Bill,

federal lands ranching and overreaching

regulations proposed by the Environmental

Protection Agency were a few of the hot topics

discussed. The young leaders finished the tour

with a reception hosted by John Deere at the

company’s Washington office.

Trey recaps his conference experience: “It

was a once in a lifetime experience. The NCBA’s

Young Cattlemen’s Conference is an intensive,

eye opening opportunity that educates young

producers to nearly every aspect of the cattle

industry, including production, processing,

marketing and legislative. Cattle producers

have a true partner with the National

Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Most don’t

realize how much behind the scenes work is

being done by the NCBA to keep the cattle

industry a progressive, viable business for

current and future producers and ensure we

are producing a safe and enjoyable eating

experience to consumers.”

“The whole experience was amazing.

Being from the east, I thought we had some

larger operations. However, after touring

the JBS Kuner Feedyard in Colorado, the

size, scale and efficiency really opened my

eyes as to how every little detail, including

animal health, handling and nutrition has to

be spot on. I’ve never been a fan of politics,

but I do realize the importance and the role

our lawmakers serve. The time we spent in

D.C. speaking with legislators and their staff

was a great experience. I felt proud to tell our

story and stand behind topics and present

issues that affect not only myself, but fellow

agricultural producers alike. Through the YCC

tour, we experienced nearly every aspect of the

cattle industry, ‘from the farm to the fork.’”

This experience is something Trey will

value for life and hopes to share with others.

“I hope to expand my involvement in the

agricultural community and become a trusted

resource to producers and co-workers. I plan

to become more involved with the Cattlemen’s

Association and do my part in promoting and

educating producers and consumers alike. We

have a great history and a great story. It is our

job to tell it,” says Trey.


The participants who attended nCbA trip earlier this summer.

Cattle from the JbS Kuner Feedyard in Colorado.

F arm Credit was established by Congress in 1916. Since Farm

Credit is a government entity, it is important to make sure

Congress understands the agricultural industry, farming and

the needs of rural communities. Therefore, the Board of Directors and

Farm Credit employees strive to build strong relationships with members

of Congress and their districts that fall into our footprint. They do so

by attending events such as the ones listed.

recent ActivitiesJune 24 – Bette Brand, Farm Credit Chief Sales Officer, and

Jeff Shipp, Farm Credit Council’s Executive Vice President, attended

a luncheon in Washington, D.C. with Congressman Bob Goodlatte.

July 1 – Farm Credit Director Don Reese met with Congressman

Robert Hurt in Farmville, Va., while Bette Brand attended the Goodlatte

Community Leader Lunch in Roanoke, Va.

July 19–21 – The Annual Good Fund weekend was held at the

Homestead with Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Congressman Eric

Cantor. David Sauer, Farm Credit Chief Financial Officer attended.

July 22–24 – New

employees and summer interns

participated in the Farm Credit

Council (FCC) Washington

Experience.

July 24 – Bette Brand

met with Senator Mark

Warner, Congressman Bob

Goodlatte, along with staff

members for Congressman

Morgan Griffith, Congressman

Frank Wolf and Senator Tim

Kane, during the Virginia

Agribusiness Council Capitol

Hill visits.

August 14 – Farm

C r e d i t ’ s r e l a t i o n s h i p

manager, Mark Haddix,

attended a reception with

Congresswoman Shelley

Moore Capito in Elkins, W.Va.

August 16 – Mark

Haddix attended a town

hall meeting with Senator

Joe Manchin that was held

at the Wood Tech Center in

Elkins, W.Va.

August 27 – Farm

Credit Director John Wells

and Farm Credit regional

lending manager Joe Casto

jo ined Congresswoman

Shelley Moore Capito near

Summersville, W.Va.

CAP News(Communications Advocacy Program)


ASSoCIATIon neWS

Congressman robert Hurt (center) met recently with Farm Credit Directors Don reese (L) and John brickford, Vice Chairman of Colonial Farm Credit’s board of Directors, (r) to help announce the amount of the patronage returned by Farm Credit in Virginia’s 5th District.

