In the News

AgWest Farm Credit recently announced 30 agricultural and aquatic producers as recipients of the New Producer Grant, a program that awards $15,000 in start-up funds to those just beginning their businesses. This program was designed for motivated individuals who have a vision for their business and a sound plan yet lack the funds to put their plans into action.

“We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of this year’s New Producer Grant,” said Mark Littlefield, President and CEO of AgWest. “Each individual recognized has demonstrated a deep passion for agriculture and brings an innovative and energetic spirit to their work. We look forward to engaging with the recipients as they continue their journey.”

Oftentimes, the greatest barrier to beginning an agricultural operation is a lack of start-up funds. AgWest developed the New Producer Grant to help kick-start these operations, adding the program to an already robust suite of offerings built specifically for young, beginning, and small producers. Through their AgVision program, AgWest offers these producers unique financing solutions, educational opportunities, loan benefits, and dedicated staff who understand the unique challenges they face.

“Creating opportunities for new producers is an important initiative at AgWest,” said Littlefield. “Today, we are proud to celebrate with the New Producer Grant recipients and have great expectations for the future of their operations.”

Please join us in congratulating the 2023 New Producer Grant Awardees:

• Brandi Jo Nyberg, Sauntering Roots Farm, Palmer, AK
• Emma Thissen, Karluk Fisheries, Homer, AK
• Hailey Thompson-Ivanoff, Kelp Island AK , LLC, Kodiak, AK
• Craig and Hillary Bal, Bal Ranch, Benson, AZ
• Shonri Begay, Carol Fitzinger, and R. Cruz Begay, Three Sisters Bean Farm, Flagstaff, AZ
• Kenneth and Heidi Beal, Constellation Farms, Springville, CA
• Raymond Baldez III, Yuba City, CA
• Samuel Christiansen, AA Ranch, Nez Perce, ID
• Janae and Jason Davis, Davis Farms, Culdesac, ID
• Ryan Ream, U Ream Ranch, LLC, Pocatello, ID
• Madison and Coy Stout, Crooked Spur Cattle Co., Lewiston, ID
• Cole and Brooke Thompson, Thompson Land & Livestock, Roy, MT
• Austin and Brianna Buzanowski, B Diamond Livestock, Glendive, MT
• Jessica Carter and Chris Anderson, Three Roots Farms, Missoula, MT
• Ellie Costello, Trust Land Farm, Missoula, MT
• Max Lane, Lane Ranch, Fort Benton, MT
• Tristan Hoyer and Sheridan Johnson, Golden West Grains, Conrad, MT
• Robby Schoener, Never Sweat Grain & Cattle, Molt, MT
• Brittany Dye, Brittany’s Bees, Mitchell, OR
• Jill Myatt, Feather Goat Farm, Baker City, OR
• Patrick Newson and Wayne Beckwith, Rigberry Gardens LLC, Eugene, OR
• Nicholas Umbarger, Umbarger Cattle Company LLC Bend, OR
• Bobbi Wilson, Uphill Farm LLC, Myrtle Creek, OR
• Heather Delanoy, Wild Sage Farms, Spokane, WA
• Denice Gustafson, Hope Rising Microgreens, Port Angeles, WA
• Gayle Guina, Gratefuil Roots Farm, Eatonville, WA
• Rhiannon Le Fay, Brackenshire Farm, Deming, WA
• Sabrina Peraza, Flora Farm, Port Angeles, WA
• Lydia and Eric Ranger, Barn Owl Farm,LLC, Brush Prairie, WA
• Teresa Shiraishi, Tampopo Farm Sequim, WA