In The News

Rocklin, California (March 21, 2023): Today AgWest Farm Credit, a cooperative lending association focusing exclusively on financing the agriculture industry, announced their unwavering commitment to supporting communities impacted by natural disasters in California, by donating $10,000 in aid of Santa Barbara County flood victims. Beneficiaries include the Morro Bay 4-H Club, Santa Barbara Foundation Community Disaster Relief Fund, and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. 

“Our hearts go out to the individuals and businesses impacted by the recent flooding on California’s Central Coast,” said AgWest Board Chair Nate Riggers. “Faced with forced evacuations and devastating property damage, our association felt compelled to step in and provide relief to those most impacted.” 

After weeks of intense rain, the Morro Bay 4-H club farm was completely saturated, requiring the evacuation of animals and leaving students looking for a way to make significant repairs prior to fair season. The funds provided by AgWest Farm Credit will be used to clear mud, repair animal enclosures, and rebuild/restock their storage shed.  

In addition to providing charitable contributions, AgWest has also established a new credit program for farmers and ranchers impacted by flooding. This program provides low-cost financing to help growers rebuild their operation.   

“Managing unpredictable weather is part of a farmer or rancher’s job,” AgWest President and CEO Mark Littlefield said. “Yet, when significant and unexpected weather events hit, the impact is on more than just damaged property - it’s their livelihood. As a lending cooperative tasked with providing reliable and consistent credit to the agriculture community, we are pleased to offer a program designed specifically to provide relief to these hard-working individuals.”