Mark Haddix, Farm Credit’s relationship Manager, with Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito.

Summer Interns Megan Virts and Tiffany Wayland after visiting with the Senate Ag Committee.

Jacob Moffett “Mac” McNeel, Jr. age 85,

of Hillsboro, passed away July 2, 2013, at

Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, W.Va.

Born May 22, 1928, in Hillsboro, he was

a son of the late Jacob Moffett McNeel Sr. and

Rachel Ann Edgar McNeel.

Moffett was a graduate of Hillsboro High

School, a farmer and an active member of the

Presbyterian Church.

He married Elma Virginia Cutlip on May

27, 1949, and the couple farmed side-by-side

until her death on January 9, 2009.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Moffett received many

honors and awards working together: 1956

County Winner Farming for Better Living;

1960 Regional Winner Farming for Better

Living; 1968 Grand Sweepstakes Winner

Farming for Better Living; President of the

Pocahontas County Farm Bureau, serving as

Secretary-Treasurer for 35 years; President

of the Pocahontas County 4-H Foundation

for 35 years; Director of West Virginia

Farm Bureau; 1987 State Soil and Water

Conservation Winner; 1988 Bringing Honor

and Recognition to the State of West Virginia;

1996 West Virginia Farm Bureau Distinguished

Service Award; 1997 4-H Faithful Heritage

Winner at the West Virginia State Fair and

vice-chairman of the Pocahontas Historic

Landmarks Commission for 20 years.

Moffett’s work ethic set an example

for the people in his generation and for

generations to come. He was an all-around

great example, the love for his family was

undeniable and his commitment to his

community was unmatched.

In Memory of Moffett McNeelFormer Farm Credit Director and Friend


Moffett once said, “If there is a profession more

dependent on God than farming, I don’t know what it would be.”

Moffett with his birthday cake ready to blow out his candles.

“There just aren’t that many of us around in

this county,” said Mike Virts, speaking as a

young farmer outside of Purcellville, Va. Mike

also happens to be a veteran of two tours

in Iraq, having served as a weapons expert in

the Marines. “There are only a handful of us

young farmers in the county who are veterans.”

The personal ties built in the military run

deep. During breaks in the action, stories of

home are told and plans for after the Marines

are pondered. For Mike, those plans always

included going back to the family farm.

Growing up, Mike helped out on his

grandfather’s 300 cow-calf beef operation. While

in the service, his grandfather passed away and

the farm was divided among family members.

On leaving the Marines, Mike was faced

with a big opportunity and a big challenge: He

had access to the family farm property, but had

to figure out how to build his own farm business.

In order to get his crops planted and underway

his uncle Donnie let him borrow equipment.

Mike needed a small operating line of

credit to be able to plant his first corn crop

in 2010. “I knew I had to take on some debt

in order to build my credit,” he remembers

realizing. So he started with a small loan from

Farm Credit and paid it off.

His loan officer at the Leesburg office,

Jessica Danner, noted Mike’s wise use of credit

and was ready when the time came to finance

his expansion into the cattle and horse hay

business. “Mike did a great job presenting his

business plan, which showed not only was he

capable of managing the feedlot operation but

that he had done his homework, researched

expenses and gathered supporting data to back

up his projections, too,” commented Danner.

Mike had plans to start a feedlot on

the farm, but decidedly different than his

grandfather’s cow/calf operation that bred

and raised young stock. As Mike describes

it, “‘Feedlotting’ is purchasing in calves and

putting weight on them, and reselling them

when it makes sense.” In practice, that may

mean running them up to a feeder weight for

resale at 800 pounds, or sometimes finishing

animals to slaughter weight.

A Sense of DutyA young farmer-veteran looks to the future in agriculture

by: gary Matteson

MeMber FeATure


Mike Virts of Purcellville, Va., takes us on a tour of his cattle operation.


He explains, “I always planned on

farming, but never planned on it being full

time. But that is what it turned into. Once I got

back from the military and got into it, farming

got to be full time pretty quickly.” And that

has turned into opportunity for other young

farmer-veterans. “A buddy of mine from the

service, Ronald Trent, is my top farmhand,”

Mike says, “I trust him.”

