About Tory
Tory Hart, the Jamestown market president and lending team leader at Bank Forward, has deep roots in the agricultural world. Raised on a cattle and small grain farm in Foster County, ND, Hart’s early life was shaped by the rhythms of farm work and the guidance of his family. His father, LeRoy, and uncle, Dennis, served as mentors, instilling in him a profound understanding of both livestock and crop farming. This foundation led him to work at the Carrington NDSU Research and Extension Center and later at the Kensal Farmers Elevator after graduating from North Dakota State University
A hot topic in crop insurance
Supplemental Products are a big topic in crop insurance right now, and the Insure Forward team is prepared to review with ag producers the Enhanced Coverage Option, Supplemental Coverage Option, and Livestock Risk Protection which are now available to complement their coverages.
Running a successful farming operation means having the right people in your corner-Tory Hart at Bank Forward is one of those people. With a farming background of his own, few understand the common challenges and needs farming requires more than Hart. His passion for serving farmers and ranchers stems from his early involvement in programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). These early influences led him to pursue banking in 1990, joining Farmers State Bank in Carrington, ND, which was later acquired by Bank Forward in 1993.
Hart, who has a career spanning three decades in the banking industry, views agriculture as an opportunity to work in one of the best industries and spaces on Earth and he continues cultivating that passion today within the confines of his own family farm. “Continuing to be part of a working farm and helping define its succession is important to me and my family,” he said.
Investing in the Farming Community
Through his role at Bank Forward, Hart strives to invest in and be a trusted resource in the farming community. “Building a healthy network among farming customers is not only valuable but is also a worthwhile goal for me,” he said. As the Jamestown market president and lending team leader at Bank Forward, Hart understands the role he plays within the farming community, especially as the world of agriculture is continuously evolving.
“As agriculture continues to change, changing with it is very important. Learning is key to keeping fresh and being able to provide value to customers and our communities,” Hart said.
Building Relationships
Hart’s natural love for farming and ranching, combined with his experience in farm management and professional connection with customers in the agricultural space, enhances his contributions to client relationships. “Truly having a love for farming and ranching, learning from and participating in managing a farm, and being able to connect with customers on a professional level in the agricultural space makes time at work fly by,” he said. “Whether a banker or farmer, challenging times in agriculture can make us stronger and I love being there for my clients.” Hart plays a multifaceted role at Bank Forward, where his responsibilities extend across various avenues. Hart works with consumers, small business owners, and farms of all sizes. He’s also a proud member of Bank Forward’s credit approval committees and the bank’s board of directors.
Additionally, Hart is a sales agent for Insure Forward’s MPCI and crop hail team, which further adds to his level of expertise.
His commitment to community development is evident in his active involvement in local organizations. Hart is a key figure in supporting local needs, serving on the Jamestown Stutsman County Development Board, the local Jamestown Fine Arts Center Board, The Spiritwood Energy Park Board, and the North Dakota Bankers Association Board. “Having a voice in all of these organizations helps build our community and state,” Hart said.
Firsthand Experience, Firsthand Expertise
Hart’s personal experience as a farmer gives him a unique perspective in finding the right crop insurance solutions for his fellow farmers. He understands the crucial role of crop insurance in risk management, especially in North Dakota’s markets.
“Providing banking solutions is our banking industry’s goal. Providing them exceptionally well with a high level of expertise and service is our Bank Forward way.”
– Tory Hart, Jamestown Market President and Lending Team Leader, Bank Forward
The Trifecta for Ag Producers
Bank, Insure, and Tax Forward provide a one-stop approach that can save you time and money.
Bank
With deposit and lending products to fit every operation’s needs, nearly all Bank Forward Ag Bankers were raised on farms and ranches and understand the needs of ag families like you.
Insure
The experienced agents at Insure Forward are here to help you find the right MPCI, crop hail, livestock, and farm insurance to protect your operation.
Tax
The prompt, professional, and knowledgeable team at Tax Forward offers a wide variety of accounting and tax services that can be customized to fit your operation’s needs.
“In our markets in North Dakota, we have seen crop insurance become a vital part of our farmer’s risk management planning,” Hart said. “Understanding day-to-day events and decisions for farming is critical to being a key resource to my farm customers.”
This approach enables him to help farmers make informed decisions, thereby adding significant value to their operations.
This insight, combined with his first-hand knowledge, enables him to effectively address the diverse challenges that farmers face, from weather-related planting issues to the fluctuations in commodity prices that can significantly impact profitability. Hart’s ability to anticipate the needs of farmers makes him an invaluable asset in providing crop insurance and banking services.
At Bank Forward, there is a strong emphasis on providing risk plan options to address the diverse and evolving challenges in ag.
“We often see perils changing from late or preventive planting to wet and dry conditions in the same crop year. Combining weather with the volatility of commodity prices can really change profitability,” Hart said. “Continued efforts to improve revenue guarantees while providing affordable coverage will always be our goal.”
Addressing Challenges in Agriculture
Hart identifies two significant challenges in agriculture today: succession planning and the rising cost of farm real estate. He explains that estate and succession planning are critical yet complex issues for many farming operations. Understanding and integrating the next generation’s role and leadership is a reality that all farms must eventually confront.
Additionally, Hart points out the competitive nature of farm real estate and its impact on pricing. The escalation in real estate costs can significantly affect both the profitability and the working capital of an agricultural operation. In his role, Hart focuses on helping farmers navigate these challenges. He focuses on the importance of making smart decisions tailored to each operation’s unique circumstances. By considering each borrower’s specific situation, Hart and his team at Bank Forward aim to effectively address these contemporary challenges in agriculture, providing strategic support to their clients.
A Partner That Truly Understands Your Needs
Hart highlights the importance of farmers and ranchers partnering with lenders who not only have their best interests in mind but also possess a deep understanding of agriculture. He points out that the agricultural sector is currently navigating a complex landscape, marked by shifts in government policies related to agriculture and the environment, advancements in agronomy and technology, and the challenges posed by global market dynamics. This ever- evolving environment highlights the necessity of having a lender that is familiar with these specific agriculture challenges.
“At Bank Forward, farming and banking complement each other,” he said. “Our 97-year history of financing agriculture and its generations of families has proven to be successful.”
Hart also notes the importance of the recruiting, training, and retaining quality bankers, ensuring that Bank Forward remains a strong and knowledgeable player in the agricultural sector. Having quality staff who possess experience and ag knowledge establishes Bank Forward as a preferred choice for farmers and ranchers seeking lenders who genuinely understand the nuances and challenges of their industry.
Hart is committed to demonstrating Bank Forward’s culture with farmers. “The ‘Forward Way’ means we are comfortable to do business with,” he said. “Teaming true professionals with your operation’s professionals can result in great things for the future of your farm.”
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