NEWSfrom MHC’S INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS


SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT MidAtlantic Farm Credit: 2020 net income is $78.7 million Most Equiery readers know Farm Credit as a friendly lender for ag


properties, horse farms, and equipment related to farm business- es. What most readers don’t know is that Farm Credit is not a typical lending institution. Farm Credit is a national system made up of mem- ber-owned regional cooperative associations, such as MidAtlantic Farm Credit, which services most of Maryland. This cooperative does one thing and one thing only: lend money. You can not set up check- ing or savings accounts at Farm Credit. You can only borrow money. But here is the interesting thing about Farm Credit: once you borrow money, you become a member of the cooperative. Because Farm Cred- it is legally organized as a cooperative, members of the cooperative (you, the borrower) receive “patronage distributions” when Farm Credit has a profi table year. 2020 was a particularly good year for MidAtlantic Farm Credit, ac-


cording to the fi nancial reports released in early spring. Borrowers (members of the cooperative) can expect to see (or have already seen) sizable checks (patronage distributions). In 2020, loan volume grew to $2.90 billion, an increase of approximately 2.1 percent compared to $2.84 billion in 2019. The Association reported a net income of $78.7 million in 2020, up from $63.8 million in 2019. The Association’s port- folio quality continues to remain strong with acceptable credit quality at 95.6 percent for 2020. “2020 brought new challenges to us all, and the agricultural industry


was tested in many ways,” says Tom Truitt, Chief Executive Offi cer of Mi- dAtlantic Farm Credit. “Our Association found its strength through our members who remained dedicated and persevered through the pan- demic. We remained true to our mission by off ering note modifi cations, payment deferrals, the Paycheck Protection Program, and patronage distribution to support our members during this extraordinary time.” Last year, MidAtlantic Farm Credit distributed $50.8 million in cash


through their patronage program. “Farm Credit’s unique cooperative structure allows us to share our profi ts with our borrowers,” adds Truitt. “The over $50 million in cash we were able to distribute to our mem- bers last year will help them continue to succeed.” MidAtlantic Farm Credit has been a proud sponsor and industry profes- sional member of the Maryland Horse Council since 1996. For more in- formation about MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s fi nancials, and to view the As- sociation’s 2020 annual report, please visit mafc.com/about/fi nancials.


NEW MHC SPONSOR MHC welcomes Tracy Diamond and The


Tracy Diamond Team as its latest sponsor. A long-time member of MHC, Tracy grew up amid the rolling hills of Maryland’s prime farmland in a family with deep roots in land, as farmers and as realtors. Tracy’s clients benefi t from her intimate knowl-


edge of traditional and newer neighborhoods, her relationships with- in the community, her ag-related knowledge and her over 25 years of successfully buying and selling homes, farms and equestrian properties. She is in the top 1% of Maryland realtors. In 2018, Tracy moved her busi- ness to eXp Realty in order to provide her clients with the most sophis- ticated digital technology platforms available in the industry. Tracy has become the 5th highest producer in eXp Maryland and has twice earned the prestigious ICON agent status. When she is not selling real estate, she is foxchasing and managing her own small private boarding operation. Tracy’s “equestrian team” includes daughter Victoria “Your Home Girl” Ka- minski and long-time friend Crystal Brumme Pickett, founder and former publisher of The Equiery.


VETERANS ADMINISTRATION APPROVES WORTHMORE AS AN ANIMAL SERVICE PROGRAM MHC member Worthmore Equestrian Center in Kent County is a full


service equestrian facility that is also home to two equine therapy pro- grams, one of which is Bridges at Worthmore. Bridges at Worthmore is certifi ed in EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Associ- ation), and off ers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. With the help of the treatment team (a mental health pro- fessional, an equine specialist, and the horses), clients participate in ground activities with the horses with specifi c treatment goals in mind. Dr. Ben Kohl, President of Bridges’ Board of Directors, notes, “We are proud to be entrusted by the VA to provide this service on the Shore. What is particularly encouraging is that veterans who are already re- ceiving traditional talk therapy, medication management or substance use services can sign up for equine sessions with no disruption to their current health care. In addition a veteran who may have avoided treat- ment in the past can give us a call and get right to work with the hors- es.” Worthmore will be included in VA materials as an approved facility and could be eligible for related grants.


HELEN TUEL HONORED MHC member Helen Tuel (Therapeutic & Recre-


ational Riding Center, Inc.) was honored in March by the Howard County Commission for Women, which celebrated Women in History month with the “So She Did” campaign. Throughout the month, the campaign recognized local women who are promoting positive change through their professional work, volunteerism, or advocacy eff orts, and thereby making a diff erence


in the local community. The tribute to Helen noted that as co-founder of TRRC, she has been“promoting the social, economic and political well-being of the county’s special needs community for 37 years.”


GRANT KUDOS MHC Member Days End Farm Horse Rescue is the benefi ciary of a $500,000 Bond Bill passed by the Maryland General Assembly in the ses- sion that just concluded. DEFHR will use the funds to help acquire the ad- jacent fi rehouse property in Lisbon this year and repurpose it to expand operations and increase community outreach and education. Planned renovations include exterior updates, construction of an educational welcome center and classroom, and conversion of other existing struc-


This feature is a benefi t for MHC Industry Professional Members. To learn more or submit news & updates, contact Business Network Co-Chairs Jane Seigler & Crystal Brumme Pickett at IndustryNews@mdhorsecouncil.org


52 | MAY 2021 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION BECOME A MEMBER • JOIN.MDHORSECOUNCIL.ORG 800-244-9580 | www.equiery.com


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