AgGeorgia Farm Credit Announces Recipients of $53,800 in Community Mission Fund Grants
AgGeorgia Farm Credit recently awarded $53,800 to twelve local non-profit organizations as part of the cooperative’s Community Mission Fund. The grant program was established in 2023 with the goal of supporting endeavors that further the future of agriculture and enhance life in rural Georgia. Forty-eight grant applications were received, and awards of up to $5,000 per application were distributed in the fourth quarter.
“Word about the program has really begun to spread, particularly among organizations supporting military veterans and groups combating food insecurity,” said AgGeorgia CEO Rob Crain. “As we move into 2025 and soon open the application period for our third year of the fund, we are excited to receive new applications and raise awareness of deserving organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural Georgia.”
The twelve organizations that received funding are:
Ben Hill County 4-H (Ben Hill County) – Funds are being used to establish a teaching garden at the local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office, designed to be fully ADA accessible.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County (Jackson County) – Grant funds will be used to install a community garden at the Commerce location with raised garden beds, a labyrinth/walking circle for meditation, and a pollinator garden.
Byromville Community Food Pantry (Dooly County) – This new food pantry in Byromville was created to serve the rural community often overlooked by larger organizations. Funds will go towards purchasing and distributing food to feed an estimated 50 families a month.
Comfort Farms (Baldwin County) – Funds will be used to establish a perennial herb garden to support local cuisine and teas that help a variety of conditions such as insomnia, hypertension, and diabetes.
C-Qul (Bibb County) – This organization will use grant funds to implement “Give what you can, take what you need” pantries at a local recreation center and church. These pantries will allow easy access to food for large areas that house lower-income families.
Doc’s Healing Hives and Honey (Fannin County) – Grant funds will be used to create a suitable and accessible space for local beekeepers to process their honey using an electric extractor.
Georgia Envirothon (Clarke County) – The Georgia Envirothon is a natural resource education program designed to challenge students in an interactive, outdoor competition. Grant funds will go towards the State Competition that takes place in various State Parks around Georgia.
Hero Agriculture (Gordon County) – Funds will be used to develop a prototype and pilot a backyard farming startup kit for veterans.
Hickory Log Personal Care Home (Bartow County) – This organization will use grant funds to extend the fence around its chicken coop and add more chickens.
Sacred Roots Farm (Hall County) – Funds will be used to meet the permitting requirements to obtain a Department of Ag Food Sales Establishment License to sell farm-raised eggs commercially.
Teloga Volunteer Fire Department (Chattooga County) – Grant funds will be used to replace out-of-date tools for their woodland firefighting project.
Thomson Middle School FFA (Houston County) – This FFA Chapter will use funds to develop a Community Garden to educate students about agriculture, sustainability, and community service.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit will start accepting applications for the program for 2025 grants in January of next year. For more information and to apply when the application period re-opens, please visit the AgGeorgia Farm Credit Community Mission Fund page at aggeorgia.com/community-mission-fund.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit Announces Launch of Crop Insurance Division; Hire of Agent Sid Newton
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is pleased to announce the acquisition of the crop insurance portfolio of Newton Risk Management Agency, based in Waynesboro. As part of the agreement reached with Newton Risk Management Agency, Sid Newton has been brought on to serve as AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s crop insurance agent.
“We are excited to bring aboard a recognized and experienced crop insurance expert like Sid Newton,” said AgGeorgia CEO Rob Crain. “Sid has a diverse and extensive ag background, and having him on our team will no doubt provide added value to our membership.”
With the launch of the crop insurance division, AgGeorgia is now able to offer Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI), Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) coverage, as well as other federal and private products. Of particular interest to protect members is the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index, better known as the HIP-WI endorsement.
“In listening to our members, many have requested that we expand our breadth of services to provide more of a one-stop shopping experience,” said AgGeorgia Chief Marketing Officer Corey Cottle. “The deployment of additional products beyond our traditional financing options is a key strategy for AgGeorgia, as shown with the introduction of our home mortgage and leasing divisions in 2022 and now our crop insurance division.”
