In the News

AgWest Farm Credit, a leading agricultural lending cooperative, has declared a distribution of $429 million in cash patronage dividends to its customer-members, which will occur in mid-February and March. This distribution, which equates to 1.25% of eligible average daily loan balances from 2025, provides a significant reduction in net borrowing costs for farmers and ranchers throughout the West.

AgWest has a deep-rooted commitment to sharing net earnings with members, a core benefit of the cooperative model.

"At AgWest, we believe in providing a steady hand through the cycles of agriculture, and our patronage program is a tangible expression of our commitment to our customers," said Bill Perry, AgWest President and CEO. "By consistently returning a portion of our earnings, we are not only lowering the effective cost of financing but also ensuring our members have the resources needed to navigate economic cycles with confidence."

The patronage program is central to the value AgWest offers its members. Annually the Board of Directors reviews the cooperative’s net earnings, balancing the need to retain capital for long-term financial stability with distributing profits back to its membership. These dividends are calculated based on each members’ eligible average daily loan balances, delivering direct financial returns alongside competitive interest rates.

"Distributing patronage dividends is one of the most meaningful ways we demonstrate the financial strength and shared success of our cooperative," said Mark Cook, AgWest Board Chair. "This $429 million return reflects our approach to financial management and our unwavering focus on delivering value to the people who trust us with their business."

For more information visit AgWest Patronage Program.