Meet the Ag Team: Kara Durward
Hello,
I am Kara Durward, the new Agricultural and Commercial Banker here in Savanna. My background includes 5 years in banking, 5 years with the Farm Service Agency, and a lifetime of farming experience. According to a 2022 study, 30% (43 million) of American jobs are directly, or indirectly, linked to the food and agricultural sectors. This industry may not be top of mind everywhere, but in Northwest Illinois, I am confident every one of us can find a connection to agriculture.
Farming has been integral to my life from the beginning. My dad, Andrew, worked on our family dairy farm, Durward Farms, alongside my mom, Janice. Summers were filled with feeding bucket calves, showing at fairs, and learning the ropes of farming life. Even our Christmas traditions revolved around farm chores, a reminder of the hard work and enduring memories that define our family’s commitment to agriculture. My grandpa, Cliff Durward, ran a tight ship at his house in Thomson, Illinois. He instilled in us the value of hard work and numbers, quizzing us on math equations and laying the foundation for my understanding of finance from a young age.
For me, farming is not just a way of life; it is our family business, blending a love for the land with financial acumen instilled from an early age. Outside of work, I cherish time with my husband, Kaleb Hermeyer, who works in the automotive industry selling cars, and our two children, Konner and Ruby. They inspire me daily with their curiosity and enthusiasm for the farm life we hold dear.
I am honored to serve as a board member of the Carroll County Farm Bureau and currently serve on the Carroll County Farm Service Agency County Committee. These roles allow me to contribute actively to our community and support the agricultural industry that sustains it. Additionally, I am a proud member of the Savanna Rotary, where I collaborate with other community leaders to make a positive impact.
Farming a small acreage near Argo Fay fuels my passion for both farming and finance. I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of farmers and fostering local economies that sustain themselves. I firmly believe in the power of small, local economies to finance their own growth. Community banks like Citizens State Bank play a crucial role, alongside local farmers and business owners who reinvest in our communities. When local deposits fund local loans, our economy thrives.
Having grown up in Thomson, Illinois, and graduated from West Carroll, I am deeply committed to driving the economy of Savanna, and all of Carroll County, forward. I look forward to meeting you all, and serving the farmers, business owners, and community members of our region.
Best Regards, Kara Durward
