As you walk into the offices of Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, you immediately sense the association’s commitment to its customers. Photos of high school and college students line the walls, recipients of the association’s annual scholarship campaign. A display check written out for $8 million dollars is behind the front desk, signifying the patronage dollars the cooperative pays back to its customer owners.
“Giving back to our communities and serving them has always been in the DNA of the Farm Credit System,” Farm Credit of Southern Colorado President & CEO Jeremy Anderson explains. “For us, we feel that has been on full display over the past several years.”
For over a century, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado has built its reputation the way most good things are built—through trust, consistency and meeting the needs of customer owners.
The Colorado Springs-based cooperative has stood alongside farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses as a lender and partner who understands the numbers, but also the families, people and legacy behind them.
So, when Project Evolution went live in March, it wasn’t just another initiative or system upgrade. It marked a meaningful moment for the organization—one that had been carefully considered and embraced by all involved. It was done with intention.
“This wasn’t just about technology,” Anderson says. “It was about making sure we remain a trusted partner for the next 100 years.”
With noticeable pride, he notes the buy-in and investment that occurred amongst all employees to bring the project to life.
“Ultimately, what we have built and continue to build is a way to better serve our customers through enhanced data and technology,” he explains. “I could not be more proud of the investment the team has shown to get us to this point.”
Agriculture is Evolving
Long-time customer-owners still value the relationships they’ve built over decades—the conversations, trust, the familiarity of working with someone who truly understands their needs and their operation. At the same time, a new generation is stepping in with different expectations. They want accessibility, efficiency and the ability to manage their business from wherever they are.
Generational farms bring all of these needs at once, and Farm Credit of Southern Colorado understands that continuing to evolve to meet those needs is paramount to being a viable partner.
There was also a growing awareness that existing systems were limited—relying on third-party technology made it harder to adapt, slower to respond and difficult to access customer data.
A Path Forward
At that point, the conversation became how to best meet the changing needs of customer owners. The realization was that it was time for a transformational change.
The defining moment came after months of research and due diligence, when leadership presented the vision for Project Evolution to the Board of Directors.
“The response was a resounding yes, no questions about it,” Anderson recalls. “That’s when we knew—this was the path forward.”
The team dug in and got to work on Project Evolution. What followed was a multi-year, association-wide effort that touched every part of the cooperative. And like most things worth doing, it wasn’t always easy. Halfway through, the weight of the work being done started to show. But instead of slowing down, the team leaned in, encouraging each other to keep pushing forward.
“People kept coming back to why we were doing it, and that’s what kept us going,” he says.
Over time, that shared purpose turned into ownership. This wasn’t just a project anymore, it was something people felt invested in, something they were helping shape.
“That says everything about our team,” Anderson says. “People believed in what we were building and showed an unwavering commitment to our customers.”
Redefining an Organization
By the time Launch Day, March 3, arrived, there was a mix of anticipation, nerves and excitement. Teams gathered together—marking the moment in custom Farm Credit sneakers—and worked through the night to bring the new system online.
“We were here all night, exhausted, but also energized and enthusiastic," Anderson says. "You could feel how important it was.”
It wasn’t just about launching a system. It was about seeing three years of work come to life.
“You don’t get many opportunities to redefine your organization,” Anderson shares. “This was one of them.”
The result is a fully cloud-based, integrated platform designed to better meet customers where they are. From digital loan applications and secure document uploads to enhanced online banking and mobile tools, the new system creates a more seamless and accessible experience.
But for all the changes behind the scenes, the core of Farm Credit of Southern Colorado remains the same.
“Relationships still lead,” Anderson says. “Our focus is on leveraging the latest technology to enhance those relationships, free up time to spend with our customer owners, and expand the impact we have in Southern and Eastern Colorado.”
By removing inefficiencies and streamlining processes, the system gives loan officers ownership and creates time for meaningful conversations, intentional guidance and the kind of support customers have come to expect.
Building on a Legacy
Looking ahead, Project Evolution positions Farm Credit of Southern Colorado to expand its reach across the 31 counties it serves, with a renewed ability to connect with emerging and underserved agricultural markets. With stronger data and marketing capabilities, the organization is better equipped to understand customer needs and deliver more personalized solutions.
At the same time, something less tangible—but just as important—has taken hold internally.
“It’s shifted how we think,” Anderson says. “We’ve taken care of the transactional pieces and can now focus on the relationship.”
That’s what Project Evolution really represents: a decision to move forward thoughtfully and intentionally. To embrace change without losing what matters most. To build on a legacy rather than to simply preserve it. To make sure that the trust built over the last 100 years continues—strong, relevant and ready.
Farm Credit of Southern Colorado didn’t change who they were; they just ensured they are ready for what’s next.
Address + Phone: 5110 Edison Avenue | 719-570-1087
Website: https://aglending.com/
Facebook: @FarmCreditSouthernColorado
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