ArborOne News

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2010-03-26T11:40:00.001-04:00

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ArborOne Farm Credit part of Crop Insurance Discussions

2010-03-23T11:48:00.005-04:00

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!

2010-03-16T16:09:00.003-04:00

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

2010-02-24T14:06:00.003-05:00

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

2010-02-02T17:30:00.005-05:00

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.

Website to feature articles by Dr. David Kohl

2010-02-01T15:02:00.004-05:00

ArborOne Farm Credit is pleased to now offer quarterly articles by well-known agricultural economist Dr. David Kohl.

David Kohl has traveled over seven million miles throughout his professional career and conducted more than 5,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups such as bankers, Farm Credit, FSA, and reulators, as well as producer and agribusiness groups. He has published four books and over 1,000 articles on financial and business-related topics in journals, extension and other popular publications. Kohl regularly writes for Ag Lender and Corn and Soybean Digest.

Dr. Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Dr. Kohl's articles.

RAIN VI Conference - January 29th

2010-01-19T10:12:00.003-05:00

"ADDING VALUE TO THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE IN SOUTH CAROLINA"
The Business of Agriculture in South Carolina is big, and folks in the agribusiness industry as all other industries in today’s economy are looking for ways to add value and increase profits. It is for this reason Carolina AgriSolutions Growers Association "CASGA", Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development, SC Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Palmetto Institute, SC Tobacco Growers Assoc. and many others are taking part in the RAIN VI Conference to be held on Friday, January 29th at the Lake House on Clemson’s Sandhill Research and Education Center. (900 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC).

The focus of the 6th annual RAIN conference is to bring together farmers, agricultural leaders and others interested in the future of South Carolina agriculture. We will discuss and learn how to: develop and market enhanced value-added agricultural products and services; preserve and sustain agriculture for the overall quality of life and profitability in South Carolina and rejuvenate agriculture in the region.

The keynote speaker for the RAIN VI Conference will be Rowland Alston host of "Making it Grow!" He will bring an informative and enlightening message on "The Business of Agriculture in SC, Making it Grow". We will also hear from Tim Will, Executive Director of Foothills Connect, who has helped build a successful CSA program connecting small growers in the Rutherford County area of N.C. with restaurants and direct markets (www.FarmersFreshMarket.org). The SC Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers will discuss the 50 / 20 vision for SC Agribusiness. Other topics on the agenda are: Agritourism, Muscadine and Value Added Initiatives, impact and survey studies, processing facilities and much more.

An outstanding "SC Fresh on the Menu" lunch from SpottedSalamanderCatering.com will be served, as well as an afternoon social featuring local beverages and products from the members of SC Specialty Foods Association.

Lots of things are happening with value added agriculture in South Carolina. We hope you will join us on Friday, January 29, 2010. Pass the word to others who may have an interest. Register by January 25th for the early bird registration - $30. For more information about RAIN VI (directions / hotel / etc.) visit the RAIN Blog: www.rainconference.blogspot.com or contact Jody Martin at 843-662-8423 or jodyamartin@gmail.com

Bright Forecast Predicted for ArborOne Farm Credit Customers

2010-01-13T08:23:00.002-05:00

Florence, SC (December 7, 2009) – ArborOne Farm Credit, an agricultural lending cooperative, today announced the retirement of $1.39 million of the 2001 Surplus held by the company to be paid to its member-customers. ArborOne Farm Credit is forecasting over $4 million in net earnings for 2009.

As a member of the Farm Credit System, ArborOne is a member-owned cooperative which means our customers are our owners. We return a percentage of our profits to our member-customers through patronage refunds. The ability to pay these patronage refunds is a key indicator of the financial strength of ArborOne Farm Credit. Patronage has been paid every year since 1988. A portion of this patronage is paid in cash and the balance, or surplus, is left on account to capitalize the association. The revolvement of $1.39 million in Surplus represents the balance held from 2001.

"The downturn in the general economy impacted the entire financial industry this year and as such we were not immune, however our earnings are better than we anticipated earlier in the year," said ArborOne Farm Credit President Jack Shuler. "The association remains financially strong, weathering this economic storm and has credit available to farmers, agricultural business owners, landowners and other rural borrowers."

