Having a good relationship with a loan officer is even more crucial with the downturn in the agriculture economy. 

Fullmer Farms milks nearly 2,500 cows, farms close to 2,500 acres and raises around 2,000 replacement heifers and a few beef cattle. This is a complex business, but Cody Dryeng, the Fullmers’ loan officer from Western AgCredit, understands the business and is ready to help. 

Farm Credit “gets it”

Cody’s past experience as a dairy farmer provides him unique insight into the Fullmer’s business. He knows the day-in and day-out farm functions and understands its challenges because, he too, has faced similar barriers. Chance Fullmer of Fullmer Farms said, “Cody grew up on a dairy farm, he knows exactly what I’m talking about. That’s the biggest reason we’re with Western AgCredit: they understand our business.”

This first-hand knowledge enables Cody to support the Fullmers more effectively. “I used to dairy farm myself. I’m not going to try to tell Chance what to do, but I’m going to ask him the right questions because I’ve been in their shoes before” said Cody.

Performing in the difficult times

Having this type of relationship with a loan officer, one based on industry knowledge and filled with empathy, is even more crucial when the agriculture economy is in a downturn. 

Western AgCredit has takes relationship-building with customers and dedication to farmers very seriously. As David Brown, president and CEO of Western AgCredit, said, “Anyone can lend money during good times. When you really test your mission and your abilities is when you’re asked to perform in more difficult times.”