Community Story

Despite recent equity market corrections, consumer behavior remains strong, supported by low unemployment and rising wages.

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is considering implementing penalties on Chinese-built ships, a move aiming to reduce dependence on foreign shipbuilding and promote domestic manufacturing.

For Ben and Kayla Baumann, farming is more than a livelihood—it's a way of life they’ve embraced with grit and dedication.

For Eugene (Gene) Massa, fulfilling AgWest’s mission isn’t about stepping into the spotlight; it’s about using and sharing his unique set of skills and knowledge to help others.

Mandi Wendt serves as a Director of Loan Accounting, leading a team serving Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

At the heart of Alexandra’s work is an unwavering focus on the customer. Every day, she positions herself as an advocate for their voices, needs and concerns.

The appraisal team at AgWest works closely with Relationship Managers to assess the value of customer properties, ensuring accurate, fair insights that guide everything from loan applications to long-term financial planning.

AgWest conducts a profitability analysis of its core industries every quarter by surveying its lending staff and having discussions with industry experts.

Efforts by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce federal spending and streamline/remove regulations will have mixed impacts on the economy, including the agriculture sector.

With every bean they plant, harvest and sell, Shonri Begay and her partners at Three Sisters Bean Farm are connecting their local community to a heritage food source with cultural significance.

On her quarter-acre farm behind her home in suburban Phoenix, Arizona, Rachel Opio has found a way back to her mother through community agriculture.

Land values are generally stable across the West; however, declines have been observed in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Agriculture exports out of West Coast ports totaled $61.7 billion in 2024.

Severe and extreme conditions have expanded south of Sacramento, California and into much of Arizona.

The Heartquists own and operate the 110-acre Heartquist Hollow Family Farm, where they raise and process grass-fed and grass-finished sheep and cattle and heritage pigs for direct-to-consumer and retail sales in Arizona.

Commercial salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, is an intense, exhilarating business. The salmon season is short, typically lasting from mid-June to late July. Fishermen work around the clock, often in harsh weather conditions.

It is often said, “There can be no rainbow without a cloud and a storm.” While scientifically true, rainbows remind us of life’s inevitable ups and downs. This sentiment rings true in Paul, Idaho.

The U.S. economy continues to expand at a moderate pace despite employment showing signs of cooling and inflation remaining above the Federal Reserve’s target.

As the new year begins, it's crucial to examine the trends that are likely to influence the agricultural landscape. This article explores opportunities and threats ag producers anticipate over the next 18 months. These findings are from AgWest’s AgTrends Survey, completed by 460 AgWest customers this fall.

AgWest conducts a profitability analysis of its core industries every quarter by surveying its lending staff and having discussions with industry experts.

Businesses and consumers are wondering to what degree the Trump administration will apply tariffs on trade partners and how that could impact the cost of goods and general health of the economy.

Changes in drought conditions were mixed over the last three months.

Labor cost is a top concern for U.S. agriculture producers. While labor accounts for about 12% of total expenses on average, West Coast producers face the highest rates in the nation.

Mike and Karolina Priebe's journey from military service to farming hay in Alaska began with three simple words: “Can we stay?”

Economic growth has exceeded most expectations over the past several quarters as consumers maintain spending levels.

Profitability in agriculture is largely down despite rising food prices. On average, farmers, processors, packers and retail outlets are receiving less revenue as a percentage of total spent on food by U.S. consumers, whereas food services and advertising are receiving more.

AgWest Farm Credit’s internship program shapes the future of agriculture by bridging generational gaps and infusing fresh perspectives.

Off a country highway in Woodland, California, a steady stream of activity flows around the headquarters of the Center for Land-Based Learning (CLBL).

The Wyoming mountain range looms tall as a dusky silhouette, high above the rolling sea of sagebrush and grassland – majestic, inspiring and wild.

AgWest conducts a profitability analysis of its core industries every quarter by surveying its lending staff and having discussions with industry experts.

As of July 2024, the unemployment rate increased to 4.3%, and there was a substantial downward revision of 818,000 jobs in the employment data, or about 68,000 less each month.

Drought conditions worsened notably in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Northern California over the last three months.

High interest rates, generally low inventories, falling farm income, shifting water availability and regulations are among the main drivers impacting land values in the West.

Economic activity directly impacts agriculture input prices, particularly for gas, diesel, fertilizers and transportation. Economists predict a weaker economy in the coming year, which could impact living standards and consumer spending, but might also ease cost pressures for agriculture producers.

In 1975, 6-year-old Virginia Garcia and her farmworker parents traveled from their home in Texas to California and Oregon to work in the fields.

In recent years, the absence of water has had devastating impacts on California’s residents, preventing crops from being grown and causing a ripple effect across agricultural communities.

In the heart of eastern Washington’s central desert, under the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, lies the Royal Slope growing region.

Economic growth will likely continue at a modest pace despite financial headwinds, political uncertainty, persistently tight monetary policy, fading fiscal tailwinds and the accumulated impact of high consumer inflation over the last four years.

Page under contruction. These will not be part of teh July monthly deliverables.

Economic activity directly impacts agriculture input prices, particularly for gas, diesel, fertilizers and transportation. Economists predict a weaker economy in the coming year, which could impact living standards and consumer spending, but might also ease cost pressures for agriculture producers.

Amy Grondin and Greg Friedrichs supply fresh fish to local restaurants as they pursue their dream of ownership.

Methodical planning and hard work provides first-generation Mexican farmer opportunity for ownership in Yakima, Washington.

A retired U.S. Army veteran finds new purpose in farming.

Heirloom grain miller finds opportunity in Esparto, California.

Scott Kesler is passionate about giving back to the community. He encourages his colleagues to be involved with local organizations; creates opportunity and motivation to participate in AgWest philanthropic efforts.

Dennis Bigness has an infinite amount of wisdom to offer AgWest employees and customers, as anyone who has had the opportunity to work with him can attest.

Amy is a people person, through and through, but what’s more – Amy is an AgWest people person. She was born and raised on an Idaho family farm and ranch and is heavily involved in 4-H and FFA.

Page under construction. These will not be part of the July monthly deliverables.

It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running a business and overlook the importance of networking.

From mid-June to mid-August, the sun never sets in Nenana, Alaska, the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”

Eleven miles from the California coast in Paso Robles, Jason Haas walks through a field of vineyards spanning rolling hills.

The iconic FFA blue jacket is a beacon of community and pride. It symbolizes membership in the national organization and has been a part of the official dress since 1933. For Serena Swall and her three daughters, a blue FFA jacket is a wardrobe staple.

While much of the nation is in hibernation and closing shop for the winter months, the southwest corner of Arizona is glowing with sunshine and producing abundant leafy greens.

Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make eastern Washington one of the most productive agricultural areas in the Northwest.

Nestled in the foothills along the Clark Fork River between Butte and Missoula, the town of Drummond is a cattle ranching community in western Montana with deep roots.

In the high desert country of eastern Oregon – known for stingy rainfall and loamy soils – members of the Cold Springs Canyon partnership gather around the table at the Riverview Seed Company.

AgWest re-elected Nels DeBruycker and Joseph (Joey) Airoso for five-year terms. Doug Filipponi will serve as Board Chair and Mark Cook as Board Vice Chair for 2024.

AgWest Farm Credit is accepting applications for the New Producer Grant program. The grant provides $15,000 in start-up funds to successful applicants and the deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

AgWest Farm Credit released its 2023 financial results, marking a significant milestone following the merger of legacy associations Farm Credit West and Northwest Farm Credit Services.

AgWest Farm Credit has released its quarterly Market Snapshot reports covering the state of major agricultural commodities in its northern region of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Seven associations contributed more than $900,000 to over 130 California nonprofits and other entities.

Necessity is the mother of invention. Nowhere is that statement truer than in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) class at Connell High School.

On a crisp, fall morning in Winthrop, Washington, young students hustle to prepare for the seasonal farmer's market. Each of the booths at the market is decorated with children’s art, handwritten recipes and fresh vegetables of every color.

Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast, San Luis Obispo (SLO) High School educates 1,600 students each year.

Necessity is the mother of invention. Nowhere is that statement truer than in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) class at Connell High School.

AgWest Farm Credit is proud to partner with educational institutions like Walla Walla Community College to help support and develop the next generation of agriculture professionals.

See how the Latah County Fair in Moscow, Idaho, is promoting agricultural learning, youth livestock projects and a whole lot of fun for fairgoers.

Check fraud has risen significantly in the West and across the entire United States since the pandemic. Learn how to protect yourself and your business.

The resiliency of the U.S. economy in 2023 has carried over into 2024, albeit at a more moderate pace. Overall, the economy is expected to continue growing at a modest pace, with inflation gradually trending lower and unemployment inching higher.

In 2024 and beyond the quarter-century mark, managing trends and disruptions will be a high priority when conducting strategic planning for ag operations.

People often say that time seems to accelerate as one ages. Of course, I can defend that comment because I am that age and demographic. The year 2023 has quickly gone by and movement towards the quarter-century mark is upon us.

In 2023, the U.S. economy proved to be much more resilient than forecasters expected. While some economists predicted a recession during the second half of the year, the economy grew by 4.9% during Q3 2023, which was the strongest quarter since Q4 2021.

