Jingle Bell Jog – turn by turn directions for all races

Jingle Bell Jog Turn By Turn 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
*Subject to change*

5K and 10K:

Leave Southern AgCredit’s parking lot onto E Parkway Place
Turn left on Highland Colony Parkway traveling south
Go halfway through the roundabout and take a right onto the Multi-purpose Trail (MPT)
MPT at Greenwood Crossing is 5K turn around and water station located here. 5k turns around and goes back on the same course.  *Portable toilet is available here.*
10k stays straight on MPT.
MPT at Patterson Crossing is 10K turn around and goes back on the same course. Water station located here.
Finish at Southern AgCredit. (You will pass the first entrance of Southern AgCredit and enter the second entrance).

Half Marathon:

Leave Southern AgCredit’s parking lot onto E Parkway Place.
Turn left on Highland Colony Parkway traveling south.
Turn left on Steed Road traveling east.
Cross over East and West Frontage Roads traveling east.
Turn right at Sunnybrook Road traveling south.
Cross over West Jackson Street and make a right onto MPT.
Exit MPT onto Greenwood Crossing turning left headed south. Water station available here.
Take left to Old Agency Pkwy.
Take right onto Brame Road.
Take right onto Highland Colony Pkwy (running in left lane).
Water station available here Location: Median across from Ridgeland Fire Station.
Take left onto Marketridge Dr.
Take right onto Cole Rd.
Take right onto Highland Colony (running in left lane).
Take left on Highland Park Blvd / Wrenfield Way in Wrenfield Subdivision.
Take right on Old Agency.
Take left onto Patterson’s Crossing (hit waterstation again) / GU available here.
Take right onto MPT.
Take left onto Greenwood Crossing to exit MPT.
Take left onto Old Agency Road – then Old Agency becomes Richardson Road.
Water station available here Location: Corner of Richardson Road and Steed Road.
Turn right onto Steed Road.
Take left on South Lake Ave.
Right on Colony Park Blvd.
Right on Commerce Center Blvd.
Left to turn into first entrance and finish at Southern AgCredit.

Southern AgCredit Hires Loan Administrator in Ruston Branch Office

Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, recently hired Morgan Ritter as loan administrator in its Ruston branch office.

Ritter holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Louisiana Tech University.  She began her career in the banking industry in 2014.  Ritter is married to her husband, Paul, and together they have one daughter, Harper. 

Rural Lending Co-op Hires Customer Service Representative in Hattiesburg  

Southern AgCredit recently hired Haley Herring as a customer service representative in its Hattiesburg branch office. 

Herring was raised on a family-owned and operated cattle farm in Perry County, Mississippi.  She is a graduate of Pearl River Community College and holds an associate degree in office systems technology.  Herring started her career in the accounting and legal fields and has been a real estate paralegal for the past three years. 

Southern AgCredit is a full-service co-op lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System, the nation’s largest source of loans for agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit www.southernagcredit.com.

Director Appointed to Southern AgCredit Board

The board of directors of Southern AgCredit recently appointed Jonathan Hollingshead of Flora, Mississippi, to the lending cooperative’s board.  Hollingshead will serve a three-year term.

Hollingshead is the CEO and sole owner of Business Communications, Inc. (BCI).  BCI is a technology and security firm headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi. 

Southern AgCredit’s Board consists of eight stockholder-elected board members and two director-appointed board members based on their individual expertise.  The board’s governance committee completed an extensive search and interview process for the specific role. 

“Jonathan will make a great addition to Southern AgCredit’s Board of Directors,”  said Phillip Morgan, Southern AgCredit CEO.  “His expertise in technology and cybersecurity will bring a special enhancement to our board oversight and ultimately the continued success of Southern AgCredit.”

Southern AgCredit’s Board also includes Reggie Allen of Brookhaven, Mississippi; Scott Bell of Lena, Mississippi; Gene Boykin of Rolling Fork, Mississippi; Steve Dockens of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Loyd Dodson of Haughton, Louisiana; Allen Eubanks of Lucedale, Mississippi; Larry W. Killebrew of Lexington, Mississippi; John “Paul” Johns, Jr. of Jonesboro, Louisiana; and Kevin Rhodes of Pelahatchie, Mississippi. 

Southern AgCredit Hires Loan Administrator in Ruston    

Southern AgCredit recently hired MaKayla Sadler as a loan administrator in its Ruston branch office. 

