August, 2026 Newsletter
2026 | August – Learning Outside the Classroom
What’s Inside This Month…
August ushers in a calm, sunny stretch to savor late summer gardening and relax before the school year begins. Speaking of back to school, check out the helpful financial ideas for your student in the article below.
We are deeply grateful for our farming and ranching communities who give back in various ways to build up and support the businesses, schools and families around them. Read more below about how important our community banks are to all of us.
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Farm banks continue deep rural roots, strong role in ag financing
Farm banks accounted for more than one-third of all farm lending nationwide while maintaining solid capital, profitability and employment levels in 2025, according to the 2025 Farm Bank Performance Report from the American Bankers Association.
Banks held nearly $212 billion in farm loans at the end of 2025, representing 35.7% of total agricultural credit outstanding in the United States, according to the report. The nation’s 1,372 farm banks — defined by ABA as banks whose ratio of domestic farm loans to total domestic loans is equal to or greater than the industry average — accounted for $122 billion of that total (57% of all bank farm loans) and remained a major source of credit for small and micro farms. The median farm bank was 115 years old in 2025.
“Farm banks play an outsized role in supporting farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” said Ed Elfmann, senior vice president, agricultural and rural banking policy. “This report shows they continued to extend credit responsibly in 2025 while maintaining solid capital levels and strong ties to the communities they serve.”
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Back to School can mean more than class schedules and early mornings!
Finances might not be the most exciting thing for your teen or pre-teen to think about when they are young, but getting a handle on them early is one of the smartest moves you can help them make. Money gives your teen freedom—whether it’s taking a dream trip, getting their first apartment, buying their first car, or just knowing they can cover an unexpected expense. Learning how to budget, save, and build credit now sets them up for bigger goals like owning a home or retiring comfortably.
The sooner they start, the easier it is to make good habits second nature, so they’re not playing catch-up later. They will thank you someday!
Banner Capital Bank has student-friendly checking & savings accounts, online banking, & financial tools to set your teen or pre-teen up for success!
Checking Account – The perfect tool for everyday spending, bill payments, and easy access to funds.
Savings Account – A place to stash money for emergencies, big purchases, or future goals like travel or a car purchase.
Auto Transfers – Set up automatic savings to make building that balance effortless—just $5 a week adds up fast!
Mobile Banking – Anywhere, Anytime!
Easily track a balance, deposit checks, and transfer funds on-the-go.
Deposit Checks Remotely – Snap a picture, deposit instantly!
Stay Secure – Use strong passwords & enable multi-factor authentication.
Building Credit the Smart Way
Start them out with a Small Limit Credit Card – Use it for small purchases like gas or groceries, and pay it off in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Make On-Time Payments – Make sure they always pay the bill on time. Late payments can significantly damage their credit score and make it harder to get loans or credit in the future. You don’t want them to accrue extra interest and late fees.
Teach them to keep their balance low – By using less than 30% of a credit limit shows you that they can manage credit responsibly and helps keep their score healthy.
Pro Tip: Good credit can mean better rates on loans, apartments, insurance, and even some job opportunities! It’s worth investing the time to build it early.
Contact your local Banner Capital Bank branch for details about getting your teen set up for financial independence!
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Recipe of the Month
Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice from one small lemon
Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 3 cloves minced garlic, and the juice from one small lemon.
Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting later, and add the remaining marinade to 2 pounds of chicken thighs in a medium-sized bowl.
Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat deeply.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the marinated chicken on the grill, cover, and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for added flavor and moisture.
Once cooked through, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Marination: For best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you have time, marinate overnight for a deeper flavor.
Grilling: Ensure your grill is properly preheated to achieve the perfect sear without sticking.
Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
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Celebrating with our Bank Staff this month!
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National Celebrations/ Bank closing
August 3 – National Watermelon Day
August 6 – Farm Worker Appreciation Day
August 14 – National Financial Awareness Day
August 21 – National Senior Citizens Day
September 7 – Bank branches closed for Labor Day
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Interesting Fact:
“Weeds of August”
Centuries ago, Anglo-Saxons in Europe called August “Weod Monath” (translating to “weed month” or “grass month”) because it’s the time when weeds and other plants grow fast and furious.
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Stay in Touch!
We look forward to sharing our next newsletter with you in May. Stay tuned for some great new and exciting information.
Please remember when we are closed you are able to access your accounts through the online and mobile banking. You are able to send us a message on the Contact Us portion of our website and we will get back to you during normal business hours.
Thank You for Banking With Us
We’re excited about the opportunities this year brings and look forward to continuing to serve you and your community.