Farm Credit EXPRESSoffers one-stop shopping.

CountryConnections Summer 2014

agchoice.com/country-living

Making country dreams real is what we’re all about, with a full range of rural financing solutionsincluding:• loansforcountryhomes,landandfarmettes

• financingforbuildings andequipment• agribusinesssupportandeducationalprograms

Contactustodaytolearnhowwecanhelpyouachieveyourlifestylegoals.

Gadgets and Great Outdoors Can Co-ExistAdvancements in technology over the last decade have children spending more time with gadgets and gizmos and less time enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, kids are now indoors up to 10 hours a day, according to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. But kids’ increasing use of technology and opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The Importance of Outside PlayA new National Wildlife Federation (NWF) report shows that kids’ media habits can both positively and negatively impact health, and provides real-world advice to help parents serve as positive role models and teach children to use technology in moderation.

“Kids need to be outside all year long, especially in the winter when days are short and we’re all a little more cooped up than usual,” said Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for National Wildlife Federation.“ In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wildlife around them no matter where they live, it helps them burn off energy, stay fit and be mentally focused for school, homework and all activities in their busy day.”

Screen Time Plus Green TimeTechnology can be a valuable tool to help families balance the lure of screen time with the importance of green time for kids. Today’s connected world enables children to experi-ence nature in ways never before imagined.

NWF’s report offers families these ideas for combining technology with the outdoors:1. Rely on technology to plan or inspire outdoor adventures. This can include anything –

from finding great nearby hiking trails to interactive, outdoor treasure hunts. 2. Keep a record of outdoor experiences with the help of electronic photos, videos or an

electronic journal. They’ll love the ability to share their experiences with family and friends.

3. When safe and practical, take hand-held devices outdoors to combine the best of both worlds (just remember to plan for some fully unplugged time outside, too).

4. Use tools such as Ubooly, an app-based learning toy that can turn a walk in the park into an interactive experience with activities such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, mindfulness games and plenty of exercise.

For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors visit www.BeOutThere.org.

Article courtesy of Family FeaturesPhoto courtesy of Getty Images

4

So, what’s your country living dream?Growing your own food? A rural lot to build your dream home? A wholesome place toraise a family? Ample acreage to manage a couple head of livestock? Or just the spaceto kick back and shift into a lower gear?

At AgChoice, we’re here to work with you to make it happen. Whether it’s helping you finance land or a home for rural family living, providing educational resources to start a new ag venture or connecting you to agribusiness expertise, we get country life.

Learn more about how AgChoice can make YOUR picture of country living a reality. Contact us today for a FREE Country Living Kit. Call 800-998-5557 or visit agchoice.com/country-living.

We have money to lend. When most people want to buy a home in the city or in the suburbs, chances are the first place they might think to look for financing will be a bank near where they live or work. But what if your vision is different?

Financing for country homes, rural properties, farmettes, equipment, specialized structures, farm vehicles, livestock, machinery, all of the things you may need as a rural prop-erty owner – plus the expertise to customize a solution to get you to your country dream faster–THAT’S AgChoice.

When purchasing equipment, shop Farm Credit EXPRESS —whatever the size of your operation!Farm Credit EXPRESS, through a partnership with participating dealerships, is designed to provide you with competitive rates, flexible terms and the conveniences you’re looking for in an equipment finance program.

Here’s how we make it easy:

• Apply for Farm Credit financing while you’re at the dealership and get an answer within 15 minutes

• Take advantage of all manufacturer cash discounts on new equipment

• Enjoy the benefits of cooperative ownership—including our patronage refund program*

We also have competitive rates and terms on used equipment purchases—so there’s no reason not to ask your dealer for Farm Credit EXPRESS!

*As always, patronage payments are based on a variety of factors, and—although our past payment history has been great—they are not guaranteed.

Foralistofparticipatingdealerships,visit:

farmcreditexpress.com

agchoice.com/country-living1-800-998-5557

Interested in country living?

We’re all ears.

Welcome home to the country!Welcome home to the country!

If you’re looking for a home in the country, land for a part-time farm or acreage for a large agricultural operation, agribusiness or recreation, you can rely on AgChoice. With a variety of loan packages and the flexibility to customize financing to meet your individual needs, we can help make your country living dreams come true.

Master Your Backyard BarbecueCoaxing layers of mouth-watering savory, smoky flavor out of grilled meat instantly transforms your backyard barbecue from ho-hum to heavenly. As the temperatures rise this grilling season, focus on flavor to take your backyard barbecue to a whole new level.