Sadler graduated from West Monroe High School and attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  She began her professional career with BAFS in Monroe where she was a commercial loan assistant who assisted underwriting staff with the loan origination process.  Sadler also has previous experience in retail sales, marketing and human resources.    

Southern AgCredit is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending cooperatives that finance agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit www.southernagcredit.com.

Director Elected to Southern AgCredit Board

Loyd Dodson of Southern AgCredit Board

Stockholders of Southern AgCredit recently elected Loyd Dodson of Haughton, Louisiana, to the lending cooperative’s board of directors. He replaces retired director Thomas C. “T.C.” Hall of Gloster, Louisiana.  Dodson will serve a three-year term.

Dodson is the owner and operator of Dodson Ranch, a cow-calf and hay operation that has been in his family since 1872. Additionally, he is the co-owner of a commercial rental property company and storage facility. Dodson is married and has one daughter.

Southern AgCredit’s Nominating Committee consists of the following: Tim Clements, Delta Region; Alan Ezelle, Central Region; Kati Krager, Southern Region; J. Blake McCartney and Thomas Wade, Louisiana Region.

“We are thankful to have such a talented group of individuals to serve as directors.  We welcome Loyd to this group, and I look forward to working alongside him as we serve our borrower-owners,” said Phillip Morgan, chief executive officer.

The Southern AgCredit board also includes Reggie Allen of Brookhaven, Mississippi; Scott Bell of Lena, Mississippi; Gene Boykin of Rolling Fork, Mississippi; Steve Dockens of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Allen Eubanks of Lucedale, Mississippi; Larry W. Killebrew of Lexington, Mississippi; John “Paul” Johns, Jr. of Jonesboro, Louisiana; and Kevin Rhodes of Pelahatchie, Mississippi. 

Southern AgCredit Hires New Office Administrator in Greenville Branch Office

Southern AgCredit recently hired Lenoir Andrus as an office administrator in its Greenville branch office.

new office administrator in Greenville

Andrus was previously a loan assistant at a local commercial bank in Greenville.  Prior to that, she was a commercial and consumer loan assistant in Belzoni. 

Andrus is a Greenville native and comes from a farming family.  She attended the University of Mississippi.  Andrus resides in Greenville with her son.

Southern AgCredit Welcomes Three Summer Interns

Southern AgCredit recently hired three summer interns: Hayden Kilgore, Coltin Taylor and Whitney Watts. These students will work an 8-week rotation through the rural lending cooperative beginning June 5 and concluding July 28.  They will spend time working in Southern AgCredit branches as well as in different departments at the Ridgeland administrative office.

summer intern Hayden Kilgore

Hayden Kilgore is from Taylorsville, Mississippi.  Kilgore spent the past two years at Jones College. He will be transferring to Mississippi State University in the fall to pursue a degree in poultry science.

summer intern Coltin Taylor

Coltin Taylor is a Buckatunna, Mississippi native.  He recently graduated from East Central Community College with an associate degree in business administration and art.  He will attend the University of Southern Mississippi this fall to pursue a degree in business administration. 

summer intern Whitney Watts

Whitney Watts is from Wesson, Mississippi where she grew up showing and judging livestock.  She and her family run a cow-calf operation as well as feeder cattle.  Watts is a senior at Kansas State University and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business.  She is a member of Kansas State’s Collegiate Livestock Judging Team and Meat Evaluation Team.

Rural Lending Co-op Hires New Employee in Ruston

new rural lending employee in Ruston

Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, recently hired Walker Burchfield as a loan officer in its Ruston, Louisiana branch office.    

Burchfield holds a business management degree and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration from Louisiana Tech.    

A native of Clinton, Mississippi, Burchfield was a baseball player at Hinds Community College, Tulane University and Louisiana Tech. 

Southern AgCredit Hires Alicia Ledbetter as Human Resource Manager

Southern AgCredit Human Resource Manager

Alicia Ledbetter joins Southern AgCredit as Human Resource Manager in its Ridgeland administrative office.  Ledbetter holds an associate’s degree from Hinds Community College.  She comes to Southern AgCredit with 8 years of human resource experience and earned her SHRM-CP in June 2020.  She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the Capital Area Human Resource Association.  She is also a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Banking. 

