Agricultural Banking

What does First Citizens National Bank offer that no other bank in our region can match? The understanding and commitment that come from extensive experience in both agriculture and financial services. Our Ag Team has more than 150 years of experience in both farming and Ag Banking. That's a rare combination in any industry. Agriculture is one of NY and PA's leading economic enterprises. The significant depth of agricultural knowledge and experience within our staff allows us to effectively serve this leading industry. When you meet a First Citizens Ag Specialist, you'll find that our knowledge is relevant and our interest in you is genuine.

We believe farmers win when service is more personal. And that's the goal of our Ag Team. They understand the challenges faced by small farms as well as larger ones. As both farmers and bankers, our team has the hands-on experience of the farming industry as well as comprehensive knowledge of products and services. This combination allows them to provide valuable direction and customized solutions for your particular needs whether it's expansion, performance or retirement.

Expansion:

Whether or not to expand operations is a critical decision for farmers. Our Ag Specialists have helped customers explore their options for expansion and develop a comprehensive plan that may involve the purchase of livestock, facilities or equipment to achieve their long-term goals and enhance profitability.

Performance:

Improving overall performance is another critical issue facing farmers today. Our Ag Specialists develop a historical picture of the farmer's financial position and key performance indicators. Looking at trends related to Net Income per Cow, Herd Average and Expense-to-Income Ratios allows them to identify potential areas for improvement and discuss ways to increase overall operational efficiencies.

Retirement:

Using the proceeds from the sale of the farm, whether to a family member or outsider, is a common retirement strategy for farmers. But now, the new-found wealth that lies 7,000 feet below the ground, better known as Marcellus Shale, has changed the definition of retirement for many farmers. Our Oil and Gas Management Team can work with you to ensure your lease and royalty income is managed and invested appropriately, providing significant income for you and your family now and in the future.

Farmers have been significantly impacted by the Marcellus Shale gas play simply because you typically own larger tracks of land. Our commitment to the farming community meant finding a way to help you make the most of this opportunity. And so the First Citizens Oil and Gas Management Team was formed.

This network of well-informed industry experts will assist you through the process -- from lease negotiations to establishing a successful approach to personal wealth management.

We've partnered with a firm of specialists from Oklahoma to provide effective mineral and pipeline lease negotiations, experienced LLC/LP management, and specialized oil and gas reporting.

To optimize the value of your oil and gas assets, our team includes a group of Trust and Investment specialists who use a structured financial planning process to ensure your short and long-term goals are met. Their experience dealing with lease and royalty income allows them to provide investment options that can minimize the impact of inflation and taxes and ensure your money is working as hard as it can for you.

The decisions you make today will impact you and your family for generations. Make First Citizens Oil and Gas Management Team your partner to ensure a successful retirement and much more.

Who We Are - First Citizens Ag Team

Randy Black–CEO and President

Mansfield, PA 570-662-0444

Years in Farming–21 | Years in Ag Banking–19

Randy raises award-winning dairy cows with his daughters and good friends Paul and Carol Moyer at Ty-Ly Farms. He is a graduate of Bloomsburg University, the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, and the ABA Graduate School of Bank Investment and Financial Management. Randy is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, National Wildlife Turkey Federation, Laurel Hill Hunting and Game Club, Liberty Community 4-H, and PA Bankers Association – currently serving on the PBA Agriculture and Rural Issues Advisory Committee.

Chris Landis –VP, Business Development

Troy, PA 570-297-0715

Years in Farming–22 | Years in Ag Banking–20

Chris was raised on the family farm in Bradford County and graduated from Lycoming College with a BA in Business. He is also a graduate of the PBA Advanced School of Banking and the PBA Commercial Lending School. Prior to joining First Citizens, Chris was a commercial loan officer for AgChoice Farm Credit. He is a member of the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and the Canton Alumni Association.

David Morris–VP, Business Development

Wellsville, PA 585-593-7295

Years in Ag Banking–31

Dave brought 29 years of Ag Banking experience when he joined First Citizens in 2009. He was raised on his family farm and graduated with a BS in Agricultural Business Management from Penn State University. Dave also spent 13 years as a commercial business development officer for AgChoice Farm Credit in Coudersport, where he received the Executive Award for Outstanding Performance. He is also the recipient of the Honorary Chapter Farmer Award from Future Farmers Association and the Dedicated Service Award from the Coudersport Area School District Board of Directors, where he spent 7 years as a member.

Cathy Ransom–Ag Specialist

Genesee, PA 814-228-3201

Years in Farming–22 | Years in Ag Banking–31

Prior to joining First Citizens, Cathy was a Loan Specialist with AgChoice Farm Credit, where she received the President's Award and the Distinguished Service Award. She currently serves on the Potter County Junior Livestock Committee.

Bob Williams–Trust Business Development

Troy, PA 570-297-0707

Years in Ag Banking–10

Before joining First Citizens, Bob was a Financial Consultant for Gannon Associates. In the past, he was also a registered investment representative for Charles Schwab and served his country as a Munitions Inspector for the U.S. Air Force. Bob received his MBA in Finance from Western International University and is a graduate of Slippery Rock University. Bob was raised on the family farm in Troy. His farming background combined with his extensive experience in insurance and investment account management will help those receiving benefits from the natural energy industry make the most of their income opportunities.

Erin Cole–Business Development Officer

Troy, PA 570-297-0706

Years in Farming–18 | Years in Ag Banking–6

Erin grew up on her family farm in upstate NY, which helped to develop her interest in agriculture as a career. She graduated from Cornell University with a BS in

Animal Science and from SUNY Cobleskill with an Associate's Degree in Agricultural Business. Prior to joining First Citizens, Erin worked for AgChoice Farm

Credit, where she managed a $42 million portfolio with over 500 customers covering a six-county area. She is currently a member of the Bradford County Dairy Promotion Board.

Deb Donnelly–AVP, Office Manager

LeRaysville, PA 570-744-2431

Years in Farming–32 | Years in Ag Banking–19

Debbie was raised on the family farm and continues to help there today. Her agriculture customers benefit substantially from her 32 years of farming experience. Debbie is a graduate of the PBA Advanced School of Banking.

Cassy Dygert–AVP, Community Office Manager

Troy, PA 570-297-4131

Years in Farming–14 | Years in Ag Banking–11

Prior to joining First Citizens, Cassy was a Loan Specialist for AgChoice Farm Credit, where she received the 1998

Distinguished Service Award. She is a graduate of Dickinson College and graduated with high honors from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Advanced School of Banking. Cassy currently lives on a family farm with her husband Brian.