Different Hats for Each Generation, Same Great Cooperative

Release date: 3/11/2016

The History of the Central Kentucky Ag Credit Logo

Many people wear hats to represent a brand they support, with the logo of their favorite team or company. Over time, hat styles change, and so does the logo that is stitched onto our favorite ball cap. Central Kentucky Ag Credit is no different. Digging through old, dusty boxes and discovering the different styles of hats, along with the change in logos, reveals a history of Ag Credit.

2016 has held a big change for Central Kentucky Ag Credit, since recently we released the newest design of our logo. We are excited about this change, and it gave us a chance to review the history of our brand.

1945-1960

This was the first logo that was used for the Association, andincluded our name - Production Credit Association. It was very simple with a shield that contained the name “Production Credit Association” and around the shield, in a circle with the words, “Incorporated Under Farm Credit Act”. This was the first logo that was used and showed farmers the dependable place to finance their crops and livestock operations.

1970-1988

The second logo, and one remembered by an older generation of farmers, is the solid red oval with the Production Credit Association name inside. This was a time when the Association focused on short and intermediate term loans for things such as livestock, equipment and crops. This logo was a sign of stability and strength in a time that was difficult for many farmers. Through the late 1980’s there were many changes in agriculture, as the economy took a turn for the worst. Farmers were experiencing lower farm prices and income, but high interest rates made it hard to make ends meet. However, Ag Credit weathered the storm and managed to retain its independent cooperative structure.

1989

This logo and hat are probably not remembered by many. This was our logo for a brief period of time, when we claimed the green Bio-star. This symbolizes a time of uncertainty for many farmers and a time when the Association was looking into a new direction. 

 

1990-2015

In the year 1990, the Production Credit Association gained long-term lending authority and  the name was changed to Central Kentucky Ag Credit. At this juncture, the solid green Ag Credit logo was created. Jim Caldwell, President and CEO, was part of creating this logo. He explained this was a time before everyone had computers and he remembers seeing the logo being created on an Apple computer in downtown Lexington. We still kept the oval shape of the PCA logo, but changed to the green to coincide with the Farm Credit System standard color.

This logo has been the trademark that many farmers have depended on in the Bluegrass region for many years.

2016

The newest version of the Ag Credit logo is a modern twist on the 1990 version. Caldwell said, “We are excited about the logo change, and we think it is a clean, crisp and modern version of our prior logo.” We tried to maintain our history of using the oval shape, and have incorporated a half semi-oval, while using the Farm Credit system green that customers instantly recognize.

This new logo signifies the growth and transformation of the cooperative, although we are committed to principles that have made us successful since 1934, we are also modern and innovative. Our logo is the basis of our identity.

Progress can’t occur without change. Ag Credit knows the need to stay current and up-to-date with the industry, without forgetting our roots. We are still the same financial cooperative that your grandfather relied on years ago, but we are also progressive and looking forward to our bright future.

No matter which logo you grew up with, know that Ag Credit will always be committed to you and your success.

 

Ag Credit would like to thank Mr. George Ellis for his assistance and creativity in designing our newest logo.