northwest fcs 2015 stewardship giving report

PO Box 2515Spokane, Washington 99220-2515

New address?Please notify your local Northwest FCS branch.

Here to Help You Grow™

2015 REPOR TStewardship Giving

Visit us at: northwestfcs.comThe 2015 Stewardship Giving Report is also posted online.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Community Giving ($890,932)Youth Education & Scholarships ($475,279)

Education & Research ($264,220)Crisis Relief ($91,000)

Military Veteran Support ($35,145) Total Giving 2015:

$1.7 Million51%

ContentsCommunity Giving page 3

Youth Education and Scholarships page 11

Education and Research page 15

Crisis Relief page 16

Military Veteran Support page 17

Employee Giving and Volunteering page 19

• Food Banks• United Way• Rural Health• Rural Community Grants

• College Scholarships• 4-H and FFA Youth Development• 4-H Youth Livestock Programs• Agricultural and Financial Education

• Gifts to Colleges and Universities• Leadership Programs

2015 Stewardship GivingNorthwest Farm Credit Services1

Over the years, we’ve proudly embraced our responsibility to help rural communities by supporting many worthy causes through our financial and human resource contribu-tions. Providing this support is even more important today as we witness the continued decline in rural populations and the struggle to maintain the quality of life that is critical to attract and retain future generations of producers and Northwest FCS employees.

We are committed to improving the lives of rural residents in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska — to help them live well in thriving communities with access to affordable food, health care and educational opportunities for our youth. We also want to support the research, leadership development and educational programs needed to propel agriculture, forestry and fisheries forward.

In 2015, Northwest FCS invested more than $1.7 million in a wide variety of charitable and industry organizations and

Letter from the CEO

Phil DiPofiPresident and CEO

As a 100-year-old financial cooperative, Farm Credit has a deep history of charitable giving to support rural communities throughout the Northwest where our customer-members and employees live and work.

programs focused in community giving, youth education, higher education, crisis relief and military veteran support.

This includes larger donations for state and regional organizations and programs, food banks and land grant universities. Our giving also includes thousands of smaller local contributions donated by branch offices for a variety of needs including 4-H and FFA programs, community projects, schools and charitable organizations.

As we celebrate Farm Credit’s 100th year, we renew our commitment to continue to play a vital role supporting rural communities and residents throughout the Northwest.

Community Giving ($890,932)Youth Education & Scholarships ($475,279)

Education & Research ($264,220)Crisis Relief ($91,000)

Military Veteran Support ($35,145) Total Giving 2015:

$1.7 Million51%

ContentsCommunity Giving page 3

Youth Education and Scholarships page 11

Education and Research page 15

Crisis Relief page 16

Military Veteran Support page 17

Employee Giving and Volunteering page 19

• Food Banks• United Way• Rural Health• Rural Community Grants

• College Scholarships• 4-H and FFA Youth Development• 4-H Youth Livestock Programs• Agricultural and Financial Education

• Gifts to Colleges and Universities• Leadership Programs

2015 Stewardship GivingNorthwest Farm Credit Services1

Over the years, we’ve proudly embraced our responsibility to help rural communities by supporting many worthy causes through our financial and human resource contribu-tions. Providing this support is even more important today as we witness the continued decline in rural populations and the struggle to maintain the quality of life that is critical to attract and retain future generations of producers and Northwest FCS employees.

We are committed to improving the lives of rural residents in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska — to help them live well in thriving communities with access to affordable food, health care and educational opportunities for our youth. We also want to support the research, leadership development and educational programs needed to propel agriculture, forestry and fisheries forward.

In 2015, Northwest FCS invested more than $1.7 million in a wide variety of charitable and industry organizations and

Letter from the CEO

Phil DiPofiPresident and CEO

As a 100-year-old financial cooperative, Farm Credit has a deep history of charitable giving to support rural communities throughout the Northwest where our customer-members and employees live and work.

programs focused in community giving, youth education, higher education, crisis relief and military veteran support.