For a young man who has taken in a lot of

the world through his steady gaze, Mike is still

surprised by the changes in farming since he

was growing up on the farm. He reflects, “It’s

not like it was 10 years ago, I have to be ready,

willing and able to change my operation and

adapt. When corn was $8 a bushel it was hard

to justify feeding it to the cattle. But this year,

my plan is to feed most of my corn to the cattle

versus selling it in the grain market.” Having

the option of selling cattle at different weights

to different markets allows Mike to maximize

the value of the feed he raises.

When asked what skills he learned in

the military that have transferred to his farm

business, Mike gets quiet. “I suppose the most

useful skill is the discipline.” Mike continues,

“You know both jobs are seven days a week,

doing what needs to be done no matter what the

conditions, knowing if you skip one day you’ll

be causing worse problems down the road.”

Standing behind his old stone home built

in the late 1700s and early 1800s, he looks

over the farm and talks about his place in the

world. “I’m going to sell these cattle and get

another set to feed out and it never ends,” he

says. “It’s kind of hard to see on a small scale

but it takes every farmer’s effort to contribute

to the nation’s beef supply,” Mike adds.

Mike and his wife Katherine just had

their first child, a son, who was born in August.

There is no doubt this little boy will grow up

close to the cattle and to the land.

The sense of duty that Mike feels is likely

to be passed on to the next generation. As Mike

puts it, “My satisfaction is keeping together

everything my forefathers did. They worked

hard to buy and keep this place, and now it’s

my turn.”

The results of the discipline and sense

of duty Mike brings to raising beef may be,

like he says, “kind of hard to see on a small

scale.” Perhaps it’s an odd thing to compare

Mike’s contribution to feeding his neighbors

with his service to our country. But the rest

of us can learn a lesson from Mike Virts: To

honor duty in our own lives, to care for that

with which we are entrusted and to look to the

future with a willingness to serve goals larger

than ourselves.

“My satisfaction is keeping together everything my forefathers did. They worked hard to buy and keep this place, and now it’s my turn,” says Mike.

The farm has been in the family for many generations and Mike plans on keeping it that way.

Diamond V FarmWhere country rustic elegance is at its finest!

by: Jennifer Showalter

MeMber FeATure


L ittle did Ashley Vest know when her

husband, Will, proposed to her under

an apple tree on his farm in Blue

Ridge, Va., that their life together was about

to change in big ways! With both having a

background with horses, they decided to build

a horse barn and use it as a boarding facility.

Will and Ashley intended to live in the barn

until they could afford to build a house.

Will, who is a professional fence and pole

barn builder across the state of Virginia and in

surrounding states, went to work on the barn,

and Ashley started working on landscaping the

property when she was not serving as a home

health professional. With the main part of

the barn completed, Will and Ashley decided

to get married on the farm in 2010, near the

apple tree where it all began and host their

reception in the barn.

“Will and I wanted to have our wedding

on the farm so our friends and family would

feel comfortable, enjoy themselves and want to

stay,” says Ashley. “It was perfect! It was exactly

what I wanted it to be. No one wanted to leave.

Our wedding was at six in the evening and

we did not finish until three in the morning.”

The Start of big ThingsWith their wedding being such a success,

Ashley’s sister decided to get married on the

farm and use the barn, also. Realizing that they

just might have tripped and fell into something

they never intended, Will and Ashley held off

on their dreams of boarding horses and started

offering their place as a rental grounds in 2011

for weddings and other events.

In May of 2013, Ashley gave up her home

health career and decided to come home and

focus on their rental grounds and raising their

daughter, Taylor, who is now 19 months old.

With a second child on the way and their

business doing well, Ashley could not be

happier with her decision to come home. “I

am thankful and blessed for each day that

I get to wake up and be home to raise our

daughter,” says Ashley.

