ArborOne News

SC Farm of the Year Contest

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:01:00 +0000

(This is a re-print of an article by Tony Melton, Florence County Extension) If you are a regular reader of this article you know that my mind has a mind of its own. I will always have a S.C. Farm Boy view of the world because I realize that I learned all the important things in life growing-up watching mama pick cotton and as soon as I could drag a harvest sack picking cotton myself. My education really hit high gear when granddaddy switched from growing cotton to butterbeans. Every bean had to be what we called “full” so I had to inspect every bean before picking, but still I only received 50 cent for every bucket picked. My parents brought me up to take myself lightly but work hard and take pride in my work. After working with other S.C. farmers for over 50 years I believe most farmers were also taught this by their parents. However, in today’s society it seems that many folks want to jump up and down and let everyone know how great they are - without the work to back it up. Humility and dignity has been tossed out the window. This may be one of the reasons why it is so hard for me to get farmers to apply for our “S.C. Farm of the Year Contest.” Really this is also one of the reasons why we call it the “Farm of the Year” instead of the “Farmer of the Year Contest.” Every farmer should be with no reservations proud of his farm – his life’s work. This is where each of you may help. It is fashionable today to connect to where your food comes from so if you are or know of anyone who is a S.C. farmer please have them send the following information by May 20th to Tony Melton, Florence County Extension Service, 2685 S. Irby St., Florence, S.C. 29505 or email to amelton@clemson.edu. 1. All contact information. 2. Farm Name. 3. Farm Size 4. Farm Cropping/Livestock. 5. Describe how you manage your labor, machinery, and technical assets to maximize efficiency. 6. Describe your plans to boost biodiversity, protect natural resources, reduce carbon footprint and engage with the public. 7. Do you participate in agritourism or other agribusiness ventures? 8. Are you a member of South Carolina Certified Grown? ArborOne Farm Credit has graciously agreed to sponsor the “3nd Annual S.C. Farm of the Year Contest.” “A little recognition for a job-well-done especially with a prize – Never hurt anybody,” like my daddy would say. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. ArborOne Farm Credit is a member of the national Farm Credit System and provides financing for agriculture, agribusiness, land, equipment and homes in the country. ArborOne's territory is the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina.

Every Dollar Counts

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Every dollar counts. And on March 31, 2012, ArborOne Farm Credit put dollars back in their customers’ pockets. It’s called patronage and it’s the best deal going.

Since 1988, ArborOne has returned more than $94 million dollars in total patronage distributions to customers. This patronage refund represents approximately 22.5 percent of the interest that accrued on a customer’s loan in 2011. In other words, for every $1.00 of interest that accrued on that loan, ArborOne is refunding 22.5 cents. The patronage distribution is comprised of fifty-one percent Qualified Surplus Allocated with the remaining forty-nine percent in Non-Qualified Allocated Surplus. Approximately thirty-seven percent of the total distribution of Qualified Surplus Allocated will be paid out in cash with the remaining providing capital to the Association to be revolved in future years. ArborOne operates as a cooperative. Their customers are member-owners. The Board of Directors is made up of customers elected by customers.

“Farmers and farm businesses in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina count on ArborOne to provide dependable credit and competitive interest rates,” said Mickey Ward, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We’re pleased to be able to consistently return money to our customers, even in tough economic times.”

“On-the-farm service and knowledge of agriculture and agribusiness distinguishes ArborOne Farm Credit as the premier agricultural lender in the Pee Dee region. Agriculture is our core business,” said Kathy Heustess, President and CEO, “and our cooperative structure allows us to pay a patronage refund to our borrower/owners, reducing their overall cost of financing.”

Headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, ArborOne Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm, through its constant commitment to competitive lending and expert financial services. ArborOne is well-capitalized and ready to lend.

Starting the Year Off Red, Right

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:36:00 +0000

The lure of wearing jeans every Friday in January and February while supporting a good cause - the American Heart Association – could not be denied. And that’s how ArborOne Farm Credit raised $800 for the AHA.

But that is just the beginning. During 2012, ArborOne employees will be able to pay $20 to wear jeans on Fridays. The money raised will go to a different charity each month. Suggestions will be made by the staff and a committee has been set up to determine which cause will be supported each month.

