BUILT TOGETHER A Partnership That Strengthened Agriculture By Steve Mangapit, President, Pinnacle Claims Management and Chief Operating Officer, Western Growers
Agriculture has always required resilience. When faced with complex challenges, growers and the organizations that support them have worked side by side to find practical solutions. In the 1950s, providing health benefits in agriculture was not simple. Seasonal employment patterns, language barriers and the unique structure of the agricultural workforce made traditional insurance carriers hesitant to engage deeply in the space. Employers needed coverage that reflected the realities of their operations, and employees needed access to meaningful care. Rather than accept limited options, agricultural leaders and Western Growers came together for a better path forward. In 1957, Western Growers Assurance Trust, now Western Growers Health, was formed to serve agricultural employers and their employees. It was established as a nonprofit, guided by growers who understood the industry firsthand and supported by professionals dedicated to navigating the complexities of healthcare. From the beginning, it was a collaborative effort rooted in a shared goal: accessible and affordable coverage designed specifically for agriculture. What started with a single plan design and 144 covered lives grew steadily over the decades. As farms expanded, diversified and adapted to new market realities, the Trust evolved alongside them. Member leadership identified emerging needs. Western Growers Health responded with innovative solutions. By the 1990s, employers sought greater flexibility and financial control over their health plans. In response, "In my 30-plus years on the board, what’s impressed me most is how connected we stay to our members. That connection gives us insight and understanding in a way the big insurance companies can’t figure out." - David Gill, Owner Rio Farms and Gills Onions
Pinnacle was established to administer self-funded plans while preserving the same member-driven philosophy. PinnacleRx Solutions soon followed, ensuring easy access to critical medications. Over time, health management programs, telemedicine services and Cedar Clinics were introduced, expanding the way care could be delivered to the workforce. At every step, innovation grew from listening, partnering and a shared dedication to supporting the people behind the industry. Today, Western Growers Health remains governed by a Board of Trustees made up of agricultural leaders who understand both the pressures and the opportunities facing the industry. That governance structure, paired with a dedicated healthcare team, ensures decisions remain closely aligned with the real-world needs of employers and their workforce. Western Growers Health provides insured health benefits for employers ranging from small operations to organizations with thousands of employees, while Pinnacle supports self-funded health plan administration for both agricultural and non- agricultural employers. Together, these organizations help employers of nearly every size access meaningful health benefits while staying grounded in the agricultural community they were created to serve. With more than 500 employees, 750 clients and 421,768 members, they generate more than $200 million in revenue each year. All dedicated to supporting agriculture and the employers who sustain it. “Serving on the board is something I take seriously because growers depend on these benefits for their employees and their families. My focus has always been making sure we protect that trust and continue strengthening it for the future,” said David Gill, Owner, Rio Farms and Gills Onions. He continued: "In my 30-plus years on the board, what’s impressed me most is how connected we stay to our members. That connection gives us insight and understanding in a way the big insurance companies can’t figure out." Together, we have built a legacy that strengthens both the industry and its people. The evolution of agricultural health benefits reflects something deeper than growth. It reflects a true, unwavering partnership. It reflects shared responsibility. And as Western Growers marks its 100th anniversary, it stands as a reminder that the strongest institutions are built not alone, but together, with a steadfast commitment to the people who keep the industry moving forward.
16 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com April – June 2026
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