Volume 24 Issue 4
A Message from the President, Tom Truitt:
“It’s undeniable that new forms of agriculture are critical to the future of our industry, but just as important are the farmers and ranchers who are working land and raising livestock in ways that consider what is best for the future. The four customers we feature in this issue of the Leader have implemented practices into their operations that help them ensure they are doing their part to protect the environment and leave it better than they found it.
And, in our own effort to practice conservation, this is our first ever digital-only issue. We’d love to hear your feedback, and ideas for how we can better your Leader-reading experience.
On behalf of the entire Farm Credit family, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!”
- Tom Truitt, President and CEO of MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Glen and Linda Krall – Protecting Resources Through Conservation
Story and Photos by Sally Colby
Glen and Linda Krall predict they’ll soon be using the latest technology to determine fertilization needs and where yields are highest, which will further contribute to their conservation efforts. Farm Credit Loan Officer Sara Worobey describes the Kralls as progressive farmers who see value in conservation not only to benefit their own personal operation, but the overall environment as well.
Springview Farm – Conserving to Keep Farming
Story and Photos by Andrea Haines
Anyone who has been involved in some realm of agriculture can speak on the true link between farmers and the environment – it’s a partnership. The Lambert brothers’ partnership, Donnie and Charlie, is part of a multi-generational farming family in Frederick, Maryland. Like their family predecessors before them, the brothers are well-versed in their farm’s needs along with multiple properties around Frederick County, taking into consideration the needs of their surrounding community.
Read the Lambert Brothers' Full Story
Fox Chase Farm – It’s All About Conservation
Story and Photos by Nancy L. Smith
It may be difficult to imagine anything good coming out of a chicken house collapse that killed 20,000 birds at Terry Baker’s Fox Chase Farm in Millsboro, DE. Terry faced a massive clean-up challenge and, after that 2010 disaster, he started thinking there had to be a better way to dispose of deceased chickens.
The Ruffner Family – Seclusion for Environmental Inclusion
Story and Photos by Andrea Haines
Many responsible land owners take into consideration the valuable essentials when it comes to property value: nutrient base, longevity of animal inhabitation, and water sources, to name a few. John and Holly Ruffner and family, along with their son, Cody who is a full-time caretaker of the farm, have some major plans for their Virginia-based property.