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.

Tradition and Innovation - Lawson Farms

2009-11-24T09:26:00.009-05:00

Tradition and innovation go hand in hand at Lawson Farms.

The Lawsons have been farming in Darlington County for six generations. Lawson Farms was started in 1834 with 333 acres in the Oates Community of Darlington County. In the 175 years since that beginning, the farm has grown to more than 2,400 acres. The family has adjusted to changing times and has diversified wisely. Diversification is nothing new to Lawson Farms. His mother, Betty H. Lawson, preached diversification to him from a young age when she ran the farm single-handed for thirteen years. Her lessons stayed with Laurie and his late wife Betty of 53 years and they have passed these lessons on to their children and grandchildren.

Lawson Farms grows traditional row crops such as soybeans, corn, sweet potatoes, and wheat. Tobacco was the original cash crop and they still grow as much as ever. Timber is also an important part of the operations. This timberland is a registered safe harbor for the endangered Red Cockaded Woodpecker. The Lawsons’ commitment to conservation is also evident in their expanded sustainable practices through techniques such as no-till farming.

In 2002, Lawson Farms added a turf operation, which grows several varieties including Centipede, the drought resistant Empire Zoysia, Palmetto St. Augustine, and Tifway 419 Bermuda. After requests from a family friend for turf with "Lawson" quality, Lawson Turf has been heartily embraced by contractors statewide. Most of the turf is sold locally and includes Charlotte, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and everywhere in between.

Jim Lawson likes to say, "We’re 80 miles from everywhere in the middle of nowhere."

Mr. Laurie Lawson was with the farm full-time until 1993, when he was appointed the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), then went on to work for Clemson University as the Assistant to the Vice President of Public Service and Agriculture. He was re-appointed on November 13, 2009, as the State Executive Director for FSA by the Obama Administration. Mr. Laurie Lawson and his sons William and Jim are Clemson University graduates. William and Jim, run Lawson Farms together. William heads the turf operation and Jim is in charge of tobacco; although they both know the business well enough to switch places. The newest family member to become a full-time part of Lawson Farms is grandson Fields Norwood, 23, and a December 2008 Clemson graduate. He is the son of Betty Coke Lawson Thompson, and is the sixth generation of Lawson’s to work on the farm. There are nine more grandchildren to continue the tradition. Lawson Farms is a part of each family member’s life regardless of their profession. Son Marvin, grew up on the farm but serves as Darlington County Probate Judge.

Looking to the future of the economy and its affect on agriculture, Lawson Farms will continue the family farming operation for many years to come.

Pictured left to right: Mr. Laurie Lawson, Jim Lawson, Fields Norwood and William Lawson at the Lawson Farms office.

Lawson Named SC State Executive for FSA

2009-11-23T12:33:00.006-05:00

Mr. Laurie C. Lawson has been appointed by the Obama administration as the South Carolina state executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Deeply involved in South Carolina agriculture and a longtime friend of ArborOne Farm Credit, congratulations Mr. Lawson.

Read the full SCNow.com story.

SC Sunbelt Farmer of the Year, Thomas Durant

2009-11-13T14:51:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Thomas Durant - South Carolina Sunbelt Farmer of the Year

Thomas Durant of Gable, SC, has been named the South Carolina Sunbelt Farmer of the Year. He is now a finalist for Sunbelt Farmer of the Year for the Southeast. The award will be presented later this month in Moultrie, Georgia, at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.
Read the article in Southeast Farm Press

Farm Fresh Veggies Delivered to You!

2009-09-30T11:11:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Josh Johnson and Richie Wheeler fresh vegetables can be delivered to your door each week. Fresh and local from their farm near Aynor, SC.

J & W Produce is a CSA, a community supported agriculture program. How does that work? Based on a seasonal commitment, community members pre-pay for shares of the season's harvest. Members then receive weekly, a box of fresh vegetables. This method assures a variety of products picked at the peak of ripeness and flavor and delivered to a convenient location.