ArborOne Farm Credit, headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production, rural home mortgages as well as crop and life insurance. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. For more information, visit www.ArborOne.com.

Shuler Announces Retirement; Heustess Named President of ArborOne

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:06:00 +0000

Florence, SC – ArborOne Farm Credit CEO Jack Shuler announced today that the board of directors has named Kathy Heustess president of the association effective immediately and will succeed Mr. Shuler as CEO on January 1, 2012. ArborOne is a part of the national Farm Credit System and serves the twelve counties of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

Jack Shuler has made the decision to retire effective December 31, 2011, after nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the Farm Credit System. Moving to Florence in 1987, Shuler has long been a driving force at ArborOne Farm Credit (formerly Pee Dee Farm Credit) and throughout the Farm Credit System; leading with integrity in many capacities during his tenure. On a national level, Shuler chaired the committee responsible for implementing Farm Credit’s Reputation Management Program and also served on the Presidents Planning Committee for twelve years. In the AgFirst district, he was the chairman of the first automated credit delivery program, Credit Pro, as well as many other appointed work groups and committees.

“Serving with passion and distinction, Jack has positively promoted local agriculture and rural America in a manner that has truly made a difference and for which we are grateful,” said Chairman of the ArborOne Farm Credit Board of Directors Mickey Ward.

Under Shuler’s leadership, ArborOne Farm Credit has grown from a company with $150 million in managed assets to over $800 million. Well capitalized, the association continues to provide credit to local farmers and agricultural related businesses.
The board has chosen Kathy Heustess as the successor president and chief executive officer. Working at ArborOne for 22 years, Heustess brings a wealth of knowledge with her into the position. Hired in 1989 as controller, she was promoted to chief financial officer shortly thereafter and in 2008 became chief operating officer. During her four years as COO, Heustess has been responsible for the day to day operations as well as deeply involved in the planning and implementation of the strategic business plan and vision for ArborOne.

As a native of Horry County, Kathy has a farming background and has spent her entire life in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. A graduate of Francis Marion University in Florence, SC, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, she holds a CPA designation in S.C.

In announcing Heustess’ promotion, Board Chairman Ward said, “This is an implementation of the association’s succession plan.” Noting Heustess’ depth of experience in the association’s financial and credit areas, he added, “Kathy is uniquely qualified for this position; her knowledge and dedication have long been recognized by the board and me.”

Before joining ArborOne, Heustess worked with Cargill, Inc. and a local CPA firm. Heustess and her husband, Billy, live in Florence, SC, and they have 2 sons.

ArborOne Farm Credit, headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production, rural home mortgages as well as crop and life insurance. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. For more information, visit ArborOne.com.

SC Farms of the Year - from "The Link"

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:44:00 +0000

McLeod Farms of McBee was the SC Large Farm of the Year, an award given at the 2011 Farmers Festival in Lake City, SC. ArborOne Farm Credit sponsored the contest and Jack Shuler, President and CEO, was on hand to present the awards.

Click here to read more of the article featured in Chesterfield County's "The Link" newspaper.

SC Farms of the Year Announced at Farmers Festival

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:30:00 +0000

A beautiful Saturday, June 18th, in Lake City was the setting for the Fifth Annual Farmers Festival Parade, farmers market and presentation of SC Farms of the Year (Large and Small). ArborOne Farm Credit was proud to be the sponsor of these awards.

“We consider it an honor to sponsor this award and be a part of recognizing the farms and farmers of South Carolina,” said Jack Shuler, President and CEO of ArborOne, who was on hand Saturday to present the awards.

Thompson Farm & Nursery of Conway was the SC Small Farm Winner. A family operation, Thompson Farm began as a working farm in 1845. Through the years it has expanded to include educational opportunities and become an agritourism destination. Classes from all over Horry County visit Thompson Farm to see the animals, learn about farming and choose pumpkins. A highlight of the fall is the corn maze and family night movies are a fun way to enjoy the cooling weather of Saturday evenings in October and November. To learn more about Thompson Farm & Nursery, please visit their website, www.thompsonfarmandnursery.com .

McLeod Farms of McBee was the SC Large Farm of the Year winner. The orchards have been in the McLeod family since 1916. Today, Kemp McLeod represents the fourth generation to work the family orchards. Famous for their peaches, visit them year-round for black berries, strawberries, pumpkins, and many other treats that are available at the McLeod Farms Roadside Market & Museum. For more inofrmation and important dates for the annual Fall Festival, please visit McLeod Farms’ website, www.MacsPride.com .

