Megan Couch, a passionate entrepreneur from Sheffield, IL, has spent her life immersed in the restaurant industry. In her early teenage years, she worked tirelessly in the business, gaining hands-on experience of what it takes to create a successful establishment. At just 23 years old, she became...

Matt, a 4th gen farmer from Owaneco, IL, is deeply rooted in both agriculture and community service. He’s a Senior Research Manager for the IL Answer Plot and raises corn, beans, cattle and has a custom bailing business. Matt wants to have a positive impact on his community by supporting the loca...

Jon Griffel, a sixth-generation grain and cattle farmer from Carlinville, IL, isn’t just growing crops and cattle. He’s cultivating a vision for his community. His passion for agriculture goes beyond the farm gate. He’s working to launch "Our Market," a local food co-op designed to keep homegrown...

Justin and Bobby Allaman are 6th-generation grain farmers from Monmouth, Illinois, carrying on their family's deep-rooted ag legacy. In addition to growing high-quality grain, they offer pasture-raised poultry, providing farm-fresh, locally sourced products directly to consumers. Their passion fo...

Matt Boucher, a fourth-generation farmer from Dwight, IL, grows more than just corn and soybeans. His family farm offers pork, chicken, eggs, pumpkins, and popcorn directly to consumers, creating a meaningful connection with their customers. Sharing their farm’s story has been a rewarding experie...

Chelsey Stotler, a senior at Stark Co High School is serving as the FFA President. She was a National FFA Finalist in Ag Science and is excited about her future college plans and job in the industry. The leadership and communication skills she has gleaned from FFA conferences and competitions is ...

Drew is 4th generation farming the family farm in Woodhull, IL and was recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association as a "20 under 40" award winner for his leadership. Adrienne did not grow up on a farm and shares stories of all she has learned over the years and stresses the importance of prio...

Todd Main has more than 20yrs experience in leading initiatives to advance support for sustainable public policies. As Director of Market Development at the Illinois Soybean Association, he develops strategies to support new uses for Illinois soybeans and good trade relations with potential buyer...

Tate Ulm of Farmington, IL, is Brand Ambassador for Black Band Distillery, a small-batch craft distillery nestled in Peoria’s vibrant Warehouse District who proudly sources its grains from local organic farmers. Once celebrated as the whiskey capital of the world, Peoria’s rich distilling legacy ...

Dave Bishop from Atlanta, IL teaches regenerative agriculture classes at Heartland College but for the past 40 years he has farmed. A drought in 1988 caused him to think about his farm differently and became certified organic in 2004 and highly diversify his farm. Finding ways to keep the wealth ...

Megan is a fourth-generation farmer from Geneseo, Illinois. She survived a head-on collision that almost took her life two years ago and is still healing. She is the Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship at IL Corn. Corn check-off is a vital part of ensuring the best interests of IL c...

Sara is the fourth generation on the farm where her family grows corn and soybeans. From a young age, she developed a connection to agriculture, especially through her love of showing pigs—a passion that began at just 8 years old. Today, Sara continues to contribute to the farm she loves while al...

Sawyer didn't grow up farming but dreamed of working in agriculture since he was little. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a lot of hard work, he and his wife founded Central Illinois Beanwalkers, where they employ local kids to weed fields while creating a positive workplace environment. They a...

Mark, a dedicated corn and soybean farmer from Putnam, Il, is now channeling his passion for agriculture into his role as a director on the Illinois Soybean Association board. He’s building meaningful relationships with global soybean buyers and representing Illinois at high-impact events such as...

Paris grew up on a family sheep farm in Louisville, IL where they bred and sold market lambs. She was an active member of 4-H and FFA and showed livestock across IL. Paris recently authored and published "Grow in Grit" a devotional that shares her faith, rural roots, and encourages other young wo...

Chris Youngmark, a dedicated volunteer firefighter from Mackinaw, IL, is deeply committed to his community. In addition to his firefighting efforts, Chris has played an active role in fostering small business development. His own business, The Farm Sitter, is a testament to his entrepreneurial sp...

Rob continues the conversation with Steve Archer on the challenges and joys of urban farming.

Steve Archer, a Chicago native, discovered his passion for urban farming at 11 years old when he grew his first pumpkin. That experience ignited a lifelong dedication to sustainable agriculture in city spaces. Today, he tends to his own thriving garden and is an active beekeeper in the heart of C...

James Aikman's journey from the world of banking to wilderness began with a dream and blossomed into a destination. Now co-owner of a 40-acre wildlife park in Arcola, IL, he has transformed his vision into reality, creating a safari adventure home to over 230 animals from 90 different species. He...

Haley Stewart, a talented photographer from Petersburg, IL, has a unique gift for capturing the heart and soul of farm life. Through the lens of her camera, she brings the beauty and charm of rural moments to life. Whether she's on a family farm or at a county fair, Haley considers it an honor to...

Sisters Ava and Delyn share their experiences of growing up on their family farm, where they developed a strong work ethic and deep-rooted values. They've always enjoyed welcoming visitors to the farm, and during their college years, they even launched a goat yoga business. Now both married and w...

In 1996, Alex and Annette found their slice of paradise on a 7-acre farm in Leland, IL, where they laid the foundation for their family’s agricultural journey. Passionate about farm life, and fostering a deep connection with the land. They encouraged their daughters, Ava and Delyn, not only to pu...

Jim and Laura are deeply committed to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities in their community. In Chillicothe, IL, they’ve founded two impactful non-profits that serve both children and adults with disabilities. The first, Blue Ridge Community Farm, and second Picket Fence Fou...

Jim and Laura have a farm just outside of Chillicothe, IL that serves adults and children with disabilities giving them the chance to experience life on the farm in a unique way.