This includes larger donations for state and regional organizations and programs, food banks and land grant universities. Our giving also includes thousands of smaller local contributions donated by branch offices for a variety of needs including 4-H and FFA programs, community projects, schools and charitable organizations.

As we celebrate Farm Credit’s 100th year, we renew our commitment to continue to play a vital role supporting rural communities and residents throughout the Northwest.

Fields of Grace • PascoIn just two hours, the Pasco branch gleaned 3,473 pounds of apples for

the “Fields of Grace” non-profit, which works with Second Harvest to send volunteer teams to farmers’ fields to pick what’s left after harvest. Northwest FCS customer Pontin Del Roza donated the apples left in his

orchard. All four bins headed to Second Harvest to be stored and eventually sorted into smaller boxes for local food pantries.

Montana Food Bank Network • Fort BentonWhen Montana Food Bank Network’s Chuck Wagon stops in Fort Benton, employees from the Great Falls branch pitch in. They distributed boxes of

non-perishable food items, apples, potatoes and noodles to approximately 50 families in Fort Benton and surrounding areas and helped provide

assistance to 40 families in Choteau County.

Oregon Food Bank • Hood RiverHow do you help farmers donate more food to regional food banks? Make it

as easy as possible for them to give. With a significant financial donation, Oregon Food Bank purchased several hundred field bins that were distrib-

uted around the state. The bins enable growers, shippers and packers to donate millions of pounds of produce for direct distribution, placing more fresh produce into homes of those in need. The Northwest FCS gift at the

2015 Oregon Harvest Dinner provided roughly 75,000 meals.

Salem Harvest Field Gleaning • SilvertonIt's amazing how one field, a few volunteer teams and a little muscle can help so many people eat healthy and delicious fresh vegetables. Sixteen members from the Salem branch participated in a Salem Harvest gleaning event. Northwest FCS customer Eder Bros. Inc. from Silverton, Oregon, donated a 10-acre cauliflower field to glean and food banks throughout Oregon benefited.

Community GivingFrom food banks to local charities, community centers to medical facilities, emergency systems to city parks, Northwest FCS is investing in a variety of organizations, projects and events to support the rural communities where we live and work.

Food BanksOur corporate roots are ingrained in food production. In 2015, Northwest FCS donated more than $140,000 to help Northwest food banks build warehouse capacity, cover operating expenses and purchase delivery trucks and bins for produce. Our employees support food bank networks in rural communities by donating dollars and volunteering their time. Staff throughout the Northwest have gleaned fields, sorted produce and packed food boxes for their local food bank. Northwest FCS employees have also collected items for food drives and raised money to fight hunger. Here are a few of their stories.

43 2015 Stewardship GivingNorthwest Farm Credit Services

Fields of Grace • PascoIn just two hours, the Pasco branch gleaned 3,473 pounds of apples for

the “Fields of Grace” non-profit, which works with Second Harvest to send volunteer teams to farmers’ fields to pick what’s left after harvest. Northwest FCS customer Pontin Del Roza donated the apples left in his

orchard. All four bins headed to Second Harvest to be stored and eventually sorted into smaller boxes for local food pantries.

Montana Food Bank Network • Fort BentonWhen Montana Food Bank Network’s Chuck Wagon stops in Fort Benton, employees from the Great Falls branch pitch in. They distributed boxes of

non-perishable food items, apples, potatoes and noodles to approximately 50 families in Fort Benton and surrounding areas and helped provide

assistance to 40 families in Choteau County.

Oregon Food Bank • Hood RiverHow do you help farmers donate more food to regional food banks? Make it

as easy as possible for them to give. With a significant financial donation, Oregon Food Bank purchased several hundred field bins that were distrib-

uted around the state. The bins enable growers, shippers and packers to donate millions of pounds of produce for direct distribution, placing more fresh produce into homes of those in need. The Northwest FCS gift at the

2015 Oregon Harvest Dinner provided roughly 75,000 meals.

Salem Harvest Field Gleaning • SilvertonIt's amazing how one field, a few volunteer teams and a little muscle can help so many people eat healthy and delicious fresh vegetables. Sixteen members from the Salem branch participated in a Salem Harvest gleaning event. Northwest FCS customer Eder Bros. Inc. from Silverton, Oregon, donated a 10-acre cauliflower field to glean and food banks throughout Oregon benefited.

