AgFirst News

South Carolina’s agricultural industry has been a vital component of the Palmetto State’s economy for hundreds of years and remains one of the largest economic sectors in the state today. That’s why AgFirst and partner Associations Arbor One Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit came together to support this year’s Spotlight on Agriculture and Forestry event hosted by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

As part of AgFirst’s cooperative business model, a portion of net income is returned through patronage to the bank’s Association lending partners who provide funding to rural America and agriculture.

Alfred W. “Al” Stephens began his term on Jan. 1 and will continue to serve until Dec. 31, 2026. Directors Jack W. Bentley Jr. and Michael T. “Bo” Stone were re-elected to four-year terms also ending Dec. 31, 2026.

AgFirst Corporate Attorney Stacy Williams received the Equity Leadership Honor Roll Award from the Columbia Urban League, which recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who promote minority business development.

AgFirst donated more than $700,000 to organizations that advance and support agriculture, community development, education, and health and human services.

During AgFirst's United Way workplace campaign this year, our employees and retirees generously raised $115,000 to make our community a better place.

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank is pleased to welcome our new Chief Human Resources Officer Darrick Paul.

AgFirst, CoBank, Farm Credit Bank of Texas and Farmer Mac joined together to provide $325,000 in relief aid for those hard hit by Hurricanes.

Two AgFirst employees are helping to instill a renewed sense of possibility and hope for those who turn to the Transitions Homeless Center.

South Carolina State University named AgFirst as its Career Center Employer of the Year for tour contributions to the joint Partnering for Progress initiative.

Four college students with a passion for serving rural communities and agriculture are the 2022 recipients of AgFirst’s Native American and Latino scholarships.

Four AgFirst interns recently were awarded Farm Credit’s Launching Leaders stipend.

AgFirst is the proud recipient of several awards from United Way of the Midlands relating to community impact, employee engagement and financial support.

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank stockholders have elected two new directors and re-elected an incumbent director.

AgFirst Senior Vice President and General Counsel Frances Griggs was elected board chair for Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands for 2022.

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank’s board of directors approved a total patronage distribution of $468 million for 2021.

AgFirst is proud to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and this year, gave $87,000 to support Benedict College, Claflin University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and South Carolina State University.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the burden homeless individuals face.