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.

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.

Anarely Flores has farming in her DNA. Her grandfather was a farmer in Mexico, and when her family visited him during the summer as a child, she would be put to work. But she didn’t like farm work and her mother is employed in agriculture so she decided at an early age that she would go in a different direction.

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.

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.

For the fifth straight year, Farm Credit helps Grizzlies provide fireworks and the Wild About Reading program. One of the team’s most popular promotions is Friday Night Fireworks, held every Friday the team is at home at Chukchansi Park. Farm Credit is proud to once again sponsor five of the fireworks extravaganzas.

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.