A Trusted Local Bank Serving Southwest Iowa Since 1892
Farmers Trust and Savings Bank is a family-owned, locally operated community bank proudly committed to the needs of southwestern Iowans for more than a century. Since 1892, we’ve helped generations of families, farmers, and business owners manage their money, grow their operations, and plan for the future.
While banking has changed over the years, our purpose has stayed the same: provide dependable financial services with honesty, personal service, and local decision-making. At Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, you are a name not a number.
Trust That’s Grown Over Generations
The story of Farmers Trust and Savings Bank begins in the late 1880s, when J. Carl Heese and a group of local investors opened a small private bank in Earling, Iowa, known as the Bank of Earling. In 1892, the bank was officially chartered as the German Savings Bank, laying the foundation for what would become a lasting community institution.
In 1917, the bank was renamed Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, reflecting its growing role in supporting local farmers, families, and businesses. From the very beginning, the bank focused on helping people save safely, borrow responsibly, and keep local dollars working close to home.
Our original bank was located at 111 Main Street in Earling, Iowa, before moving to our current headquarters at 122 Main Street. Our current building opened in 1973 and was expanded and renovated in 1995 to keep pace with our customers’ needs.
As our communities grew, so did we:
- 1998 – A temporary branch opened in Woodbine
- 2001 – A permanent Woodbine branch opened at 510 Lincolnway Street
- 2005 – A Harlan branch opened at 1901 Chatburn Avenue
Today, Farmers Trust and Savings Bank operates three full-service locations in Earling, Woodbine, and Harlan, offering personal banking, business banking, agricultural loans, mortgages, and modern digital banking tools.
The bank remains family-owned and operated, with Todd Langenfeld, the great-grandson of founder J. Carl Heese, currently serving as Chairman of the Board. On October 6, 2025, we proudly marked 133 years of continuous service, making Farmers Trust and Savings Bank the oldest locally owned and operated financial institution in Shelby County.
Banking That Puts People First
At Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, community involvement isn’t a marketing slogan; it’s how we operate every day.
Our team is proud to serve the same small towns and farm communities we call home. We understand the rhythm of rural life, the hard work behind every operation, and the importance of relationships built on trust. Banking to us is more than numbers; it’s about supporting local families, farmers, and small businesses so our communities can grow and thrive for generations.
Our employees work together with a strong team spirit, taking pride in providing knowledgeable, dependable service with integrity, respect, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve. By valuing our employees, we are able to provide the kind of service where customers are greeted by the same friendly, familiar faces they know and trust.
This approach allows us to:
- Support local farmers and agricultural operations
- Help small businesses start, grow, and stay local
- Provide personal loans and home mortgages with real conversations, not call centers
- Make lending decisions based on people, not algorithms
Because we understand the local economy, we can offer practical guidance and flexible solutions that larger banks often can’t.
Local decisions, Local people, and Local commitment
While we offer the tools and technology you expect from a modern bank—online banking, mobile access, competitive rates—we never lose sight of what matters most: trust, clarity, and personal service.
If you’re opening your first bank account, financing a farm, or planning for the future, Farmers Trust and Savings Bank is here to help you make confident financial decisions. Visit one of our locations in Earling, Woodbine, or Harlan, or contact us today to start a conversation.