Community GivingFrom food banks to local charities, community centers to medical facilities, emergency systems to city parks, Northwest FCS is investing in a variety of organizations, projects and events to support the rural communities where we live and work.

Food BanksOur corporate roots are ingrained in food production. In 2015, Northwest FCS donated more than $140,000 to help Northwest food banks build warehouse capacity, cover operating expenses and purchase delivery trucks and bins for produce. Our employees support food bank networks in rural communities by donating dollars and volunteering their time. Staff throughout the Northwest have gleaned fields, sorted produce and packed food boxes for their local food bank. Northwest FCS employees have also collected items for food drives and raised money to fight hunger. Here are a few of their stories.

United WayIn 2015, Northwest FCS gave more than $120,000 to United Way organizations throughout our Northwest states. Through United Way, we help communities address issues and key needs in the areas of education, income and health.

Rural HealthPeople in rural areas face different health issues than people who live in large towns and cities. Rural areas have fewer doctors; dentists and certain specialists may not be available. Getting routine checkups and screenings often means traveling long distances so health problems may be more serious by the time they’re diagnosed. Supporting organizations that provide rural health care and screenings is part of Northwest FCS’ stewardship mission.

Breast Cancer Awareness - The Pink TractorWe are proud to bring awareness, fundraising opportunities and a little fun to Northwest rural communities with the Northwest FCS/AgDirect Pink Tractor. In 2015, Northwest FCS and our employees contributed to cancer organizations through donations and fundraisers. The Pink Tractor was a “must see” at nearly 50 community events throughout our territory in the last two years, raising thousands of dollars that are donated directly to organizations battling breast cancer in their communities.

United Way • Greater Gallatin CountyThe Greater Gallatin County United Way awarded Northwest FCS with the 2014-2015 Community Impact Award given to corporate partners for their dedication to improving local communities by supporting safety, economic development, infrastructure and quality of life projects.

United Way • South Central IdahoPerhaps there’s no greater gift than helping children discover a love for learning. In 2015, our Twin Falls branch donated nearly 400 new and gently used books for elementary-school children during United Way of South Central Idaho’s book drive.

“After my battle with breast cancer in 2012, I wanted to encourage as many women as possible to get their annual mammograms done. Early detection is the key. There are so many opportunities at Northwest FCS community events where I can speak about breast cancer awareness.”

- Diane Mock, Credit Underwriter IIINorthwest FCS, Spokane

2015 Stewardship GivingNorthwest Farm Credit Services

United Way • SpokaneSpokane employees celebrated United Way week by inviting non-profit organizations to talk about their important missions and work in the greater Spokane community. Employee events were held throughout the week, including a dunk tank plunge to raise money. Northwest FCS President and CEO Phil DiPofi dressed up to be dunked for a great cause.

United WayIn 2015, Northwest FCS gave more than $120,000 to United Way organizations throughout our Northwest states. Through United Way, we help communities address issues and key needs in the areas of education, income and health.

Rural HealthPeople in rural areas face different health issues than people who live in large towns and cities. Rural areas have fewer doctors; dentists and certain specialists may not be available. Getting routine checkups and screenings often means traveling long distances so health problems may be more serious by the time they’re diagnosed. Supporting organizations that provide rural health care and screenings is part of Northwest FCS’ stewardship mission.

Breast Cancer Awareness - The Pink TractorWe are proud to bring awareness, fundraising opportunities and a little fun to Northwest rural communities with the Northwest FCS/AgDirect Pink Tractor. In 2015, Northwest FCS and our employees contributed to cancer organizations through donations and fundraisers. The Pink Tractor was a “must see” at nearly 50 community events throughout our territory in the last two years, raising thousands of dollars that are donated directly to organizations battling breast cancer in their communities.