The Federal Open Market Committee left the federal funds target rate unchanged in September but signaled additional tightening may be appropriate later in the year.

Markets are expecting the Federal Reserve to continue tightening monetary policy over the next few months. The Federal Open Market Committee is expected to slow the pace of rate hikes when it next meets Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

On March 22, the Federal Open Market Committee increased the funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4.75%-5.00%.

The window is closed on 2022, and strategic planners are envisioning the game plans for the quarter century and beyond. There appears to be a global economic slowdown with recessional times in Europe and emerging nations. China, the second largest economy in the world, is in a growth recession with current gross domestic product (GDP) growth numbers between 1% and 3%, down from double digits a decade earlier.

The days are getting longer, and planting and livestock plans are in high gear.

Interest rates have nearly doubled in the past year. The Federal Reserve desires a federal funds rate between 2% and 3%. This equates to a prime interest rate between 5% and 6%. There is a low probability of interest rates going back to zero, which was the case during the 2008 to 2022 era.

A lender had an interesting comment the other day at one of the lending schools.

Wow! The calendar year is quickly moving forward and we have reached the “halftime” point in 2023.

Recently, I had the opportunity to address a landscape business’ quarterly meeting.

A producer asked an interesting question in a recent seminar, “I have extra cash in the checkbook.

I was discussing the content of an upcoming educational event with an agriculture consultant.

The year 2022 has definitely been a year of transition with many surprises and challenges, but also opportunities for the proactive manager and agribusiness person.

At a recent creamery board meeting, our entrepreneurial partner, who founded the business, had an interesting quote to kick off our 23rd year of business. “What got you here will not get you there!” This quote prompted us to think of the past and also develop a vision for the future.

The other day, an agricultural lender asked an interesting question on a webinar, “What is the best way for a first-generation farmer or rancher to get started in this economy, and what is the best commodity to start with?”

The days are getting longer as we are quickly approaching the middle of 2023.

You are probably wondering if this is a flashback to the movie or the real thing in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

On a cold, sunny winter day in a small Midwestern town, Dr. Ron Hanson, Professor Emeritus of the University of Nebraska, and I were engaging with an attentive audience of over 150 people.

A little over 15 months ago, the inflation rate, regardless of the measure, was considered very tame at levels similar to the past 30 years.

Are you ready to kick off another year?

Business transition is commonly ranked as one of the top three challenges facing agricultural businesses.

In my tenure of presenting over 7,000 speeches and seminars, a first occurred in Great Falls, Montana a few weeks ago.

In recent months, there has been much conjecture concerning the economy and specifically whether the U.S. is in a recession.

It has been a busy season conducting young and beginning farmer and rancher conferences. In many of the sessions, cash flow projections and the management of the cash flow have been the theme.

The triple whammy of sticky cost inflation compounded by volatility and rising interest rates challenges even the best managers.

Business transition is commonly ranked as one of the top three challenges facing agricultural businesses. As the baby boomer generation comprised of individuals born between 1946 and 1964 transition, the challenge becomes even more paramount.

If two years of the pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian War were not enough to manage, leading economic indicators are now showing signals of a possible economic downturn.

One of my most enjoyable venues with Northwest Farm Credit is their young, beginning and small producer conference, known as the AgVision Summit.

One trend that is sweeping the land is the rapid acceleration of the transition of agribusiness professionals such as salespeople, managers, farmers, ranchers and educators out of the agriculture industry into retirement.

Over the centuries, globalization has ebbed and flowed like the great tides of the ocean.

Over the decades as an academic, educator, speaker and agribusiness owner, farmland has been a major theme of many discussions.

How do you determine your working capital needs? And what does it take to transition a family business from one generation to the next? Dr. Kohl shares his insights on financial sensitivity testing in this weekly article.

The phrase think globally, act locally has never been more appropriate in managing business, household and personal financial decisions.

In recent years, farmland has been one of the investments of choice. The appeal of farmland is increasing as inflation and risks in the general economy make investing in hard assets very compelling.

The impact of inflation really caught my attention during a recent road trip to a speaking event.

There appears to be a global economic shuffle moving towards de-globalization.

Discover resources on how to reduce unwanted inquiries from your inbox.

Machine learning. Easily accessible artificial intelligence tools. Automation. All these technological advancements are impacting the way we do business.

The risk of falling victim to a hacker – while mitigated – cannot be completely eliminated.

Cyberhackers send hundreds of thousands of emails every day. Adopt these daily habits to help protect yourself, your business, and your information.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of online security. Take these four simple steps to protect yourself from cyberattacks.