In the past, Ashley and Will have only

offered three-day rentals that included Friday,

Saturday and Sunday until noon. With the

increase in interest in their property, they are

now also offering Sunday through Thursday

rentals at a discount rate. Weddings continue

to be their main event, but Ashley and Will are

open to just about anything. From Civil War

reenactments to birthday, retirement, and

anniversary parties to baby showers, reunions,

and recognitions, Ashley and Will welcome a

wide range to Diamond V Farm.

Spreading the WordAshley’s mother, Lynda Rakes, is a business

owner with experience marketing and has

been a big help to Will and Ashley. Neither

Ashley nor Will have any background in the

entertainment and wedding industries, Mrs.

Rakes has helped them learn to network and

connect with key people and businesses. Ashley

now utilizes a website, Google ads, Facebook,

and Pinterest. “We enjoy using the benefits of

Facebook, and Pinterest is huge. I don’t think

there is a bride who walks on the property

when you say Pinterest that her face doesn’t

light up,” says Ashley. Ashley is a member of

a number of organizations that allow her to

network with other businesses. She also attends

bridal shows and relies on word of mouth.


ConTInueD on neXT PAge

“It has been fun watching what we started and what it has become,” says Will. “We

have an excellent relationship with

Farm Credit. We couldn’t be

where we are today without them.”

Will and Ashley, along with 19-month-old daughter, Taylor, and a second child on the way.


MeMber FeATure

Their efforts to get the word out about

Diamond V Farm are obviously working with

their calendar booking up faster and faster

each year. In addition to local renters, the

Vests are drawing people to their farm from

all over. Often times, Diamond V Farm is the

ideal location for family and friends trying

to meet in the middle. Ashley goes out of her

way to help coordinate hotel reservations for

out of town guests.

behind the Scenes Work and Future PlansAshley and Will provide the chairs, tables,

linens and some decorations and props for

events, but allow the renters to take it from

there. Diamond V Farm is open to all vendors.

“This has been a huge benefit for brides. They

want ‘Uncle Paul’ to cook at their wedding

because he always barbeques for family events,

and that just adds to their wedding,” says

Ashley. Ashley meets with renters two weeks

before their event and makes sure everything

is in order to prevent as many bloopers as

possible. She also stays busy sending out

referrals to renters for such things as caterers,

photographers and musicians. Ashley tries to

give the reins to the renters and let them make

their special event what they want it to be, but

is also there to help in any way.

Ashley is always looking for new ways

to make Diamond V Farm a more enjoyable

place. “My wheels are always turning,” she

says. With weather being an issue, Will

added an addition on the barn increasing

their maximum capacity to 250 people. He

is in the process of plumbing the barn and

adding in restrooms which will surely be

more appealing to renters than porta johns

and restroom trailers. To better accommodate

brides, Will also plans on building a bridal

cabin. Currently brides are using Will and

Ashley’s house to get dressed and ready which

is becoming a bigger challenge for Will and

Ashley with a second child on the way. Ashley

loves gardening and is working on adding

more flower beds and making an enclosed

area for picture taking.

Even though things have not gone as

planned, Will and Ashley are thankful for the

business they tripped and fell into and are

excited to see what is in store for them in the

future. Much to their surprise, Diamond V

Farm was selected by Virginia Living Magazine

as the 2013 Best Special Event Venue. This

recognition was truly an honor to Will and

Ashley considering Diamond V Farm has only

been up and running a few short years. “It

has been fun watching what we started and

what it has become,” says Will. “We have an

excellent relationship with Farm Credit. We

couldn’t be where we are today without them.

There are not too many banks anymore that

will go out on the limb and finance 22 acres

and a house.”

For more information on Diamond V

Farm, visit www.diamondvfarm.com or call

Ashley at 540-537-3912.

ConTInueD FroM PreVIouS PAge

Photo credit to Jon Shup PhotographyPhoto credit to Junebug Photography

Photo credit to Junebug Photography

Farm Credit Membership Pays!To receive the discounts, make sure you identify yourself as a Farm Credit Member and provide the discount codes as listed below.

1-800-FLOWERS®Flowers, plants, gift baskets, etc. Go to 1800flowers.com or call 888.755.7474. Use discount code FCCS to receive a 15% discount.