United Way • Greater Gallatin CountyThe Greater Gallatin County United Way awarded Northwest FCS with the 2014-2015 Community Impact Award given to corporate partners for their dedication to improving local communities by supporting safety, economic development, infrastructure and quality of life projects.

United Way • South Central IdahoPerhaps there’s no greater gift than helping children discover a love for learning. In 2015, our Twin Falls branch donated nearly 400 new and gently used books for elementary-school children during United Way of South Central Idaho’s book drive.

“After my battle with breast cancer in 2012, I wanted to encourage as many women as possible to get their annual mammograms done. Early detection is the key. There are so many opportunities at Northwest FCS community events where I can speak about breast cancer awareness.”

- Diane Mock, Credit Underwriter IIINorthwest FCS, Spokane

United Way • SpokaneSpokane employees celebrated United Way week by inviting non-profit organizations to talk about their important missions and work in the greater Spokane community. Employee events were held throughout the week, including a dunk tank plunge to raise money. Northwest FCS President and CEO Phil DiPofi dressed up to be dunked for a great cause.

Relay for Life • BillingsThe Billings and Miles City teams and their families participated in Relay for Life in Montana to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The relay started at 7 p.m. and concluded at 8 a.m. the next day.

Tough Enough to Wear Pink • Twin FallsYes, we’re tough enough. Our Twin Falls branch participated in the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" event at the local rodeo. All the money raised from the event stayed in Twin Falls to help those with breast cancer. A special ceremony was held for survivors and a sea of pink could be seen — everyone from cowboys to participants in the crowd wore pink to support the cause.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month • WenatcheeThe Pink Tractor visited Wenatchee in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was on display in the center of the Pybus Market, near a huge chandelier decorated with bras to bring awareness to breast cancer and those affected by the disease. The tractor received lots of attention and numerous women received mammograms and bone density testing at the event.

Eastern Idaho Public Health • Idaho FallsOur Idaho Falls team raised funds through Pink Tractor donations at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. The funds were given to Eastern Idaho Public Health to fund mammograms for women who could not afford them.

Pink Tractor Visits Heiser Farm • SalemAs families visited Heiser Farm in Salem, Oregon, to pick pumpkins and learn about agriculture, they also learned about breast cancer and made donations to support cancer organizations. Heiser Farm was featured on two Portland morning television programs to highlight the event.

Providence Mammography CoachNorthwest FCS pledged $100,000 to support mobile medical services by sponsoring the Providence Mammography Coach. The coach travels to rural locations, including Northwest FCS branch offices in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, providing mammograms and personalized health education. Efforts are underway to identify more rural health opportunities throughout our territory.

“The coach covered over 3,000 miles last year and was becoming increasingly expensive to operate and maintain. With this gift we can continue to provide life-saving cancer screenings to women in remote and under-served communities.” - Joyce M. Cameron, Chief Development Officer

Providence Health Care Foundation,Eastern Washington

American Cancer Society DonationDuring the Phelps-Martin award presentation at the Farm Credit Council event in San Francisco, Montana

ranchers Mary Fritz and Karen Schott, along with Northwest FCS staff raised over $10,000 for the

American Cancer Society.

Phelps-Martin AwardsThe Farm Credit Council honored Northwest FCS with its 2015 Phelps-Martin Award given to a Farm Credit organization for its efforts to enhance the quality of life in rural communities and support for charitable organizations. Northwest FCS received the award for the Pink Tractor and our partnership with the Providence Health Care Mammography Coach.

Relay for Life • BillingsThe Billings and Miles City teams and their families participated in Relay for Life in Montana to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The relay started at 7 p.m. and concluded at 8 a.m. the next day.

