Join a variety of hosts from MidAtlantic Farm Credit (MAFC) as they discuss all things agriculture and rural living. Located in the MidAtlantic region of the East Coast, the agriculture within their territory is as diverse as the industry itself. Topics covered will include but are not limited to: updates on the cooperative, legislative updates, financial tips, and anything and everything farming. We want to help our farmers tell the story of agriculture by being advocates for all kinds of agriculture. From grain farming to raising livestock and everything in between, agriculture's story is unique and deserves to be heard.
Listeners of Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast that love the show mention: agriculture, credit, timely, industry, excited, topics, content, love, midatlantic.
In this episode, Johanna Rohrer interviews Amy Rowe, Farm Credit loan officer and Leah Petersen, Farm Loan Specialist with Maryland Farm Service Agency. This round table conversation focuses on connecting young, beginning, and small (YBS) farmers with resources from the Farm Service Agency. Together, we highlight how FSA and Farm Credit work together, the differences in direct and guaranteed loan programs, and tips for new farmers to consider as they are making their start in farming.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-jessica-harrisAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
In this episode, Morgan Figgins interviews Farm Credit Loan Officer Jessica Harris. Jessica walks us through applying through your first farm loan and what you need to know to make the process easier.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-jessica-harrisAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
During this episode, Kurt Fuchs interviews Madison (Madi) Walter, Urban Agriculture Outreach Coordinator with the New Castle Conservation District. Madi tells us all about urban agriculture, challenges urban agriculturalists are facing, and growth with Delaware urban ag initiatives. Madi also shares her involvement in the Delaware Urban Farm and Food Coalition and the future of urban agriculture.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-madi-walterAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode, Johanna Rohrer interviews Raechel Sattazahn, Knowledge Center Director from AgChoice Farm Credit. She introduces the AgBiz Master's program and discusses the benefits of enrolling in the course. Raechel also gives an overview of the program components and identifies key farm financial skills participants can expect to takeaway.Raechel and her husband operate a dairy in partnership with their family in Womelsdorf, PA. She is a proud mom, dairy farmer, and agricultural enthusiast known for developing farm business tools to help support the future of agriculture.This is our first episode in our Young, Beginning, Small (YBS) Farmer Podcast Series, where we'll explore helpful resources and different types of agriculture! Subscribe for email alerts to stay in the know at mafc.com/podcast.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-raechel-sattazahnAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On the third and final episode of our Farm Transition Planning series, guest host Darlene Livingston, Executive Director from PA Farm Link interviews Jody Anderson Leighty, attorney with Stock and Leader in York, PA. We explore legal considerations in farm family transitions, and Jody shares her expertise. We also dive into the issues that come along with succession planning, business planning and more. Subscribe for email alerts to stay in the know at mafc.com/podcast.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-jody-anderson-leightyAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On the second episode of our Farm Transition Planning series, guest host Darlene Livingston, Executive Director from PA Farm Link interviews Marlin Hartzler, a crop and hog farmer in Belleville, Pennsylvania. We learn about Marlin's journey in farming and transitions he's gone through along the way.Subscribe for email alerts to stay in the know at mafc.com/podcast.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-marlin-hartzlerAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode, guest host Darlene Livingston, Executive Director from PA Farm Link interviews John Black, Farm Credit Agriculture Business Consultant. John helps farm families tackle the transition process, with expertise in both financial and business planning. This is our first episode in our Farm Transition Planning Podcast Series, where we'll explore farm family succession planning tips!Subscribe for email alerts to stay in the know at mafc.com/podcast.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-john-blackAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode, Meaghan Webster interviews MidAtlantic Farm Credit Loan Officer, Ryan Clouse. Ryan has been supporting our customers for over 22 years, but his background in ag runs deeper and started at their family's Christmas tree farm, Clouse's Pine Hill Farm. Ryan gives us the scoop on why real Christmas trees are a great choice for holiday décor and tried and true methods to keeping your Christmas tree looking good and lasting long into the winter season after you bring it home. This episode is the final episode for 2021 and we look forward to agvocating with our listeners again when we re-launch in early 2022.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-ryan-clouseAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode, Katie Ward interviews Emma Larson, Assistant Director of Industry Relations at American Farm Bureau. Emma grew up on her family's farm in California and made her way to Washington, D.C. to begin her career advocating for America's farmers and ranchers.Emma leads the Ag Innovation Challenge, a national business competition that showcases American startups developing innovative solutions that address challenges facing farmers and rural communities. Listen to this episode as we get to know the top 10 Ag Innovation Challenge semi-finalists and talk about how these entrepreneurs are changing the agricultural industry for the better. