A Family Farm, A Lasting Partnership

For Jason and Marta Berry, farming isn’t just a business — it’s their family’s legacy, rooted in hard work, trust and a strong financial partner in Farmers & Merchants Bank.

Their journey with the bank began in 1992 when Jason joined his father at Berry Farms, growing rice, corn and soybeans in the heart of Arkansas. When Gary Hudson transitioned to Farmers and Merchants Bank, the Berrys followed and were among the first customers at the DeWitt branch, drawn by the relationships they had built. That decision forged a decades-long relationship, built on trust and a deep understanding of their business.

“In 1996, when I wanted to buy a farm, I turned to Gary,” Jason recalled. “My uncle Rusty [Berry] encouraged me to take the leap, and my mom made sure Marta knew how to handle the books. From the beginning, Farmers and Merchants Bank has been with us every step of the way.”

As their farm expanded, so did their relationship with the bank. When Hudson retired, Kirk Vansandt became their trusted adviser — more than just a banker, he became a sounding board, a financial guide, a confidant and a steady hand through life’s transitions.

Through the years, Farmers and Merchants Bank has provided the Berrys with the tools and expertise needed to manage their evolving operation. One of the most impactful solutions has been Positive Pay, a fraud prevention system that became invaluable after the farm was targeted in a financial scam. With the dedicated support of Candice Boston and the banking team, Jason and Marta now have peace of mind knowing their finances are protected.

Beyond security, the bank has helped them consolidate and streamline their finances, making day-to-day operations more efficient. The Sweep/ICS account allowed them to bring all their banking under one roof, eliminating unnecessary complexity and giving them more time to focus on running their business and planning for the future.

“Some banks feel impersonal, but not Farmers and Merchants Bank,” Marta said. “You walk in, and everyone is friendly and ready to help. Alison Hargrove is practically our personal secretary, and if she’s busy, Whitney Meadors or Andrea Perry step right in. The communication is seamless.”

The Berrys’ commitment to the bank extends beyond business. Jason and his father both invested in Farmers and Merchants Bank stock, reinforcing their belief in the institution that has supported them through life’s challenges. When Jason’s father died, the bank helped consolidate stock assets, making the transition smooth for the family.

“Losing my dad was tough. He was our guide, our adviser. Now, Kirk has stepped into that role, always offering insight when we need it,” Jason shares. “We’ve been through a lot — losing my dad, my uncle Marion and my uncle Rusty, who was also our attorney — but Farmers and Merchants Bank has been there for us through it all.”

Even in those difficult times, the Berrys remained committed to their farm and their team. Berry Farms operates with a close-knit team, including three H-2A visa employees who have been with Jason since 1997, becoming like family. They also employ local workers in Gillett and DeWitt, contributing to the local economy and upholding the tradition of family farming in Arkansas.

After more than 30 years of farming and banking together, Jason and Marta know that their success is intertwined with the people who have supported them along the way.

“Farmers and Merchants Bank isn’t just a bank — it’s family,” Marta said with a smile. “We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

As they look toward the future, Jason and Marta remain rooted in the same values that have guided them from the beginning — hard work, trust and the unwavering support of a bank that truly understands what it means to build something lasting.