Tough Enough to Wear Pink • Twin FallsYes, we’re tough enough. Our Twin Falls branch participated in the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" event at the local rodeo. All the money raised from the event stayed in Twin Falls to help those with breast cancer. A special ceremony was held for survivors and a sea of pink could be seen — everyone from cowboys to participants in the crowd wore pink to support the cause.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month • WenatcheeThe Pink Tractor visited Wenatchee in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was on display in the center of the Pybus Market, near a huge chandelier decorated with bras to bring awareness to breast cancer and those affected by the disease. The tractor received lots of attention and numerous women received mammograms and bone density testing at the event.

Eastern Idaho Public Health • Idaho FallsOur Idaho Falls team raised funds through Pink Tractor donations at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. The funds were given to Eastern Idaho Public Health to fund mammograms for women who could not afford them.

Pink Tractor Visits Heiser Farm • SalemAs families visited Heiser Farm in Salem, Oregon, to pick pumpkins and learn about agriculture, they also learned about breast cancer and made donations to support cancer organizations. Heiser Farm was featured on two Portland morning television programs to highlight the event.

Providence Mammography CoachNorthwest FCS pledged $100,000 to support mobile medical services by sponsoring the Providence Mammography Coach. The coach travels to rural locations, including Northwest FCS branch offices in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, providing mammograms and personalized health education. Efforts are underway to identify more rural health opportunities throughout our territory.

“The coach covered over 3,000 miles last year and was becoming increasingly expensive to operate and maintain. With this gift we can continue to provide life-saving cancer screenings to women in remote and under-served communities.” - Joyce M. Cameron, Chief Development Officer

Providence Health Care Foundation,Eastern Washington

American Cancer Society DonationDuring the Phelps-Martin award presentation at the Farm Credit Council event in San Francisco, Montana

ranchers Mary Fritz and Karen Schott, along with Northwest FCS staff raised over $10,000 for the

American Cancer Society.

Phelps-Martin AwardsThe Farm Credit Council honored Northwest FCS with its 2015 Phelps-Martin Award given to a Farm Credit organization for its efforts to enhance the quality of life in rural communities and support for charitable organizations. Northwest FCS received the award for the Pink Tractor and our partnership with the Providence Health Care Mammography Coach.

“The grant helps the school move forward and work toward our goals of offering a variety of fitness equipment available for people of all ages and abilities.” - Brad Moore

Big Sandy Superintendent

Rural Community GrantsTo meet the needs of rural communities as they age, grow and revitalize, Northwest FCS provides Rural Community Grants. Since the program’s inception in 2007, 464 grants totaling more than $948,000 have been awarded to local community projects throughout the Northwest to improve the economic and social well-being of rural communities. In 2015, 108 rural grants were awarded totaling more than $234,000.

Big Sandy High School • MontanaNorthwest FCS awarded a Rural Community Grant to Big Sandy High School to fund gym equipment including jump ropes, yoga mats, medicine balls, dumbbell sets and arm curl benches. Community members also use the high school for public fitness classes.

Grants

2015 Grant Map

2 or More Grant Recipients

Application Deadline: Feb. 1, June 1, Oct. 1More Information: northwestfcs.com/ruralgrants

“We were able to start the irrigation project thanks to previous grants. The money from Northwest FCS helped

us buy the irrigation equipment necessary to finish the project at the fairgrounds.” - Jay Wiley, LCF Board member

“This grant will be used to purchase equipment for physi-cal therapy, which will help ensure that we can have

financially sustainable physical therapy services in the Vernonia Health Center.” - Brett Costley, Program Coordinator at VHC

Lemhi County Fair Board • IdahoThe Lemhi County Fair Board received a grant to purchase a

main line and irrigation pump for the county fairgrounds.

Vernonia Health Center • OregonThe Vernonia Health Center received a grant to bring physical therapy services to their community clinic. Their mission is to

promote general health with highly qualified primary and preventive health care services and a professional medical staff that helps

individuals regardless of their financial situation.

Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center • Washington

Northwest FCS awarded a grant to the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center

for a popular exhibit highlighting the history and undisputed role of the fruit industry in the region.

