Family First
The ninth generation is now farming at Lane Farms in Gates, North Carolina. For the Lanes, a commitment to agriculture runs deep. That commitment shows not only in their love for farming, but also in the partnerships they choose.
Lane Farms is a diversified operation producing cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat and peanuts. Beyond row crows, they run a sow farm with Smithfield Foods, raise purebred Angus cattle and sell beef under their own Angus brand.
Today, three generations work side-by-side on the farm: Bundy and Marinda Lane, Bundy’s parents, Roger and Rita, and Bundy and Marinda’s son, Tucker.
“It’s a family business. Family is everything. It’s the reason I’m here in the ninth generation. I’ve learned so much from my dad and my grandpa. That’s who I’ve grown up around,” said Tucker. “They’ve worked 80-hour weeks and from the time I was little to now, I’ve always been right there. So, I’ve learned it from them.”
A Shared Commitment
The Lanes are committed to agriculture and the long-term success of their farm.
When their previous lender signaled a move away from agricultural lending, Bundy looked for a lender that shared their values and understood agriculture. That search led them to AgCarolina Farm Credit.
“I decided to get involved with somebody who’s dedicated to agriculture, who understands agriculture, understands the ups and downs, because our banking is different than commercial banks and commercial businesses, and so we have to have that kind of connection—someone who’s committed to agriculture,” said Bundy.
That shared commitment and connection works both ways with AgCarolina Farm Credit.
“Relationships and service are the most important things of aspects of our business,” said Austin Britton, the family’s loan officer. “I mean, the financing and numbers are extremely important but what we do on a daily basis and how we serve our members and building the relationships where we’re one phone call away, is the most important thing we do.”
For Farm Credit, supporting generational farm families like the Lanes carry on the legacy is an honor and a responsibility.
“Agriculture has been everything to our family. I grew up on the farm, and so did Roger. We’ve never known anything else, and it’s been a good life,” said Rita Lane.
This article was originally published by AgCarolina Farm Credit.
