First South Farm Credit Celebrates Cynthia Milliman’s 50 years of Service

At First South Farm Credit, our story is built on the people who serve our farmers, landowners, and rural communities every single day. Few represent that commitment better than Cynthia Milliman, a Loan Specialist in Crowley, Louisiana, who recently celebrated an incredible milestone—50 years of service with First South Farm Credit..

Fifty years is more than just a number. It represents relationships built, generations of members served, and a career devoted to supporting our farmers and landowners in south Louisiana. 

Cynthia began her career in the mid-1970s, a time when both agriculture and the lending industry looked very different than they do today. Over the decades, she has witnessed tremendous change—from evolving farming practices to major economic shifts, many of them felt firsthand by Louisiana’s farming communities.

Charles Schilcher, former Branch Manager of the Crowley branch, reflected on just how much she has experienced during her career.

“You know, Cynthia, she’s seen it all. The big transition in agriculture and loan making in the early ’80s, because she started in the mid-’70s, that was a major deal. It was an attitude adjustment almost for everybody. But to still be here and come to work with a smile on her face, that’s something”

A Trusted Resource

Ask anyone who has worked with Cynthia, and they’ll tell you the same thing. If you needed an answer, she was the person to ask.

“Cynthia’s a tremendous resource. She knew something about everything, every facet of crop loan making, the loan process, and legals. If you had a question and didn’t have an answer for it, Cynthia was your go-to person.”

Coworker Tracie Rodriguez shared how much that guidance meant early in her career:

“When I think about Cynthia, I think about loyalty, number one, because she’s had the same job for 50 years. That’s loyalty right there. And kindness. Cynthia kind of took me under her wing and taught me a whole lot when I came here, not just work-wise. She’s just the kind of person you want to call a friend.”

Adapting Through the Years

In agriculture, change is constant. Weather patterns shift, markets fluctuate, and technology continues to reshape how farmers operate. Cynthia believes that adaptability has been key to her long career:

“I would say to someone just starting their career that you need to be flexible. You need to be able to go with the flow. If you get stuck, you’re going to have a hard time. Things change so fast.”

She continued, reflecting on the many shifts she has seen over the years:

“In my career, I’ve seen so many changes, and often the people who had trouble going with the change are the ones that didn’t make it. I think I probably stayed because I just go with the flow. Whatever I need to do, I do it.”

Generations of Agriculture

One of the most rewarding parts of Cynthia’s career has been the relationships she has built with First South members and their families, many of them rooted right here in south Louisiana.

“I have seen, when I started, the farmer would bring in his little son. Over the years he retired, his son took over and brought in his little son, and now the grandson is farming with us. I’ve seen generations.”

Those long-standing relationships are part of what makes First South special, and why many employees build careers that last decades.

A Legacy of Loyalty

Cynthia’s five decades of service reflect not only her dedication, but also the culture of the organization she has been part of for so long.

“I’m proud to be in this organization because First South is a company that truly feels like family. We care about our members.”

For Cynthia, that commitment to serving agriculture and rural communities has been the foundation of her entire career. And according to Charles Schilcher, the story might not even be finished yet:

“Seeing Cynthia being here for 50 years… well you probably need to call it 50 years and counting.”

At First South Farm Credit, we’re grateful for Cynthia’s dedication, knowledge, and the lasting relationships she has built over the past 50 years. Her legacy of loyalty, kindness, and service has made a meaningful impact on the Crowley community and First South, and on all those she’s worked with along the way.

Congratulations, Cynthia, on 50 years with First South Farm Credit.