Bill Monday
In Town: Bill Monday, of Buffalo, Mo., has worked in the banking industry for the last 44 years. Currently, Bill is the President of Buffalo Bancshares, Inc., and Chairman, President and CEO of O’Bannon Banking Company. Bill has been with O’Bannon Bank for the last 21 years. Bill is very involved in the community and is a member of a host of community organizations including Dallas County Community Foundation, Ozarks Regional Development Corporation, Dallas County Economic Development Committee, MoDot Transportation Advisory Committee, Southwest Missouri Council of Governments, Buffalo Young Life, Buffalo Rotary Club, Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Vitae Foundation.
In the Country: Bill’s involvement with farming started because of his wife, Terri’s family. Terri’s grandfather owned a farm in Dallas County near Windyville, Mo. Eventually Terri and Bill took over the farm. Today, Bill and Terri own 100 acres and run approximately 32 head of commercial beef cattle.
Making it all work: The majority of the farming takes place in the evenings and on the weekends. In order to make the most of his time on the farm, Bill turns to the help from 17-year-old farmhand, Ethan Woodburn. Ethan helps Bill clear fencerows, build fence, feed and mow. “With the two of us working together we can get more done in a day. We start the day with a mission so we know what we are going to do. Generally, we set everything up on Saturday that will get me through the week so the farm doesn’t interfere with the bank,” explained Bill.
How does the farm and bank compliment each other?
“By being involved directly with farming I have a better feeling of what’s happening with my customers. I understand the challenges, costs and risks that my ag customers face,” said Bill.
Story and Photo by Lynzee Glass