Ledbetter is a native of Terry, Mississippi, and now resides in Vaughan with her husband, Kinch and their two daughters.  She was most recently an Assistant Vice President of HR with a commercial bank. 

Southern AgCredit CEO Phillip Morgan Testifies Before U.S. Senate in Support of the 2023 Farm Bill

CEO testifies in support of farm bill

Phillip Morgan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern AgCredit, a rural lender serving Mississippi and Louisiana, recently testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee hearing on Commodity Programs, Credit, and Crop Insurance in support of a 2023 Farm Bill.

Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss), ranking member of the Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade Subcommittee, helped lead the two-part hearing. Part One of the hearing was earlier last week, focusing on the perspective of ag producers and the need for a farm safety net.  Part Two of the hearing, held last Thursday, featured a panel of rural lenders, crop insurance agents and providers. Both hearings were conducted in part to assist the Senate Agriculture Committee as it works on the new five-year farm bill. The 2018 Farm Bill expires on Sept. 30, 2023.

Morgan provided testimony on behalf of the Farm Credit Council in support of a strong farm bill. 

“Agricultural producers in Mississippi and Louisiana need a strong farm bill, including a robust farm safety net, to manage the ongoing risks presented by weather, markets, supply chain pressures, rising input prices and declining profit margins,” said Morgan. 

For complete coverage of the hearing and to download Morgan’s testimony, visit https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings

Southern AgCredit Awards $23,000 in Ag Scholarships to Mississippi and Louisiana Students

Southern AgCredit, a rural financing cooperative, is pleased to announce its 2023 scholarship recipients. The co-op awarded a total of $23,000 in ag scholarships to 20 students.   

To qualify, each applicant had to be a current Southern AgCredit borrower, or a current borrower’s child, grandchild or spouse. Selection criteria included academics, leadership, extracurricular activities and an essay by the student.

A total of 18 students each received a $1,000 scholarship.

In addition, Southern AgCredit awarded two recipients with $2,500 scholarships. These special ag scholarships honor two former longtime Southern AgCredit board members — Jimmie Dick Carter and Emery Skelton. They are awarded to deserving students who attend or are planning to attend Mississippi State University and major in agriculture or a related field.

Following are the recipients and the colleges they plan to attend or are currently attending.  

$2500 – Jimmie Dick Carter Scholarship
Emma Grace Koger
Indianola, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

$2500 – Emery Skelton Scholarship
Georgia Neil
McCarley, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

$1000 – Scholarship recipients
Allison Claire Amis
Conehatta, Mississippi
East Central Community College

Aquinnah Claire Boerner
Brookhaven, Mississippi
University of Mississippi

Kerri S. Champagne
New Hebron, Mississippi
Colorado Christian University

Jaylynn Cloy
Wesson, Mississippi
Copiah Lincoln Community College  

Amy Grace Estes
Wesson, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Gianna Rose Galdino
Summit, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Tate William Galey
Greenwood, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Tristen Herrington
Lucedale, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Sabra Hubbard
Mt. Olive, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Jackson Parke Lewis
Natchez, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Luke McKenzie
Clinton, Mississippi
Hinds Community College

Kyle S. Middleton
Magnolia, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Max Murrell
Madison, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Emma Jane Reeves
Simsboro, Louisiana
Louisiana Tech University

Bella Parker Roberts
Winona, Mississippi
Holmes Community College

Keleigh Jo Stigall
Anguilla, Mississippi
Mississippi Delta Community College

Madalyn Stringer
Bay Springs, Mississippi
Mississippi State University

Beau Williams
Osyka, Mississippi
Southwest Mississippi Community College

Congratulations to all of our recipients and we wish you the best of luck!

Southern AgCredit Provides Meals in Tornado-Stricken Rolling Fork, Mississippi

On Friday, March 24, 2023, tornadoes ripped through a small farming community in the Mississippi delta. Rolling Fork, a town in our servicing territory, was devastated.

Saturday morning, the team at Southern AgCredit began making plans to provide relief to those affected by the deadly storms. They planned to provide hot meals to locals, first responders, or whoever needed them. They pulled the large Southern AgCredit grill to Rolling Fork and cooked hamburgers, hot dogs, or chicken with side items and cold drinks.

This relief effort went on for 11 days, and the team served approximately 2,750 hot meals to those who needed them.

