Farm Credit Renews Support for International Agri-Center Dairy Center
The Farm Credit institutions recently renewed their support of the International Agri-Center, home of the world’s largest annual farm equipment and agriculture technology exposition—World Ag Expo.
The Farm Credit entities have a history as strong supporters of the International Agri-Center. In 2008, the International Agri-Center announced the renaming of the Tulare Dairy Center to the Farm Credit Dairy Center.
The 80,000-square-foot dairy center houses hundreds of dairy exhibits during the annual World Ag Expo and is the most highly-trafficked area of the grounds by show attendees. In addition, the Farm Credit Dairy Center is also the home of many other large-scale events that happen on the International Agri-Center show grounds.
"Farm Credit West and the other participating Farm Credit System institutions have been supporters of the Agri-Center for many years and are pleased to be able to continue our support for the Farm Credit Dairy Center," says Ken Graff, President and CEO of Farm Credit West. "Dairy is an important commodity in California, the nation and the Farm Credit System. We are extremely proud to have the Farm Credit name associated with this showcase for dairy innovation and technology."
Annual support from the Farm Credit institutions allows the International Agri-Center an ability to continue the mission of the organization to encourage agricultural education and community involvement within the industry.
“The Farm Credit Dairy Center is a critical component of the International Agri-Center and one of the largest permanent structures on the grounds,” says Jerry Sinift, CEO of the International Agri-Center. “It is the epicenter for dairy innovations at World Ag Expo and the home to many other events throughout the year. Everyone at the Agri-Center appreciates Farm Credit’s support.”
The Farm Credit institutions began in 1916 with an act of Congress in order to ensure that farmers had a reliable source of financing. The Farm Credit System is the single largest lender to agriculture in the U.S. Each Farm Credit institution is independently owned and operated by borrowing stock holders. As was the case in the beginning, agriculture and ag-related industries are Farm Credit’s only lending group.
