For Dave and Darcy Johnson, being a customer for life means a lot more

Waypoint Bank – Cambridge Johnson Angus Ranch customers have banked there since they were kids

We all have heard of the notion of being a customer for life. For Dave and Darcy Johnson, it’s much more than a notion.

The Cambridge couple’s association with the bank goes back to when they were still in elementary school. In 1975, fourth-generation Nebraska rancher Dave took out his first loan to finance 4-H projects. He was eight. In 1980, Darcy Deselms’ dad opened the first bank account for his seven-year-old daughter. Darcy’s dad, Mel, was passionate about starting her on the path to savings – after all, he was the president and co-owner of The First National Bank of Cambridge, now Waypoint Bank – Cambridge.

From Commercial Ranching to Breeding Registered Black Angus Bulls

Darcy and Dave married on April 1, 1995, and they are proud that both of their sons, Vance and Avery, returned to the ranch after graduating from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with animal science degrees.  “With them returning to the ranch, we made the decision to move forward with the registered herd and selling bulls,” Darcy shares. “It’s something Dave had always wanted to do.”

Dave’s family has run a commercial herd for generations, started by his great-grandparents, who immigrated from Sweden. The Johnsons still farm and ranch on the original acreage, and have added to it over the years. “It will be passed down to our boys – who will be the fifth generation – and both have already started buying their own ground too,” Darcy explained. “We also raise irrigated and dryland crops consisting of corn, beans, wheat, alfalfa, and cane.”

Dave has been in the cattle business all his life but is transitioning into raising bulls.  Johnson Angus Ranch was featured in the February issue of the Angus Journal, and Dave told them, “I got to thinking maybe we could raise some of our own.” 

In 2018, The Johnson family established Johnson Angus Ranch when they started their registered herd. This year, the family is offering 50 bulls by private treaty and began mailing its catalogs the first week in March. “Our goal is to increase the number of bulls we have to sell to 100, then have an auction,” Darcy said. Daughter-in-law Liz, who also grew up in Cambridge, oversees marketing and social media.

Waypoint Bank – Cambridge is a hometown bank that takes pride in serving southwest Nebraska

Darcy actually worked at the bank from 1995–2011 as an ag loan officer, and learned all aspects of banking. After that, she started working on the farm full-time. She chuckles when explaining her relationship with branch president Derek Downer because she trained him after he was hired. “Derek is such a good guy,” Darcy said. “It is so different going in and talking to him as a customer when we used to work together.” She also worked with a lot of the employees that are still there. 

The Johnson family would definitely recommend Waypoint Bank. “They are a hometown bank which takes pride in Cambridge and the surrounding area. They support the town, school, business, organizations, etc. Waypoint Bank is a partner with their customers and wants to see them succeed.” 

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Photos courtesy of Angus Journal

Cover photo: L-R Liz, Vance, Dave, Darcy and Avery Johnson operate Johnson Angus Ranch