While the move will streamline service for existing members who obtain both operating loans and crop insurance through the cooperative, it is not a requirement to have a loan with AgGeorgia to obtain crop insurance through AgGeorgia. Members may also obtain crop insurance through any agent of their choosing.
Sid Newton has over 40 years of experience in agriculture, ranging from managing a family farm, cotton gin operations, chemical and fertilizer sales, and ultimately building a successful crop insurance business over the last 7 years. “I very much enjoy being an advisor and helping farmers manage volatility,” said Mr. Newton. “It’s satisfying to see family farms survive hardships such as the recent hurricanes because of crop insurance and effective risk management planning.”
Karen Beckstine of Braselton, Georgia has been announced as the lucky winner of a 2024 Kubota RTV, the grand prize from the AgGeorgia Farm Credit Regional Member Appreciation Events. Karen was randomly selected on Wednesday, October 30th, from all entries submitted during the Regional Member Appreciation Events held October 21st, 22nd, 28th, and 29th in Cartersville, Jefferson, Dublin, and Tifton, respectively.
Karen is a member of AgGeorgia’s Gainesville Branch and is pictured on her farm with her new Kubota and Loan Officer Nathan Dilday.
Congratulations Karen, and thank you to all members who attended our events and registered to win. We appreciate your business!
Crop Insurance is no longer as simple as deciding whether you want coverage, and if so, at what level. Our agents have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process, allowing you to make informed decisions to assure your farm survives whatever adversity comes your way.
Why Purchase Crop Insurance?
Weather and market volatility, in conjunction with high input costs, have made it more important than ever to utilize insurance to safeguard your operation. With both federal and private products available, AgGeorgia has options to help mitigate risk in both production and price.
What is Available?
We offer an array of federal and private products protecting you in the areas of both production and price, all with the convenience of securing your crop insurance at the same time as your farm loan or operating line of credit.
Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI)
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)
Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP)
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Coverage (PRF)
Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index Endorsement (HIP-WI)
Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP)
Added Price Option (APO)
Added Revenue Price Option (ARPO)
Revenue Protection Policy (RPP)
Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)
Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO)
And much more!
Reach out to our Crop Insurance Agent, Sid Newton, at snewton@aggeorgia.com or by utilizing the form below to learn more. You can also check out important dates such as sales closing and acreage reporting dates for different crops on USDA's Risk Management Agency's website.
Talk to a Crop Insurance Agent
Ready to talk through options to protect your farm? Reach out and we'll be in touch soon.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit recently conducted its annual Director and Nominating Committee elections with the assistance of elections facilitator Survey & Ballot Systems. Four candidates were elected to the Board of Directors and fourteen candidates were elected to the Nominating Committee.
