Passion for Agriculture, Commitment to Community

At NebraskaLand Bank, we pride ourselves on supporting Nebraska’s hardworking farmers and ranchers. Behind that support is a team of passionate Ag Lenders who bring a unique mix of personal experience, expertise, and dedication to every producer they help. We’re excited to introduce you to five of our incredible team members—JD Race, Senior Vice President Agricultural & Business Banking, Hans Julius, Senior Vice President Agricultural & Business Banking, Cory Johanson, Vice President Agricultural & Business Banking, Connor Smith, Agricultural & Business Banking Officer and Celie Childears Agricultural & Business Banking Associate. Each of them has a distinct story that fuels their work with local producers and families.

JD: Living the Ag Life through Your Success

JD’s roots in agriculture run deep. Growing up on a 3,000-acre operation in western Nebraska with a few hundred cow-calf pairs, he learned firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to thrive in farming and ranching. From tending crops to managing cattle, JD’s hands-on experience shaped his deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of agriculture.

After graduating college, JD took his passion for agriculture into the world of banking. Today, he uses his personal experiences to help farmers and ranchers navigate financial complexities and achieve their goals. Whether it’s planning for growth or finding solutions to everyday challenges, JD brings a unique perspective that ensures his customers feel heard and understood.

At NebraskaLand Bank, JD combines his love for the land with his expertise in banking to give local producers the financial tools they need to succeed.

Hans: From the Sandhills to Your Operation’s Success

Hans grew up in the beautiful Nebraska Sandhill’s on a small family ranch, he spent many summers in Iowa at his grandparents’ farm walking beans with his grandpa and riding bean buggies with his uncles. Those early experiences taught him the pride and satisfaction that come from growing something of your own.

Now, as Senior Vice President Agricultural & Business Banking at NebraskaLand Bank, Hans channels that pride into helping local producers grow their operations. Whether it’s guiding farmers through new opportunities or creating strategies for long-term success, Hans is driven by a passion for making a difference in the lives of ag families.

“My passion for agriculture started early, and that passion motivates me now to help families and producers succeed,” Hans says. With a strong foundation in agriculture and a commitment to supporting Nebraska’s farming community, Hans is here to help you reach your goals.

Cory: Rooted in Agriculture

For Cory, agriculture has been a lifelong passion. His connection to the land began on his grandparents’ farm and ranch south of Stapleton, Nebraska, where he spent his childhood helping with planting, harvest, calving, and branding. On his mother’s side, Cory’s family raised thoroughbreds near Chadron, giving him an even broader view of the Ag world. From long nights waiting for mares to foal to cheering on racehorses at Fonner Park, Cory’s early experiences cemented his love for agriculture.

“There’s just something profound about pouring your blood, sweat, and tears into land that’s yours,” Cory says. “Turning your passion for agriculture into something that can benefit the world is incredibly fulfilling—not just for you and your family but as a part of something bigger.”

Cory brings that same passion to his work at NebraskaLand Bank, where he helps producers navigate financial decisions and seize opportunities for growth. He’s also deeply involved in local development, working with the North Platte Chamber and Development Corporation to attract value-added ag businesses and manufacturers to the area.

Cory’s dedication to agriculture goes beyond banking—it’s about creating a stronger future for the entire community.

Connor: A New Chapter in Ag Passion

Connor’s journey into agriculture took a different path. While he didn’t grow up on a farm, his passion for agriculture began when he met his wife in college, whose family owned a farming operation. Working alongside her on the family farm ignited a passion for agriculture that Connor now carries into his role at NebraskaLand Bank.

Connor’s non-traditional start gives him a fresh perspective and a deep respect for the hard work it takes to run a successful operation. He uses his curiosity and expertise to provide Nebraska families with the financial tools they need to thrive.

His unique background allows him to approach challenges with both creativity and know-how, finding impactful solutions for local producers.

At NebraskaLand Bank, Connor’s passion for supporting Ag families shines through in everything he does.

Celie: Bridging Business Expertise with a Love for Agriculture

Celie is a third-generation rancher on her family’s cow/calf ranch. Growing up, her weekends and summers were mostly spent helping work cattle, which also provided her with opportunities to spend quality time with her family.

“Growing up involved in agriculture not only taught me many important values but exposed me to many wonderful opportunities,” Celie shares. “I was also able to witness what many of my family members did within the Ag industry and see their passion for it as well.”

From a young age, Celie discovered her knack for business, which became one of her strong suits in high school. While preparing for college, her passion for agriculture and her desire to help people led her to realize that Ag Lending would be the ideal career to combine these passions.

Today, Celie remains deeply connected to the agriculture community through her work and continued involvement in her family’s ranching operation. She is also an active member of the Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, further strengthening her ties to the industry she holds dear.

Supporting Ag Families, One Banker at a Time

At NebraskaLand Bank, our Ag Lending Team members are more than financial experts—they’re partners who care deeply about the success of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. Whether it’s JD’s hands-on experience, Hans’ lifelong pride in agriculture, Connor’s fresh perspective, Cory’s deep roots in the land or Celie’s unwavering love for both agriculture and business, our team is here to help you achieve your goals. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.

We’re proud to stand alongside Nebraska’s hardworking producers, offering guidance, expertise, and support every step of the way. If you’re ready to take your operation to the next level, our team of dedicated ag lenders are here for you.