BROOKINGS — Jason Long has been promoted to director of ag for First Bank & Trust, which operates 22 bank locations in 17 communities in South Dakota and Minnesota.

Long will oversee the bank’s Ag Banking Department, which stretches across the First Bank & Trust footprint. After spending the majority of his career in ag banking, most recently as a community bank president, he will continue to be a leader at the community level with an expanded leadership role.

“As director of our Ag Banking Department, Jason is assuming a position new to the bank,” said Kevin Tetzlaff, president and CEO of First Bank & Trust. “With his extensive industry knowledge and lifelong dedication to agriculture, we are confident that Jason’s appointment is the right decision as we continue to elevate our commitment and services we provide to our ag clients.

Long brings over a decade of agricultural lending experience to the role. His family has been involved in agriculture for generations near Harrisburg. Long received his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and attended the South Dakota Bankers Association National School for Experienced Ag Lenders in Spearfish.

“Agriculture is an industry that plays a vital role in communities across the Midwest. I am proud to be a part of First Bank & Trust because of their commitment to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses,” said Long. “We have the privilege of partnering with some truly great people, and I look forward to strengthening those relationships and building relationships with new customers as well.”

Long is an active member of his community currently serving on the executive board for the South Dakota FFA Foundation as their treasurer. He can be found volunteering at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show, Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair, and various events in the community. He enjoys all outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and SDSU Jackrabbits. Long and his family live on their acreage just outside of Garretson.

“With over a century of commitment to the agriculture industry, First Bank & Trust recognizes the vital role agriculture plays in the communities we serve,” said Jason Herrboldt, chief banking officer at First Bank & Trust.