ArborOne Farm Credit, headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production, as well as rural home mortgages. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. For more information, visit ArborOne.com.

ArborOne Farm Credit Announces 2011 Board Election Results

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Florence, SC – ArborOne Farm Credit is pleased to announce the election of Mr. J. Whit Player to the Board of Directors. Members of the agricultural financial cooperative elected Mr. Player to serve a six year term.

Mr. Player, who resides in Lee County, will join the Board at its next meeting. A graduate of Clemson University, he has been farming full-time for twenty years. Player Farms is a diversified farming operation in Lee County with approximately 1,400 acres in row crop production; consisting of cotton, corn, peanuts and sunflowers (which are used for a dove hunting operation). Player Farms also has eight turkey grow-out houses for Prestage Farms and a small amount of acreage in the Conservation Reserve Program. In addition to farming, Mr. Player is a Forestry Technician with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a Dixie Youth Baseball coach, and the President of St. Charles Gin Company. Whit and his wife, Beth, have four children and live in Elliott.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve farmers and farm businesses in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina as a member of the ArborOne Farm Credit Board,” Player said. “Farm Credit serves us by being a safe, sound and reliable source of credit. The Association’s strength translates to opportunity for the local agricultural community.”

Other members of the Board include Mickey Ward, Jimmy Poston, John Lee Newman, DuPree Atkinson, Harold Stowe, Harry DuRant, and Kelly Wiseman. Elected to serve on the 2012 Nominating Committee were: Dale Player, William Lawson, Jon Stuckey, E. Cullen Bryant, Thomas Durant, and Johnny Shelley. Alternates include: Jim Chapman, Doyle O’Neal, H. Steven Brunson, and Thomas Lee.

ArborOne Farm Credit, headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production, as well as rural home mortgages. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. For more information, visit www.ArborOne.com .

SC Farm of the Year Contest

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Nominations are now being accepted for the "SC Farm of the Year". Farmers, don't be shy, you should be proud of your farm.

For more details, see Tony Melton's article.

South Carolina Farms: Ideal Places for Growing our Rural Economy

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:55:00 +0000

(The following article ran as an op-ed in the Sunday, May 8, 2011, edition of "The State" newspaper.)

We’ve all seen the bumper sticker, “Think globally, act locally.” Pretty useful advice, but what happens if we contemplate the reverse? In looking for ways to create jobs in South Carolina, what would it take to “think locally, act globally”?

South Carolina’s rural communities have been struggling for decades, despite longstanding efforts to recruit outside businesses to them. What would happen if we focused instead on developing rural economies from the inside out – starting locally with what they do best and then exporting the goods they produce to the rest of the world?

South Carolina’s rural communities are within an eight-hour drive of 60 percent of the population along America’s eastern seaboard, over 100 million people. And every day, rain or shine, bull market or bear, those people eat.

Much of the food they have traditionally consumed comes all the way from the Midwest and California, helped along partly by subsidies paid for by South Carolina taxpayers. This dynamic is changing as rising energy costs make it harder for western growers to ship their goods across the country to East Coast markets.

The question becomes, then, is our state ready to invest in rural areas in order to exploit new opportunities in local, regional, and national food markets?

South Carolina boasts some of the most fertile soils and productive farms in the country. We have a year-round growing season and the highway and rail systems needed to move our fresh produce quickly. Thanks to the SC Department of Agriculture, we also have a wildly successful marketing campaign, “Certified SC Grown.”

What do we lack? First, the processing, packaging, and distribution facilities necessary to increase the economic return on our goods before we send them to market. Too often, our produce, like any raw material, is shipped out of state to those who make the real profits by processing it. For example, we know of produce grown in Aiken County that is shipped to Atlanta for processing before finding its way to grocery stores in Charleston.

Second, we lack policies to empower local food markets, making it harder for us to compete with food distributors from other states. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Carolinians spent $7 billion on food in 2010, but only 10 percent of those dollars went to South Carolina producers. Simply doubling the amount of produce and livestock we consume locally would generate millions in revenues and create hundreds of jobs right here at home.

