Jordan and Susan Whittaker are young and beginning farmers and business owners in Leadore, Idaho. 

Thanks to support from AgWest Farm Credit, Jordan and Susan have made a space for themselves in both the agriculture and business communities in Leadore. 

An array of interests 
Jordan and Susan own and operate three different enterprises. The first is Two Dot Ranch, a cattle and farming operation. They also own Eight Mile Hydro, where they generate electricity from hydraulic power. Last, but not least, they own Two Dot Irrigation, a company that sells, installs and services pivot irrigation systems. 

Never a dull moment
Between these three businesses, the Whittakers stay busy. “I think the only thing typical about our day is early mornings and late nights. It takes a lot of work, a lot of effort and a lot of sacrifice,” Susan said. 

While it may require long hours and grueling labor, the Whittakers love what they do and love that they get to do it together. “I’m very grateful to live where I want to live and do a job that I love,” Jordan said. 

Farm Credit has been there to help
Looking back on their progress, Susan said, “None of this would have been possible without AgWest Farm Credit.” 

Starting three businesses is no small feat, and Susan and Jordan faced even more challenges because of their age. When they set out to find someone who would help finance their new business ventures, the Whittakers were turned down repeatedly. “We tried many lenders and all we heard, over and over again, was ‘No, I’m sorry. You’re too young,’” Susan said. 

But things were different with Farm Credit. “The other lenders didn’t see the value in what we had, but AgWest not only trusted us, they helped educate us so that we could make this possible,” Susan said. “They were there every single step of the way.”