Grounded by Tradition, Inspired by Possibility

AgWest Farm Credit 

AgWest Farm Credit leads the way in serving the farmers and ranchers of Montana and beyond with their commitment to providing insurance and financial services to people involved in agriculture.

“What makes us different is that we are a cooperative owned by our customer-members. We have a greater understanding of how agriculture works and what our producers are facing,” Jessica Duray, Branch Manager and Relationship Manager of the Billings branch said. “The ag industry is not consistent from year to year. Being flexible and knowing how to structure their loans appropriately contributes to their success.”

Catering exclusively to the agricultural industry, AgWest offers real estate financing and operating lines of credit, equipment loan purchases and specialized lending. Customers vary from the part-time farmer, who works in town and runs a few cows on several acres, to large agribusinesses. 

As a cooperative, customers also have the benefit of profit sharing through the patronage program. In 2023, AgWest paid $387 million back in patronage dividends to their customer-owners. 

But there’s more to the lending cooperative than their financial services; AgWest is dedicated to helping rural communities address challenges and opportunities through their generous stewardship grant programs.  

“Our rural community grants are a big part of who we are,” Jessica continued. “In 2023 we gave over $1 million in community-giving across the state.”

Some of the community-giving included Rapelje Volunteer Fire Department receiving funds to install fire hydrants and a water system for their tanker trucks. The Wildhorse Volunteer Fire Department at Havre was given a grant for a new fire truck and Circle received money for the purchase of an ambulance. Funds were sent to help fight the Elk Fire in Wyoming and to Hilger to update the community’s fire protection and a grant was given to the community of Big Timber for their all-season outdoor event space.

“Most of the small towns rely on fundraising to pay for their needs,” Jessica said. “At times, their resources can be limited. We hope our support can help them cross the finish line so they can make progress on their projects.”

Jessica is especially proud of their New Producer Grant. Geared to those just starting out in the ag industry, the one-time grant of $15,000 is meant to assist in startup costs for new agriculturalists. 

Since 2023, nine new producers in Montana have been the recipients; including cattle and hay producers, as well as producers wanting to start a creamery or a high tunnel greenhouse. Applications open for the 2025 New Producer Grant March 1, 2025, with a deadline of May 31, 2025.

From youth programs to college scholarships and local food banks, AgWest has given generously to support the economic and social wellbeing of rural communities.

Last year, 21 high school or college students received scholarships. Youth are also supported with donations to local 4-H and FFA chapters. In prior years, shot clocks were purchased for the state’s Class C schools and rural community grants have supported updating parks in Lockwood, Huntley and Joliet.

Jessica and her team at the Billings branch of AgWest Farm Credit, also are known to roll up their sleeves and help out physically. They’ve cleaned up parks, helped replace fence at the Ryegate School Farm and volunteered at Family Services. 

“Strong communities are the core of rural America, where we live, work and raise our families,” Jessica said. “We will continue to do what we can to ensure they stay that way.” 

AgWest Farm Credit is looking for projects to help communities build resiliency and foster well-being. Rural Community Grant applications are reviewed monthly, and applicants are typically notified with 60 days of application submission.

Get More Information

For information on Rural Community Grants, email: Stewardship@AgWestFC.com

 For information on New Producer Grant, email: AgVision@AgWestFC.com. Application process opens March 1, 2025 and close May 31, 2025

For information on Scholarships, email: Stewardship@AgWestFC.com