Hometown: Conway, Mo.
Family: Wife Stacie, and daughters, Cassie (17) and Gracie (14)
In Town: Lance Vestal, a 1993 Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State) animal science graduate, has been a loan officer and vice president at First State Community Bank (formerly Central Bank) for more than 24 years, and he worked there for four years while in college. He works two days a week in the Lebanon office and three days in his hometown of Conway.
“I work with folks on just about every kind of loan request, but I especially enjoy the agricultural work,” he said. “The latest in that area is that recently we’ve been able to do fixed rate farm loans. Typically, long term fixed rate loans were available only on homes. Now, with the help of the Farm Service Agency, Lebanon and Marshfield offices, we are able to help those who qualify to secure a fixed rate loan on farm acreage. That’s a new and good opportunity for folks in this area.”
In the Country: Lance and family live in Conway and his wife, Stacie, is the director of counseling for Lebanon R-3 Schools. Daughters Cassie and Gracie are involved in athletics at Conway High School. The family attends Phillipsburg Christian Church.
“We keep approximately 50 black cows, using black Angus and horned Hereford bulls. We have them on a friend’s farm and we share the calf crop for trade. A few years ago, I found this opportunity and it has worked out really well for both of us. As a kid, we always had horses, cows, goats, pigs, some kind of livestock. I really wanted my daughters to have that agriculture experience as part of their childhood. We also have a couple of horses that we use when we need them and the girls help with rounding up and working the cattle.”
Lance said his grandfather, Jim Vestal, and his parents, Glenna and the late Steve Vestal, got involved with Belgian draft horses when Lance was a youngster. His brother, Justin, still works with them.
“For now, I’m very happy with the way this has all worked out and will probably just keep it going with the numbers we have at the moment. It’s hobby farming, that’s for sure but after I retire, I might decide to grow the cattle operation. For now, the important part for me, is that my kids get this agriculture experience. I’ve certainly been blessed in my life,” Lance said.
