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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, a small farming town nestled north of the Utah border, where the town’s flat, green landscape is the setting for the hard work and resilience of the farmers who call it home.

Visiting Paul in early fall is beautiful, but on a day in mid-September, the wind chill dipped below 40 degrees, and a strong storm rained down on potato harvest. As the storm moved on, a breathtaking rainbow emerged through the clouds, providing an apt reminder of the hope and perseverance of residents like Russell and Lisa Patterson, who weathered their own storm. Together, they transformed their farming operation from near collapse to triumph. They have forged a legacy, not only for their family but for the future of Idaho’s farming community.

The early years

Russell Patterson was born in Rupert, the son of a successful farming family. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Idaho and University of South Florida, with plans to become an attorney. However, farming was always in his blood, and during vacations and long weekends, Russell would return to the farm to assist his father and brothers with their thriving operation.

The grain embargo of the 1980s brought significant challenges, impacting commodity prices and land values. “Land values just imploded,” Russell recalls. “The land we bought in the early '80s at $2,000 an acre was now worth $950 an acre. When I took over the books in 1984, the last loan we had was $250,000 at 23% interest. Our collateral base collapsed. It was a very tough time for us.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Russell and his family pressed on. They managed to survive with minimal collateral and an additional loan from Amalgamated Sugar Co. that provided them with $275 an acre to grow sugar beets. Then tragedy struck in 1986 when Russell’s father took his life.

“My dad was a remarkable man and farmer who won every major farming award in Idaho – Farmer of the Year – Water Conservator of the Year, Grassman of the Year and served on various agricultural boards. He was incredibly proud of his achievements,” Russell reflects. “It was a difficult period, not just for us, but for many families across the United States facing similar challenges.”

The sorrow was overwhelming for the family. But in the wake of the devastation, they made the decision to continue. With the help of a local financial consultant, they were able to get their finances back on track and move ahead.

In 1989, after a few years of operating together, Russell’s brothers approached him and decided to go their own way. With this, Russell, his mother and his brothers each took a 25% share in the operation, determined to press on.

Emerging from the storm

In 1990, a real estate appraiser mentioned a farm in Jerome, just 40 miles from Paul. Russell saw potential and signed a rental agreement, which allowed him to start farming on his own. At the same time, life took a significant turn when he met Lisa at a local bank. They married in 1991, committing to a lifelong partnership.

During this time of relocation to a new farm, every dollar mattered. “We always prioritized efficiency and had a deep awareness of our finances. We never bought equipment unless it made and saved us money. The key was profitability,” Russell shares. “We operated some of our equipment 24 hours a day and kept it under warranty to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability.”

Eventually they transitioned their banking relationship to Farm Credit, which provided them with the resources to expand their farming operation in several counties with over 10,000 acres of potatoes, sugar beets and malt barley.

A beautiful, strong partnership

Lisa Patterson grew up in the neighboring town of Burley, Idaho, and pursued a career in banking before she met Russell. From the very beginning of their marriage, Lisa became an integral part of the farm’s operations.

“Lisa was always on top of the financials and is incredibly organized,” says Russell. “If I needed information, she had it at her fingertips. We worked well together because we were a team, both in business and in life.”

"Russell is a very dedicated, hardworking man. He loves farming and his whole heart is in it,” says Lisa with a smile. “Sometimes we have that yin and yang when making decisions, but we always seem to work it out. Things usually turned out well when we worked together."

For over 30 years, Lisa managed the farm’s bookkeeping and financials while Russell focused on the day-to-day farming operations. Together, they raised their blended family of four children and worked through long days and nights. “Raising kids while managing a farm was tough, but we made it work,” Lisa reflects. “Russell worked long hours, and we supported each other through it all.”

Both have been involved in AgWest’s Local Advisory Committee and are active in giving back to the community that has provided them with their history and livelihoods.

When asked about the advice they would give to other couples farming together, Lisa shares, "Russell and I have always worked well together because we communicate. We trust each other, and if something needs decided, we take the time to thoroughly discuss it."

“I have to attribute a lot of our success to our teamwork,” says Russell. “People say, it's tough to be married. But it has never been tough being married to Lisa. She is my wife, an angel on earth, who is also my best friend.”

The rainbow ahead – investing in the future

Today, after decades of hard work, Russell and Lisa have taken a step away from active farming and refocused their mission on investing in the next generation of Idaho farmers. They have put their land into a trust, never to be sold. Younger farmers rent the land to start and expand their own operations.

Lisa and Russell

"These young farmers leasing it now — they’re like surrogate sons to me,” says Russell. “We’re still involved, just in a different way. They’ve all exceeded our expectations and are great producers and we are very proud of them."

Now, Russell serves as a mentor, sharing his wisdom and knowledge from his farming history, experience and the hardships he has faced. His advice to the next generation is clear: “Deal with good people, focus on being economical, and know financially where you are at all times. Contracts provide peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best – raising the crop.”

Lisa is also enjoying this next chapter. “At this point in our life, we’re pretty content with where we are; it gives us more time to spend together, which I love. Being involved in agriculture has introduced us to so many kindhearted, hardworking and genuine people. I just see our life continuing forward and sharing it with our family, friends and community. It is a great time of life right now."

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