It is their mission to provide their shareholders locally grown, fresh, safe agricultural products. Both Josh and Richie have been involved in agriculture their entire lives. They met at Clemson University and both received degrees in Agricultural fields.

This concept is new to the Pee Dee region, but not to South Carolina. Similar CSA's are in the Columbia, Charleston and Raleigh areas.
"Right now, our range is Georgetown, Conway, Marion and Aynor. But we'd love to stretch up to Florence and further," Josh Johnson said.

Check their website www.JWProduce.com or feel free to give them a call 843.855.3348 to order or with questions.

How Safe is Your Farm? Take This Quiz to See

2009-07-20T17:33:00.004-04:00

How Safe Is Your Farm?
If you’ve got 10 minutes, you can find out:
www.FarmSafetyQuiz.com

Because farming and ranching are as much lifestyles as occupations, the entire family, including children and senior citizens, are often exposed to the many hazards associated with an agricultural workplace. Often, it’s up to farm families to learn about and reduce agricultural hazards themselves.

Certainly these occupations can be done safely. It takes daily awareness and a proactive safety attitude.

To help farmers and ranchers assess the general safety of their operations, as well as provide tips and suggestions for easy-to-make changes that can help increase safety, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company has launched its Farm Safety Quiz online.

The quiz takes about 10 minutes to complete. Participants are asked a series of questions about their farms or ranches – everything from the age of buildings to the primary heating source, from livestock handling issues to maintenance routines, and more. Points are awarded (or subtracted) for each answer until a final score is accumulated. Farmers and ranchers may end up "Endangered Species," "Sleeping Soundly," or somewhere in between, based on their final scores.

No data is collected from the quiz. It is intended simply as an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to gauge the relative safety of their operations for their own information. While the Farm Safety Quiz is intended to be basic and easy to take, its goal is safety awareness and education. Participants have an opportunity to request additional information at the end of the quiz.

As the leading farm insurer in the nation, Nationwide Agribusiness has learned that helping farmers and ranchers operate more safely saves lives and heartache, and benefits the bottom line. Take the Farm Safety Quiz at www.FarmSafetyQuiz.com.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $161 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #108 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Locally, contact Erik Marechal, Principal Agent McLean Marechal Insurance at 112 Cherokee Road in Florence, South Carolina.

Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark, and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
# # #

USDA Releases Public Service Announcements

2009-07-20T17:07:00.006-04:00

...to Remind Producers about Upcoming ACRE Deadline
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released three Public Service Announcements with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to remind producers that the sign-up deadline to elect the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program is Aug. 14. To read more from this press release, click here.

Program Promotes Farm Safety

2009-07-16T14:45:00.004-04:00

from The Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise

The Farm Safety 4 Just Kids program paid a visit to St. James Church, providing helpful instructions to the approximately 25 children in attendance. Program organizer JoAnn Williams said the group of students was attentive and participated in the discussion. Williams serves as president of the National Young Farmer Educational Association, which has a chapter in Brittons Neck.

The students learned about the importance of farm safety and also were presented t-shirts and school supplies for their participation, she said.

"I met Shari Burgess, the national director at a NYFEA meeting in Washington, D.C. She requested I do a farm safety program in South Carolina, as they have no representatives in our state," Williams explained. As an officer of the Brittons Neck Young Farmers and NYFEA, Williams said it was her community service project.

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids donated the T-shirts and Marion County Farm Bureau, Pee Dee Federal Savings Bank, ArborOne Financial of Florence, FSA & Soil and Water Conservation of Marion, provided the hand outs, rulers, and pencils, she said.

Williams said the program began as a response to the death of 11-year old Keith Algreen, who in 1986, suffocated in a gravity flow wagon of shelled corn on his family's Iowa farm.

After her son's unforeseen death, Keith's mother, Marilyn Adams, began a campaign to promote farm safety awareness. In the process, she discovered that an alarmingly high number of children are injured or killed on farms each year, she said.

"In an effort to spare others the heartache of losing a child in a preventable farming incident, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids was formed in 1987," Williams said. The concern and compassion that founded the organization continues today, she said as they work to fulfill the programs mission.

