Why Mission: Sunrise Sprayers

Mike Vandborg is the President of Sunrise Sprayers and V-4 Enterprises. He’s a proud third- generation farmer who carries on the family tradition in the place he’s always called home. “My grandfather relocated from Denmark in 1950. I was born and raised on the farm. Farming is my passion. It is surreal to look back and think farming all started for me when I began driving a tractor with my dad at five years old.      

 

 

 

Vandborg, a Cal Poly alumni and father of three with another on the way, has been taking his farm and spray company in new and different directions, hedging his bets against a changing industry, and diversifying his products and services. Vandborg purchased Sunrise Sprayers in 2015, and that’s when his relationship with Mission Bank began. “I have been banking with Mission for 10 years, and our relationship began when I bought the spray company. We now solely partner with Mission for banking, loans, and all of Sunrise Sprayers and the farms’ needs.”      

 

Sunrise Sprayers operates in the south end of the San Joaquin Valley, servicing approximately 40,000 acres of farmland in the counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, and further. According to Vandborg, they spray it all. “Citrus, almonds, pistachios, grapes, alfalfa, and pretty much anything else that comes our way. We purchased a row crop sprayer a couple of years ago in anticipation of the market change to ensure we can service and support the farming community’s needs.”      

 

The farming industry is unpredictable, but Vandborg says that’s what he likes about the business. “Farming is a new day every day. There’s always a new challenge, and nothing is the same. It will make you pull your hair out, and it’s fulfilling all at the same time.”       That’s why the relationship with Mission Bank has been so valuable. “When we need something done, the Mission team is on the ball, everyone is very responsive, and that’s a big deal for us,” says Vandborg. “Between family, the farm, and Sunrise, there is always a lot going on, and it’s vital for us to have someone like our Relationship Manager Mike Martens, who is always there to make it happen, and the support of the whole Mission team.”