Young, Beginning and Small American Farmers and Ranchers Get Support

LAS CRUSES, N.M., (Apr. 9, 2024) – Agriculture lender American AgCredit has created a new role that will focus on supporting young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers.

Jason Runyan will serve as the Mission Programs Manager for the fifth largest Farm Credit cooperative, ensuring that American AgCredit is responsive to the credit needs of all types of agricultural producers.

“The average age of a farmer in the U.S. today is over 57 years old,” Runyan said. “Young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers are paramount to the continued success of American agriculture and our nation’s food security.”

American AgCredit provides short-term, interest-free funds to FFA and 4-H students involved in animal projects, and specialty lending programs for young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers.

After the Farm Credit of New Mexico and American AgCredit merger in October of 2023, the newly combined cooperative funded a $10 million endowment to provide grants and direct funds to New Mexico agricultural organizations that support the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

“Firmly rooted in American AgCredit’s core values is an unwavering commitment to the communities where we work and live,” Runyan said. “The Rural Roots Endowment will support the next generation of farmers and ranchers – like FFA, 4-H, junior livestock, and scholarships –- as well as protect New Mexico agriculture, fight hunger in New Mexico, and continue ag education in New Mexico.

Last year, American AgCredit invested nearly $1.4 million in donations, sponsorships, scholarships, volunteer hours and special programs focused on young and beginning farmers and feeding people.

Growing up on his family’s ranch operation in eastern New Mexico, Runyan has a strong agricultural background. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and master’s degree in Agriculture Business from New Mexico State University, he brings 10 years of Farm Credit experience with him to the role, including experience in credit underwriting, capital markets, and business development.

To learn more about how local communities benefit from American AgCredit’s investments, visit https://www.agloan.com/about-us/community-giving/#report.

ABOUT AMERICAN AGCREDIT

American AgCredit was chartered in 1916 as part of the nationwide Farm Credit System and is the nation’s fifth largest Farm Credit association. American AgCredit specializes in providing financial services to agricultural and rural customers in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, and Oklahoma, and serves capital market customers throughout the United States.

American AgCredit’s financial services include production and mortgage financing, equipment and vehicle leasing, crop and life insurance, lines of credit, and the Young, Beginning and Small Farmer Program. American AgCredit also provides interest-free loans for qualifying 4-H, FFA and AgYouth programs, and college scholarships to students interested in agriculture. Learn more at AgLoan.com.

For more information:

Chris Carter, Media Relations, American AgCredit, media@agloan.com, (804) 314-4841