Judd Cole, in one of his managed woodlots, works with Farm Credit’s Jim Warner and Beth Cummings.

Judd Cole started in the timber business hauling logs at age 25. Today Judd and his wife Bette manage and own timber tracts throughout southwestern New York. Farm Credit branch manager Jim Warner and office assistant Beth Cummings provide Judd and Bette with funds to operate their business. Judd shared their borrowing experience with Financial Partner magazine:

“I encourage woodlot owners to manage for long-term health and value of multiple hardwood species. It is results from early separation and cull removal practices. While I still buy some standing timber, I mainly purchase select tracts that I can manage.

When I purchase a tract, I may not turn that money over for a long period of time. Jim recognizes the long-term vulnerabilities to timber like wind, ice and insect damage and market fluctuation. Farm Credit has also allowed flexibility in tight years with tough conditions.

Everyone I have dealt with at Farm Credit understands the aspects of agricultural and timber businesses. That has allowed Bette and me to use a line of credit to make long-term decisions.
quite a bit. We stay close all year long. So, when something comes up, we are ready to act on it. Farm Credit has allowed us to take advantage of opportunities to grow quickly."