2025 Farm Credit Fly-In

This November, First South Farm Credit joined hundreds of Farm Credit participants from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In. This annual event, themed “Celebrating the Best of American Agriculture,” brings together agricultural lenders, producers, and policymakers to discuss critical issues in American agriculture.

CEO Gines Pérez, III, who attended alongside board members and staff, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with congressional leaders.

“In our three-state territory, we are extremely fortunate to have congressional delegations that prioritize agriculture,” Pérez said. “They continue to look after this country’s food, fiber, and fuel in a lot of ways—as a matter of national security. They were very generous with their time, sitting with our leadership team to talk about issues like commodity prices, input costs, and trade.”

As fewer Americans have direct ties to agriculture, Pérez stressed why these conversations matter. “It’s imperative that we have a relationship with all our congressional delegates and make sure our voice is heard. We need to keep our issues front and center because they matter to all of us.”

One of the most anticipated parts of the Fly-In is the Farm Credit Marketplace, a lively event where associations showcase local products to congressional staffers and delegates. 

“The marketplace is fantastic,” Pérez shared. “Staffers and delegates walk through an open farmers market environment, picking up farm products from across the U.S. For First South, we featured rice and sugar—sample sizes for anyone who wanted to learn about those commodities and take some home. It’s one of the favorite events on the Hill every time we have it.”

First South has remained committed to advocacy and looks forward to the next Fly-In.