The distinct flavors of grilled foods come from three sources, ac-cording to Ardie Davis, renowned judge on the barbecue circuit and founder of the American Royal International BBQ Sauce, Rub & Baste Contest. These include seasonings and marinades used to flavor food before grilling; smoky flavors that emerge during grilling itself (from wood chips, planks or sauces or seasonings applied while cooking) and finishing sauces applied after the food is removed from the heat.

To create dishes full of flavor this grilling season, follow these easy tips from Davis:

• Tenderize with marinades. Marinades transform tougher cuts of meat into flavorful and tender options. KC Mas-terpiece marinades will penetrate meat in 30 minutes, adding flavor and increasing tenderness.

• Enhance with wood chips or planks. Build on the grill’s natural smoky flavor with wood chips or planks that infuse subtle layers of new tastes, such as hickory or apple. Scatter dry chips directly on the coals and watch for them to begin to smoke before placing meat on the grill. Keep the lid closed in between turning the meat to create a stronger smoky flavor.

• Keep meat moist. Use a spatula or tongs for flipping. Piercing meats can release flavorful juices and moistness, resulting in dry meat and diminished taste.

• Top with Blue Ribbon flavor. Add smoky and sweet flavor to every bite with KC Masterpiece sauces or your own concoction, which can be used for broiling, baking and grilling, and as an ingredient in many recipes. The sauce company celebrates the classic Blue Ribbon recipe that won “Best Sauce” at the first American Royal Barbecue sauce competition in 1978 and is made with real sugar and rich dark molasses.

Kansas City Classic Ribs

Recipe created by sauce expert, Ardie Davis.

Makes: 4 servingsPrep time: 2 hours 30 minutesCook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Marinade: 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seed oil 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon powdered ginger1 cup KC Masterpiece Kansas City Classic barbecue sauce1 cup white or cider vinegar

Ribs:2 Racks pork loin ribs, about two pounds each with the mem-

brane removed2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine marinade ingredients in medium bowl and mix well. Place ribs in a large GLAD zipper bag and pour in marinade ensur-ing ribs are fully covered. Set aside and marinate for 2 hours, or overnight in refrigerator.

Set up two-zone fire for indirect grilling with Kingsford charcoal by situating charcoal on only one side of grill, leaving other side void. Heat to 400°F.

Lightly oil grill. Remove ribs from marinade and dispose of excess liquid. Place ribs, bone side down, over direct heat and cover grill for 6-8 minutes. Then turn ribs and cover for another 6-8 minutes. Continue this process for 45 minutes to an hour or until ribs are tender.

Once tender, move ribs to void side of grill and coat with barbe-cue sauce. Close grill and cook for another 6-8 minutes.

Remove ribs from grill and cover with butcher paper or aluminum foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice ribs into individual pieces and serve.

Article courtesy of Family Features

Real Estate Loans

Conventional Home Loans• Competitively priced long-term, fixed and adjustable

rates for properties in rural areas

Lots and Land Packages• Future home sites and bare land tracts for agriculture or

recreation

Construction Loans• For residences, barns and buildings; all-in-one financing

available

Part-time Farm Loans• Competitively priced loans for farms of all sizes

Manufactured Homes• Financing available for modular homes and double-wide

manufactured homes

Second Homes or Investment Properties• Fixed and adjustable rates available for one-unit

properties• Financing available for farmers

Woodland• Rural recreational property for hunting, fishing and

enjoyment - with or without buildings • Includes building lots, vacant land and timberland

investment properties• Two professionally trained foresters on staff

General Eligibility Requirements

Country Home Financing

• Loans are available to full-time farmers, part-time farmers and rural residents.

• Farm income and/or assets are not required.

• Property must be located in a rural area (some areas are excluded). For details visit http://pennsylvaniausda.com and click on Eligible Pennsylvania Counties.

Full-time Farmer Financing

• Must be a farm producer, own agricultural land or be engaged in the production of agricultural products.

• Generally produce more than $40,000 in gross ag income per year.

• Eligible for all credit needs.

Part-time Farmer Financing

• Generate ag income but rely on off-farm employment or other sources of income.

• Produce less than $40,000 ag income annually.

• Eligible for ag and most family credit needs.

• Some limitations on non-ag purpose credit needs.

