Annie's Project Opportunity

Annie's Project is a national program that teaches women about farm management skills in a comfortable relaxed setting. It is hands-on, not just lecture time. This year, an opportunity has presented itself for women farmers in South Carolina. Clemson Extension is offering an educational retreat May 31 - June 3, 2012, at the Hampton Inn and the Firehouse Conference Center in Newberry, SC. Space is limited and the deadline is May 15th. Very soon! The fee is $75 and covers all workshop materials and activities, lodging, meals and more! View the flyer or contact Jennifer Boyles at 843.616.0786.

National Agriculture Day – March 8th

National Ag Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

ArborOne Farm Credit is proud to be a part of the national Farm Credit System that was created in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson when he signed the Farm Credit Act. Farm Credit was created to provide agriculture, agribusiness and rural America with dependable credit. We are pleased to be the leading agricultural lending experts.

National Ag Day is the primary focus of the Agriculture Council of America.

The ACA believes that every American should:

*understand how food and fiber products are produced

*appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products

*value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy

*acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry

Happy National Ag Day! Thank your local farmer and buy local!

State Fair of Virginia - official statement

March 7, 2012 official statement

Unfortunately, the State Fair of Virginia (a non-profit organization not affiliated with the Commonwealth of Virginia) has been unable to obtain sufficient financing to sustain its business operations for fiscal year 2012 on a profitable basis or to purchase the remaining collateral as set forth in an Order entered earlier in the SFVA’s bankruptcy case. Based on the Court Order, which was agreed to by the Fair, the lender group will take possession of the real estate and remaining personal property on March 7.

If the bondholders are awarded the funds held for scholarships, the lender group will use its best efforts to determine the details of each recipient’s current award in order to set up a scholarship fund and administer those funds to the youth who would otherwise have been negatively impacted by The State Fair of Virginia’s failure.

Crop Insurance Deadline - Tomorrow

It’s February 27th, and that means tomorrow, Tuesday, February 28th, is the deadline to sign up for or make changes to crop insurance.

This is such an important part of any farmer’s business plan and risk management, don’t miss the date. If you have any questions, Don, Debbie, Ashley or Andrea will be happy to help you. Call the ArborOne office at 800.741.7332 or visit our website www.ArborOne.com. This link will lead you directly to our crop insurance information.

Don’t miss the date! It’s not too late – take care of it now.

Francis Marion's Dr. Fred Carter Speaks at Staff Meeting

Francis Marion University’s Dr. Fred Carter was the inspirational speaker for the ArborOne Farm Credit staff meeting on February 15th. Dr. Carter shared the history of the university and how it has well-served the state. He also discussed how programs have grown and would be growing in the future – nurse practitioner, industrial engineering and masters of public administration degrees. Dr. Carter’s words were inspiring, but his visible passion and love for Francis Marion University were even more inspirational. He encouraged the employees of ArborOne to care passionately for the customers and the company. And for them to know that they are making a difference in the lives of the farmers and agribusiness owners in the Pee Dee.

It was a especially meaningful to have Dr. Carter speak since 20 of the 51 employees of ArborOne Farm Credit received their undergraduate, masters or both from Francis Marion University.

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.

Crop Insurance Deadline

If you haven’t heard, the deadline to make changes to your crop insurance coverage or to sign up for crop insurance is fast approaching. February 28th is the last day to sign up or make changes to your coverage.

Call Don, Andrea, Debbie or Ashley at ArborOne Farm Credit for more information at 800.741.7332 or 843.662.1527. Information on crop insurance and deadlines throughout the year can be found here. Or visit our website www.ArborOne.com

Starting the Year Off Red, Right

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.