Jessica Bailey
In Town: Jessica Bailey is Agricultural Lending Relationship Manager for Hometown Bank in Neosho, Mo. Jessica has been working in finance for the past six years. She started out working as a loan assistant and then became a credit analyst before recently accepting the position at Hometown Bank.
“I strictly handle ag loans since ag is my expertise,” said Jessica. “I manage our customers to let them know we are here for them and help to determine what is best for their operations.”
Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business with an emphasis in Marketing and Sales and earned a Master’s of Natural and Applied Science degree from Missouri State University.
In the Country: Jessica along with her parents, John and Karen Bailey, and her siblings moved to their farm in Neosho when Jessica was 16 years old. “My dad gave me a heifer for my 16th birthday and I’ve been buying cattle since,” said Jessica.
Jessica is currently in a partnership with her parents. She said, “We raise mostly Charolais but are branching off into commercial cattle with some Angus. Everyone works off the farm and we all pitch in when it’s time to work.”
How do the two complement each other?
“I can relate to my customers. There is a level of comfort and familiarity. By living on the farm and having my own cattle I am aware of prices and where the industry is going. I am aware of health issues like BVD and trich and I am also aware of the marketing issues my customer’s face,” shared Jessica.
Advice for Farmers Seeking a Loan: “The biggest thing is to be prepared when you come in to talk to a lender. A lot of people want to move fast but it’s not always a fast process. It will help if you bring all the information in with you to your initial meeting. Also, know what it is you want to do because that will help your lender best help you. Flexibility is also key.”