Southern AgCredit would like to thank Bobbie and Angie Casavechia, Tripp Cain with Taylor Rental and First South Farm Credit for helping in this relief effort.

Rolling Fork tornado relief effort

Southern AgCredit’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Southern AgCredit which will be held:

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
Embassy Suites
200 Township Place
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Registration: 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Business Meeting: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Agenda

The business session agenda for the meeting will include the following:

  • Approval of the minutes of the previous Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
  • Board of Directors’ Report to Stockholders
  • Review of Corporate and Financial Operations
  • Report of the Nominating Committee
  • Open Forum for Other Business

Customer Appreciation Dinner

Customer Appreciation Dinner
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
306 Commerce Center Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157

RSVP

Please call us toll free at (800) 449-5742 by May 1st and let us know if you can make it.

Moseley Meadows

Benton and Kate Moseley are the owners and operators of Moseley Meadows, an agricultural-focused, family-friendly, agritourism farm in Madison County, Mississippi. The farm features a pumpkin patch, hayride, petting zoo, hay castles, corn pit, and other farm-related attractions.  Currently, they are open every weekend in the month of October, and their operation has become quite a popular place for families in the area to visit.

Benton grew up working on his family’s Christmas tree farm, Santa’s Choice, in Florence. The tree farm was a community favorite, and Benton attributes his current success to learning the importance of hard work at an early age. 

“I loved working on the Christmas tree farm. When I was 15 years old, my family expanded the farm, and I was able to help them run the operation”, said Benton. “It’s been my lifelong dream to own my own land and run an operation of my own.” 

Benton and Kate began Moseley Meadows in Florence and operated the farm on rented land. “We really wanted ownership of the land and also more of it to add more attractions”, said Kate. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a piece of land in Florence that would suit our goals for Moseley Meadows, so we started looking at other locations.” 

The Moseleys found the perfect farm in Madison County and quickly jumped on the opportunity of owning it. 

“There were other financing options, but we were not interested in any other lender besides Southern AgCredit,” said Kate. “It just made sense because Southern AgCredit understands agricultural financing, so it was a natural fit with our business”. 

Benton knew Pate DeMuth, their loan officer at Southern AgCredit, through prior connections and reached out to Pate when they found the land that they wanted to purchase. “Pate has an ag background, and he understood our business model and our unique financing needs. He’s been amazing to work with,” said Benton. 

The Moseleys have lofty goals and aspirations for Moseley Meadows. Their current focus is during the fall when pumpkins are in season. However, they plan to add other activities that can be enjoyed year-round. 

“We want to offer more family-oriented, fun, safe, community events like farm-to-table dinners, farmers markets, and events tailored to educating the younger generation on how to grow food and fiber,” said Benton. “Also, I would love to have Christmas trees at the farm during December.”

Kate’s favorite part of the whole aspect is getting to watch Benton’s dreams and goals become a reality.  She also gets to take part in something that brings families together. Not just families in their local community, but their own as well. 

“When it’s pumpkin season, we all pitch in to help run the farm”, said Kate. “My parents are out on the farm working alongside us, and my sister is helping by running our social media. Benton’s family helps us, too. I love that this farm has brought our families so much closer.”

Benton and Kate have been borrower-owners of Southern AgCredit since buying their Madison County farm in May of 2022.

Southern AgCredit Hires Loan Officer in Hattiesburg Branch Office

Southern AgCredit recently hired Garren Berry as a loan officer in its Hattiesburg office.  The rural lending cooperative specializes in financing land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Berry graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  He started his professional career with Sanderson Farms in Hammond, Louisiana.  Then Berry moved back to his hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi to work in outside sales for a sports apparel and equipment company. 

He is married to his wife, Macie, who is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.      

Garren Berry, loan officer in Hattiesburg
Garren Berry

Southern AgCredit Promotes Twelve Associates

Southern AgCredit, a rural lender serving Mississippi and Louisiana, recently promoted twelve employees.

Michelle Breazeale was promoted to loan administrator supervisor.  Breazeale holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from William Carey University.  She joined Southern AgCredit in January 2013 as an office administrator in the Hattiesburg branch office. Breazeale resides in Sumrall with her husband, Matthew, and their 5 children.