ADTNew customers will save over $200 more than the general public (with customer prequalification). Plus, you may save up to 20% off your homeowners insurance. Go to homesecurityteam.com/farmcredit or call 888.337.2448.

FLORAL AMBIANCEGo to floralambiance.com or call 800.672.4137. Use discount code fccsflowers to save $10 off orders valued at $30 or more. Note: The owner of this business is a Farm Credit loan customer!

DELL COMPUTERSSave up to 30% depending on configuration. Go to dell.com/farmcredit or call 800.695.8133 and use Member ID CS25031329.

DIRECTVNew customers will save $120. With free installation, there’s no equipment to buy and no start-up costs (with customer prequalification). Go to directsattv.com/farmcredit or call 888.612.4074.

NATIONAL & ALAMO CAR RENTALSNational and Alamo require us to “protect” our discount codes. To obtain this information, please email Pat McFarland at [email protected].

OMAHA STEAKSSave up to 60% - only available when you shop on-line at osincentives.com/farmcredit.

UNITED VAN LINESMoves within Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or between any of the 48 contiguous states. Discounts as much as 65% are only available via United agent, Barrett Moving & Storage. Call 800.879.1283 or email [email protected].

Have questions? Contact Pat McFarland at [email protected] or call 888.275.3227 x3236.

Quill and Robin WardWard Livestock Farm

by: Jenna Mullins


Young FArMer ProFILe

Robin, tell us about you and Quill:

A: I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. I show

in the Quarter Horse Circuit and I am currently

working for the West Fork Conservation

District. Quill and I met while attending West

Virginia University where we both received our

bachelor’s degree in agriculture and animal

science. Quill always knew he wanted to study

animal science; however, I didn’t. I changed

my major to fit my passion for horses and later

come to find my true calling for agriculture.

Being from the city I had a lot to learn about

agriculture. With Quill by my side I have

learned a lot and continue to learn as Quill

and I work together as a team. Quill and I are

actively involved in our community. We’re

members of the Farm Bureau, WV Cattleman’s

Association, and NCBA. In his spare time, Quill

is the head wrestling coach for the local middle

school, and serves as a committee member on

the FSA Board of Directors.

Tell us about the Ward Livestock Farm:

A: Our operation is primarily cattle. We have 100

head of brood cows and 60 yearlings. This all

takes place on a combination of approximately

1,000 acres of land that we rent and own in

Barbour and Harrison county, W.Va.

Quill, when did you get started?

A: I started this operation with 42 head when

I was a freshman in college. Starting when I

did helped me pay my way through college.

It’s nice to know I don’t have to worry about

student loans on top of everything else.


Quill, has your family been involved

with your operation?

A: My family has been a huge part in helping

me. They have been very supportive. When I

decided to start this operation at a young age,

my family had all the equipment I needed to

be successful. Today, all of the family works

together. We do keep a few things separate. Our

cattle and our hay are kept separated, but when

we go to sell, everyone pulls cattle together

by the tractor trailer load. It is beneficial for

everyone.

What kind of marketing efforts have

you made?

A: Everything we do is by word-of-mouth and

I rely heavily on it. My family has been selling

at Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Board Sales

since they started more than 25 years ago,

which helps me and my operation out a lot.

The sales are a great benefit to our operation

and have helped build our reputation.

Quill, how has your passion for

agriculture expanded into your

operation today?

A: I always knew I wanted to farm. I couldn’t

see myself doing anything else. It is in my blood

and it’s what I do. I really enjoy farming and

it’s rewarding getting to do what I want every

day. Not many people can say that.

How has Farm Credit assisted you

with your operation?

A: We have obtained loans for equipment,

cattle and a line of credit. Even being a young

farmer, every time I have needed something

my loan officer has been very helpful. She goes

out of her way to help me anyway she can.

What accomplishments are you most

proud of?

A: One thing I am very proud of is that I was

able to pay my way through college. Also, I

look around at the stock sales and see a lot

of gray heads. I am very proud of being able

to accomplish this career at a young age and

continue to be one of the youngest successful

farmers in the area.

