From Humble Beginnings Come Great Things

John Grunewald has served as President and CEO of Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma (FCWO) for 31 years.  With his leadership, the organization has more than 6,000 loans representing $1.75 billion, nine branches and 3 field offices.  

After an incredible 43 years working in the Farm Credit System, Grunewald will retire Dec. 31, 2023. From humble beginnings come great things.  Grunewald’s career reflects this statement.  In 1980 he began his Farm Credit career at Greensburg Production Credit Association (PCA) in Pratt, KS where he worked as a field representative.

“It was a small office and I sat at a wooden table next to the copy machine.  That was before the time of computers, but I did have my own electric calculator with the rolls of tape that printed.  My supervisor had us re-roll the tape and use the back side too!” Grunewald said with a laugh.  “But I did what I was asked and learned a lot from it.”

After Grunewald’s time in Kansas, he came home to Oklahoma where he began working for Enid PCA. In the following years Grunewald served stints at Enid Federal Land Bank Association (FLBA), Woodward FLBA, and Clinton PCA before moving into administration positions with Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma.  Grunewald is a classic example of working from the bottom up.  In his 43-year career he served as Field Representative, Loan Officer, Branch Manager, Special Assets Manager, Chief Credit Officer, and President/Chief Executive Officer.
In the over four decades of employment in the Farm Credit system, Grunewald still gets excited at the sight of young families visiting with loan officers and partnering with Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma to make their dreams a reality. Just recently, Grunewald stopped to snap a picture of a young couple meeting with a loan officer in the Woodward office. Grunewald shared the photo during the interview for this story and said, “This photo is my favorite scene, and it epitomizes my career.”  That statement shows his passion for his work and true desire to see others succeed.

Grunewald is a visionary leader with a passionate heart for those embarking on their own agricultural journey.  

“I remember going through some lean times as a kid when my dad was putting together his operation”, Grunewald said.  “I understand first-hand how challenging it can be on young families to get started in production agriculture, so that has been a focus point of mine.”

Grunewald’s motivation to develop the Young, Beginning and Small Farmers (YBS) program resulted in an excellent reality for FCWO with the numbers prove it.  The average age of farmers in FCWO’s portfolio has decreased in the last 20 years, while other lending institutions have found an increase. Grunewald was awarded the Governor’s Commendation for his work with young farmer programs in Oklahoma. Investment in 4-H and FFA youth programs, creating educational trips for young shareholders and investing in rural communities have played a significant role in connecting with young farmers and ranchers.

“John Grunewald has really set the standard for the YBS program in the nation,” said Kevin Propps, Clinton Branch Manager and Grunewald’s 27-year colleague.
Another core characteristic and talent of Grunewald is building relationships. Grunewald believes in the FCWO staff and takes time to build relationships with each one as an individual.  

According to Propps, “Farmers want to do business here and employees do not leave; they usually retire from FCWO.  While cultivating a family atmosphere, Grunewald has also instilled a sense of competitiveness and growth in each employee.”

Grunewald is genuinely proud of the FCWO staff, and often refers to them as a team. According to Grunewald, it is the people he has worked with over the last 43 years that have made Farm Credit feel like home.  Many have served as mentors and inspiration over the years.  “I cannot say thank you enough to the hardworking, dedicated staff that cares about the needs of our shareholders and works daily to serve them.  Our team is second to none!” Grunewald said.

Grunewald’s history with Farm Credit started before he was even born! His family had Farm Credit loans in the 1930’s.  Grunewald’s grandfather was on the Farm Credit board in 1940’s and his dad received a young farmer award in the 1960’s.  “Farming is in my blood, and I have always enjoyed helping farmers and ranchers be successful; that is what has kept me at Farm Credit all these years,” said Grunewald.

Aiding in the success of others is something that John Grunewald truly excels at.  The cooperative structure of Farm Credit allows the organization to share profits with shareholders.  The annual patronage refund program is one more aspect that sets Farm Credit apart from other lenders.  However, at Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, the spirit of giving back does not stop there.  

“Supporting agricultural youth and our rural communities is not just a line item on the company budget, it’s woven into the fabric of the FCWO culture and something I am very proud of and proud to be part of,” Grunewald stated.  “I’ve always believed that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our rural communities and that is mutually beneficial!”

During Grunewald’s tenure as President/CEO, he and his management teams facilitated the mergers of six different Farm Credit Associations. Through the integration of various management teams, John has worked to maximize efficiency while leaning into the strengths and skill sets of each individual person, never losing sight of what each employee has done to make their respective association successful.

Grunewald is respected nationally within the Farm Credit System and has held many leadership roles throughout his career. Grunewald has served on many boards and leadership positions over the years.  Currently, he serves on the Farm Bureau Foundation Board, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Enhancement Board and devotes time to the Cameron University Agricultural Advisory Board. 

Grunewald was appointed by the Oklahoma Speaker of the House to the Oklahoma Agricultural Enhancement and Diversification Advisory Board and has given testimony at the Farm Bill Congressional field hearings.  In addition, he has traveled to Cuba as a member of the Oklahoma agricultural trade delegation. 

Grunewald has been awarded the Honorary State and American FFA Degrees and is a former board member of the National FFA Foundation.  He was the recipient of the Farm Bureau Distinguished Community Service Award and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) Allied Industry Award.  

John Grunewald has undeniably made a lasting impact on the Farm Credit System, the state of Oklahoma, and the landscape of American agriculture. He has not only supported numerous Oklahoma agricultural youth but also played a crucial role in helping many aspiring farmers get their jump start, consistently offering encouragement every step of the way. 

Grunewald is looking forward to retirement.  He and his wife Terrica look forward to spending time with their five children and nine grandchildren.  On behalf of the entire Farm Credit family, encompassing both dedicated staff, trusted board of directors and valued customers, best wishes for a fulfilling retirement. From humble beginnings come great things, and Grunewald’s visionary and compassionate leadership have undeniably shaped the journey and the future of so many. A profound thank to John Grunewald is in order for his tireless dedication, which has left an indelible mark.