- Sandy CohenExecutive Director

“We needed to update technology in our theatre to ensure compatibility

with modern formats. Due to the extreme generosity and assistance of Northwest FCS, we were able to

accomplish this.”

“The grant helps the school move forward and work toward our goals of offering a variety of fitness equipment available for people of all ages and abilities.” - Brad Moore

Big Sandy Superintendent

Rural Community GrantsTo meet the needs of rural communities as they age, grow and revitalize, Northwest FCS provides Rural Community Grants. Since the program’s inception in 2007, 464 grants totaling more than $948,000 have been awarded to local community projects throughout the Northwest to improve the economic and social well-being of rural communities. In 2015, 108 rural grants were awarded totaling more than $234,000.

Big Sandy High School • MontanaNorthwest FCS awarded a Rural Community Grant to Big Sandy High School to fund gym equipment including jump ropes, yoga mats, medicine balls, dumbbell sets and arm curl benches. Community members also use the high school for public fitness classes.

Grants

2015 Grant Map

2 or More Grant Recipients

Application Deadline: Feb. 1, June 1, Oct. 1More Information: northwestfcs.com/ruralgrants

“We were able to start the irrigation project thanks to previous grants. The money from Northwest FCS helped

us buy the irrigation equipment necessary to finish the project at the fairgrounds.” - Jay Wiley, LCF Board member

“This grant will be used to purchase equipment for physi-cal therapy, which will help ensure that we can have

financially sustainable physical therapy services in the Vernonia Health Center.” - Brett Costley, Program Coordinator at VHC

Lemhi County Fair Board • IdahoThe Lemhi County Fair Board received a grant to purchase a

main line and irrigation pump for the county fairgrounds.

Vernonia Health Center • OregonThe Vernonia Health Center received a grant to bring physical therapy services to their community clinic. Their mission is to

promote general health with highly qualified primary and preventive health care services and a professional medical staff that helps

individuals regardless of their financial situation.

Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center • Washington

Northwest FCS awarded a grant to the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center

for a popular exhibit highlighting the history and undisputed role of the fruit industry in the region.

- Sandy CohenExecutive Director

“We needed to update technology in our theatre to ensure compatibility

with modern formats. Due to the extreme generosity and assistance of Northwest FCS, we were able to

accomplish this.”

4-H and FFA Youth Development4-H and FFA youth development programs provide an excellent training ground for the next generation of agriculture. Annually, Northwest FCS supports 4-H and FFA chapters at both the state and local levels. In 2015 Northwest FCS gave over $60,000 to these programs.

Youth Education and ScholarshipsHelping rural youth learn and grow by supporting their opportunities for higher education has been a long-time commitment of Northwest FCS. Through our support of many educational and scholarship programs, we help ensure future generations have the knowledge and tools they need to carry us forward to continue the growth and prosperity of our rural communities.

College ScholarshipsNorthwest FCS supports youth education through our college scholarship program for those seeking opportunities for advanced education. In 2015, Northwest FCS provided 64 scholarships totaling $128,000. Scholarships are given to high school and college students of Northwest FCS customers and their employees, and select students attending land grant universities and community colleges, seeking careers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Washington Apple Education FoundationAnother avenue to support college students is through the Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarship endowment, which helps students from fruit-growing backgrounds succeed in college and beyond.

4-H Congress • MontanaNorthwest FCS sponsored the Montana 4-H Congress this

year in Bozeman on the campus of Montana State University. Over 350 students from across Montana had the chance to

participate in leadership opportunities including workshops in animal science, biotechnology, equine-assisted activities and

therapies, rangeland, and more.

FFA Career Development • WashingtonNorthwest FCS employees participated in the

Washington FFA Sales Career Development Event at the state FFA convention in Pullman.

4-H Governance Program • Alaska

Northwest FCS supports Alaska 4-H Youth in Governance. The

program engages youth in real-time citizenship with their

state legislature. Participants enhance their life skills in public

speaking, communications, teamwork, writing and

citizenship.

