I grew up one generation removed from the farm, but that did not keep me away.

From a young age, everything about ranching, farming, and animal husbandry fascinated me. This led me to volunteer every free minute of my time to riding around in the truck with local farmers and ranchers who went on to leave a significant mark on my life. Because of them, I followed my passion for agriculture and animals. Just as they did for me, I am always open and willing to let anyone ride around with me to show them the ropes. I fully believe sharing your story and skills with others is the key to ongoing success in the agriculture industry.

Originally from the State of Florida, I moved to South Carolina for college and the rest is history! I fell in love with South Carolina, Clemson University, and a classmate who is now my husband, Perry Loftis. Through the connections I made on the road between Florida and South Carolina, I landed a handful of summer internships. I worked extensively in production agriculture on seed stock and cow-calf operations in South Carolina in addition to working with Clemson Cooperative Extension both in 4-H and with their Livestock and Forages team, planning workshops and livestock shows. After graduation, I was fortunate enough to have a position to hold me over while I was career searching, where I even worked on an exotic high-fenced deer and commercial cattle ranch in Okeechobee, Florida. All of these experiences shaped me personally and professionally. 

I landed my current position as a Credit Analyst for AgSouth Farm Credit in Allendale, South Carolina thanks to a recruiter at a Clemson Career Fair. Funny enough, my dad is a commercial banker. When we were comparing and contrasting where I would go to college, he asked me to create a plan on how it was financially viable for me to attend Clemson. Looking back now as a Credit Analyst, I am not sure how accurate it was, but it’s always interesting to see things come full circle.

At AgSouth, our primary mission is to provide financing for farmers and agribusiness for operating lines of credit, vehicles and equipment, facilities, land, homes, and more. As a Credit Analyst, it is my job to support rural America by working with our AgSouth loan officers and their farmers to help maintain profitability in their operations. In short, I run a lot of numbers associated with farm operations that range from traditional row crop operations, recreational tracts of land, future home sites, equipment purchases, equine operations, and different niche market opportunities. Every day and every loan is different. It’s why I love my job. I know farming and I love working with people and numbers to ensure both the current and long-term viability of farming operations in our state. Plus, I love working with my AgSouth family who share similar values.

In my free time, I still get my hands dirty on the farm. I love riding horses, raising first-generation Brangus and Ultrablack cattle with a good friend of mine, and sharing many “tractor dates” working cows and baling hay with my husband.

In retrospect, the advice I have for any young adults interested in Agriculture is this: immerse yourself in your passions, read all the books, ride along with older farmers and ranchers, attend agricultural field days and sales, and shake hands with others to learn their story. There are so many interrelated sectors of agriculture and exposure is knowledge. You will thank yourself in the long run and will develop a skill set that is a gem to your future employer! I love quotes, so picking just one is hard to conclude with, but the following is a thank you to everyone who invested their time and skills in shaping who I am today:

“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your personal example.” – John Wooden