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-emma-larsonAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode, Jenny Kreisher is joined by Gail Yeiser, former Assistant to the Dean with University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). During her decades long career at UMD, Gail not only developed long-lasting partnerships with many local and statewide organizations, but she grew the College's alumni group, many of whom she keeps in touch with today. Gail remains a staple in Maryland agriculture, serving on several Boards, including our own Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-gail-yeiserAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the AgVocates Podcast, Meaghan Webster interviews the VP of Sales, Marketing and Operations at C.P. Yeatman & Sons, Inc. and Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms, LLC. Meghan gives us a brief history on how the mushroom industry came to Pennsylvania and how her family has had a hand in several important milestones along the way, like establishing organic guidelines for growers. As a dedicated advocate for the industry, Meghan is also an active member of the American Mushroom Institute and the Mushroom Council and shares her perspective on the importance of getting active in commodity organizations as a farmer. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-meghan-klotzbachAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Kurt Fuchs catches up with Georgie Cartanza, Poultry Extension Agent for the University of Delaware, about her role in serving Delmarva's poultry industry. Georgie has over 27 years of experience helping farmers, integrators and the public understand best management practices and the impact local farms have on the community through research. Although Georgie doesn't come from an ag background, she has worked for two of the largest integrators on Delmarva and has been a poultry farmer for 16 years. As if her resume wasn't impressive enough, in 2017, Georgie was chosen as the first Nuffield International Farming Scholar from the United States. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-georgie-cartanza All Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Katie Ward chats with Stephon Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Agriculture Education Excellence and the National MANRRS Graduate Student President, to talk about minorities in agriculture and educational opportunities for those wanting to pursue a career in the industry. We also dive into how to make use of connections through networking and joining organizations in school to enhance leadership and job opportunities in agriculture. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/advancing-diversity-agriculture-stephon-fitzpatrickAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Meaghan Webster explores a current trend sweeping rural America that is surprisingly “small”. Nick and Tessa MacDonald in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware decided to ditch debt and downsize their living quarters back in 2019 and began working up a plan to build a tiny home on a couple acres.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-nick-tessa-macdonald All Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Johanna Rohrer and Morgan Figgins go back in time to discuss the life lessons they learned while showing livestock through 4-H and FFA. From how they got started to where they are today, you won't want to miss the tips and tricks they picked up along the way.Jo and Morgan also dish all of the details about the 2021 Virtual Showcase Contest and how to enter!Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-johanna-rohrer-morgan-figginsAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Katie Ward sits down with Chuck Fry and Emily Snyder of Rocky Point Creamery to celebrate National Ice Cream Month and learn about the new robotic milking system on their farm. We also dive into the children's book written about his farm and what makes their ice cream so special. Visit Rocky Point Creamery at 4323A Tuscarora Rd. Tuscarora, MD 21790 on Tuesday-Sunday from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-chuck-fry-emily-snyderAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Jenny Kreisher interviews Jeremy Willet, musician-turned-agriculturalist and owner/operator of Willet Family Farm in Westminster, Maryland. While Jeremy was touring the world with his band, he found inspiration on a trip to Africa, leading him to partner with ChildFund International to help them tell their story and garner involvement at the local level. Today, Willet Family Farm offers guests truly unique outdoor experiences, and fosters an environment of inclusivity. We hope his story inspires you as much as it did us!Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-jeremy-willetAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
Let us Toast to the Dairy Industry! On this episode, Johanna Rohrer interviews Jayne Sebright, Executive Director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. A dairy farmer herself and an active industry advocate looking forward to the bright spots in the dairy industry. Jayne shares with us an update on dairy producer outreach and connecting consumers with dairy through various educational efforts within the Dairy Excellence Foundation. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-jayne-sebrightAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Katie Ward chats with Katie Joseph and Kelly Boyer of Broad View Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) about how their programs help challenged students learn and overcome. Hear all about how the organization got started, how it’s impacting lives, and why this is the perfect combination of career and passion for both Katie and Kelly. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the owners of Broad View EAAT also share their experiences with supporting the cause through their programs. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-katie-joseph-kelly-boyer All Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, we’re celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Day! Jenny Kreisher interviews Ashley Yanego, agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Signal Knob Middle School in Shenandoah County, VA. Ashley may not have grown up in an agriculture family, but after finding her passion for the industry through her own experiences in FFA and with the guidance of two inspiring teachers, Ashley knew she was meant to find her way back to the classroom to make her own impact on the next generation. Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-ashley-yanego All Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, Katie Ward and Geoff Delamater sit down with Justin Harrison of Farmacy Brewing to learn how he turned his small home brew passion project into a large on-farm brewery and tasting room. We also dive into his background growing up on Willowdale Farm, his involvement in the local ag community, and the ins-and-outs of growing various ingredients for each craft beer.Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-justin-harrisonAll Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, we interviewed Jim Brown, the Assistant Manager of Creamery Operations at Penn State University’s Berkey Creamery.In this episode, you’ll learn about the Creamery’s start, how it’s evolved over the years, and it’s place in Penn State’s culture today. And, for all you wondering, the most popular flavor is not Peachy Paterno! Episode Notes: https://www.mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-jim-brown All Podcast Notes: https://www.mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interviewed Dr. MeeCee Baker, President and CEO of Versant Strategies in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Versant Strategies is a premier governmental relations firm focused on agricultural, environmental, and rural issues. In this episode, you’ll learn how MeeCee transitioned from teaching ag education for 20 years to advocating for Pennsylvania agriculture with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and eventually leading the charge at Versant Strategies. MeeCee has overcome many barriers in the industry and works hard to stand up for the ag community in PA. Episode Notes: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-meecee-bakerAll Podcast Notes: mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interviewed Diane Kearns, Orchardist from Fruit Hill Orchard and Winchester Ciderworks in Winchester, Virginia. In this episode, you’ll learn about favorite apple varieties, what goes into making an award winning hard cider and how female orchardists are playing an important role in Shenandoah Valley orchard production.View this episodes notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-diane-kearnsView our other episodes at: mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, Jenny Kreisher and Meaghan Malinowski celebrate National Women's History Month by shouting out their favorite Women in Ag to follow online. From a former dancer to a Midwestern cricket farmer, this is a list of ladies you won't want to miss following. In this episode, you'll find great examples of storytelling in marketing and how to use digital channels for marketing your own farm business. Check out the show notes here: mafc.com/blog/women-ag-womens-historyCheck out the rest of our episodes here: mafc.com/podcastAccess the Member Assistance Program here: mafc.com/map
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interview Emma Musser, Pennsylvania State FFA officer. Emma will share her perspective through the eyes of a young FFA leader. She will share her journey of becoming a state officer, what this experience means to her and her creative opportunity to serve the future of agriculture.In this episode, you will learn about the importance of National FFA Week and the efforts Pennsylvania FFA has organized to celebrate the memorable week. #FFAWeekFind the episode notes here and all the links: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-emma-musserFind all episode notes and links here: mafc.com/podcast
In this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, we interview Holly Porter, the executive director of the Delmarva Chicken Association to learn about their new branding and Littr mobile app. You’ll learn where Holly got her start in the agriculture industry and how the organization’s name transitioned from Delmarva Poultry Industry to the Delmarva Chicken Association.Check out the Delmarva Chicken Association at dcachicken.com and the Littr app at littr.io.Find the episode notes here and all the links: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-holly-porterFind all episode notes and links here: mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interview Greg and Kendal Peterson of internet sensation, The Peterson Farm Brothers. You may recognize their name from their 20 different parody music videos, but the brothers are also huge advocates for the ag industry, writing "myth-busting" blogs and sharing their operation's daily happenings on social media. In this episode, you'll learn how they got started and why they think it's so important for other producers to start telling their stories and making the effort to educate consumers.Find the episode notes here and all the links: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-peterson-brothersFind all episode notes and links here: mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interview Darlene Livingston, Executive Director for Pennsylvania Farm Link about farm succession planning. Darlene will share with us her own farm transition story and her experience as a Certified Succession Coordinator with the International Farm Transition Network.In this episode you’ll learn why farm transition planning is important, lessons learned from farm transition mistakes and useful tools to start your farm transition.Find the episode notes here and all the links: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-darlene-livingstonFind all episode notes and links here: mafc.com/podcastRegister for the Farm Transition Planning Webinar Series here: mafc.com/event/webinar-transition-planning