Jamie Bowman was promoted to senior loan administrator.  She began work at Southern AgCredit in 2013 as an office administrator and then was promoted to loan administrator in the Hattiesburg branch office.  Prior to that, she was a mortgage processor for a local commercial bank and a legal assistant at an attorney’s office.  Bowman is from Purvis and is married to her husband, Billy.  They have one daughter, one son and daughter-in-law, and one grandchild. 

Kelly Coleman was promoted to branch manager of the Ruston branch office.  He joined Southern AgCredit in 2021 as a relationship manager.  Coleman has over 35 years of lending experience.  Before joining Southern AgCredit, he was a senior vice president and loan officer for a commercial bank in West Monroe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Louisiana Tech University. Coleman resides in Ruston with his wife, Tralynn. They have six adult children and six grandchildren. He is also the senior pastor at Culbertson Baptist Church in nearby Farmerville.

Pate DeMuth was promoted to relationship manager.  He joined Southern AgCredit in 2018 as a loan officer in the Ridgeland branch office. DeMuth holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, technology, and business as well as a master’s degree in agribusiness management from Mississippi State University.  He and his wife, Nora Grace, live in Raymond with their daughter.

Darlene Guyse was promoted to loan administrator.  She joined Southern AgCredit in 2021 as an office administrator in the Newton branch office.  Guyse has over 20 years of experience in administrative positions and office management.  She is married to Christopher Guyse and together they have 4 children and three grandchildren. They live in Lake, Mississippi.

Brooks Hall was promoted to relationship manager.  He joined the Association in 2021 as a loan officer in the Brookhaven branch office.   Hall attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  He started his career as an examiner in the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, a position he held for 3 years.  Prior to joining Southern AgCredit, Hall was a lender at the Bank of Brookhaven.  He and his wife, Summer, have one daughter and reside in Brookhaven. 

Mallory Kellar was promoted to credit analyst.  She joined the rural lending cooperative in 2020 as a loan administrator in its Gulfport branch office. Kellar earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was employed at PJ’s Coffee for seven years prior to joining Southern AgCredit. She is married to Evan Kellar, an independent insurance agent in Picayune, where they live with their daughter.

April Lunsford was promoted to senior loan administrator.  Lunsford has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Louisiana Monroe.  She joined the Association in 2017 as a loan administrator in the Ruston branch office then later moved to the Ridgeland branch office.  Lunsford worked in the dental industry for 7 years before coming to Southern AgCredit. 

Brittany Miller was promoted to senior loan administrator.  Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Mississippi State University. She joined Southern AgCredit as an office administrator in the Newton branch office in 2019 and was promoted to loan administrator in 2021. Before joining the rural lending co-op, she worked as a loan assistant for BankFirst in Newton. She and her husband, Joe, have two daughters and the family resides in Garlandville.

Lauren Smith was promoted to senior loan administrator.  Smith joined Southern AgCredit in 2010 as a customer service representative in the Brookhaven branch office then was promoted to loan administrator.  Prior to joining the rural lending co-op, she worked in commercial banking for 9 years.  Smith, a native of Winnsboro, Louisiana, now resides in Wesson with her husband, Andy, and their two children. 

Cooper Stringer was promoted to vice-president of lending.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Alabama.  Stringer joined Southern AgCredit in 2011 as a loan officer and then was promoted to branch manager of the Newton office.  He lives in Newton and is active in the Mississippi Poultry Association, NWTF and Ducks Unlimited.    

Jason Whittlesy was promoted to senior credit analyst.  Whittlesy has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport as well as a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Louisiana Tech.  He joined Southern AgCredit in 2011 as a credit analyst and collateral evaluator for the Shreveport and Ruston branch offices.  Whittlesy and his wife, Nicki, live in Bossier City with their daughter. 

Southern AgCredit is a full-service lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending cooperatives that finance agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes.

Southern AgCredit Returns Record Patronage Dividends to Customer-Owners

RIDGELAND, Miss. — The board of directors of Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, returned a record $11.9 million in cash patronage dividends to its customer-owners in March.     

The member-owned cooperative returns surplus earnings to borrowers after it has met its needs for a strong capital base. The return of patronage dividends to customers effectively reduced the interest rate paid by each borrower by one percentage point on average.

“Patronage is a unique benefit of doing business with a cooperative such as Southern AgCredit,” said Scott Bell, Southern AgCredit’s board chairman. “When our co-op is successful, our stockholders benefit. We’ve had consecutive record-breaking years despite the pandemic and the high-interest rate environment.  That is a testament to the hard work that goes on at Southern AgCredit.”