"Our objectives are to increase public awareness and understanding of the hazards to children on the farm; provide individuals, families and communities with educational opportunities and resources to make the farm a safe and healthy environment; motivate and empower individuals, farm families and communities to make positive changes regarding farm safety and health issues."

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids is a non-profit organization based in Iowa, serving the United States and Canada. Farm Safety 4 Just Kids provides resources and training to individuals and communities to conduct farm safety awareness and education programs.

When Young Farmers Talk, ArborOne Listens

2009-07-02T16:51:00.002-04:00

ArborOne Financial is always looking for ways to better meet the needs of customers; and in anticipation of market and overall economy changes, felt it was a good time to bring together small groups of young farmers for their input on several topics. These topics included, but were not limited to: the future of farming and agriculture, how the economic challenges might affect their individual business and how we, ArborOne, could better serve them, our present and future customers, heading into 2009.

Recently, two meetings were held by ArborOne, one in Florence and another in Marion. Representatives of agriculture - from poultry and cattle to row crops and agribusiness were in attendance. Each of these meetings began with a brief presentation about ArborOne and the Farm Credit System. A discussion time followed in which the farmers were asked to share their thoughts, opinions and questions.

The farmers were vocal in their expectations of a lender, what they wanted and what was important to them. High on the list of expectations was lenders doing what they say they will, when they say they will. Having confidence in the future of their financial institution, knowing that it is was going to remain solvent and continue to loan money were also high on the list. Just as important as the previous two items was the speed of the decision about a loan.

These meetings gave the farmers not only an open forum to share information but also to network. Many had never met due to being in different sectors of agriculture or different counties. The meetings were facilitated by Jack Shuler, President and CEO of ArborOne.

"I’m very pleased with the willingness of our young farmers to share their thoughts and ideas," Mr. Shuler said. "These are the future leaders of our agricultural community."

ArborOne anticipates holding more of these type meetings in the future. However, customer input is always encouraged and welcome. E-mail, phone calls, even visits are appreciated. Our main offices are located in Florence at 800 Woody Jones Blvd, behind the Florence Civic Center. We also have a branch office at 900 C Suite-A, Main Street in Conway. Visit our website and read "Jack’s Blog", become a fan on facebook, follow us on twitter; all are opportunities to share information and ideas. Our territory stretches across 12 counties in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina. We appreciate how busy you are so the Relationship Managers at ArborOne come to you to conduct business. Contact us today (800) 741-7332.

ArborOne Financial is a proud member of the Farm Credit System which was created by Congress to serve agriculture and rural America. Operating as a cooperative, ArborOne is customer-owned and shares its profits directly through patronage dividends with the farmers and rural land owners that borrow from us. Learn more about ArborOne at www.ArborOne.com.

2009 Co-op Conference

2009-06-29T16:55:00.002-04:00

The 2009 Cooperative Educational Conference for Couples was held June 26-28, at Pawleys Plantation, Pawleys Island and was enjoyed by all in attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Justin Boyce of Bishopville, SC, attended as the couple representing ArborOne Financial, they had "a great time."

This conference is an opportunity for couples to learn more about the different cooperative businesses in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Even more valuable is meeting other couples and cooperative leaders; being able to share ideas and strengthen relationships with the co-ops they do business with. Over thirty couples were sponsored and in attendance from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Encounter sessions are held by Farm Credit, Dairy Farmers of America, Southern States and Electric Cooperatives. During the sessions, the economic and service benefits of cooperatives are discussed as well as how cooperatives differ from other corporations. Questions are answered and ideas shared as more is learned about each co-op. As a member of the Farm Credit System, ArborOne Financial participated in the Farm Credit encounter session presentations.

Another great learning experience for the couples is the Board Stumpers. Divided into seven groups, each "Board" is given a cooperative Board of Directors’ problem to solve. They may either use one of the suggested solutions or come up with their own. Since these are random groups, there may be representatives from several different professions: farmers, managers, teachers, and so on. They work together to make a decision using cooperative principles which is then presented and defended to the entire group.

