Episode 25: Preparing for a Farm Loan (Resources for Young, Beginning, and Small Operation Farmers)Episode 25 is hosted by Brant Harrell; a Relationship Manager with SWGA Farm Credit. This podcast focuses on prepares young, beginning, and small operation farmers for financing and long-term success! Commentary on this episode is also provided by Newt Gilman, with the Georgia Farm Service Agency. Newt Gilman is a State Farm Loan Specialist for Farm Service Agency, a Farm Loan Division in Georgia. He joined FSA as a Farm Loan Officer in 2018 and became a Loan Specialist in 2021. He also has a background in farm equipment sales and serving with UGA Extension. In his personal experience on his family’s small ruminant operation and in his professional career, he has developed a passion for helping America’s farmers and ranchers obtain the financial resources they need to keep our nation’s food supply plentiful.Brant Harrell was born and raised in Decatur County. He is graduate of Georgia Southern University. He has farmed for 25 years and has served as a Lender and Relationship Manager for Southwest Farm Credit for 15 years. He also serves as the Chair for the Decatur County Agriculture Committee.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On our latest episode, Relationship Manager Mike Harris discusses what happens when a commodity leaves the farm with McClellan Organics owner, Bryan McClellan. Bryan McClellan is owner of McClellan Organics, a 350-acre organic vegetable farm located in Climax, GA. Bryan has been growing and selling organic produce for over 18 years.Mike Harris has extensive experience as a Credit Officer, Commercial Lender, Branch Manager, and Market President.  Mike’s personal experience on the farm, combined with his professional experience as an ag lender, make him an asset for Farm Credit and our clients.  He has a passion for helping farmers succeed and rural communities grow. Mike will use his firsthand experiences and his financial skills to help our association continue to serve our customers at an exceptional level.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender.  NMLS 691477.  The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System.  No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice.  For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com.  Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On episode 23 of HERE WE GROW, we sit down with guest experts Michael Chamberlain and Kevin Dowdy to discuss cultivating the perfect South Georgia habitat for wildlife, turkey hunting, and how to search for and collect prized artifacts on your property.Michael Chamberlain: Dr. Mike Chamberlain is the Terrell Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia. He is widely recognized as a leading authority on wild turkeys and has been conducting applied research on the bird for the past 30 years. Mike did his undergraduate work at Virginia Tech University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at Mississippi State University.Kevin Dowdy: Kevin Dowdy found his first arrowhead when he was about 6 years old with his grandfather while squirrel hunting. He’s had a passion for arrowheads and artifacts ever since. Mr. Dowdy has written and published 4 arrowhead Identification and Price Guides (Best of The Best Vol 1-4) and 4 Volumes of Legends in Stone books. He has also maintained and operated an online Artifacts store since 1998.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

On episode 22, Jordan Gilbert, a Residential and Lifestyle Lender with SWGA Farm Credit, shares information regarding the current and future housing markets as well as welcomes first-time home buyers to share their experiences. This episode features commentary by Lydia and Cory Green.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

On Epsiode 21, our host welcomes a fantastic lineup of experts willing to share their knowledge and resources and for young, beginning, and small operation farmers in Georgia. This episode features commentary by Martin Bius and Lily Baucom.Martin Bius was an agriculture teacher in Decatur County for 30 years. In 1990, he started his career at West Bainbridge Middle School and also taught High School classes periodically during this time. In 2006, Martin became the advisor for the Decatur County Young Farmers Chapter and taught agriculture classes at Bainbridge High School. Upon his graduation from teaching in 2019, he and his wife, Denise moved to Tifton where he now serves as the Adult Education Director for the Georgia Agriculture Education Program. He serves as the Executive Secretary for the Georgia Young Farmers Association.Lily Baucom is a native Atlantan – she is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received a B.A. in Public Policy and Social Entrepreneurship. Her career has primarily focused on scaling non-profit organizations with missions centered around agriculture education and local food systems. Prior to her current role, she served as the Executive Director of the Common Market Southeast, a local farm foods distributor, based in Atlanta, that focused on improving regional food systems. Currently she serves as the Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, a nonprofit organization founded by Georgia Farm Bureau.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