Southern AgCredit is a full-service co-op lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System, the nation’s largest source of loans for agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit SouthernAgCredit.com.

Financial results discussed here are preliminary and unaudited. Please visit SouthernAgCredit.com this spring to see our complete results.

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Southern AgCredit Supports Record-Breaking Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Southern AgCredit participated in the purchase of several animals at the 2023 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions. The Sale took place on Feb. 9, helping to celebrate the 54th Annual Sale. This year the Sale grossed $456,285.

This year 1,257 4-H and FFA members from across Mississippi participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Show, showing 2,153 head of various livestock including pigs, sheep, cattle and goats. The animals sold for top dollar in the Sale of Champions. In addition, scholarships totaling $61,500 were awarded to 39 students.

Southern AgCredit was once again a large supporter of the Sale. The rural lending cooperative, along with its buying partners, purchased 6 animals and donated to the scholarship fund. Exhibitors and their animals are photographed below:

LOT 3

dixie national sale of junior champions
Grand Champion/Champ Division 5 Lamb Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: Southern AgCredit; Steward Link, LLC; Kirk Auto Group; Fancher Cattle Co.; Hi Grade Farm Supply; Bank of Kilmichael; Oliver Farms; Winona Tractor & Equipment.

LOT 9

dixie national sale of junior champions
Res Grand Champion/Champ Division 3 Hair Sheep Exhibited by Jacks & Yates Poe, Leflore 4-H. Buyers: Bank of Commerce; Southern AgCredit; Triangle Chemical Co.; Ayers Delta Implement; Cannon Motors of MS; Chris Killebrew Farms; Craig & Marcie Rozier; Delta Electric Power Assoc.; Wade, Inc.

LOT 11

dixie national sale of junior champions
Champion MS Bred Barrow Exhibited by Jackson Rex Brown, Jasper 4-H. Buyers: Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Legacy Land & Financial Consulting; Steve & Patsy Brandon; Meyer & Rosenbaum; Codaray Construction; Charles Donald Pulpwood; Capitol Ag Services; Dr. Keith Coble, VP, MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Medicine; Dependable Financial Services; Southern AgCredit.

LOT 22

dixie national sale of junior champions
Res Champ Lightweight European/MS Bred Res Champ Lightweight European Steer Exhibited by Sadie Shoemaker, Smith 4-H. Buyers: Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Legacy Land & Financial Consulting; Steve & Patsy Brandon; Meyer & Rosenbaum; Codaray Construction; Charles Donald Pulpwood; Capitol Ag Services; Speaker of the House Philip Gunn; Dr. Keith Coble, VP, MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Medicine; Dependable Financial Services; Southern AgCredit.

LOT 30

dixie national sale of junior champions
Res Champion Spotted/MS Bred Res Champ Spotted Hog Exhibited by Kolby & John Michael Donahoo, Humphreys 4-H. Buyers: Southern AgCredit; Steward Link, LLC; Kirk Auto Group; Fancher Cattle Co.; 4 Corner Properties, LLC.; Tom Hixon.

LOT 40

dixie national sale of junior champions
Res Champion Division 4 Lamb Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: Southern AgCredit; Steward Link, LLC; Kirk Auto Group; Fancher Cattle Co.; Hi Grade Farm Supply; Bank of Kilmichael; Oliver Farms; Winona Tractor & Equipment.

Southern AgCredit Supports Children’s of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

For years now, Southern AgCredit has been a supporter of Children’s of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, the only center in the state providing comprehensive care for children with cancer or blood-related diseases.

In 2014, Southern AgCredit held the first Jingle Bell Jog/Fit for Ag, a race in Ridgeland, Mississippi, donating all proceeds to Children’s of Mississippi. Since then, Southern AgCredit has kept our commitment and kept the race going. We’ve raised and donated over $200,000. Our funds contributed to the renovation of the 17,750-square-foot facility, located inside the Blair E. Batson Tower in Jackson, Mississippi. Improvements include upgrading and expanding the center by adding more exam rooms, a larger infusion room and updating the center’s pharmacy.

After two years of being unable to hold the race due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern AgCredit was able to hold the 2022 Jingle Bell Jog. The race had over 350 participants and resulted in a donation of $30,000 to the hospital.

