Bank of the West ranks #2

in U.S. agricultural lending

Bank of the West is one of the leading bank lenders to U.S. agriculture, according to an American Bankers Association online ranking of the Top 100 Farm Lenders.

The bank ranked second in the nation with approximately $3.2 billion in agricultural loans at the end of last year.

"This top ranking reflects Bank of the West's continued commitment to the agricultural sector," said Roger Sturdevant, executive vice president and head of the Bank of the West's Agribusiness Division.

He added, "We continue to successfully support our customers through our conservative and pragmatic lending culture. Our consistency as bankers is something agribusiness people appreciate - they know we have been here through both good and challenging times."

Bank of the West began lending to farmers in 1874 and, today, its Agribusiness Division assists customers throughout the United States.

Offices are strategically located in Western and Midwestern agricultural centers including Napa, Fresno, Corona, Omaha, Des Moines, Sioux Falls and Minneapolis.