

                                                                    EXHIBIT 32.1


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

     In connection  with the filing of the Quarterly  Report on Form 10Q for the
quarter  ended  September 30, 2004 (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 9th day of November, 2004.

                                       By:  /s/ Daniel L. Krieger
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Daniel L. Krieger, Chairman and President
                                      (Principal Executive Officer)




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