The check was presented to Children’s of Mississippi on January 31st by Southern AgCredit.

southern agcredit and children's of mississippi

Click here to read more about Southern AgCredit’s commitment to Children’s of Mississippi.

Southern AgCredit Hires New Loan Administrator in Ruston Branch Office

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Southern AgCredit recently hired Jessica Tynes as a loan administrator in its Ruston branch office.

Tynes holds an associate degree from Louisiana Delta Community College.  She started her banking career at Louisiana National Bank in 2018 as a teller and then was promoted to loan processor.  Tynes is engaged to Brandon Gray of Calhoun, Louisiana.   

Southern AgCredit is a full-service lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending cooperatives that finance agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes.

Jessica Tynes

Southern AgCredit Board Chair Scott Bell Re-Elected to Farm Credit Council Board

Southern AgCredit Chairman Scott Bell was re-elected to the national Farm Credit Council Board. 

Scott was re-elected by the Tenth District Board to represent Southern AgCredit. This board includes a member from each Texas District Association as well as each of the Farm Credit Bank of Texas Board members. 

Scott Bell

Scott was previously elected in August 2022 to serve the remaining term of a vacated position. Yesterday’s election win confirms Scott’s position for a three-year term through December 31, 2025.

The Farm Credit Council is the national trade association representing Farm Credit institutions before Congress, the Executive Branch and others. 

Southern AgCredit Travels to New York and Washington for the Big Farm Credit Picture

RIDGELAND, MS—Southern AgCredit’s general counsel, Jeff Williams, was among 22 delegates to participate in the 2022 Farm Credit Bank of Texas Association Leadership Program (ALP) to New York and Washington, D.C., September 12-15.

The program offers association staff a broad national view of the Farm Credit System and provides opportunities to interact with policy leaders in Washington. It also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how funding flows from the nation’s money markets to Farm Credit’s customers.

During the week, delegates across the five-state district visited the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation in New Jersey, toured the Financial District in New York and shared a working lunch with Farm Credit Council staff in Washington, D.C.

While visiting the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) headquarters in Virginia, the group met with FCA senior leaders about local lending conditions. Delegates spent the final day on Capitol Hill in Washington, sharing the Farm Credit story with congressional leaders and staff.

Twenty-two Farm Credit District employees took part in the 2022 Farm Credit Association Leadership Program, September 12-15. Participants included, from left, back row: Jacob Newman, Heritage Land Bank; Keith McKinley, Alabama Ag Credit; Tate Rosenbusch, Plains Land Bank; Colton Long, AgTexas; Aaron Wiechmann, FCBT; Clint Cryer, Capital Farm Credit; Clint Walker, Legacy; Josh Warmack, Alabama Farm Credit. Front row, from left: Jeff Williams, Southern Ag Credit; Clay Herbert, Louisiana Land Bank; Matt Kesser, Texas Farm Credit Services; Tessie Doyle, Lone Star Ag Credit; Hillary Turner, Capital Farm Credit; Skylar Sowder, Farm Credit Council; Ria Estrada, FCBT; Colleen Friar, Central Texas Farm Credit; Claire Pegram, Mississippi Land Bank; and Amanda Schaeffer, FCBT.  

Southern AgCredit is a full-service co-op lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of customer-owned cooperatives. Founded in 1916, Farm credit is the nation’s largest source of loans for agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes.

Southern AgCredit Promotes Gilbert to Controller

Southern AgCredit recently promoted Daniel Gilbert to controller in its administrative office. 

Gilbert joined the rural lending co-op in 2019 as a senior accountant.  Previously, he worked at Harper, Rains, Knight & Company, Hinds Community College, and was self-employed in the real estate and timber industries.  He graduated with honors from Belhaven University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and was awarded the Achievement in Accounting Award. He also holds a master’s degree in accounting from Mississippi College. 

He resides in Madison with his wife, Camille, and their four children.

“Daniel’s experience makes him a valuable member of the finance team here at Southern AgCredit,” said Phillip Morgan, Southern AgCredit chief executive officer.  “I look forward to working with Daniel in his new role as controller.”

Daniel Gilbert

Rural Lending Co-op Hires New Loan Administrator in Shreveport

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, recently hired Ashley Poole as a loan administrator in its Shreveport, La. branch office.    

