For Farm Credit of Western Kansas, agriculture isn’t just an industry — it’s a way of life. Through it all, strong partnerships ensure the association can serve its member-owners through the good times and hardships.
For nearly 110 years, FCWK has been a vital resource for rural agricultural producers across the region. Amid economic uncertainties and the inherent volatility of the industry, the association provides critical financing for local corn, wheat and cattle producers across nine counties — ensuring future growth and sustainability for its members.
“Our tagline is ‘financing agriculture for generations,’ and we take that very seriously,” said Jessica Vaughn, CEO of FCWK. “Partners like CoBank are a big factor in our success — our missions align, and we share the same values.”
FCWK is one of CoBank’s 16 affiliated associations, receiving wholesale funding and other products and services from the bank to support its membership. FCWK also partners with CoBank at the community level, including its participation in the bank’s Sharing Success program — an annual $6 million fund that matches up to $15,000 in contributions where its member-owners live and work.
“Our service area is very rural, which makes community support so impactful,” said Vaughn.
Not only does CoBank provide funding to us so that we can support our members and community, but they are also just supreme leaders within the agricultural industry.
Both organizations also recently made a joint contribution to the Citizens Health Foundation, a new hospital that is currently under construction in Colby, Kansas. The medical facility will give the region better access to specialized health care and treatment options while improving accessibility and convenience. FCWK and CoBank partnered to donate a combined $35,000 for the project, with the association contributing $20,000 and CoBank donating $15,000 — nearly doubling the impact. The hospital is projected to open in the spring of 2026.
“Not only does CoBank provide funding to us so that we can support our members and community, but they are also just supreme leaders within the agricultural industry. They provide valuable educational opportunities — including webinars and in-person meetings to provide industry outlooks. Their capital markets program is also extremely beneficial, allowing us to participate in larger financial opportunities, which supports our diversification and future growth,” Vaughn said.
Together, FCWK and CoBank have built a foundation of support in the region, strengthening local agriculture and its surrounding communities to make a meaningful impact.
“The economy has been tough, but CoBank has weathered these storms before for rural America. We are also here to stand strong for our farmers and ranchers. We are a mainstay in western Kansas — and we plan to be here for many generations to come. CoBank is a key part of that promise,” Vaughn said.