New Producer Grant helps 30 beginning agricultural producers with planning and start-up funds

Thirty new agricultural producers across the West will receive $15,000 in start-up funding, along with business planning and educational support, through AgWest Farm Credit’s 2026 New Producer Grant. The business development grants are designed to help emerging producers strengthen their financial readiness, develop practical business plans and access resources to turn their agricultural goals into sustainable operations.

“Supporting the next generation of producers is one of the most meaningful ways we can fulfill our purpose of championing agriculture,” said Bill Perry, President and CEO of AgWest. “The New Producer Grant reflects our commitment to removing barriers, creating pathways into agriculture, and helping the next generation of producers develop the skills, plans and confidence needed to turn their goals into reality. These recipients represent the future of our industry, and we are honored to invest in their ideas, ambitions and success.”

Access to start-up capital remains one of the most significant hurdles for new agricultural operations. AgWest’s New Producer Grant is designed to help address that challenge while introducing applicants to business planning, financial management and foundational concepts in agricultural financing. As part of the application process, participants complete a business plan, cash flow budget and educational coursework to help strengthen their readiness for financing.

The grant is one way AgWest supports young, beginning and small producers through its AgVision program, which includes financing options, educational resources, loan benefits and staff who work with producers navigating the early stages of their operations.

“Behind every application is a producer with a unique story, a strong work ethic and a vision for the future,” said Jesika Harper, Vice President of AgWest’s AgVision program. “Our mission is to foster success among aspiring agricultural producers, and this program allows us to support individuals who are taking meaningful steps toward building sustainable operations.”

Congratulations to the 2026 New Producer Grant Awardees:

Alaska

• Bear Yates, Craig, commercial fishing (Spirit Bear Seafoods)
• Connor Eller, Homer, pasture-raised poultry (Chick Chick Goose)
• Rebecca Knudsen, Anchor Point, direct-to-consumer produce (Working Hands Farm)
• Cody Beus, Palmer, nursery (Great Land Family Nursery)

Arizona

• Bentley Nakasawa, Yuma, millet and ornamental wheat (BANT Farms)
• Padmaja Potharaju, Chandler, certified-organic Moringa and seasonal produce (Silverlining Homestead)

California

• Harkirat Bassi, Yuba City, walnuts (Bassi Farms)
• Adrian Holt, Isleton, garlic (Delta Gourmet Garlic)
• Katherine Gross Gray, Nevada City, apiary (Gray Apiaries)
• Austin Edwards, Galt, show pigs (Edwards Family Show Pigs)
• Gillian Darling, Colfax, direct-to-consumer tree fruit (Second Root Farm)
• Ozvaldo Ceballos, Lindsay, cattle (10 Valley Ranch)
• Tucker Robertson, Templeton, vermicompost (Black Diamond Vermicompost)
• Erica Williams, Atascadero, apiary and direct-to-consumer produce (Rocky Bay Farm)

Idaho

• Amy and Colby Kramer, Salmon, nursery (Serviceberry Native Plant Nursery)
• Sidney and Shelbi Smith, Shelley, cattle (Riverbend Farms)
• Jonathan Tieken, Rigby, pasture-raised poultry (Willow Hedge Farms)
• Jacob Armstrong, Boise, nursery (Armstrong Nursery)

Montana

• Kirk and Brianne Capdeville, Glasgow, wheat (K&A Farms)
• Montana Caise, Wilsall, grass-finished lamb (Estel Farm)
• Kelton Jensen, Three Forks, show pigs (J River Show Pigs)
• Ben and Heidi Rosemont, Ronan, pasture-raised lamb (Bucketeer Farm)

Oregon

• Brandon Arreola-Soto, Charleston, oysters (Charleston Oyster Shell)
• Jonathan Beck, Medford, cattle (J2 Ranch)
• Sarah and Kevin Collins, Williams, direct-to-consumer produce and tree fruit (Moving Things)

Washington

• Derek and Kate Bergeson, Royal City, direct-to-consumer produce (D&K Produce)
• Sandra and Barry Munsterteiger, Washougal, lavender and apiary (Teiger Woods QOBZ)
• Kate, Kelly, and Michelle Pickering, Indianola, pasture-raised poultry (Pickering Pastures)
• Cait and Stephen Platz, Greenbank, garlic (Ebey’s Prairie Garlic)
• Tina and Jim Kysar, Deer Park, farmstand and farmers market (Mom’s Garden Patch)

About AgWest Farm Credit

AgWest Farm Credit is a financial cooperative with approximately $37.4 billion in total assets as of 2025. It provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in seven western states. AgWest is part of the 110-year-old Farm Credit System, the nation’s leading provider of credit to agriculture. With 58 locations across the West, AgWest is committed to serving its customers and supporting local communities.  For more information, visit AgWestFC.com.