Stories Archive

For Ben and Kayla Baumann, farming is more than a livelihood—it's a way of life they’ve embraced with grit and dedication. Located in Touchet, Washington, just north of the Oregon border, their operation stretches across 2,500 irrigated acres, producing alfalfa seed and wheat. Guided by their commitment to their operation and supported by a meaningful partnership with AgWest, Ben and Kayla have built a thriving farm that blends tradition and forward momentum.

Ben and Kayla share a moment with their children on their operation.

Ben began his farming journey in 2004. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into back then,” he says, “but here I am, still learning.” With equipment purchased at auction and an AgVision loan from AgWest, which helps young farmers build financial and leadership skills, Ben took over his family’s farm from his dad, expanding steadily, one piece of land at a time.

Kayla, who grew up in Touchet, also has deep agricultural roots. Her father farmed alfalfa seed across the road from Ben’s operation, where the two eventually met and began building their family farm together.

Alfalfa seed is their core crop, which relies on pollination practices from leafcutter and alkali bees unique to the area. For Ben, raising these bees is an art, requiring careful incubation and positioning of shelters to ensure success. “If the bees aren’t monitored, you risk losing them and scrambling for a backup plan,” he notes.

Whether it's navigating market fluctuations or innovating bee pollination practices, the Baumanns have demonstrated steadfast dedication to their operation. Yet, their path hasn’t been without personal hurdles. For Kayla, the sudden loss of her father in 2024 brought added emotional and operational strain. Amid the difficulty, Ben stepped up to help with her family’s farming operations and through it all, they’ve found allies in AgWest employees from the Pendleton, Oregon branch, who’ve brought expertise and guidance.

Ben processes bee larvae for the upcoming season.

Darcy Sexson, the Baumanns’ Relationship Manager, isn’t just a liaison for financial matters but has acted as a trusted advisor and friend. From the start, she ensured farm visits replaced office meetings. “I’ve never even been to the Pendleton branch,” Ben laughs, “Darcy always just comes to the farm.”

Kayla reflects on the support Darcy has extended not just to their operation, but to her wider family. After her father’s passing, Darcy provided her mother guidance amidst a barrage of decisions and transitions. “She has taken time to come to my mom’s house, offering advice that helped bring some clarity,” Kayla recalls. “It meant a lot during such a tough time.”

Beyond personal support, the Baumanns also benefit from AgWest’s crop insurance products, which provide a safety net for their operation. Beau Reynolds, along with Martee Kelly and Leslie Browning, form their dedicated AgWest Crop Insurance team, helps shield the operation from unpredictable setbacks. With their expertise, they ensure the Baumanns can stay focused on their crop. “We haven’t had to call Beau lately, which is actually a good thing,” Ben jokes, his appreciation for Beau’s steady presence evident.

Recently, Ben and Kayla utilized AgWest’s Country Home Loan (CHL) product with the help of Megan Laimbeer, a CHL Relationship Manager, and were able to purchase the house that now serves as the heart of their family life. Situated just minutes from the farm’s shop, the home came with 20 acres of land that seamlessly ties into their farming operation. It’s where Marlene and Baron, their two young children, are growing up, immersed in farm life. The proximity to their operation allows them to balance the demands of farming with the joys of raising their family.

Through it all, the Baumanns’ ability to commit and persevere has been matched by the relationships they’ve built. With AgWest team members by their side, they’ve found partners who not only understand the complexities of farming but who truly believe in their vision.

In his shop, Ben visits with his Crop Insurance team.

“Ben has come so far in 20 years, transforming from a high-risk beginning farmer to a strong AgWest customer who has been able to add to their portfolio,” reflects Darcy. “It’s a testament to the hard work and the strong partnership Ben and Kayla have built as operators.”

Behind the scenes at AgWest's Pendleton branch, a dedicated team works to support employees like Darcy, Megan and Beau. Credit Analyst Regann Skinner plays a crucial role in implementing tailored solutions, while Loan Specialist Tim Gould collaborates closely with Ben and Kayla's accountant to streamline efforts. In the stories ahead, you'll discover more AgWest employees who, day in and day out, indirectly support customers like Ben and Kayla across the region, demonstrating every employee's commitment to helping customers thrive.

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