How do we get there? We need specific policies to empower our small farmers and local markets. These are not subsidies but targeted investments that will create jobs.

In 2007, the SC Department of Agriculture launched the “Certified SC Grown” campaign. In three short years, it has generated nearly $3 million in additional producer surplus, a $6 return for every $1 spent. A recent study by the Moore School of Business determined that an additional $2 million investment in the “Certified SC Grown” program would boost state government revenues by $23 million and create close to 10,000 jobs. These jobs would raise incomes in our rural areas and help create the labor pool we need to begin marketing our products regionally and nationally.

Times are hard right now, and the budget squeeze is being felt at the state’s General Assembly. Still, there are several bills that would encourage our local food markets, including legislation to create an agribusiness development authority, place signs at our agritourism businesses, and promote our fledgling “Farm to School” program. These bills will help strengthen our local food markets and create jobs.

A study by the University of Minnesota Extension Service revealed that small farms with an average gross income of less than $100,000 made almost 95 percent of total expenditures within their local communities. By developing processing, distribution, and marketing facilities for what they grow and raise locally, rural residents can reverse decades of decline and begin creating wealth from within.

With the right policies and consumer education in place, we can turn green acres into greenbacks. The key will be to “think locally, act globally.”

Ben Gregg is Executive Director of South Carolina Wildlife Federation, and lives in Columbia.
Ben Gregg
Executive Director
South Carolina Wildlife Federation
www.scwf.org
215 Pickens Street Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 256-0670
(803) 256-0690 FAX

Jack Shuler is President and CEO of ArborOne Farm Credit, and lives in Florence.
Jack Shuler
President and Chief Executive Officer
JShuler@arborone.com
800 Woody Jones Blvd.
Florence, SC 29501
PO Box 3699 (29502)
843.432.2343 d
843.601-4500 c
843.662.1527 o
843.679.4713 f

ArborOne Mails Checks Exceeding $1 Million to Customers

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

ArborOne Farm Credit is celebrating a profitable 2010 by distributing more than $3.4 million in profits to its member-customers. The member owners of ArborOne are reaping the rewards of doing business with the local Farm Credit as a recipient of a patronage refund. Thirty percent of this patronage refund is paid in cash with the remaining seventy percent placed in a surplus account in each customer’s name.

During the month of April, more than 1,200 customers received checks reflecting over $1 million dollars or 20% of the interest that accrued on their loans in 2010. More simply: for every $1.00 of interest that accrued on a loan, ArborOne refunded 20 cents.

“It is our goal to operate efficiently, profitably and manage risk in a manner that will enable us to return a portion of earnings to our customers,” said Jack Shuler, President and CEO. ArborOne has been paying patronage refunds for over 20 years.

For more information on how you can become a member-customer, call ArborOne Farm Credit at 800.741.7332, log on to www.ArborOne.com or visit us at either our Florence (800 Woody Jones Blvd.) or Conway (900-C, Suite A, Main Street) offices.

About ArborOne Farm Credit
An agricultural lending cooperative, ArborOne Farm Credit is owned by its member-borrowers and provides loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; recreational property; crop insurance; rural home mortgages and rural America bonds. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. ArborOne covers the twelve counties of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

Carolina AAC Ribbon Cutting in Marlboro County

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:49:00 +0000

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 – Carolina AAC cut the ribbon on a 70,000 square foot facility in the Marlboro County Industrial Park. The state-of-the-art facility will create 36 initial jobs, with an additional 14-15 operational positions being added shortly after.

Carolina AAC produces Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), a sustainable, light-weight and eco-friendly concrete material that provides temperature-controlling insulation. AAC is used to create internal and external wall systems in residential and commercial structures. It is fire resistant and has been used in Europe and Asia for several decades. With the growing consumer demand and government mandates for green construction, Carolina AAC will be able to provide area architects, engineers and contractors with AAC blocks suitable for projects seeking LEED or similar certification.

This project is the result of a combination of private investment, local and federal grants, loan funding and assistance from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The company has received vital support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the S.C. Energy Office, the S.C. Department of Commerce and Coordinating Council for Economic Development, ArborOne Farm Credit, Marlboro Electric Cooperative, both Marlboro and Marion Counties in South Carolina and the Marlboro County Transportation Committee.

