Because so many farms have been in the family for several generations, many of them have a man’s name attached. But in 21st century California, women’s contributions to agriculture and their communities can’t be overstated.

Farm Credit West, a cooperative lending institution focusing exclusively on the agricultural industry, recently announced strong financial results for 2018 with continued growth in net income, earning assets and capital. Farm Credit West benefited from strong earnings as well as geographic and commodity diversity as a result of its activities in California and Arizona.

Central Valley Food Bank moved into a new 145,000 square foot facility in Fresno last summer that nearly tripled their space and allowed the 27-year-old non-profit to greatly expand its efforts to feed the hungry from Madera to Bakersfield.

Farm Credit West, ACA, one of the nation’s largest agricultural lending cooperatives, is proud to announce they will once again be distributing patronage dividends to qualifying member-stockholders as a return on their equity from robust 2018 earnings.

The secretary of the state Department of Food and Agriculture told Imperial Valley growers and officials Wednesday that her agency continues to work to keep agriculture viable in California. At a luncheon sponsored by Farm Credit Services Southwest in Imperial, Karen Ross discussed efforts the state is doing to address key issues such as food safety, labor issues, and the cost of doing business in the Golden State.

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.

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.

A decade ago FarmLink forged a unique approach for farmers and ranchers to gather, discuss, and learn about options for financing. In 2018 we reintroduced the approach with Growing Opportunity: Farm Finance Expo, a day-long event in West Sacramento on March 28. The Expo brought together 62 farmers and 10 lenders along with several partners and speakers.

Farm Credit West showed its support for the 16^th Annual Youth Ag Day on March 20. The event was held at the Solano County Fairgrounds and was attended by Loan Officer, Nicole Swanson.