What happens when community bankers from different institutions come together around a shared challenge, ask better questions and dig into the future of the industry together?
That is the idea behind a new Bolder Banking® initiative highlighting student-led Special Interest Group projects developed through GSBC.
These projects are different from traditional classroom assignments. Rather than working individually, students voluntarily organize around topics they are passionate about, collaborate across banks and markets and explore real issues impacting community banking today.
The result is practical industry research created by bankers who are actively living the challenges, opportunities and conversations shaping the future of the industry.
More Than a Project
The goal of these Special Interest Group projects is not simply to complete an assignment. It is to create meaningful dialogue, encourage collaboration and generate ideas that move community banking forward.
Students choose topics they care deeply about, conduct research, interview leaders, gather data and develop insights they believe are valuable enough to share with peers and the broader banking community.
That spirit of initiative, curiosity and collaboration is exactly what Bolder Banking® is intended to elevate.
Featured Project | State of the Industry: Agriculture Banking
Created by Justin Binder (Wisdom Heritage Bank), Tyler Bise (Adrian Bank) and Shelbie Fitch (Stock Exchange Bank)
The group surveyed bankers and ag producers across the industry, gathering more than 80 responses examining:
- Commodity prices and margin pressure
- Succession planning
- Alternative financing
- Relationship banking
- Lending risk and long-term viability
The project combines survey data, industry commentary and direct perspectives from both producers and bankers to create a timely snapshot of agriculture banking in 2026.
Among the findings:
- 70 percent of producers under the age of 40 said banks could improve financial analysis support
- Producers continue to value relationship banking, but alternative financing continues gaining traction
- Commodity prices and input costs ranked as top concerns among both bankers and producers
The report also includes candid comments from respondents that capture the realities many producers and bankers are navigating today.
One producer shared:
“Farming isn’t very fun right now.”
Another respondent noted:
“Everyone eats. Farming isn’t going away.”
Those perspectives reinforce both the pressure facing agriculture banking and the continued importance of strong community bank relationships moving forward.
Why This Matters
Community banking is evolving quickly. Industry pressures, technology, succession challenges and changing customer expectations are reshaping the environment banks operate in every day.
The next generation of leaders is not waiting to participate in those conversations. These students are already asking important questions, collaborating across institutions and contributing meaningful insight back to the industry.
That is what makes these projects so valuable. They are:
- Practical
- Forward-looking
- Collaborative
- Industry-driven
- Built around real banking experience
Most importantly, they create space for emerging leaders to contribute ideas that help strengthen the future of community banking.
Looking Ahead
The agriculture banking report is the first in a growing series of Special Interest Group publications that will be shared through the Bolder Banking initiative.
Future projects will continue exploring important industry topics through collaborative student-led research designed to spark conversation, share perspective and encourage innovation across community banking.