In Town: Jerry Don is president and CEO of Arvest Bank for north central Arkansas. He works out of his office in Yellville, Ark., while overseeing the operations of Arvest Banks in Baxter, Boone and Marion Counties. Jerry Don has been in banking in the area for over 15 years and came to Arvest when that company bought out the Bank of Yellville in 2004.
In the Country: Jerry Don and his wife Diana farm 95 acres of their own, with additional acreage leased. The Cunninghams maintain 80 Black Angus feeders and 28 replacement heifers. They also raise and train championship cutting horses.
Why do you keep cattle?
“Sometimes when I’m out feeding at 5:30 in the morning in the dark and it’s cold, I ask myself that same question.” But Jerry Don said that both he and his wife’s families have always had cattle and it was just a natural thing that they continued. He said, “It is a stress reliever and gives me a change from the day-to-day business of banking.”
How do you balance work on and off the farm?
Jerry Don said that both he and his wife take responsibility for feeding and maintaining the cattle. They both enjoy working outdoors and with animals, and neither of them considers it a burden.
Does maintaining the farm help you as a banker?
“Yes. It gives me a better perspective of potential customers and their needs. I understand the cattle market and the inputs, which helps me relate to my customers and their ranching needs. On the other hand, being a banker helps me be a better farmer because I know that there has to be a profitable bottom line.”
By Jack and Pam Fortner
