Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Community & Young Producers

Investing in Our Communities and Our Future

Supporting youth, young producers, and rural communities across Western Oklahoma.

Strong communities build strong agriculture. At Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, our commitment goes far beyond lending. We invest in youth programs, scholarships, next generation initiatives, community events, and the young producers who will shape the future of rural Oklahoma.

From stock shows and rodeos to classroom funding and leadership development, we work every day to support the people who make our region strong.

Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.

Across Western Oklahoma, producers and families share how community support makes a difference. These stories highlight the values we stand for and the work we are proud to be part of.

larry at the grill

A Career That Started by Accident, and Ended with Impact

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma’s Larry Zook is set to retire on April 30, 2026. While Larry has a lifetime […]
Read their story
young boy leading a calf

Supporting Youth and Rural Communities is at the heart of FCWO

At Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, we serve farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses across the region, but our impact goes beyond […]
Read their story
lisa batt working at her computer

Lisa Batt to Retire After 41 Years of Dedicated Service

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma’s Lisa Batt will retire on March 31, 2026, after an extraordinary 41 years of service […]
Read their story
Ag Next Agriculture Summit logo

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma to Host Inaugural AgNext Agricultural Summit on May 1

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma (FCWO) will host its inaugural AgNext Agricultural Summit on Friday, May 1, at the Express […]
Read their story
two world champions

Backing Two World Champions | Western Oklahoma

At Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, we are proud to stand behind two of the best in the world, World […]
Read their story
Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma sign

Community Support Across Western Oklahoma

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma has a long history of showing up for the people and communities we serve. From […]
Read their story
man grilling burgers and woodward elks rodeo

Supporting the Woodward Elks Rodeo

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma has been a proud supporter of the Woodward Elks Rodeo for nearly 30 years. As […]
Read their story

Youth Programs

We are committed to helping young people discover opportunities in agriculture and leadership. Through youth programs, livestock project funding, and involvement in 4-H and FFA activities, we support the next generation as they learn responsibility, build skills, and grow their confidence.

Key Programs:

Participation in local, county, district, and state premium auctions supporting 1,100 Students in 2025

Large supporters of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation and Oklahoma FFA Foundation

Staff members serve as club or class speakers, speech contest judges and assist students with mock interviews

150 scholarships given annually

Multiple Annual Summer Internships

4-H and FFA Project Funding Program

Take One Off for the Future initiative

Contributor to Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Ag New Frontiers Project

Host industry and local groups at our offices

Scholarships and Grants

Education opens doors. Our scholarships and funding programs help students pursue college, trade school, agriculture projects, and leadership opportunities.

Group of people at the capitol

Programs Include:

$250 Customer Child Scholarship

Up to eight semesters for children of FCWO borrowers enrolled in at least six credit hours. Funds may be used for any educational expense.

Submit your proof of enrollement each semester to your loan officer and we'll take care of the rest.

4H and FFA Project Funding Program

Support for livestock projects with up to $1,000 in interest free funding. Available to active 4 H and FFA members within our service area.

Come into your nearest FCWO office and visit with a loan officer about the funding just as an adult would.

Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma Scholarships

Together, with our fellow Farm Credit Associations in state we fund 5, $1,000 scholarships to students at Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture

Oklahoma State University Panhandle Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to a full-time agricultural major from the Oklahoma Panhandle.

More Tools for Beginning Producers

Looking for additional tools and trainings for your ag journey? AgBizInfo.com developed by the Farm Credit System offers a wide range of resources designed for young, beginning, and small farmers, including planning guides, financial tools, and educational materials.

Ag Biz info logo

Young Farmer Committee

Our Young Farmer Committee brings together producers ages 18 to 35 who are committed to agriculture. Members exchange ideas, build leadership skills, and participate in programs that support young farmers and ranchers across Western Oklahoma.

Committee Highlights:

5 members per committee, 2-year term

Members must operate a farm or ranch part time or full time

Focus on education, recognition, and program development

Organization of informational meetings and tours for young producers

Bi-Annual trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers

Meetings with Farm Credit Council, USDA, Congressional leaders, and agriculture organizations

Let your loan officer know if you would like to be involved in this committee.

Row concave Shape Decorative svg added to top

Financing Options for Young, Beginning, and Small Producers

Community support is only part of how we help young producers succeed. Our Young, Beginning, and Small Producer Loan Program provides access to financing designed to help new operators start strong and build for the future.

This includes reduced interest opportunities, personalized support from local lenders, and programs that help borrowers transition into conventional financing as their operation grows.

Partnering With You at Every Stage

Whether you are a student, a young producer, or a community leader looking for support, our team is ready to help.

Scroll to Top