On this week’s episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates podcast, we talk with Stuart Cooper, MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s Chief Lending Officer. Stuart has a long history with Farm Credit (25 years!), but his passion for customer experience didn’t start there. In this episode, we talk about how Stuart’s career as a hotel manager prepped him for a life in sales, and how his team did a complete 180 as COVID-19 swept across our communities. Not only that, but we discuss what MidAtlantic is doing to prepare for whatever 2021 may bring, and what the future of our industry will look like, beyond the pandemic we’re facing today.Stay tuned after this interview to learn more about our Member Assistance Program – a valuable resource to help you cope with a variety of curveballs life throws us. Find the episode notes here and all the links: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-stuart-cooper Find all episode notes and links here: mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interview Zach Evans, Community Relations Manager for Mountaire Farms and former Farm Credit Loan Officer about Mountaire's approach to creating a culture that supports the community, even the ones that aren't right up the road.In this episode you'll learn about how Zach created his name in agriculture on the Eastern Shore and used his networks to bring back the Wicomico County Fair. Now, Zach helps create a community recognized brand through service to others by finding new ways to support Mountaire's employees and even our neighbors in Louisiana that were affected greatly by Hurricane Laura. Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-zach-evansView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
On this episode of the Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast, we interview Kenny Bounds, Delaware Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Farm Credit retiree. Kenny tell us how his lifelong career of advocating for agriculture started and has evolved through many different positions all centered around supporting our local farmers.In this episode prepare to be inspired by Kenny's passion for supporting local rural communities, learn about organizations to get involved with, and determine whether or not you'd like to have breakfast with Mr. Bounds during his lightning round.Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-kenny-boundsView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Angel Evans at AgLife Marketing to define what customer experience looks like in agriculture and how producers and farmers can shift their operation to focus more on the customer journey. Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-angel-evansView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Sonia Aranza to unpack what unconscious bias means and how you can improve your operation by inviting diversity and inclusion into the way you do business. Sonia gives us steps that we can take to make sure we're acknowledging the inherent bias within us to continue to embrace a growth mindset. Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-sonia-aranzaView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Katie Winstead Reuwer to spotlight first responders who are doubly essential by also working in ag. Katie gives us a glimpse at what it's like to balance her career as a nurse teacher and a poultry farmer, and how the pandemic has effected both. Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-katie-reuwerView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Emma Jagoz, Founder of Moon Valley Farm CSA to learn how she started her CSA in her neighbor's backyards and grew to their own 25 acre plot. After the pandemic struck, she shifted the CSA from catering to high end restaurants and chefs to feeding consumers with their extended season of growing. Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-emma-jagozView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Amy Cawley, the Farm to Food Bank Coordinator for the Maryland Food Bank for September's Hunger Action Month. In this episode, Amy shares how she got involved with the MD Food Bank and how she bridges the gap between producers and our neighbors in need. Find the episode notes here: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-amy-cawleyView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Andrea Haines, Founder, Journalist and Photographer at ALH wordandimage about how she found her love for writing and photography and what it means to the ag industry.Episode Notes: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-andrea-hainesView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Marji Alaniz, President and Founder of the FarmHer photo project and media community that places an emphasis on growing connections between women farmers and women in the agricultural community.Episode Notes: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-marji-alanizView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Dairyman's Association and fourth generation dairy farmer in Lebanon County on how their organization helps create connections between the producer, the community and legislators.Episode Notes: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-dave-smith-pa-dairymens-associationView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Jenny Rhodes, Principal Agent at the University of Maryland Extension and poultry farmer at Deerfield Poultry farm in Centreville, MD on what it's like to be a poultry farmer in a pandemic and how they're operating with increased biosecurity measures.Episode Notes: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-debbie-wing-farm-credit-councilView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Debbie Wing, Executive Vice President of Communications with the Farm Credit Council on crisis communications and how the council supports our association and the industry in Washington DC.Episode Notes: mafc.com/blog/agvocates-podcast-debbie-wing-farm-credit-councilView all episode notes here: mafc.com/podcast
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Trevor Hoff of Local Homestead Products LLC in New Windsor, Maryland on how they've pivoted to continue serving their customers and collaborate with other local growers during COVID-19 pandemic.
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews MidAtlantic Farm Credit Content & Digital Marketing Strategist Meaghan Malinowski on digital marketing for farmers and how to tell your farm's story.
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews Katey Evans of The Frozen Farmer in Bridgeville, DE on how they've taken the waste from their harvests to create a value added product that appeals to everyone; ice cream!
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews MidAtlantic Farm Credit SVP & Government Affairs, Kurt Fuchs and talks about how to make sure that your legislators represent you and your community through storytelling.
The Farm Credit AgVocates Podcast interviews MidAtlantic Farm Credit President & CEO Tom Truitt on the association and the state of the ag industry in 2020.
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