Poole has 11 years of experience as a loan processing clerk.  She holds an associate degree from Georgia Military College in behavioral science. She currently resides in Shreveport, La., with her husband and son.

Southern AgCredit is a full-service cooperative lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a part of the Farm Credit System, the nation’s single largest source of loans for agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit www.southernagcredit.com.

Ashley Poole

Directors Elected to Southern AgCredit Board

Stockholders of Southern AgCredit recently reelected Larry Killebrew of Lexington, Mississippi, and Kevin Rhodes of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, to the lending cooperative’s board of directors. Stockholders also elected John “Paul” Johns Jr. of Jonesboro, Louisiana, who replaces retired director John “Van” Bennett of Spearsville, Louisiana. Each director will serve a three-year term.

Killebrew is the owner/manager of Larry Killebrew Farms, a 3,000-acre farming operation consisting of row crops — cotton, corn and soybeans — and cattle.

Rhodes owns KDR Farms Inc., a 300-acre farming operation consisting of a small beef cattle operation, two six-house poultry farms in Rankin County and a five-house poultry farm in Scott County.

Johns owns a farming operation consisting of 500 acres of hay, timber and pastureland, 100 commercial cows and four poultry houses.

Southern AgCredit’s 2022 Nominating Committee consists of the following:

Tim Clements, Delta Region; Alan Ezelle, Central Region; Kati Krager, Southern Region; J. Blake McCartney and Thomas Wade, Louisiana Region.

“The board of directors is a diverse representation of our borrower-owners we serve throughout our territory,” said Phillip Morgan, chief executive officer. “They guide and steer the association in all aspects, and we are thankful to have such a talented group of individuals to serve as directors.” 

Southern AgCredit’s 10-member board also includes Reggie Allen of Brookhaven, Mississippi; Scott Bell of Lena, Mississippi; Gene Boykin of Rolling Fork, Mississippi; Steve Dockens of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Allen Eubanks of Lucedale, Mississippi; T.C. Hall of Gloster, Louisiana; and Linda Staniszewski of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Southern AgCredit is a full-service cooperative lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending cooperatives that finance agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit www.southernagcredit.com.

Southern AgCredit hires collateral evaluator

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, recently hired Mitchell Bishop as a collateral evaluator in its administrative office. 

Bishop holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University. Prior to joining Southern AgCredit, he worked in agricultural retail for Simplot Growers Solutions in Hollandale, Miss.  Bishop is a native of Madison and is engaged to Madison Flye of Daphne, Ala.

Southern AgCredit is a full-service cooperative lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a part of the Farm Credit System, the nation’s single largest source of loans for agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit www.southernagcredit.com.

Mitchell Bishop

Southern AgCredit hires office administrator in Meridian office

Southern AgCredit has hired Stacey Davis as an office administrator in its Meridian office. The rural lending cooperative specializes in financing land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Davis comes to Southern AgCredit with 10 years of banking experience in various positions, most recently as a loan assistant at Community Bank in Meridian.  She is married to Matt Davis, and they reside in Meridian with their two sons.    

“Stacey has the experience and customer service skills needed to assist our customer-owners and we look forward to working with her to see our Meridian office grow,” said Phillip Morgan, Southern AgCredit chief executive officer.

Stacey Davis

LIBOR To Be Replaced

Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act Changes

On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 into law, which includes the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act. The (LIBOR) Act “provides for the transition of certain financial contracts away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), a reference interest rate based upon the lending terms certain banks offer to each other for various lengths of time.

LIBOR is set to be retired in 2023. Various financial contracts reference LIBOR as a benchmark for prevailing interest rates and use LIBOR in calculating certain payments or obligations. In the event a contract referencing LIBOR does not have a fallback or replacement rate provision in effect when LIBOR is retired, or a replacement rate is not selected by a determining person as defined by the bill, the bill provides for a transition to a replacement rate selected by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The (LIBOR) Act also provides for conforming changes to these contracts, the continuity and enforceability of these contracts, and protections against liability as a result of such a transition.” 

Summary: H.R.4616 — 117th Congress (2021-2022) 

“Our Southern AgCredit team has worked diligently over the past two years to transition our LIBOR indexed loans to other variable and fixed loan rate products. We are pleased to have the additional assurances and guidance from congress regarding the financial market’s transition away from the LIBOR index.”

Phillip Morgan, Southern AgCredit Chief Executive Officer