Derek Schafer

Derek Schafer

Ritzville, Washington

Derek Schafer has been a Farm Credit customer for over 20 years and currently serves on the AgWest Board of Directors. He was elected to the Northwest Farm Credit Services Board of Directors in 2017. Prior to serving on the Board, Derek served as a Local Advisor.

Derek is the treasurer for the Adams County Wheat Growers and is also a board member for the Washington State Crop Improvement Association. He is a graduate of the Washington AgForestry Leadership Program and The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers as well as a lifetime member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association. Derek also earned an ag science & technology degree from the University of Idaho.

Derek operates the family farm, Schafer Ranch Ltd., in eastern Washington where he raises wheat, dry peas and canola. Derek is also the president of Homestead Family Grain, Co., a seed and grain dealer owned by six farm families. 

Derek and his wife Susan have two children in college who have an interest in returning to the family farm in the future.

Term of office: 2022 - 2027