4-H and FFA Youth Development4-H and FFA youth development programs provide an excellent training ground for the next generation of agriculture. Annually, Northwest FCS supports 4-H and FFA chapters at both the state and local levels. In 2015 Northwest FCS gave over $60,000 to these programs.

Youth Education and ScholarshipsHelping rural youth learn and grow by supporting their opportunities for higher education has been a long-time commitment of Northwest FCS. Through our support of many educational and scholarship programs, we help ensure future generations have the knowledge and tools they need to carry us forward to continue the growth and prosperity of our rural communities.

College ScholarshipsNorthwest FCS supports youth education through our college scholarship program for those seeking opportunities for advanced education. In 2015, Northwest FCS provided 64 scholarships totaling $128,000. Scholarships are given to high school and college students of Northwest FCS customers and their employees, and select students attending land grant universities and community colleges, seeking careers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Washington Apple Education FoundationAnother avenue to support college students is through the Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarship endowment, which helps students from fruit-growing backgrounds succeed in college and beyond.

4-H Congress • MontanaNorthwest FCS sponsored the Montana 4-H Congress this

year in Bozeman on the campus of Montana State University. Over 350 students from across Montana had the chance to

participate in leadership opportunities including workshops in animal science, biotechnology, equine-assisted activities and

therapies, rangeland, and more.

FFA Career Development • WashingtonNorthwest FCS employees participated in the

Washington FFA Sales Career Development Event at the state FFA convention in Pullman.

4-H Governance Program • Alaska

Northwest FCS supports Alaska 4-H Youth in Governance. The

program engages youth in real-time citizenship with their

state legislature. Participants enhance their life skills in public

speaking, communications, teamwork, writing and

citizenship.

Youth Financial Education • IdahoMore than 200 students from Buhl High

School played “Credit Score Millionaire” during a Youth Financial Education program.

Agricultural and Financial Education As the number of Americans growing up on farms continues to decline, educating youth about the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from will be an increasing focus for Northwest FCS’ stewardship giving. In 2015 we supported various programs and organizations that seek to enlighten young people and increase their understanding of how farmers and ranchers provide safe and affordable food for the world. We also support programs to help our young people learn how to manage their money.

Youth Financial Education ProgramNorthwest FCS made a significant investment in a four-year project to expand the University of Idaho’s Northwest Youth Financial Education program into Washington, Oregon, Montana and Alaska. YFE was designed to increase financial literacy and improve financial knowledge and behaviors among children and young adults ages 3 to 18. The goal is to deliver fun, interactive programs to teach money skills for life. CoBank joined this effort by providing funds to create a mobile application for YFE programs. Northwest FCS staff also share their financial expertise with youth and local community groups.

Ag in the Classroom Ag in the Classroom is a national program to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. Programs in each state improve stu-dent achievement by applying authentic, agricultural-based content to teach core curriculum concepts in science, social studies, language arts and nutrition.

Adopt a Farmer ProgramNorthwest FCS contributed to the Agri-Business Council of Oregon to support the Adopt a Farmer program. Adopt a Farmer pairs a middle school classroom with a farm or ranch for the academic year. Students take a field trip to the farm to see, hear, touch and smell what life is like there. Farmers also visit the classroom throughout the school year to engage students in the science behind farming.

2015 Stewardship Giving

4-H Youth Livestock Programs4-H youth livestock programs help young people develop an interest in animal science and build experiences for leadership, social skills, self-esteem and citizenship. Youth develop important life skills as they learn about animal selection, care and feeding, animal health and the importance of good record keeping. Northwest FCS branch offices support 4-H members by purchasing animals that are consigned for resale.

Youth Financial Education • IdahoMore than 200 students from Buhl High

School played “Credit Score Millionaire” during a Youth Financial Education program.

Agricultural and Financial Education As the number of Americans growing up on farms continues to decline, educating youth about the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from will be an increasing focus for Northwest FCS’ stewardship giving. In 2015 we supported various programs and organizations that seek to enlighten young people and increase their understanding of how farmers and ranchers provide safe and affordable food for the world. We also support programs to help our young people learn how to manage their money.

