Lisa Batt to Retire After 41 Years of Dedicated Service

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma’s Lisa Batt will retire on March 31, 2026, after an extraordinary 41 years of service to the Farm Credit System. Over four decades, Lisa has worn many hats, adapted to countless changes, and embraced every technological advancement with grace. Known for her quiet, humble demeanor, she takes great pride in her work and is recognized for being loyal, accurate, and steady.

Lisa reflected on her first day—January 21, 1985—when she joined the Federal Land Bank Association (FLBA). She was hired into the accounting department, where she worked briefly before transitioning into the loan department. At that time, FLBA and the Production Credit Association (PCA) were separate entities. Shortly after her arrival, the two organizations moved under the same roof, remaining separate until their eventual merger.

Throughout her career, Lisa has witnessed and supported several major transitions. The most significant came in January 2003, when PCA of Woodward, Clinton PCA, and FLBA of Western Oklahoma merged to form Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, ACA (FCWO).

“I’m proud to wear the FCWO brand,” Lisa said. “I appreciate how our association truly cares about our rural communities and gives back. Supporting youth through FFA and 4-H, community events like the rodeo feed, and helping those in need after wildfires makes an impact—and I’ve been really happy to be part of that.”

When asked what kept her at Farm Credit for so long, Lisa didn’t hesitate. “The people,” she said. “That’s what I’ll miss the most.” Over the years, she has worked alongside many colleagues and built friendships she deeply treasures. “The work environment has always been flexible and family‑first, and I really appreciate that.”

One standout mentor Lisa remembers fondly is Gloria Bennett, who worked in Guymon. “She took so much time teaching, training, and mentoring me. I learned so much from her. I still have files she filled out to this day!”

Lisa began her career during a challenging era in agriculture lending. “In the ’80s, interest rates were up to around 24%. It was an extremely tough time,” she recalled.

Despite the ups and downs, Lisa never stopped learning. She approaches each day with an open mind and positivity, making her adaptable and a valued team member. When she started, non‑negotiable office tools included typewriters and carbon paper. Today, technology has transformed nearly every aspect of the job.

“One of my favorite lines is, ‘Farm Credit is synonymous with change,’” she said with a laugh. “You cannot imagine how many times we’ve changed the way we do things or the programs we use—all to improve our services and protect our customers.”

Technology has brought efficiency and reduced errors, but it has also introduced new challenges such as fraud and cybersecurity. “Our team and board of directors are always evolving to meet those challenges head‑on,” Lisa said.

While much has changed, Lisa noted that a few fundamentals remain the same. “The basic items needed to make a land loan haven’t changed: deed, title opinion, appraisal, and survey.” Another constant, she added, is Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma’s unwavering commitment to its customers.

As she looks ahead, Lisa plans to enjoy retirement with her husband, Darren, in the Woodward area. She’s excited to spend more time with her daughter, Lacie, her husband Marc, and her grandchildren—Zane (5) and Micah (20 months). She also hopes to travel to visit her siblings and do some good fishing.  Together, Darren and Lisa have cow-calf operation that includes over 100 mama cows and Lisa says, “I bet that I’ll get to feed cattle too.”  In classic Lisa style, she finished with a smile followed by, “and I am okay with that.”