2 3

Welcome home to the country!Welcome home to the country!

If you’re looking for a home in the country, land for a part-time farm or acreage for a large agricultural operation, agribusiness or recreation, you can rely on AgChoice. With a variety of loan packages and the flexibility to customize financing to meet your individual needs, we can help make your country living dreams come true.

Master Your Backyard BarbecueCoaxing layers of mouth-watering savory, smoky flavor out of grilled meat instantly transforms your backyard barbecue from ho-hum to heavenly. As the temperatures rise this grilling season, focus on flavor to take your backyard barbecue to a whole new level.

The distinct flavors of grilled foods come from three sources, ac-cording to Ardie Davis, renowned judge on the barbecue circuit and founder of the American Royal International BBQ Sauce, Rub & Baste Contest. These include seasonings and marinades used to flavor food before grilling; smoky flavors that emerge during grilling itself (from wood chips, planks or sauces or seasonings applied while cooking) and finishing sauces applied after the food is removed from the heat.

To create dishes full of flavor this grilling season, follow these easy tips from Davis:

• Tenderize with marinades. Marinades transform tougher cuts of meat into flavorful and tender options. KC Mas-terpiece marinades will penetrate meat in 30 minutes, adding flavor and increasing tenderness.

• Enhance with wood chips or planks. Build on the grill’s natural smoky flavor with wood chips or planks that infuse subtle layers of new tastes, such as hickory or apple. Scatter dry chips directly on the coals and watch for them to begin to smoke before placing meat on the grill. Keep the lid closed in between turning the meat to create a stronger smoky flavor.

• Keep meat moist. Use a spatula or tongs for flipping. Piercing meats can release flavorful juices and moistness, resulting in dry meat and diminished taste.

• Top with Blue Ribbon flavor. Add smoky and sweet flavor to every bite with KC Masterpiece sauces or your own concoction, which can be used for broiling, baking and grilling, and as an ingredient in many recipes. The sauce company celebrates the classic Blue Ribbon recipe that won “Best Sauce” at the first American Royal Barbecue sauce competition in 1978 and is made with real sugar and rich dark molasses.

Kansas City Classic Ribs

Recipe created by sauce expert, Ardie Davis.

Makes: 4 servingsPrep time: 2 hours 30 minutesCook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Marinade: 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seed oil 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon powdered ginger1 cup KC Masterpiece Kansas City Classic barbecue sauce1 cup white or cider vinegar

Ribs:2 Racks pork loin ribs, about two pounds each with the mem-

brane removed2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine marinade ingredients in medium bowl and mix well. Place ribs in a large GLAD zipper bag and pour in marinade ensur-ing ribs are fully covered. Set aside and marinate for 2 hours, or overnight in refrigerator.

Set up two-zone fire for indirect grilling with Kingsford charcoal by situating charcoal on only one side of grill, leaving other side void. Heat to 400°F.

Lightly oil grill. Remove ribs from marinade and dispose of excess liquid. Place ribs, bone side down, over direct heat and cover grill for 6-8 minutes. Then turn ribs and cover for another 6-8 minutes. Continue this process for 45 minutes to an hour or until ribs are tender.

Once tender, move ribs to void side of grill and coat with barbe-cue sauce. Close grill and cook for another 6-8 minutes.

Remove ribs from grill and cover with butcher paper or aluminum foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice ribs into individual pieces and serve.

Article courtesy of Family Features

Real Estate Loans

Conventional Home Loans• Competitively priced long-term, fixed and adjustable

rates for properties in rural areas

Lots and Land Packages• Future home sites and bare land tracts for agriculture or

recreation

Construction Loans• For residences, barns and buildings; all-in-one financing

available

Part-time Farm Loans• Competitively priced loans for farms of all sizes

Manufactured Homes• Financing available for modular homes and double-wide

manufactured homes

Second Homes or Investment Properties• Fixed and adjustable rates available for one-unit

properties• Financing available for farmers

Woodland• Rural recreational property for hunting, fishing and

enjoyment - with or without buildings • Includes building lots, vacant land and timberland

investment properties• Two professionally trained foresters on staff

General Eligibility Requirements

Country Home Financing

• Loans are available to full-time farmers, part-time farmers and rural residents.

• Farm income and/or assets are not required.

• Property must be located in a rural area (some areas are excluded). For details visit http://pennsylvaniausda.com and click on Eligible Pennsylvania Counties.

