Discovery Museum awarded AgWest grant to expand educational services. * Contributed Report * May 12, 2026 Children's Resource & Referral Discovery Museum has been awarded a $3,500 Rural Community Grant from AgWest Farm Credit to support the museum's Technology Integrated STEM and Agriculture Learning Initiative. The CRR Discovery Museum said in a release that the awarded funds will support the purchase of permanent interactive exhibit materials that blend technology with agricultural education. Early plans for funded exhibits include touchscreen educational interfaces, immersive storytelling components, and hands on STEM exploration materials focused on topics such as planting, harvesting, sustainability, nutrition, and farm to table systems. "This project represents an investment in equitable access to meaningful educational experiences that connect children to the world around them," said Jacquilyn Banta, chief operating officer of Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County. "We are incredibly grateful to AgWest Farm Credit for supporting innovative, place-based learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, strengthen family engagement, and celebrate the agricultural roots of our region," Banta added. The museum, located in the heart of California's agricultural corridor, intentionally creates inclusive learning environments where children of all abilities and backgrounds can explore, discover, and connect through play-based education. These additions are designed to reflect the rich agricultural identity of the Santa Maria Valley while introducing children to the science, innovation, and systems that shape their community. The initiative builds upon the museum's growing momentum as a hub for early learning, STEM exploration, and family engagement throughout Santa Barbara County. By integrating hands on science with culturally relevant agricultural storytelling, the museum aims to create a multi-sensory learning environment that serves more than 35,000 children and families annually. AgWest Farm Credit's Rural Community Grants support nonprofit organizations and projects that improve rural communities through educational opportunities, facility improvements, equipment purchases, and investments that strengthen long term community vitality and prosperity. This report was contributed by the Children's Resource & Referral Discovery Museum. (0 Ratings)

AgWest quarterly commodity outlook. AgWest Farm Credit released its Monthly Market Update for October, covering the state of major agricultural commodities in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The update features unique insights into economic drivers impacting agriculture and forestry in the West. AgWest's outlook for major commodities is summarized below. Visit AgWest's Industry Insights page for an expanded analysis of each industry, monthly economic headlines, relevant data and trends, and additional special reports. Almonds and pistachios. Almond prices reversed their upward momentum and started to decline mid-way through September. Inventory of the 2025 crop is building and international buyers are increasingly cautious about overcommitting given current prices. Harvest continues for the 2025 crop. There is an increasing sense that the crop size will come in below the forecasted 142 million boxes, though to what degree remains unclear. The 2025 pear crop is forecasted to come at 16.8 million boxes, a nearly 60% increase from 2024 levels and aligned with the historical average. Cattle markets remain bullish despite seasonal softening in fed cattle prices in late September. Domestic cattle and beef supplies remain tight and are expected to tighten further in the coming months. Increases in U.S. milk production, driven by unprecedented herd expansion, have been bearish for milk prices. Dairy markets have also been bearish. While butter and cheese exports have been a bright spot for U.S. dairy in recent months, falling prices in global markets are challenging U.S. export competitiveness. Forest products. Average lumber prices fell another 8% in September, with declines seen in both green Douglas fir and Southern Yellow Pine. Douglas fir and whitewood log prices also fell in August, marking their fourth consecutive monthly decline. Hay prices are currently depressed due to oversupply and low demand. Water concerns remain top of mind for growers with water allocation negotiations ongoing. Lemons and oranges. Lemon prices remain steady and fruit quality generally good. Harvest is wrapping up in the Coastal Region of California and picking up in the Desert Region. For oranges, the 2025-26 navel and mandarin crop forecasts came in at 80 million cartons and 33 million cartons, respectively. Potato harvest is underway across the West, and the plentiful crop will likely keep returns below production costs for many growers. Wheat prices remain significantly low, creating a challenging outlook for growers across the West. Both the USDA projected farm price and wheat futures continue to weaken due to the impact of a large global crop. Wine and wine grapes. Wine grape crops are progressing differently across the West, but look to be coming in smaller than average due to reduced acreage and a higher percentage of minimally managed vineyards in California and Washington. About AgWest Farm Credit. AgWest Farm Credit is a financial cooperative with approximately $35 billion in total assets as of 2025. It provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners, and crop insurance customers in seven Western states. AgWest is part of the 109-year-old Farm Credit System, the nation's leading provider of credit to agriculture. With 59 locations across the West, AgWest is committed to serving its customers and supporting local communities. Contact the pioneer. Send Bigtimberpioneer your thoughts and feedback as a letter to the editor. Submit by post to P.O. Box 830, Big Timber, MT 59011 or use its online form.