On episode 20 of HERE WE GROW, Relationship Manager Brant Harrell welcomes a fantastic lineup of experts willing to share their knowledge on land, recreational properties, and hunting opportunities in Southwest Georgia. This episode features commentary by Vince Barfield, Cole Barfield, and Brian Dean. Vince Barfield: Vince is the Broker and Owner of Barfield Auctions, Inc. and is licensed in 5 Southeastern States (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Mississippi. Vince is also a state registered real property appraiser in the State of Georgia. Cole Barfield: Cole is an Associate Real Estate Broker with Barfield Auctions, Inc. and has been in the real estate business for over 20 years. Cole also owns a solo law practice located in Cuthbert, Ga, where he specializes in real property law and estate matters. Brian Dean: Brian is a 6th generation farmer in Decatur County who grows cotton, corn, soybeans, and peanuts. His operations span overs 4,000 acres. In 2013 he started bagging quality wholesale corn for deer and other wildlife purposes. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

Episode 19 of HERE WE GROW welcomes a fantastic lineup of experts willing to share their fall forecasts and insights to the 2023 harvest season. This episode features commentary by Climantologist, Pam Knox, Peanut Agronomist Scott Monfort, and Cotton Economist Don Shurley! Pam Knox: Pam Knox is the Director of the University of Georgia Weather Network, a group of 88 automated weather stations across the state which provide weather and climate data to farmers, utilities, Extension agents and private citizens. The network also helps support the National Weather Service by providing real-time weather information in hazardous weather outbreaks to support public safety initiatives. She is an Extension Climatologist in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences specializing in agriculture and climate change and is a past Assistant State Climatologist for Georgia and has also served as the Wisconsin State Climatologist. Pam is currently serving as an author for the upcoming 5th National Climate Assessment on Southeastern climate. Scott Monfort: Scott Monfort is the Extension Peanut Agronomist at the UGA Tifton Campus in Tifton, Georgia. Scott joined the UGA Extension Peanut Team on August 1, 2014. His primary focus area is the Development of cost-effective crop management systems including cultivar evaluation, tillage systems, Precision Ag Technologies in peanut. He earned the BSA and MS in Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia and the Ph.D. in Plant Science from the University of Arkansas. Don Shurley: Don is a retired University of Georgia cotton economist. He spent 28 years on the UGA Tifton Campus. He has continued his cotton work through industry sponsorships, contracts and grants, consulting, print and on-line media, and invited presentations. With 33 years’ experience in cotton, Don is widely considered by industry and peers as one of nations leading cotton experts. He is recipient of some of the University of Georgia and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences highest awards for public service and outreach. Don also teaches ½ time at ABAC teaching commodity marketing and agricultural policy. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

HERE WE GROW with Episode 18! On our recent podcast, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomed Captain Donnie Cochran, Retired Naval Captain and pecan farmer, as well as Jennifer Dunn, Rural Health Agent with UGA Extension, to discuss leadership, overcoming adversity, facing obstacles, succeeding under pressure, and combating mental stress in agriculture. Captain Donnie Cochran, grew up on a farm in Pelham, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology and a Commission in the United States Navy. Captain Cochran’s Naval duty includes his time as a RF-8G and F-14 fighter pilot and was once the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron 111. Captain Cochran’s distinguished career also included tours with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (The Blue Angels) as the first African American Pilot where he flew three out of size different positions. He was honored again when he was selected to the be the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Blue Angels ins 1994. Upon his retirement from the Navy in 2000, he continued his extraordinary contributions to aviation as a supervisor for the United State Parcel Services (UPS) and a Manager of the Aviation Program for the Coca-Cola Company. Among his many medals, honors, and awards, he is also known for authoring the book, “Glad to Be Here”, and recognized as a motivational teacher, keynote speaker, as successful pecan farmer in South Georgia. Jennifer Dunn Is the Rural Health Agent for the Southwest District of UGA Extension and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Before beginning her position with UGA Extension, Jennifer worked for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for sixteen years, where she served as the Regional Services Administrator for the twenty-four counties located in the southwestern portion of the state. In her current role, Jennifer is helping advance the mission of the UGA Extension’s Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger Initiative by guiding farmers towards necessary mental health resources and teaching them about stress management strategies. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

