At AgWest Farm Credit, we’ve been helping people get started in agriculture for over a century. From small, specialized operations to large-scale production, we understand the unique challenges faced by young, beginning, and small producers. Our AgWest AgVision program is designed to help turn dreams into reality—if you are ready to take the next step in your farming operation, take a cue from our customers who found success through the AgVision program.
Wanda and Milt Haken with Fox Hollow Peonies are pioneers in the commercial flower-growing industry. They started a small farm just south of Fairbanks, AK in 2010 with 200 plants. Today, they cultivate more than 5,000 plants, selling flowers to local consumers and businesses and shipping to florists and brides across the United States. Forging new ground isn’t easy. That’s why the Hakens sought trusted resources provided by the AgVision program and others to guide them and connected with other producers to share their experiences and learn.
Doug and Sandra Koehn with Countryside Market in Twin Falls, ID run a direct-to-consumer produce stand where they sell their own produce along with other local third-party products, such as glass bottled milk and grass-fed beef. The farm stand is located on nine acres where they grow 17 different fruits and vegetables. They used tools in the AgVision program to get their operation running. They continue to thrive and have grown their business to the successful enterprise it is today.
In early 2020, Alva Waterstone founded Wild Child Farm, LLC, a diversity-dense biodynamic farm located on seven certified organic acres in Junction City, OR. They bring fresh market crops including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and eggs to farmers markets and have a CSA. They also grow more than 50 different varieties of specialty seeds on contract. Working with AgWest in a joint financing relationship helped them lower their out-of-pocket and down payment costs, which in turn helps maintain their working capital and allows them to focus on the future.
AgVision—A program to help young, beginning, and small producers thrive.
Let these stories be your inspiration as you start or grow your agriculture business and take a closer look at AgVision. The program is intended for producers who are 35 or younger, have 10 years or less of agricultural experience, or who have an annual gross agricultural income of less than $350,000. The AgVision program provides financing for real estate purchases, operating expenses, livestock and equipment purchases, existing debt refinancing, and more.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Flexible underwriting standards for loans
• Competitive interest rates
• Reduced or waived fees
• Down payment assistance and start-up capital options
• Knowledgeable staff
We also support producers in developing strong financial and business management skills through:
• Educational benefits
• Resources and tools to help build a business plan, prepare financial statements, succession plan, and more.
Support for today and in the future
Successful endeavors often require strong partnerships. When you work with AgWest, we commit to helping you succeed today, and we’ll be there with resources and information as your business grows.
“If you’re going to be successful, you need to love what you’re doing,” says Wanda Haken. “For me, I love seeing how our customers react when they receive their flowers. That’s what makes me happy and brings me joy.”
What holds true for the Hakens is also true for AgWest. We love to help young, beginning, and small producers succeed. Scan the QR code for more information on how to get started.
AgWestFC.com
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