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Cultivating a brighter future for agriculture


March 3, 2026
Brian Gilbert
Market President of Ag Banking

In recent years, our ag lending department has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the agricultural community.

As a family-owned bank, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that farmers face.

This perspective has driven us to enhance our services, ensuring that we not only meet the needs of our customers but also contribute to the vitality of the agricultural sector.

Rob Thuringer, Brian Gilbert, and Dave Ellens standing in the Lakeco warehouse.

We have recently expanded our team by adding new experts with diverse backgrounds in agriculture and finance.

This strategic move allows us to offer tailored solutions that address the specific requirements of our customers, whether you are a seasoned farmer or newcomer to the industry.

Our team members bring invaluable insights and expertise, enabling us to provide personalized support and guidance tailored to your operation.

A heard of cattle standing in a snowy feedlot with a sunset in the background.

What sets us apart is our unique value proposition: we prioritize and build successful relationships over transactions.

Being a family-owned institution means we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

The Chamberlain football team.

We take the time to understand your goals and challenges, ensuring that our financial products align with your needs.

By taking a personalized approach, we can foster trust and loyalty; that makes us a preferred partner in agricultural financing.

We are extremely excited to have recently broken ground on our newest location in Chamberlain, SD, where we’ll continue to provide top-tier services to our customers in the central part of the state.

A rendering of First National Bank's future branch in Chamberlain, SD.

These are the next steps in our expansion to rural areas throughout South Dakota.

But our commitment to agriculture goes beyond lending.

Our bankers actively participate in local events and initiatives that support farmers, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.

A man standing in the bed of a pickup with a grill and cooler.

By investing in our customers and the agricultural industry, we aim to create lasting impacts that benefit both our bank and the families and communities that rely on farming.

Agriculture continues to be South Dakota’s #1 industry, and we are proud to serve the farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses throughout our state and region.

As we continue to grow, our focus is on enhancing our ag lending services to ensure that we remain a vital resource for the agricultural community.

Together, we are cultivating a brighter future for agriculture.

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Brian Gilbert

Market President of Ag Banking
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Josh Kayser

Ag Banking Team Leader
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