What would you say have been your

keys to success?

A: Family! Any time we have needed help

our family has always been there. They

really helped me get started since they were

already established.

What have been your biggest

obstacles?

A: This year the rain has been our biggest

obstacle. Also, the rising cost of fuel and

equipment. With the cattle prices coming up

it helps level everything out.

What would you say is your ultimate

goal?

A: My goal is to be the largest cow/calf

operation in the state of West Virginia. I was

trying to get there by the time I was 30, but

it may take a little longer than expected.

Complete and return this form to your local Farm Credit office.

I a m R e C o m m e n d I n g :

m e m b e R R e F e R R a l P R o g R a mWin two ways! Strengthen your Association and the potential for future patronage distributions, PLUS receive immediate cash or a prize in the process! Simply refer a customer to Farm Credit, and if your referral results in a new business relationship (loan or lease of $10,000 or more), we’ll mail you a check for $75 or send you a FREE gift!* 800.919.3276

FarmCreditofVirginias.comNMLS# 456965

__________________________________________________________________Referral’s Name Date

__________________________________________________________________Address

__________________________________________________________________City State Zip

__________________________________________________________________E-mail Address Phone Number

__________________________________________________________________Member Name Branch Office

__________________________________________________________________Address

__________________________________________________________________City State Zip

__________________________________________________________________E-mail Address Phone Number

gIFt SeleC tIon* (check only one)

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q Canvas Tote Bag with Blanket q Check for $75.oo

___________________________________________Member Signature

Farm Credit Member Referral Form

25087 3-13

to Farm Credit of the Virginias. Please give this prospective customer every consideration and courtesy for available financial services. If a new business relationship

(loan or lease of $10,000 or more) results within six (6) months, please remit any gifts to:

*The promotion does not apply to home loans or home equity lines due to restrictions under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.

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Iced Pumpkin CookiesIngredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Glaze:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175

degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder,

baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground

cloves and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the

1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add

pumpkin, egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla to

butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix

in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by

tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.

3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the

preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle

glaze with fork.

4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners’

sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and

1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to

achieve drizzling consistency.

Apple glazed Pork ChopsIngredients

1/2 cup apple jelly

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

4 (1 inch thick) pork chops

2 small baking apples, cored and sliced

Directions

1. Combine first four ingredients in saucepan;

cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until

jelly melts. Keep warm.

2. Place pork chops on rack in broiler pan.

Broil five inches from heat, seven minutes

on each side.

3. Remove from oven; brush one side with jelly

glaze, and broil three minutes. Flip and brush

other side with glaze; top with apple slices, and

drizzle with remaining glaze. Broil three minutes.

Sweet Potato CasseroleIngredients

4 1/2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup milk

1 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup butter

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees

C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix together mashed sweet

potatoes, 1/2 cup butter, milk, sugar, vanilla

extract and eggs. Spread sweet potato mixture

into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl,

mix together brown sugar and flour. Cut in

1/3 cup butter until mixture is crumbly, then

stir in pecans. Sprinkle pecan mixture over

the sweet potatoes.

3. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven,

or until golden brown.


reCIPeS

Perfect Autumn Eats!

Farm Credit of the VirginiasP.O. Box 899Staunton, Virginia 24402

PrSrT STDu.S. PoSTAge

P A I DCoLuMbIA SCPerMIT 1160

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

888.339.3334farmcreditcropinsurance.com

Reminder: November 20, 2013, is the sales closing date for apples, peaches and grapes.

At Farm Credit, we know keeping up with crop insurance products and regulations is a complex task. That’s why we have experienced full-time agents on staff. And that’s their only job—crop insurance!

We also know your operation is unique, so our agents focus on making sure you have the right level of coverage tailored for your individual needs. So, when you’re looking for the experts in crop insurance and exceptional customer service, why look anywhere else?

Call us today or visit us online at farmcreditcropinsurance.com to find out more.

albemarle ciderworks are you a lifelong learner? … · are you a lifelong learner? diamond v farm....

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