After being provided a slate of candidates by a Nominating Committee of stockholders, AgGeorgia gave the opportunity for floor nominations at its October 16th Annual Meeting held in Perry. There were no nominations from the floor for the four Director positions with terms expiring December 31, 2024, or for the 2025 Nominating Committee. The candidates identified by the Nominating Committee were then voted upon via mailed and online ballot, with the following elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Each to serve a 4-year term: Justin W. Castleberry - Gainesville, GA (Forsyth) - Position #2, Director Region #2 G. Teel Warbington - Vienna, GA (Dooly) - Position #1, Director Region #5 Daniel “Dan” T. King - Ashburn, GA (Turner) - Position #2, Director Region #5 Guy A. Daughtrey - Lenox, GA (Cook) - Position #1, Director Region #6
2025 NOMINATING COMMITTEE Each to serve a 1-year term: Rebecca “Becky” A. Agnew - LaFayette, GA (Walker) Derrell “Derry” C. Bennett, Jr. - Adel, GA (Cook) William “Bill” P. Bryan, Jr. - Summerville, GA (Chattooga) Rodney P. Dawson - Hawkinsville, GA (Pulaski) Daniel A. Dobbs - Carnesville, GA (Franklin) Wayne R. Ertzberger - Carnesville, GA (Franklin) C. Darrell Jones - Ellijay, GA (Gilmer) M. Scott Moore - Unadilla, GA (Dooly) David B. Norman - Moultrie, GA (Colquitt) Andy S. Rodgers - Dearing, GA (McDuffie) Mark A. Smith - Eastanollee, GA (Stephens) James E. Tanner - Wrightsville, GA (Johnson) W. Scott Everidge (Alternate) - Pinehurst, GA (Dooly) Edwin N. Hudson (Alternate) - Vienna, GA (Dooly)
Congratulations to all of the elected directors and Nominating Committee members who now have the opportunity to represent the over 5,000 members/borrowers of the association.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is pleased to announce the promotion of Tamara Shrable to Chief Lending Officer. Mrs. Shrable has over 18 years of banking and managerial experience, serving AgGeorgia since 2020 as a Regional Lending Manager. In this role Tamara supervised the sales teams for multiple offices throughout Middle and South Georgia, most recently the Cordele, Moultrie, Quitman, and Tifton Branches. In her new role, Mrs. Shrable will oversee business development for the association, which has 15 branches and a portfolio of $1.6 billion.
“We’re excited for Tamara to bring a fresh perspective to our management team,” said AgGeorgia CEO Rob Crain. “Her background in banking and her experience at AgGeorgia, both frontline and supervisory, will serve to assure we are in touch with the needs of our members and staff.”
Prior to her role as Regional Lending Manager, Mrs. Shrable was a Relationship Manager in AgGeorgia’s Perry and Cordele Branches. She was previously employed by Synovus Bank in both lending and management capacities for 10 years.
Mrs. Shrable received a bachelor’s degree in international business from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. A native of Lee County, Tamara resides in Crisp County with her husband, Beau and son, Brock.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit Announces $6 Million Payout and $100k Donation to Hurricane Relief Fund
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is pleased to announce the cooperative’s response to Hurricane Helene’s historic damage inflicted across Georgia. This includes a distribution of $6 million to borrowers, a $100,000 donation to the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund, and loan programs for members impacted by the storm.
“In communicating with members, so many are rebuilding while worrying about their livelihoods, holding on to the farm, and providing for their family,” said AgGeorgia CEO Rob Crain. “As a member-owned cooperative, our focus is always on our member-borrowers, and our goal is to exhaust all options to assist during these challenging times.”
The primary outlet to quickly assist comes in the form of an early Patronage Distribution. Patronage distributions are normally disbursed in April, based on overall profits from the year prior. However, because of the exceptional circumstances and challenges presented to members by Helene, AgGeorgia is distributing $6 million through an Early Patronage Distribution to be issued on October 31, 2024. This disbursement is considered to be a portion of the expected 2024 refund to be paid in April 2025. AgGeorgia’s board already declared a cash dividend of over $14 million in April and a nearly $8 million surplus revolvement in July. The upcoming distribution brings the total paid to borrowers in 2024 to over $28 million.
Second, as a statement of support for Georgia farmers, AgGeorgia’s Board of Directors voted to make a $100,000 donation to the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund. This fund is made possible by a united effort of over 40 of Georgia’s leading ag organizations, with 100% of the donations going directly to farmers in need. Beginning in November, farmers will be able to apply for funds to aid in their recovery, providing relief to cover damages and lost crops.
“We deeply appreciate the generosity of AgGeorgia and all our partners who have stepped up to help our farming families,” said Lily Baucom, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. “Every dollar raised will go toward supporting the farmers who work tirelessly to feed and sustain us, and we are committed to getting these funds into their hands as quickly as possible.”
To learn more and contribute to the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund, visit www.SupportGeorgiaFarmers.org.