From the opening Host Couples Meeting until the final door prize is handed out, this weekend is a fun learning experience for everyone.

Golf Tournament Raises Over $8,000

2009-06-24T11:53:00.007-04:00

Friday, June 19th was a beautiful day for golf at The Traces Golf Club in Florence, for the ArborOne Financial Charity Golf Tournament. Over $8,000 was raised for the CARE House of the Pee Dee, the tournament benefactor.

Danna Collins, LMSW, of the CARE House said the tournament was "the biggest fundraiser that CARE House has ever had."

The ArborOne Committee put together a fun event with great prizes. The tournament fielded 20 teams, had 67 sponsors, and received generous prize, gift bag, and food donations.

"The golf tournament was a huge success," said Ashley Johnson, a member of the ArborOne Committee. "Our time, effort, and hard work paid off with fantastic results! We are looking forward to another success next year."

Congratulations to the Jackson Family Chiropractic Team for winning first place.

Pictured left to right: Tim Duvall, Andrew Jackson, Suzy Folk and Larry Jordan.

A tie for second place was played out on the card with Chris Bradham’s Team coming out the winners. Third place went to the Don Simpson Team. Longest drive for Ladies was won by Suzy Folk and longest drive for men was won by Josh Green.

Thank you so much to the teams that participated and to our sponsors:

Ace Construction Company, Inc
Al Holland/Holland Enterprises
ArborOne/Billy Phillips, Director
Bayview Farms
Black River Plantation SC, LLC
Butler’s Men Shop
Carolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Carolina Custom Truck & Accessories
Carolina Eastern of Darlington
Carolina Misting
Caughman & Son Farms
Chaplin Farms
Chapman Farms
Creek Ratz
Crop Production Services of Darlington
Cross Roads Store #2, Lamar, SC
Dalzell Ag Supply, Dalzell, SC
Davis Welch Farms
Dearfield Farms
Dilmar Oil
Double D Farms
Durant Farms
Evening Shade
Farmer’s Propane
Florence Civic Center
Floyd’s Fertilizer
Four J Family Farms
Green &Mims, LLC
Helena Chemical Company – Mayesville, SC
Hope Health
Horton Farms
Huggins Family Farms
J & G Turkey Farms
Jackson Family Chiropractic
Key Architecture
Lee Newman Farms
Lighthouse Ministries
Lowder Brothers Farms
McBee Huddle House
McLean Marechel-Nationwide Insurance
Mirage Promotions
Nesbitt Surveying Co, Inc
Newsome Automotive
Norris Farms
Office of the Solicitor/12th Judicial Circuit/Ed Clemmons
Ol Rev Shooting Preserve
Osbornes, Inc
Palmetto Commercial Real Estate
Palmetto Pigeon
Palmetto Sales & Equipment
Paul Newman Turkey Farms
Pondville Farms
Quietbrook Produce
Quinby Beverages
Rainbow Farm Center
Ricky James Farms
Shuler’s BBQ
Southern Poultry & Equipment Sales
Swamp Fox Golf
T & T Tractor Supply
Tyner Farms
VEMMA/Verve!
Watford’s Barbeque
Watson Farms
Western Sizzlin/Sansbury Family
Willard Farms
Windham Farms

Food Donations:
Creek Ratz
StarFire Grill – Apple Cobbler

Gift Bag Donations:
Butler’s · Newsome Automotive · Chick-Fil-A
Nationwide McLean Marechel Insurance
Jackson Family Chiropractic · VEMMA/Verve!
ArborOne (Don Boice)

Gift Certificate: Roger’s BBQ

Palmettovores

2009-06-09T17:02:00.003-04:00

Anyone can be one. It doesn't cost anything more than you already spend at the grocery store. And it's legal!

I'm talking being about Palmettovores, also called a locavore. A Palmettovore is someone in South Carolina that eats only SC grown and raised products. You can have peaches from Chesterfield County, strawberries from Marion County, blueberries and blackberries ... you can even get free-range chickens and beef from Darlington County. And these are a drop in the bucket - because South Carolina has it all!