Congratulations Dr. Martin

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Martin - the Clemson University Pee Dee Research & Education Center turfgrass pathologist has been named 2010 Alumni Distinguished Cooperative Extension Public Service Award winner.

Read the entire article here.

Shuler Podcast Answers "What is Farm Credit?"

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:15:00 +0000

Jack Shuler, President & CEO of ArborOne Farm Credit, participated in the podcast "This Week in Ag" on Truffle Media. Mr. Shuler answered questions about Farm Credit, who we are, what we do and who we were created to help. Nate Taylor and John Blue of Truffle Media conducted the interview.

Mr. Shuler's website of the week was www.FarmCredit.com , the newly upgraded website of the national Farm Credit System. For a more local feel, please visit the ArborOne Farm Credit website www.ArborOne.com

ArborOne Farm Credit is a member of the national Farm Credit System and covers twelve counties in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Founded in 1916 to provide credit for farmers and rural America, we proudly finance agriculture, agribusiness, recreational/hunting property, rural homes and timberland.

ArborOne Employees Graduate from SC Banking School

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Leah Hollifield and Carey Middleton were two of the nine Pee Dee graduates from South Carolina Bankers School held this summer. Read the full story here.

ArborOne Donates to Marion County 4-H

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:28:00 +0000

By Naeem Mcfadden Published: August 03, 2010 (From the "Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise")

MULLINS -- Don Boice, senior vice president –relationship mangement of ArborOne Farm Credit in Florence donated $1,200 to the Marion County 4-H Program and Mullins Fire Department to purchase a Sparky the Fire Dog costume suit.
“I’m very thankful for the contribution ArborOne and the match the city officials came up with. It’s going to be helpful in regards to fire prevention and education,” Mullins Fire Department Chief Robert Stetson said, adding that the suit would be useful on school visits.

Sparky the Fire Dog will be used to teach Marion County children fire safety information. Along with Sparky the Fire Dog, Freddie Fire Smart Kids curriculum is taught to youth.
Sharon Grice, 4-H agent, said that based on the premise that young children can learn valuable fire safety lessons, Clemson University Extension Service and the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Offices develops the six-week fire safety curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.

Fire safety behaviors learned at an early age will extend into adulthood and ultimately will reduce fire deaths and prevent fires, Grice said.

Stetson said that the first step in fire prevention is education. “We must educate our youth so they in return education their parents,” he said. Oct 3-9 is observed as Fire Prevention Week, Stetson said.

Boice said he along with ArborOne Farm Credit is proud to help sponsor 4-H Fire Safety programs in Marion County. “If only one person is saved, all of this is worth it,” he said.

Poker Run Results

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:22:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone for making the ArborOne Farm Credit Relay For Life Poker Run a great day! The weather was beautiful and the food good for this fundraising event held by ArborOne. Congratulations to Steve McKnight for Best Hand and Bobby Griggs for Second Best. Don Boice enjoyed the entire experience in spite of winning Worst Hand.

We appreciate all the donations (time, food and financial) and participation for this worthy event. Relay For Life is one of the American Cancer Society’s major fundraising events for cancer research. We are all touched by cancer and ArborOne is no exception. It is in memory of longtime ArborOne employee Cindy Jordan Sheppard that we participate in this event each year. Cindy lost her battle with cancer in 2008 but the fight is still being fought by so many and ArborOne wants to help.

Our Poker Run was June 12th, but you can still donate to the American Cancer Society in honor or memory of someone, or through a general donation.

Thanks to everyone for your hard work!

ArborOne Sponsors SC Farmer's Festival

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:48:00 +0000

The Fourth Annual SC Farmer's Festival is this weekend in Lake City, SC. Free events will begin on Thursday, June 17th and continue through Saturday afternoon, June 19th. The weekend will wrap up with the Beach Blast concert with the Coastline Band. Tickets are $25 (single) and $40 (double) in advance but will be available at the gate for $30 and $50 Saturday night. The concert will be held behind the Godley Morris building, at 800 W. Main Street, gates open at 7pm.

Sherri Moore, Lake City's National Bean Market Associated Director, said the festival began to promote and showcase agribusiness, agricultural heritage in Lake City. The National Bean Market is the headquarters for the festival which has grown tremendously in its four year span. From a one-day event, to a two-day affair in 2008 and 2009, everyone is looking forward to the family friendly line-up this weekend. The Saturday morning parade's Grand Marshall is South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.

ArborOne Farm Credit is one of many festival sponsors. As the agriculture finance experts with more than 90 years experience, ArborOne is always happy to support and encourage the growth of agriculture. And being part of this event was a perfect fit.

For more information about the festival and for Beach Blast tickets, please contact the Lake City National Bean Market at (843) 374-1802.

About ArborOne Farm Credit
ArborOne Farm Credit provides loans for agriculture, agribusiness and rural homes. A proud member of the Farm Credit System, ArborOne is a cooperative and is member-owned, returning a portion of each year’s profits to eligible members through patronage refunds.
www.ArborOne.com

DuRant elected to ArborOne Board

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:57:00 +0000

Congratulations to Harry B. DuRant of Clarendon county who has been re-elected to the ArborOne Farm Credit Board of Directors.

Delegates to the 2011 Nominating Committee have also been elected and are:
Dale Player
Cullen Bryant
Johnny Shelley
Jon Stuckey
William Lawson
Thomas Durant

The elected alternates to the 2011 Nominating Committee are:
Jim Chapman
Steve Brunson
Doyle O’Neil
Thomas Lee

Thank you and congratulations!

About ArborOne Farm Credit

ArborOne Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers providing farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; recreational property loans; crop insurance; rural home mortgages and rural America bonds. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. ArborOne covers the twelve counties of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

Relay For Life Poker Run

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:54:00 +0000

It's that time of year, the time when we specifically raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. At ArborOne Farm Credit we are passionately involved in this event to honor the memory of our former co-worker, Cindy Jordan Sheppard, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, by raising money and awareness to help make a difference in the fight against Cancer. We honor all the women of valor whose legacies pave the way for our children and grandchildren, and help guide each of us through life’s journey.

The money raised from Relay goes directly to support the American Cancer Society’s programs for research, education and services for patients and their families whose lives have been touched by Cancer.

This year we are having a Poker Run Benefit open to all vehicles. The run will leave from the ArborOne office at 800 Woody Jones Blvd. in Florence and end at Dondi Campbell’s farm in Timmonsville where a meal will be served.

If you participate in the run the details are:

First bike/vehicle out 11 am $20 per hand
Last bike/vehicle out 2 pm No limit on # of hands
Last bike/vehicle in 5 pm Door prizes at 5 pm
May purchase two extra cards per hand at last stop

Prizes for: 1st Place, 2nd Place & Worst hand

For more info contact: Hollie Hinson-843-662-1527 or Don Boice 843-307-5901.

If you cannot join us for the Poker Run, we ask that you please help support our efforts for Team Cindy with a tax-deductible contribution to the American Cancer Society. You may send your check made payable to the American Cancer Society to Don Boice, ArborOne Farm Credit, PO Box 3699, Florence, SC 29501

Cindy’s amazing courage and strength during her life and her battle with cancer gives us hope and inspiration to help reduce the suffering and loss caused by this horrific disease. Together, we can make a difference! Remember…There’s no finish line until we find a cure.

ArborOne Farm Credit Welcomes Three New Employees

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:46:00 +0000

Jack Shuler, President and CEO of ArborOne Farm Credit, recently announced that three new employees have joined ArborOne Farm Credit. Wesley Jones and Matt Kimrey have joined the Core Credit Team as Title Loan Processors. Kari Schuberth has joined the Rural America Bond Unit as a Loan Assistant.

Wesley is from Marion, SC, and a graduate of Francis Marion University with a BBA in Finance. Matt is also a graduate of Francis Marion University, his degree is in Management. Kari graduated from Clemson University with a BBA in Applied Economics and Statistics.

ArborOne Farm Credit provides loans for agriculture, agribusiness and rural homes. A proud member of the Farm Credit System, ArborOne is a cooperative and is member-owned, returning a portion of each year’s profits to eligible members through patronage refunds.

ArborOne Farm Credit Sponsors Spring Flower Festival

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:01:00 +0000

It's that time of year. When people from all across the region visit the Pee Dee State Farmers' Market in Florence, SC, to peruse, plan and purchase the most amazing array of flowers, plants, garden and yard accessories, food and so much more. Yes, the annual Spring Plant & Flower Festival is finally here!

