Field Notes by AgChoice

Big things are on the horizon for Farm Credit. Effective July 1, AgChoice will merge with MidAtlantic Farm Credit to form Horizon Farm Credit. Together, we’ll be lending support to agriculture and our local communities across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. With the merger upon us, we’re taking a summer break from our podcast, so this will be the final episode for a few months. For all of the podcast lovers out there - don’t worry! We’ll let you know when we star...

Jumpstart grant spotlight: This episode highlights Esperanzo Wilcox, or Espo. This past year, Espo began the PA Mushroom Company, an organic mushroom farm, specializing in cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms and mushroom grow kits. He is also a 2021 recipient of the AgChoice Farm Credit jumpstart grant which awarded 15 startup farmers with a $10,000 grant this past fall. Tune in for an inside scoop on mushroom production and tips for start up farmers!

Jumpstart grant spotlight: This episode features Jonathan and Winter Weaver. The Weavers operate Wheat and Sparrow, LLC, a 17-acre farm in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. They are 2021 recipients of the AgChoice Farm Credit jumpstart grant which awarded 15 startup farmers with a $10,000 grant this past fall. Listen in to hear how their operation has benefitted from this grant opportunity.

Jumpstart Grant spotlight: This episode features Rachel Wagoner who is the owner of Tall Pines Farms in western Pennsylvania. Rachel and her husband raise grass-fed pasture-raised beef and lamb along with breeding stock, and hay. Listen in to hear more about what it takes to raise and finish beef and lamb on grass and some of the management practices they utilize on their farm.

Jumpstart grant spotlight: This week's podcast highlights Matthew Hansen who is a beginning farmer and began growing vegetable crops in western Pennsylvania. Matthew markets his products through a CSA and serves his local community through providing fresh produce to those in need. He is also a recent recipient of the AgChoice Farm Credit jumpstart grant which has helped to fund the startup of his operation.

Chris Herr, executive director of PennAg Industries, joins us to discuss Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. In recent weeks HPAI has had a tremendous disruption on the poultry industry in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Chris will help us learn more about HPAI, the current status in the state and next steps all of us can take to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Tiffany Kline is carrying on her family’s farming legacy with her husband, Mack. This week’s Field Notes is another feature from the AgBiz Cast podcast.

Grant Winner Spotlight: Joel and Emily Kuhns will run Odyssey Orchard, a veteran-owned business. Odyssey Orchard focuses on producing high quality sharp and bitter-sharp apples for the fine and craft cider markets.

Jumpstart grant spotlight: Mackenzie Strawser and her husband Eli own and operate Top Line Meats, LLC. They started the business in late 2020 and raised sheep for breeding and meat purposes.