Lorry Pitcher Senior Relationship Manager Idaho Falls, Idaho Rabo AgriFinance

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a mixed farm and returned to the farm after attending college for a couple of years. I farmed for 15 great years. The farm consisted of cow-calf feedlot, pure-bred, barley, wheat, forage and canola production.

What territory will you cover?
In Idaho we cover the American Falls area north to Ashton; we also cover some of western Wyoming and all of Utah.

What are your new responsibilities?
Rabo AgriFinance has a strong presence in eastern Idaho. My responsibility is to add to the great job that those who are already here are doing, and to grow the client base so that we will continue to be the bank of choice for the progressive farmers and agribusiness owners in eastern Idaho and Utah.

What previous positions have you held?
I was executive director of a national organization charged with protecting and promoting the beef industry. I have managed a commercial banking team for a national bank. I have been involved directly with agriculture for most of my career.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I had a great mentor at a previous employer who believed in me and helped me move my career to another level. I have worked with a lot of great people who have been great examples of how to get it done in the right way. These people have impacted my career, one day at a time.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
When I was farming I had a great relationship with my bank, and as a farmer I have had the opportunity to negotiate with bankers. I have been directly involved in the production and marketing of agricultural products. My experience as both a farmer and banker have given me a unique background that helps me apply banking principles to farming in innovative ways to help farmers meet their objectives.

Why did you choose this company?
Rabo AgriFinance is a unique banking organization. It is not a commercially chartered bank, and as such, it has more flexibility in providing financing and other banking products to its clients. Rabobank is committed to helping farmers and agricultural business be successful. All we do is agriculture.

Rabo AgriFinance understands the cyclical nature of agriculture and stands by its clients when other banks may not be permitted to do so. This is the way I want to do business and enjoy doing business. I feel like I have come home and I am doing what I love to do – work with agriculture.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
If I am successful in helping our clients meet their objectives, that brings me satisfaction. If I can help the other members of the Rabo Bank team be successful, it is a double bonus.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I came back to eastern Idaho because this is where I can do what I love, and this is where I want to spend the rest of my career. So, this is where I plan to be in five years, here, working in the Idaho Falls office, enjoying each day. PD