From the Fields to the Boardroom: A Journey of Giving Back at Farmers & Merchants Bank
Dan Hosman’s journey with Farmers & Merchants Bank has become one of giving back. A career farmer who cultivated a fruitful relationship with Farmers and Merchants Bank lenders, he’s now on the bank’s Board of Directors, applying his extensive business and agriculture experience to help others.
Hosman’s agricultural roots run deep. Growing up in the Delta in a family immersed in the farming business, he learned firsthand the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of forging enduring relationships.
While attending college at Arkansas State University, Hosman remained active in farming, balancing his studies with practical experience in the field. Hosman’s family farm continued to thrive largely due to the family’s complementary skill set and support of one another, allowing Hosman to balance rice industry farming with his passion for civic engagement. Following this path ultimately led Hosman to the people who would later become his trusted partners and mentors in the banking sector.
As he embarked on his own farming career, he found himself supported by a network of long-time lenders, including Brett Provost, whose expertise and guidance proved invaluable in navigating the agriculture industry’s complexities. Their partnership transcended financial transactions, evolving into a relationship built on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to success.
“Brett Provost is probably one of the best ag lenders I’ve dealt with in my career, if not the best, and has been really instrumental in helping me do a lot of deals,” Hosman said. Provost’s move to Farmers and Merchants Bank “really opened the doors to facilitate a lot of our needs, maintain our ongoing relationship and do more going forward.”
As part of the Farmers and Merchants Bank Board, Hosman brings a unique perspective shaped by years as a customer. His journey from being served to serving marks a moment where the skills and insights he earned from hands-on experience in farming and business are poised to make a meaningful impact in the boardroom.
Hosman’s commitment to community engagement and his understanding of the needs and challenges of farmers and small businesses enrich his board contributions. He recognizes the importance of balancing risk and reward, as well as strategic decision-making for shareholders and the wider community.
“I try to take what I’ve learned from being risk tolerant and making deals and apply a more conservative version of that to the bank,” he said. “Our goals are to represent the shareholders, grow the institution, grow the returns, and serve the customers at the same time.”
Hosman’s target objective is to leverage the bank’s resources to foster inclusive growth and economic development in Northeast Arkansas and beyond. His desire to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his career is palpable, underscoring his belief in the power of collaboration and collective action.
Dan Hosman said he looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Farmers and Merchants Bank Board. His story is a reminder of the transformative power of partnership, resilience, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future for all.
“Things are in a good place going forward, and I’m really learning a lot from some great people,” he said.