Message from the President
Welcome to the Ag Lenders Society of California!
Growing up in agriculture gives you a clear appreciation for what’s at stake. The people financing California’s farms and ranches aren’t just managing portfolios — they’re supporting families, communities, and an industry that feeds the world.
California agriculture doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt right now. Water is contested. Input costs are up. Commodity prices are unpredictable. Banks are consolidating, and specialty lenders are being asked to do more with less. The professionals navigating this environment — lenders, appraisers, attorneys, accountants, and industry partners alike — are doing so in real complexity, often without large teams or deep training budgets behind them.
That’s exactly why the Ag Lenders Society exists — and why there’s still meaningful work ahead to ensure it remains relevant and valuable.
This year, our focus is on growth and relevance:
- Expanding our geographic reach. California agriculture spans the entire state, and our membership should reflect that.
- Connecting with the next generation. People are entering this industry right now. We want to meet them early and remain useful as they grow.
- Delivering more value. More networking, more education, more webinars, more tours — content that actually helps people do their jobs better.
The Ag Lenders Society is strongest when it reflects the full breadth of our industry. Whether you’re a lender, a service provider, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you here.
We’re still building. I’m honored to be part of that effort and grateful for the members, board, and partners who make this organization worth belonging to.
Marty Sharp
President, Ag Lenders Society of California