On Episode 17, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomes Brandon Ellerbee with Harrell Ag and Ragan Brown with Farm Credit Express to discuss ag technology and manufacturing, as well as an outlook on farm equipment going into the 2023 Fall harvest season. Brandon Ellerbee is from Albany, Georgia. Brandon grew up around agriculture and has spent his entire working career in the industry. He is the Sales Manager for Harrell Ag Products serving the farming community throughout the Southeast. Ragan Brown has been employed with SWGA for over 18 years. She has her MBA from Georgia Southwestern and has held various positions and is currently Residential Lending Unit & Other Financial Services Manager. She started the Farm Credit Express product for SWGA and other farm credits associations and has been working with equipment financing and leasing for the past 10 years. Ragan resides in Leesburg with her husband, Richard and children. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On Episode 16, Southwest Georgia Farm Credits welcomes Marcus Carter, President and CEO of LMC Machine Manufacturing, and Neal Flanagan, President and CEO American Peanut Growers Group, LLC, to discuss technology and agribusiness advancements taking place in Southwest Georgia! Lewis Marcus Carter III (Marcus) is the fourth generation President/ CEO and Owner of LMC. Marcus oversees the operations of LMC Donalsonville, LMC AG Albany, and LMC Canada. Marcus and his team have developed and engineered processing plants around the globe, while also specializing in the manufacturing of separation equipment for peanuts, tree nuts, and other agricultural products that eventually become food ingredients or seeds. Marcus has a passion for building relationships with customers and ensuring that the solutions LMC provide are the best available. Neal Flanagan is the President & CEO of American Peanut Growers Group, LLC, otherwise known as APGG in Donalsonville, Georgia. Neal has been in his role with APGG since 2017. Prior to his role with APGG, he was in charge of Sales for Brooks Peanut Company in Samson, AL which later became part of the global ag conglomerate, Olam. Neal is a graduate of the University of Georgia in Agribusiness. Neal is most proud of all that American Peanut Growers Group has accomplished since its inception in 2003 and during his tenure for the last 6 years. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 15 of HERE WE GROW welcomes Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper and Senator Sam Watson to the podcast to discuss their newly elected roles, challenges facing farmers, and a 2023 overall outlook on the agriculture industry. Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper: Tyler Harper is a 7th generation farmer, small business owner, former State Senator, and the 17th Agriculture Commissioner of the State of Georgia. Tyler lives in Ocilla and is a lifelong resident of South Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering and has an associate's degree in agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He is an active member in his local community and has helped lead organizations across the state - from his local rotary club, to the Georgia Young Farmers Association, among numerous others, including serving as the past Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. When he isn't serving the state as Agriculture Commissioner or working on his farm, you can find Tyler enjoying the outdoors, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, or at Satilla Baptist Church, where he plays in the band every Sunday. Senator Sam Watson, was elected to serve the Georgia State Senate in January 2023. Sen. Watson serves the citizens of Senate District 11 which includes Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Grady, Seminole, and Thomas County, Georgia. Prior to his election to the Senate, Senator Watson served five terms in the Georgia House of Representatives representing House District 172. Sen. Watson serves as a member of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, the Senate Committee on Government Oversight, the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations, and as Ex-Officio of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 14 of HERE WE GROW is focused on the final step in a real estate transaction – the home closing process. Closing on a home is the most rewarding part of the home buying experience! This episode features commentary by Mortgage Originator Alea Simmons, Home Inspector Scott Brinson, and Attorney Kevin Cauley. They each share industry insights to help buyers arrive to the closing table confident and prepared. Alea Simmons is a Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Residential Loan Officer located in downtown Thomasville. She was born and raised in Cairo, GA and helps manage her family’s tree farm. When she is not working, you can find her competing in various sporting competitions with her dogs. Scott Brinson is the owner of Apex South Inspections, a residential and commercial inspection company based out of Bainbridge, Ga. He and his wife Lindsay offer their services to Southwest Georgia and North Florida. Their use of cutting edge technology such as aerial drone, thermal imaging, and a crawl space robot help provide valuable information regarding the overall condition of the property for both clients and agents. Kevin Cauley is the owner of McCollum, Rawlins & Cauley, LLC, with an office in Thomasville, Georgia. Kevin has been practicing law throughout south Georgia since 1997. His practice primarily focuses on residential, commercial, and agricultural real estate transactions, probate and small business issues. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 13 of HERE WE GROW is focused on equipping women with the resources to tackle their landowner and forest management needs through programs, membership, and online resources. This episode features commentary by Danielle Atkins and Billy Billings Danielle Atkins is the owner of Land & Ladies, whose purpose is to educate and empower women landowners with the confidence to manage their land. Danielle designs and leads all Land & Ladies events, writes original articles which explains various forest management aspects in common terms and relatable to every-day life, and offers forestry management plan development services through Land & Ladies. Billy Billings is a Relationship Manager with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 12 is focused on southern architecture, home construction, home financing, and rural living. Heather Dozier is a Residential Loan Officer with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Home Loans. Heather has spent the past decade helping borrowers in our area finance their next home—be that their first home, or their forever home. Heather is from the Albany-Leesburg area. She attended Darton College and Troy University.Kurt Lamon: Having started as a residential painting contractor in 2003 and a home builder in 2004, Kurt Lamon has 20 years of experience in meeting and exceeding customers' expectations. Kurt is involved in all aspects of the business from quality control, project management, & overall operations of the business. Currently he focuses on building custom homes in Lee County & surrounding areas.Andy Wood: Andy was born and raised in Southwest Georgia and has worked in Lee County selling real estate now for over 20 years. Andy opened Virtual Realty Team focused on providing an exceptional experience for one of the largest decisions many people make: buying or selling a home. Anna Kinchen is the Marketing Manager for Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 11 is focused on farm financing, operating loans, and revolving lines of credit with a special emphasis on cattle operations. This episode features commentary by Southwest Georgia Farm Credit loan officers Billy Billings and Mike Harris. Mike Harris has extensive experience as a Credit Officer, Commercial Lender, Branch Manager, and Market President. Mike’s personal experience on the farm, combined with his professional experience as an ag lender, make him an asset for Farm Credit and our clients. He has a passion for helping farmers succeed and rural communities grow. Mike will use his firsthand experiences and his financial skills to help our association continue to serve our customers at an exceptional level. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 10 is focused on hunting opportunities in Southwest Georgia, what to expect on a guided hunt at a plantation, and how to manage wildlife on your property. This episode features commentary by Plantation Manager Sean Hader, Professional Trapper John Ethridge, and land owner Jim Lewis.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On this episode, co-hosts Billy Billings and Anna Kinchen welcome guest speakers to discuss branding and marketing for ag related or agritourism businesses, learning how to tell your farm's story with captivating content, and creating meaningful partnerships and collaborations to increase your visibility and exposure. This episode features commentary by Cheryl Smith, Laura Rotroff, and Kristen Traugh. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

“Happy New Year! Today’s podcast will provide a 2023 outlook for equipment, equipment financing, and leasing! On this episode, our host Billy Billings welcomes guest speakers, Clayton Willis and Ragan Fretwell Brown. Clayton Willis currently serves as the Farm Credit Leasing Relationship Manager for the southeastern United States. Clayton has been working in the agricultural equipment finance sector since he began he career with Farm Credit six years ago. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and previously worked as a relationship manager for Farm Credit of Florida. In his free time he enjoys hunting deer and turkey as well as fishing the waters off the coast of his home in Jupiter, Florida. Ragan Brown has been employed with SWGA for over 18 years. She has her MBA from Georgia Southwestern and has held various positions and is currently Residential Lending Unit & Other Financial Services Manager. She started the Farm Credit Express product for SWGA and other farm credits associations and has been working with equipment financing and leasing for the past 10 years. Ragan resides in Leesburg with her husband, Richard and children. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode Seven’s theme is the belief that there is truly no place like HOME for the holidays! Host Billy Billings, a Relationship Manager with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, welcomes co-host Jordan Gilbert, along with guest speakers, Natalie Kirbo and Brandon Godwin. If you’re asking Santa for a new key under the tree, a historic home renovation, or a custom home build this Christmas and into the New Year, today’s experts have prepared some great content just for you! Learn about the joys of rural living, timeless architecture, buying your first home, rehabbing an historic home, and building your dream home on this episode! Jordan Gilbert: A native of Bainbridge, GA, Jordan joined the Association in 2017. She assists clients with navigating the home buying process from start to finish, including the origination of residential mortgages for purchase or refinance. Jordan has extensive sales and customer service experience, and provides a wealth of knowledge about the local housing market, as well as how Farm Credit does business throughout the area. Jordan is passionate about educating her clients on all the home loan options, and explaining the pros and cons of each. There’s nothing more satisfying to her than seeing a happy customer find a home they love and can grow their family in. Natalie Kirbo: In a past life, Natalie practiced law in a corporate setting before shifting gears and becoming a real estate agent at Premier Group Realty in 2019. There, and as Good Morning Bainbridge, a brand she began back in 2014, she is an active Realtor, an Airbnb Superhost, and rehabilitates historic homes downtown, both as rental property and for sale. She lives downtown in a 1906 Folk Victorian renovation project with her husband Wheat, children Adella and Beau, their three dogs and flock of backyard chickens. She is a believer in historic preservation, a sense of community, and a slower way of living. Brandon Godwin: A native of Thomasville Ga, Brandon is a passionate artist, architect & outdoorsman who also enjoys various competitive sports while playing the piano when he has time. Brandon attended Southern Polytechnic State University, Atlanta, Ga where he obtained a professional degree in architecture. He is licensed in 6 states, practicing architecture all over the country; ranging from Los Angeles to Sea Island. He is also a licensed contractor and develops his own real estate investments. His architecture firm specializes in custom higher end residential, historic preservation and small-mid size commercial architecture. His passion for South Georgia and North Florida has kept him close by to live and work, hoping to keep the area vibrant and fresh for the future generations. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Here we grow again with Episode Six of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit’s Podcast! Our host, Billy Billings, welcomes a cohort of expert guests taking time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences promoting the great industry of agriculture in the communities and classrooms across Southwest Georgia. This episode features commentary by Andrew Thoron, Megan Verner, and Fredando Jackson.Andrew Thoron is the Department Head for the Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. His research expertise is in the areas of teaching and learning and he is a founding member of a Multistate Research project that focuses on STEM emphasis in school-based agricultural education. Andrew has a Bachelors in Agriculture with an emphasis on Agriculture Education from Illinois State University, a Master of Science in Agriculture Education from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Agriscience and Teacher Preparation from the University of Florida.Megan Verner Bio: Megan graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelors in Agricultural business and economics, and minor in Marketing. She currently teaches agricultural business at Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy in Albany. Mega is also the Office Manager for her husband’s farm equipment dealership, Elite Ag. Along with her husband, Megan owns VF Livestock, a seed stock operation for Angus and Herefords.Fredando Jackson Bio: Fredando has worked in agricultural outreach to low-income communities and food production for more than a decade. His was named the 2019 Farmer of The Year by the Georgia Department of Education and continues to serve the Dougherty County School System’s nutrition program through 200 interactive teaching gardens throughout the county. As Executive Director of Flint River Fresh, Mr. Jackson actively manages and provides technical assistance for a combined total of four acres of urban farms, 237 garden beds, 3/4 acre of urban orchards in Colquitt, Dougherty, and Sumter Counties. His passion for turning green spaces into food spaces motivates him to cultivate relationships around community gardening and urban farming, focusing on conserving natural resources.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.