SPOKANE, Wash. — 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 implement their plans.
“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 and helping them thrive is an important initiative at AgWest,” said Littlefield. “Today, we are proud to celebrate with the New Producer Grant recipients and contribute toward the success of their operations.”
Congratulations to the 2024 New Producer Grant Awardees:
- Lauren Anderson, Mayfield, ID
- Luis Arredondo, Lompoc, CA
- Benjamin Banks, Bellingham, WA
- Maia Binhammer, Bellingham, WA
- Em Blood, Deming, WA
- Adfia Bristol, Puyallup, WA
- Sable Bruce, Olympia, WA
- Cameron and Emily Daniels, Bancroft, ID
- Jennifer Dera, Kasilof, AK
- Lorelei Hallock, Livingston, MT
- Maranda Hamme, Klawock, AK
- Katie Lindstrom, Siletz, OR
- Abby Lutmer, Fairbanks, AK
- Adam McKinley, Silverton, OR
- Marah Meek, Bakersfield, CA
- Hannah Moles, Blodgett, OR
- Thomas Moore, Lake Havasu City, AZ
- Dakota Munns, Saint Anthony, ID
- Rachel Opio, Phoenix, AZ
- Zachary Paschall, Marysville, CA
- Keagan Pontet-Stroop, Belt, MT
- Matthew Price, Tacoma, WA
- Elvia Romero Perea, Burlington, WA
- Pamela Rust, Medford, OR
- Jack Shultz, Olympia, WA
- Ashley Taylor, Cordova, AK
- Chelsea Thorpe, Orcas, WA
- Taylor Thurlow, Cashmere, WA
- Madeline Tucker, Gresham, OR
- Aaron and Stacey Van de Graeff, Keno, OR
About AgWest Farm Credit
AgWest is a financial cooperative with approximately $32 billion in total assets that provides financing, crop insurance and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers and rural homeowners primarily in seven Western states. AgWest is part of the 108-year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture. For more information, visit AgWestFC.com.
— AgWest Farm Credit
