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First State Bank Southwest
Close up of crops.

October Newsletter

Celebrate Agriculture

There isn't a month that's not busy on a farm. There is hard work to be done year-round, whether planting in the spring or harvesting in the fall.

We know this from working with our agriculture customers. Farmers are the backbone of our Minnesota and South Dakota communities and the country at large. This month, we take a moment to acknowledge this hard work. Whether it's food on the table or any number of products in our homes, we have agriculture to thank. Here are 5 reasons farmers are so important:

1. They support local families. More than 90% of farms in the U.S. are considered small, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And a whopping 96% are family-owned. Investing in and buying from these farms directly supports those of us living in rural cities and towns.

2. They make rural communities possible. According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, small farms support the sustainability and competitiveness of rural communities. That's not to mention the fact that many rural communities were built around farming and ranching.

3. They feed us. The average farm provides to about 155 people, which has grown consistently over time. While not all farms feed people, each operation plays an essential role in their industry.

4. They're stewards of the environment. According to the University of Wisconsin, small farmers and ranchers care for half of the country's agricultural land. They put that earth to good use with attention and care, which benefits all Americans.

5. They care about the future of our community. Farmers aren't just focused on making it to harvest time. They have to know they'll be able to grow crops, feed animals, and maintain their operations this year and the next. That means they operate in a way that will sustain their operations and our communities.

MEET OUR STAFF

Agriculture is constantly evolving. To help you develop, expand, and stay up with

the always-changing ag business, you need a lender with an understanding and

experience in agriculture.


We are truly a community bank and are very proud of that fact. The First State Bank Southwest was chartered in 1903 and now has offices in six locations to help service our customers in Southwest Minnesota and Southeast South Dakota. At First State Bank Southwest, we offer all current banking services, competitive interest rates, and convenient locations. But our people are the reason we're the best local bank. Because all the best services don't mean anything if you can't trust the person you're working with. We have a team of dedicated local experts committed to helping you succeed. They're great to work with, easy to get ahold of, and above all, people you can trust with your finances. The people make the difference.

Our Communities
Southwest MN CEO Class
We're proud to be supporters of the next business generation. Yesterday the Southwest Minnesota CEO Class 2022-23 learned about building credit, credit reports, and relationship building from Lisa. Brad talked about financial statement basics, business planning, and the 5 Cs of credit. We look forward to seeing how their businesses succeed.
Worthington King Turkey Day Parade
Our Staff truly enjoyed the King Turkey Day Parade; seeing a lot of smiling faces and handing out over 4000 freeze pops and coin candy. We hope you enjoyed another successful Turkey Day Weekend. See you next year!!!
Pipestone Back-To-School Bash
The Pipestone Area Elementary Booster Club is an organization that strives to enrich the quality of the educational experience of children by providing volunteers, financial support, and community offerings to elementary students. First State Bank Southwest sponsored the back-to-school bash with the Pipestone Area Elementary Booster Club as a way to show we care about the students and their families in the community.
Sioux Falls Branch is now Open
Our staff is joyous to be part of our growing bank. Thanks to The Barrel House and Will Liquor for catering our employee event last week. We highly recommend them!
Sioux Falls Branch Ribbon Cutting
Snip, Snip, Hooray!!! We officially had our First State Bank Southwest Sioux Falls Branch ribbon cutting.
A Thank You
As we end our Grand Opening Celebration week for our New Sioux Falls Branch. We want everyone to know that we are thankful for your business and continued support!

Coming Soon...

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