Once again, ArborOne Farm Credit is pleased to help sponsor this very popular event.

"The weather has been beautiful and the crowd grows each year," said Mary Dickson, VP of Marketing at ArborOne. "Helping sponsor this event is a perfect fit for us, and always a lot of fun."

Be sure to visit ArborOne's booth in the center of the barn and register for the John Deere pedal tractor. You can also sit on an antique John Deere tractor. And don't forget to pick up a packet or three of marigolds - the natural mosquito repellant! ArborOne Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers providing farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; recreational property loans; crop insurance; rural home mortgages and rural America bonds. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. ArborOne covers the twelve counties of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

ArborOne Farm Credit part of Crop Insurance Discussions

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Don Boice and Debbie Fowler of ArborOne Farm Credit attended a round-table discussion about the proposed changes to the federal crop insurance program Monday, March 22, 2010, in Washington DC. This meeting was organized by the Farm Credit Council, the trade organization for the Farm Credit System, and attended by Farm Credit crop insurance experts, representatives of the Risk Management Agency and members of the FCC.

Congress is considering making changes to the crop insurance program next year. This insurance is a crucial part of farmers’ risk management planning which makes it important to Farm Credit.

“We are at the table and making a difference,” said Don Boice, Chief Relationship Manager at ArborOne.

William Murpy of the Risk Management Agency was present and interested to hear Farm Credit representatives’ comments.

“This is the beginning of a well-respected and informative relationship with RMA,” Debbie Fowler, Crop Insurance expert with ArborOne.

Future meetings are planned for this group to continue the crop insurance discussions.

ArborOne Farm Credit is an agricultural and rural financing cooperative covering the twelve counties of the Pee Dee region in South Carolina and a member of the Farm Credit System, a national federation of lending cooperatives serving agriculture and rural America since 1916.

Celebrate Ag Day!

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0000

March 20th is coming! How appropriate that the first day of spring is also National Ag Day. Whether you know it or not, agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. National Agriculture Week and National Ag Day is the time members of the agricultural industry come together to promote American agriculture.

You may ask "why should we celebrate Ag Day?" A few key reasons...

- increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition helps you make better and more informed decisions about diet and health

- informed citizens help establish policies supporting a competitive agricultural industry in this country and abroad

- there are many employment opportunities in agriculture (including farm production, food science, processing and retailing, education, landscape architecture, urban planning, energy, and many more)

- from kindergarter to 12th grade, all students should receive some ag instuction

- agriculture is too important to only be taught to the small percentage of students considering careers in agriculture

- agricultural literacy includes an understanding of agriculture's history and current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans. This understanding includes some knowledge of food, fiber and renewable resource production, processing and domestic and international marketing.

For more information about Ag Day and the importance of agriculture in our society, please visit the Agriculture Council of America website, www.agday.org.

Be sure to thank your local farmer!

Crop Insurance Sales Closing Day

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:06:00 +0000

Monday, March 1st, should be on every farmer’s calendar. March 1 is the sales closing day for crop insurance. What’s that? Sales closing day is the final day to make any changes (adding crops, entity changes, etc.) to an existing crop insurance policy or to write a new policy on spring crops.

ArborOne’s relationship managers are out making sure all customers and potential customers have made necessary updates.

"This is an important touch of our customers," says Andrea Benton, an ArborOne crop insurance coordinator. "It ensures that they and their operations are adequately protected for the 2010 crop year."

About ArborOne Farm Credit
ArborOne Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative owned by its member-borrowers. It provides farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; recreational property loans; crop insurance; and rural home mortgages. It is part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. ArborOne covers the twelve counties of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.ArborOne.com.

More Than Loans for Land and Livestock - ArborOne Farm Credit

noreply@blogger.com (ArborOne Farm Credit) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:30:00 +0000

ArborOne Farm Credit is the cover story for the February Issue of the Greater Pee Dee Business Journal. In an in-depth article by Dan McCue accompanied by Benton Henry's photographs, ArborOne and its employees are introduced to readers.

President and CEO Jack Shuler is quoted, "Everyone here is dedicated to serving rural America..." And that is just what ArborOne Farm Credit does.

To read this article and view the pictures, please follow this link.