Full-time Farmer Financing

• Must be a farm producer, own agricultural land or be engaged in the production of agricultural products.

• Generally produce more than $40,000 in gross ag income per year.

• Eligible for all credit needs.

Part-time Farmer Financing

• Generate ag income but rely on off-farm employment or other sources of income.

• Produce less than $40,000 ag income annually.

• Eligible for ag and most family credit needs.

• Some limitations on non-ag purpose credit needs.

2 3

Farm Credit EXPRESSoffers one-stop shopping.

CountryConnections Summer 2014

agchoice.com/country-living

Making country dreams real is what we’re all about, with a full range of rural financing solutionsincluding:• loansforcountryhomes,landandfarmettes

• financingforbuildings andequipment• agribusinesssupportandeducationalprograms

Contactustodaytolearnhowwecanhelpyouachieveyourlifestylegoals.

Gadgets and Great Outdoors Can Co-ExistAdvancements in technology over the last decade have children spending more time with gadgets and gizmos and less time enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, kids are now indoors up to 10 hours a day, according to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. But kids’ increasing use of technology and opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The Importance of Outside PlayA new National Wildlife Federation (NWF) report shows that kids’ media habits can both positively and negatively impact health, and provides real-world advice to help parents serve as positive role models and teach children to use technology in moderation.

“Kids need to be outside all year long, especially in the winter when days are short and we’re all a little more cooped up than usual,” said Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for National Wildlife Federation.“ In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wildlife around them no matter where they live, it helps them burn off energy, stay fit and be mentally focused for school, homework and all activities in their busy day.”

Screen Time Plus Green TimeTechnology can be a valuable tool to help families balance the lure of screen time with the importance of green time for kids. Today’s connected world enables children to experi-ence nature in ways never before imagined.

NWF’s report offers families these ideas for combining technology with the outdoors:1. Rely on technology to plan or inspire outdoor adventures. This can include anything –

from finding great nearby hiking trails to interactive, outdoor treasure hunts. 2. Keep a record of outdoor experiences with the help of electronic photos, videos or an

electronic journal. They’ll love the ability to share their experiences with family and friends.

3. When safe and practical, take hand-held devices outdoors to combine the best of both worlds (just remember to plan for some fully unplugged time outside, too).

4. Use tools such as Ubooly, an app-based learning toy that can turn a walk in the park into an interactive experience with activities such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, mindfulness games and plenty of exercise.

For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors visit www.BeOutThere.org.

Article courtesy of Family FeaturesPhoto courtesy of Getty Images

4

So, what’s your country living dream?Growing your own food? A rural lot to build your dream home? A wholesome place toraise a family? Ample acreage to manage a couple head of livestock? Or just the spaceto kick back and shift into a lower gear?

At AgChoice, we’re here to work with you to make it happen. Whether it’s helping you finance land or a home for rural family living, providing educational resources to start a new ag venture or connecting you to agribusiness expertise, we get country life.

Learn more about how AgChoice can make YOUR picture of country living a reality. Contact us today for a FREE Country Living Kit. Call 800-998-5557 or visit agchoice.com/country-living.

We have money to lend. When most people want to buy a home in the city or in the suburbs, chances are the first place they might think to look for financing will be a bank near where they live or work. But what if your vision is different?

Financing for country homes, rural properties, farmettes, equipment, specialized structures, farm vehicles, livestock, machinery, all of the things you may need as a rural prop-erty owner – plus the expertise to customize a solution to get you to your country dream faster–THAT’S AgChoice.

When purchasing equipment, shop Farm Credit EXPRESS —whatever the size of your operation!Farm Credit EXPRESS, through a partnership with participating dealerships, is designed to provide you with competitive rates, flexible terms and the conveniences you’re looking for in an equipment finance program.

Here’s how we make it easy:

• Apply for Farm Credit financing while you’re at the dealership and get an answer within 15 minutes

• Take advantage of all manufacturer cash discounts on new equipment

• Enjoy the benefits of cooperative ownership—including our patronage refund program*

We also have competitive rates and terms on used equipment purchases—so there’s no reason not to ask your dealer for Farm Credit EXPRESS!

*As always, patronage payments are based on a variety of factors, and—although our past payment history has been great—they are not guaranteed.

Foralistofparticipatingdealerships,visit:

farmcreditexpress.com

agchoice.com/country-living1-800-998-5557

Interested in country living?

We’re all ears.