So visit your local farmers market, look for the SC Grown label in your local grocery store. Even if you only do it one day a week, it will raise your awareness of all the wonderful and delicious offerings grown right here in our home state.

South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers had a op/ed on SCNow.com that was an inspiring testimony to become a Palmettovore.

ArborOne is pleased to promote this initiative, because we know our local farmers represent a vital part of the economy. Thank your local farmers and buy South Carolina -- Nothing's Fresher, Nothing's Finer than certified South Carolina grown products.

Poston Re-elected

2009-05-30T05:16:00.003-04:00

The ballots have been counted and Mr. Jimmy D. Poston, of Florence County, has been re-elected to the ArborOne Financial Board of Directors. A member of the Farm Credit System, ArborOne operates as a cooperative and is member-owned. Our Board of Directors is made up of 6 member-elected representatives and 2 appointed representatives. Directors are elected by eligible ArborOne stockholders to 3-year terms.

Congratulations Mr. Poston!

Observing Memorial Day

2009-05-25T00:07:00.002-04:00

ArborOne Financial, a proud member of the Farm Credit System, will be closed on Monday, May 25th, to honor and observe Memorial Day. We will open again on Tuesday morning at 8am for our regular business hours of 8am to 5pm. Have a wonderful holiday!

Chaplin Receives Award

2009-05-20T10:18:00.010-04:00

Thomas Chaplin, a Darlington County farmer,

was presented the Environmental Award by Woodmen of the World, Lodge 52, at the State Awards Meeting on May 14th. ArborOne's own Peggy Merritt (pictured right) presented the award to Mr. Chaplin.

Don Boice, (pictured left) VP - Relationship Managers at ArborOne, praised Tommy Chaplin farming operation, calling him "a fine example of a farmer caring for his community by using environmentally sound practices."

Don also noted how much more our farmers, such as Mr. Chaplin, are aware of the need to conserve our land for future generations and they do this with practices such as no-till farming.

Woodmen of the World is one of the largest fraternal benefit societies with more than 810,000 members who belong to more than 2,000 lodges across the United States and conduct volunteer projects that benefit individuals, families and communities. For more information please visit http://www.woodmen.org/.

Dedicated Employee Retires at end of May

2009-05-12T17:50:00.005-04:00

Life's about to be a beach for Judy Brown (shown at right with Jack Shuler, President & CEO of ArborOne) who will be retiring at the end of May. After 35 years with ArborOne, she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and relaxing on the beach. We're going to miss you, Judy - but wish you nothing but perfect weather!

ArborOne Charity Golf Tournament - June 19th

2009-05-05T15:51:00.005-04:00

It's going to be a beautiful day for golf at The Traces on Friday, June 19th, for the first ArborOne Financial Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting The CARE House of the Pee Dee. Sponsorships are still available for holes ($100) and beverage carts ($500).

This 4-person, Captain's Choice tournament will begin with lunch at 11:30, followed by a shotgun start at The Traces Golf Club in Florence. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place, and also for "closest to the pin" and "longest drive" winners.

For more information visit the ArborOne website or call ArborOne at 843.662.1527. We will be happy to fax or e-mail you an application.

First-Ever Video Contest "Keepin' It Rural"

2009-05-05T15:44:00.004-04:00

Farm Credit video contest celebrates life in the country and ArborOne is calling for entries to the first-ever Keepin’ It Rural video contest.

Entrants can submit funny, inspiring, unusual, or amazing farm- or rural-themed videos for cash prizes. Full details and rules will be disclosed when the contest Web site, www.iKeepItRural.com, goes live on May 1. Videos may be submitted through Oct. 31, 2009.

Video submissions may be posted on an ongoing basis on the contest site as well as featured on the Keepin’ It Rural channel on YouTube.

"This is about sharing and enjoying what’s fun about farm and country life," says Mike Mooney, contest manager with AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. "It’s not about making fun of rural life, although I’m sure we’ll get some of those, too!"

The contest is sponsored by Farm Credit and open to residents of the 15 states included in the AgFirst Farm Credit District. They are: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio.