Courtney Herzog runs a cow/calf operation and grows small grains in Rapelje, Montana. 

Courtney’s relationship with AgWest Farm Credit, as well as the support of his family make the hard work of farming worthwhile. 

The golden rule 
The golden rule governs Courtney’s outlook and the way he runs his farm: treat others how you would like to be treated. “And if that means going the extra mile to make things right with people, that’s important to us,” Courtney said. 

A similar attitude at Farm Credit 
Treating others well is Courtney’s goal as he manages the day-to-day processes of his farm business. And it’s the same attitude, one of kindness and empathy, that keeps him a customer of NWFCS. 

When Courtney has an idea for a project that he’d like to start on the farm or a piece of equipment he’d like to purchase, he will call his relationship manager. Where some people might feel nervous about that call, Courtney feels comfortable discussing his dreams with NWFCS. He’s always met with an open mind, that same, golden rule mentality.

“My relationship manager is not judging me. He’s not telling me I can or can’t do it,” Courtney said. “Instead, he acts as a sounding board for all my ideas.”

In Courtney’s experience, even if his loan officer doesn’t have an answer for something right away, he’ll go the extra mile, so to speak, just like Courtney does for his customers, to help him figure it out. “You can always lean on Farm Credit for knowledge,” he said. 

Worth the challenge
Farming isn’t easy. At the whims of the weather and the markets, farmers do their best each and every day to make do with what they’re given. However, Courtney still feels compelled to do this work. When asked why, he said, “I have the support of my wife and kids and family. And, well, I love it.”