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, 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.

Providing advice and feedback to the Board of Directors and the Management Team are members of the Local Advisory Committees (LAC) organized across all Farm Credit West’s territory. The Local Advisor Program is essentially another organizational tier between the Board and the stockholders, which provides an ongoing basis for maintaining and enhancing grassroots feedback from the stockholders.

Earlier this spring, Farm Credit West’s staff participated in the 2018 Ag Career Day at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. At this event, staff met with high school students, explained Farm Credit West’s unique business model and mission, and discussed ways for these students to align their skills and interests with career opportunities in agriculture.

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.

Adults and high school students interested in careers in agriculture will have help reaching their goals thanks to a recent $15,000 donation by Farm Credit to the Center for Land-Based Learning, a non-profit that inspires, educates and cultivates future generations of California farmers and agricultural leaders.

Providing advice and feedback to the Board of Directors and the Management Team are members of the Local Advisory Committees (LAC) organized across all Farm Credit West’s territory. The Local Advisor Program is essentially another organizational tier between the Board and the stockholders, which provides an ongoing basis for maintaining and enhancing grassroots feedback from the stockholders.

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) Executive Committee of the California Association FFA recently awarded Farm Credit with their Distinguished Service Award. This award is reserved for those few who provide assistance of an outstanding nature to the FFA organization.