2026 | Langford Alumni Nate Franzen Receives Bruning Award

Bruning Award

Nathan Franzén serves as president of the Ag Banking Division at First Dakota National Bank, where he leads one of the nation’s largest agricultural banking operations and oversees a team serving more than $1.7 billion in agricultural loans to farmers and ranchers.

The ABA Bruning Award recognizes agricultural bankers whose careers reflect exceptional leadership and commitment to providing credit and financial guidance to America’s farmers and ranchers. The award is named in honor of its first recipient, Nebraska banker Frank Bruning.

“I am deeply honored to join the distinguished group of agricultural bankers who have been recognized before me,” said Franzén. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated farmers, ranchers and banking professionals who care deeply about the future of rural America. Any success I have achieved is the result of the relationships, mentorship and teamwork that have shaped my journey.”

With more than 32 years of agricultural banking experience, Franzén has distinguished himself as an industry leader at the state, national and international levels. Raised on a diversified dairy, grain and beef cattle operation in northeast South Dakota, he has combined firsthand agricultural experience with a lifelong commitment to rural America. 

Under Franzén’s leadership, First Dakota’s Ag Banking Division has developed innovative programs and services that support agricultural producers, including Landera Ag Finance, the AgriVisions Emerging Farmer & Rancher Program and Keep Farmers Farming, an estate and transition planning initiative. First Dakota also became the first Preferred Lender in the nation with USDA’s Farm Service Agency.  

Franzén has played a significant leadership role within ABA and the broader agricultural banking community. He served as chairman of ABA’s Agriculture and Rural Bankers Committee and has testified before Congress on issues affecting agricultural lending. His expertise has also been recognized internationally through participation in the World Bank’s International Financing Agriculture Forum and related agricultural banking initiatives. 

Today, Franzén serves as chairman of the South Dakota Bankers Association and chairman of the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation while continuing to advocate for the future of agricultural banking and rural economic development.