Loren West's association with Farm Bureau Insurance goes back 37 years to 1982. Back then he was working the farm he'd been raised on in Burley. He continued farming after graduating from Burley High School in 1976, and after a few years decided to try a new insurance company. "I had heard such good things about Farm Bureau Insurance that I decided to move my insurance there in 1982," Loren says. "I have never regretted the move."

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Loren moved on from farming in 1986 to drive a snowplow delivery truck. He delivered snowplows until 1990 before going to work in a welding shop. Ten years later, in 2000, Loren accepted a job as a Farm Bureau Insurance agent. "When I had the chance to become an agent it just seemed like a great choice. I found I was able to spend a lot more time with my family and had a much better style of living." Loren was a career agent until 2009 when he became a Crop Specialist agent. He began his current position as Crop Field Manager when Dave Jones retired in 2011.

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"One of the biggest benefits I received while working at Farm Bureau was the great people in my office I worked with and the clients I served. Later, as my job expanded to cover the state, I realized how great everyone in every office was. I felt I had the best of both worlds."

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Outside of work, Loren's hobbies are centered on the outdoor world. "I love snowmobiling, golfing, boating, and travelling." He also enjoys working with both wood and metal.

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During retirement, he and his wife Penny plan to work in the yard and do a lot of traveling. "Penny was my high school sweetheart," Loren says. "We married the December after we graduated. We've been married for over 43 wonderful years." They have four children, "two boys and two girls with the boys on each end." They also have nine grandchildren, five girls and four boys. "The old adage rings true here," Loren adds, 'Grandchildren - your reward for not killing your own children when they were younger.'"

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Looking back on his Farm Bureau career, Loren has one final sentiment. "Thanks you," he says, "to all my Farm Bureau family. From the north to the south and the east to the west, there's nobody better than you."

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Loren's last day with Farm Bureau will be Friday, March 15. Please join us in wishing Loren all the best in his retirement.

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NOTES FROM LOREN'S COWORKERS

Thank you for all the years you have spent moving the Multi-Peril Crop Insurance program forward. I consider you a mentor and a friend. Best wishes to you for a fun and fulfilling retirement.

-Arden Anderson, Crop Insurance Specialist Agent, Idaho Falls

 

I have had the pleasure of working with Loren for the last few years, and one thing that I can say is I have never seen Loren in a bad mood. With every visit to the Home Office, he always made a point to say hello, and ask how I am. Loren always has a fun story to tell, whether it is something with his agents out doing an event, or a personal story it always has a happy fun ending. I want to wish Loren the very best with his retirement, and I will sure miss him coming around the department.

-Cody Bird, Inside Sales and Support Team Lead

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Thanks Loren, for all your great ideas and input on the crop insurance advertising over the years. I'll miss working with you and seeing you around the department. Take care and best wishes.

-Mike Myers, Director of Corporate Marketing

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