Across the region, Border Bank’s Ag Team is supporting producers, strengthening operations, and helping family legacies grow. They know ag businesses like their own, because they’ve built their careers around understanding the challenges and opportunities of farm and ranch life.
Border Bank’s ag lenders are more than loan officers. They’re trusted partners who guide customers at every stage. Clients consistently emphasize that this isn’t “just banking”; it’s a relationship rooted in expertise, integrity, and genuine care for each producer’s success.
In this feature, readers will meet the region’s ag experts who make that difference every day. Each member of the Ag Team shares their insights in a quick Q&A.
For operations seeking that level of support, the Border Bank team stands ready to help, offering an experience that highlights the difference of banking with Border.
Joe Ulwelling
Chief Lending Officer | Roseau, MN
[email protected]
18 Years in AG Lending
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Diversified revenue streams are very important. Seeking niche markets may not be appropriate for 100% of their acres, but allocating even a small amount can improve profitability. I recommend looking for specialty crops or other value- add opportunities.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
There is more focus and attention on soil health and environmental factors. Farmers are great stewards of the land and want healthy soil. Strong operators focus on building healthy fields that reduce disease pressure and improve yields.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Border Bank has talented people who care, robust loan products, technology that makes life easier, and multiple locations to serve the region.
Niki Groshong
Branch Manager | Clearbrook, MN
[email protected]
5 Years in AG Lending
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
I like working with ag customers because they are some of the most down-to-earth and hardworking people in our community. Their dedication makes supporting them truly rewarding.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
A notable change I’ve seen since starting is the rise in livestock prices. That shift has had a meaningful impact on planning and decision-making for many producers.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Border Bank is your hometown bank. We live and work right alongside you. We value each customer and strive to treat everyone like a neighbor, with genuine care and personalized service.
Tony Mclean
Market President | Thief River Falls, MN
[email protected]
22 Years in AG Lending
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
I enjoy visiting customers on their farms. Seeing their operation firsthand provides a much deeper understanding of their needs and helps guide more meaningful conversations and solutions.
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Remain conservative in your projections. It’s always better to be pleasantly surprised on the positive side than caught off guard by unexpected changes.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
We take a long-term view of our relationships with farmers and are committed to supporting them through both the good years and the challenging ones. That consistency matters in agriculture.
Derek Olson
Market President | Baudette, MN
[email protected]
18 Years in AG Lending
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
I enjoy building genuine, long- term relationships. Trust means everything in agriculture, and being out in the community, visiting farms, and truly understanding each operation makes the work meaningful.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
Technology has greatly transformed farming and finance. Precision tools, digital records, and real-time data give us better information and allow for more forward-looking conversations, helping customers plan for long-term goals.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Border Bank combines modern technology with personalized, local service. We understand the unique challenges of agriculture and
provide quick, tailored solutions. We focus on long-term relationships, serving as a true partner in our customers’ success.
Josh Smith
Market President | Middle River, MN
[email protected]
14 Years in AG Lending
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Communication is key. The more you share about your operation and plans, the better equipped we are to help make your operation successful.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
The scale and size of farming have changed more than anything. Operations are larger, inputs and land needs have grown, and equipment costs have increased significantly.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Border Bank was built in large part by serving ag customers, and that focus remains strong today. We understand agriculture and remain committed to supporting the industry and the people who make
it run.
Tim Loven
Market President | Roseau, MN
[email protected]
22 Years in AG Lending
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
I appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of each farming operation. Every operation has its own challenges and opportunities, and getting to understand those differences makes the work both rewarding and meaningful.
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Keep good accounting records for both marketing and financial decisions. Accurate information helps guide stronger planning and provides clarity when making important business choices.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
We have a very knowledgeable ag banking group with products and services that strongly support agricultural operations. Our team understands the industry and is committed to helping producers succeed.
Ulrik Aaskov
Ag Banker | Roseau, MN
[email protected]
6 Years in AG Lending
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
The farmer usually knows their operation better than anyone else, but I always stress the importance of maintaining enough liquidity to guard against large market swings in commodity prices.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
Data analytics and advanced farm management technologies are becoming a larger part of most farming operations. Modern lending requires a sophisticated understanding of an operation’s technological and financial data
streams.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Border provides local, specialized ag expertise backed by strong regional market knowledge. Our recent acquisition of Northern Ag adds integrated financial and risk-management tools that benefit customers in today’s changing environment.
Brian Bertilrud
Ag Banker | Thief River Falls, MN
[email protected]
18 years in AG Lending
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
The diversity of each operation. In my opinion, we are fortunate to lend in NW Minnesota, where more than just a couple of crops are grown. It’s been very enjoyable working with both small grain and cattle operations and learning from our producers about what works for them and what doesn’t.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
Cost! Everything has become more expensive land, rent, equipment, and inputs. It takes much more capital today than it did when I started in 2008.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Border Bank has always aimed to be flexible and supportive of customers’ day-to-day needs and expansions. We have a knowledgeable ag team at Border and Northern Ag, with many years of experience, and most of our staff have farm backgrounds themselves.
Roger Erbes
Ag Banker | Fargo, ND
[email protected]
20 Years in AG Lending
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Home runs are exciting in the moment, but steady singles and getting on base win the game in the long run. Control the controllables and take advantage of opportunities to market for that single.
Q. What is one thing that has changed in Ag lending since you started?
Rising costs have made it more important than ever to understand your financials. Having a lender with the experience and willingness to go the extra mile can make a big difference in navigating those challenges.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Our ag lenders bring deep expertise and a strong commitment to working alongside customers year after year. We aim to be part of your team and support your operation through every season.
Brent Olson
Business Banker | Baudette, MN
[email protected]
11 Years in AG Lending
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
The character of farmers and ranchers is unmatched-honest, hardworking, and committed. It’s a pleasure to work with people like that.
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Have a quality marketing strategy. Partnering with Northern Ag gives our customers expert analysis and insurance options, which is invaluable in today’s constantly shifting markets.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
Many of our employees also work in the ag industry, giving us real- world understanding to better support customers through good times and bad. Whether planning equipment purchases or adjusting credit needs, we’re right there with you and ready to help.
Christine Modahl
Q. What one thing do you like most about working with Ag customers?
I enjoy assisting with the growth and success of farm operations. Seeing customers achieve their goals and strengthen their operation is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Q. What is one piece of advice you often share with farmers or ranchers?
Avoid overinflating values-stay realistic and conservative. A solid, honest financial picture helps guide better decisions and long-term stability.
Q. Why should someone choose Border Bank?
If you choose Border Bank as your financial partner, you can count on our commitment to your operation’s success. We work hard to support our customers and help them reach their goals.
Border Bank Locations
Badger 218-528-3255
Baudette 218-634-3300
Clearbrook 218-776-3151
Coon Rapids 763-780-6600
Fargo, 17th Ave S. 701-282-4598
Fargo, 32nd Ave S. 701-499-0960
Greenbush 218-782-2151
International Falls 218-283-5556
Middle River 218-222-3511
Roseau 218-463-3888
Thief River Falls 218-681-8085
www.border.bank
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