EXHIBIT 32.2



                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                        PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C SECTION 1350



In  connection  with the  filing of the  Annual  Report on Form 10K for the year
ended  December  31,  2003 (the  "Report")  by Ames  National  Corporation  (the
"Company"), the undersigned officer of the Company hereby certifies that:

1.   The Report fully complies with the  requirements  of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.   The information  contained in the Report fairly  presents,  in all material
     respects,  the financial condition and results of operations of the Company
     as of and for the period covered by the Report.

IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the undersigned has executed this  Certification as of the
12th day of March, 2004.


                                                  /s/ John P. Nelson
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  John P. Nelson, Vice President
                                                  (Principal Financial Officer)






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