Youth Financial Education ProgramNorthwest FCS made a significant investment in a four-year project to expand the University of Idaho’s Northwest Youth Financial Education program into Washington, Oregon, Montana and Alaska. YFE was designed to increase financial literacy and improve financial knowledge and behaviors among children and young adults ages 3 to 18. The goal is to deliver fun, interactive programs to teach money skills for life. CoBank joined this effort by providing funds to create a mobile application for YFE programs. Northwest FCS staff also share their financial expertise with youth and local community groups.

Ag in the Classroom Ag in the Classroom is a national program to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. Programs in each state improve stu-dent achievement by applying authentic, agricultural-based content to teach core curriculum concepts in science, social studies, language arts and nutrition.

Adopt a Farmer ProgramNorthwest FCS contributed to the Agri-Business Council of Oregon to support the Adopt a Farmer program. Adopt a Farmer pairs a middle school classroom with a farm or ranch for the academic year. Students take a field trip to the farm to see, hear, touch and smell what life is like there. Farmers also visit the classroom throughout the school year to engage students in the science behind farming.

4-H Youth Livestock Programs4-H youth livestock programs help young people develop an interest in animal science and build experiences for leadership, social skills, self-esteem and citizenship. Youth develop important life skills as they learn about animal selection, care and feeding, animal health and the importance of good record keeping. Northwest FCS branch offices support 4-H members by purchasing animals that are cosigned for resale.

Education and ResearchOur forebears 100 years ago could not have foreseen the rapid advancement of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, nor can we predict what the future will hold in 100 years. But we can invest in the research and leaders who will advance our natural resource industries as they continue to grow and feed a rapidly growing world.

Gifts to Colleges and UniversitiesOur long history of partnering with universities to source quality employees, share information and support university and industry initiatives continues to benefit rural communities and the customers we serve. Giving to colleges and universities in 2015 totaled more than $130,000.

Oregon State University Forest Science ComplexWith Northwest FCS and CoBank support, the Forest Science Complex will include a state-of-the-art advanced wood products laboratory where faculty and students will develop sustainable new building products that can be manufactured in the Northwest.

Montana Plant Sciences ChairThis endowed chair is the first of its kind in the history of MSU’s College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. The position is filled by an accomplished scientist who will build an integrative research program addressing Montana’s challenges in the grains industry. Priorities include researching management strategies for the wheat stem sawfly, an aggressive insect that has had devastating effects on wheat production in North America.

Leadership ProgramsDeveloping the next generation of leaders for agriculture, forestry and fisheries is critical to our future. Northwest FCS supports several leadership development programs throughout the Northwest. In 2015, program donations totaled more than $80,000 with significant donations made to Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership (REAL) Montana, AgForestry Leadership in Washington, Leadership Idaho Agriculture and Leadership Spokane.

Crisis ReliefNorthwest FCS’ crisis giving varies from year to year depending on major events that impact our Northwest communities. 2015 was an unfortunate year for many who experienced significant damage due to numerous fires throughout the Northwest. Overall, Northwest FCS provided more than $90,000 to help support people in need.

Umpqua Community CollegeThe Roseburg, Oregon, community was devastated Oct. 1, 2015, when a gunman entered Umpqua Community College, killing a professor and eight students. For us, the attack was personal. Staff members in our Roseburg office know students at UCC through their involvement in FFA and local events. Northwest FCS was privileged to help the Roseburg community and honor the victims by giving to the Greater Douglas United Way and South Umpqua FFA.

Northwest FiresMore than a million acres burned in wildfires across the Northwest in 2015 during one of the hottest and driest summers ever. Fire destroyed farms, fence and grazeland, blanketing the region in hazardous smoke and leaving rural communities to pick up the pieces. Northwest FCS has contributed to many fire relief efforts including the American Red Cross, a number of cattlemen’s associations and community organizations.