At Farm Credit West, we believe strongly that we must support the future generation of farmers and ranchers. That's why we attend several Jr. Livestock Auctions in our territory each year. These auctions are a great way for young people to be exposed to the business of Agriculture.

Calling all ag-focused rural entrepreneurs! Want the chance to win $10,000 to $40,000 for your food- and/or agriculture-related business? Apply for the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge today! Farm Credit is partnering with Farm Bureau to host this competition to honor creative entrepreneurs across the country solving the unique problems faced by rural communities.

Farmer veterans shared their unique perspective with policymakers in Washington, D.C., July 11-12 as part of a fly-in organized by Farm Credit. More than 60 farmer veterans who are Farm Credit customers or Farm Credit employees who are veterans visited with key lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to highlight the role of veterans in agriculture and talk about the needs of servicemen and women as they transition from military to careers in agriculture.

For almost 40 years, the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom has been helping teachers and students around the state “Learn About Ag.” Judy Culbertson, the Foundation’s executive director, says it’s more and more important in urban districts and rural areas alike that students understand that their food comes from a farm before it appears neatly packaged in their neighborhood supermarket.

Growing up in Susanville, in far northeastern California, Cal Zamora had always been exposed to agriculture. His parents had raised chickens and vegetables and had a small orchard. But it wasn’t until he was a Marine deployed to Iraq in 2007 that he really knew that he had farming in his blood.

Founded in 1997, Farm Credit West’s successful Intern Program offers the opportunity for college students to gain valuable on-the-job training in agricultural lending and /or the farm real estate appraisal process. The 10-week program generally begins at the end of June and runs through the end of August.

Farm Credit West is pleased to announce the 2018 Director and Nominating Committee election results.

Thousands of yard signs were given away and a similar number of stickers sold at a noontime event June 22 in Tulare, Calif., held in response to derogatory comments the town’s mayor made about agriculture on social media.

Since 1928, the California FFA has been encouraging high school students to pursue a wide range of careers related to agriculture through hands-on learning and leadership development. And throughout virtually all of FFA’s history, Farm Credit has been a proud supporter of the organization.

FARM SMART is the outreach component of University of California Desert Research and Extension Center in Holtville, CA. Funding comes from Farm Credit West, the Imperial Irrigation District, and Imperial County Farm Bureau as well as local seed companies. The curriculum is aligned with the content standards for California public schools, covering topics including health and nutrition, bees and pollination, and natural and renewable natural resources.