Harvest is one of the busiest and most important times of the year for our ag customers. At Iowa Trust, we know farming is not just a job, it’s a way of life. Our ag lenders understand the ups and downs that come with farming, and we work hard to help you reach your financial goals.
Since 1929, Iowa Trust has been a steady and trusted partner for farm families and ag businesses. That commitment is clear in the family farms that have banked with us for several generations, as well as in the new customers who are just starting their journey with us.
To give you a closer look at the people behind the partnership, we asked our ag lenders to share their background, their passion for farming, and how they support farmers during harvest.
Q: What is your background in agriculture, and how does that help you serve farmers?
- Kyle Auten, Senior Vice President, Ag Lending Officer: I grew up on a farm just south of Mallard. Even though my parents did not farm, during school I helped local farmers with all kinds of work – bailing hay, picking rocks, walking soybeans, detasseling and shelling corn, hauling grain, and feeding livestock. I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business, with a finance emphasis, and have now worked in ag banking for 24 years.
Gene VonAhn, Vice President, Ag Lending Officer: I grew up on a small acreage in Sac City and spent all four years of high school working for a local farmer and cattle feeder. Later, I managed and owned a local feed store with locations in Sac City, Wall Lake, and Ulmer. Working with many livestock feeders and farmers taught me how important it is to understand and meet their needs. I joined the bank in 2000, and I am proud to still work with many of the same farmers I once sold feed and seed to years ago. - Tiffany Elbert, Assistant VP, Ag Lending Officer: I grew up on a family farm near Rolfe, Iowa, where my dad and grandfather farmed together. During the summers, our jobs included washing machinery, picking rocks, and pulling weeds. I went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where I earned a degree in Finance. After completing a summer internship at Iowa Trust, I returned to Emmetsburg to begin my career here. I am now married to a local farmer, and together we have three children who all love the farm life.
I believe farming is something you truly have to experience to understand. Farmers put in long and difficult hours during their busy seasons and make many sacrifices to feed the world. Being around farming allows us to connect with farmers on a deeper level and better appreciate what it takes for them to get the job done.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with ag customers?
- Tiffany Elbert, Assistant VP, Ag Lending Officer: The most rewarding part of my work is seeing farmers succeed and grow their operations over time, while knowing Iowa Trust had a part in helping them achieve their goals. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing their success and being able to support them along the way.
Q: What makes Iowa Trust’s ag team different from others?
- Rick Brennan, President – Emmetsburg, Chief Operating Officer: Our ag team is more than just a group of lenders. We are trusted friends, neighbors, and community members who truly care about the people we serve. Our customers are not numbers to us, they are partners. When our ag customers succeed, we succeed, because we are all connected.
Q: What do you wish every farmer would know about how we can support them during harvest?
- Kyle Auten, Senior Vice President, Ag Lending Officer: Farmers can call us at any time during harvest if they need anything. For example, if they need to transfer funds but cannot leave the field to come into the bank, our ag team can step in and take care of handling those transactions for them. We are here to make things easier during their busiest season.
Q: How do you build trust and long-term relationships with our ag customers?
- Gene VonAhn, Vice President, Ag Lending Officer: I believe trust starts by first becoming a friend. I make it a point to meet customers on their schedule and sometimes call just to say “good job” and let them know I appreciate their hard work!
Q: What is one story of a time you felt especially proud to support a farmer or farming family?
- Rick Brennan, President – Emmetsburg, Chief Operating Officer: I feel proud any time we can help a farmer and their family meet their goals. Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with three or more generations on some farms. It is a great feeling to see those family farms succeed and continue for the next generation.
Q: What motivates you when you see our farmers bringing in the harvest each year?
- Rick Brennan, President – Emmetsburg, Chief Operating Officer: Harvest is one of the best times of the year. It marks the completion of the growing cycle and celebrates the success of each farmer and their family’s hard work. For me, it is a time to celebrate their dedication and the important role they play in our communities.
Q: How does supporting farmers contribute to our communities and local economy?
- Gene VonAhn, Vice President, Ag Lending Officer: When we support our farm customers, we are supporting the entire community. Farmers are the backbone of our small towns.
Q: What makes you proud to work with farmers year after year?
- Kyle Auten, Senior Vice President, Ag Lending Officer: I really enjoy seeing the customers that began their farming careers with Iowa Trust and how successful they have become.
Harvest season is a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our farmers. At Iowa Trust, we are proud to be more than just a bank. We are a partner. We are here to provide the financial knowledge and stability that help keep your farm strong for generations to come.