Finally, AgGeorgia has established the following programs to assist AgGeorgia members impacted by Helene. Current borrowers interested in any of the below programs should contact their loan officer or servicing branch.
Emergency Loan Program - Loans of up to $100,000 to existing members for storm-related needs. Loans will be structured with a variable rate and 12-month maturity, priced at Prime minus 1%, with no fees and minimal underwriting requirements.
Payment Deferrals/Extensions - Installment or maturity payments due in September, October, and/or November may be deferred for up to 90 days.
Foreclosure Moratorium - In place through year end.
“AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s mission is to improve the lives of Georgia’s farmers, families, and rural communities,” said CEO Rob Crain. “We are committed to leaning into this mission as our members recover from Hurricane Helene.”
About the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund The Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund is a collaborative effort between The Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Foundation For Agriculture, Georgia Farm Bureau and over 40 Georgia agricultural organizations to provide direct financial relief to farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is managed by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, a registered charity (Georgia Charity Number: CH015635; EIN: 47-2035360). 100% of all donations go directly to farmers in need. To learn more about the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, visit www.GaFoundationAg.org.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s mission is to improve the lives of Georgia’s farmers, families, and our rural communities, and we are committed to leaning into this mission as our members recover from Hurricane Helene. Effective immediately, the following programs have been enacted to assist AgGeorgia members. Additional forms of assistance may be added as we continue to assess needs among our portfolio and work with our staff and directors to create meaningful solutions.
• Emergency Loan Program - Loans of up to $100,000 to existing members for storm-related needs. Loans will be structured with a variable rate and 12 month maturity, priced at Prime minus 1%, with no fees and minimal underwriting requirements. • Payment Deferrals/Extensions - Installment payments due in September, October, and/or November may be deferred for up to 90 days. Loans scheduled to mature in these months are also eligible for a 90-day extension. • Foreclosure Moratorium - In place through year end, AgGeorgia is committed to working with borrowers to assure that farms aren’t lost due to cash flow issues created by Helene.
AgGeorgia members interested in any of the above programs should contact their loan officer or servicing branch.
UPDATE 10/3 - All branches are now open and operational.
All AgGeorgia branches are back open with normal business hours, with the exception of our Quitman Branch. It is anticipated that power will be restored to this branch by the end of the week. We will advise of the branch's re-opening upon as soon as we have confirmation of power restoration.
We continue to pray for our members, staff, and communities affected by Helene, and are committed to helping our farmers and rural communities pick up the pieces to move forward together.
We are excited to announce that our new Calhoun Branch will be open for business Monday, September 23rd! Our Cartersville and Rome offices are being consolidated into this new facility (contact information below). In addition, our LaFayette Branch will remain open, but with modified hours. On Wednesdays, our LaFayette Branch will be open as a full-service office with multiple staff present. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, our LaFayette Branch staff will work in Calhoun.
This move is part of a plan to modernize our branch structure, concentrating our staff in larger branches. This change to allows our Loan Officers to work in a mobile capacity, serving your needs in the field daily rather than requiring you to enter a branch.
Please discontinue sending payments or correspondence to Cartersville, LaFayette, or Rome addresses. Instead, mail to our lockbox address listed on your payment coupon, send to the Calhoun P.O. Box below, or best of all, utilize our Digital Banking platform or AgGeorgia Farm Credit Mobile when making payments. This method is more secure than mail and assures faster application of your payments.
Our members and friends are also invited to join us on October 3rd from 11:00 am-1:00 pm for a Grand Opening at the new Calhoun Branch. For more information, contact your Loan Officer or call 706.291.6340.
Calhoun Office Physical Address: 2857 Miller Ferry Road, Calhoun, GA 30701 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 877, Calhoun, GA 30703 Office Phone: 706-291-6340
LaFayette Branch Office Hours - Effective September 23rd Wednesdays- 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding Wednesday- by appointment
