Ethan, a third-generation farmer, didn't initially pursue agriculture in college. However, following a family loss, found himself at the helm of the family farm. Ethan has embraced his role with dedication and resilience. He met his wife Breanna, a teacher, at a church youth group, quickly realiz...

Tammy had spent her entire career in health care, but when she noticed a demand for more convenient pet grooming services, she saw a golden opportunity. She acquired an old camper and transformed it into a mobile pet grooming business. Now, she can bring her grooming services directly to clients'...

Mary Faber grew up on her family's dairy and grain farm, where she learned valuable lessons that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. Her love for structure and order, cultivated from years of working on the farm, inspired her to start her own bookkeeping service.

The Smedbergs, nestled in Beecher, IL, cultivate a vibrant tapestry of organic produce, fragrant blooms, and livestock on their farm. Rooted deeply in their community, they champion a philosophy centered around empowering individuals to make mindful choices for their well-being through nourishing...

Hannah Gripp is part of a family owned business with 20 years of experience in custom application and 6 generations of family farming. SweetWater Technologies powered by Gripp is a full-service drone application and business development company, offering the next generation of American farmers an...

Thomas Titus stays extremely busy raising crops and hogs. So why would he volunteer his time to agricultural organizations? Giving of your time in a leadership role makes agriculture better.

Gary's upbringing hunting along the Illinois River sparked a passion for chemistry and history in high school. He enlisted after graduation, serving in the Chemical Corp before embarking on a fulfilling research career at "Ag Lab." Alongside raising their children, he and his wife embraced foster...

Bob & Bethany champion food sovereignty, fostering access to food in their community. Their venture, Saratoga Homestead in Henry, IL, melds their diverse talents seamlessly. Bethany, a Master Gardener and head of "Learn-Grow-Share" 4-H Club, is also a skilled butcher. Meanwhile, Bob, a mechanic, ...

Growing up in rural Bunker Hill, IL, Marci Goodwin’s love of softball fed her entrepreneurial spirit. She saw a need in her area and started pitching clinics. After working in Ag Research and homeschooling her kids, Marci started and successfully sold her business "The Homeschool Scientist". Havi...

Whitney grew up on the family watermelon farm, Mitchell Melons, in Tampico IL. Her grandfather helped her raise pumpkins to pay for college at St Ambrose. After earning her degree, she worked off the farm and her dad gave her the opportunity to grow pumpkins with her husband on the family farm. A...

Central IL native Brad Belser earned a degree in marketing and business management from Iowa State University. As a successful tillable and recreational land broker, he's heavily involved in the business of land sales and loves educating landowners about their property values. He is a co-founder ...

Illinois farmer Scott Gaffner shares about his rewarding career in law enforcement and opportunities to be a positive influence when people are at their lowest point. Having an entrepreneurial spirit has led to an opportunity for he and his wife to own a "Scooters" coffee shop.

Justin Stange who tends crops on the family farm outside of Princeton, IL has always had a love for craft beer and now he has turned it into a business called Coal Creek Brewing Company in Princeton IL.

Founder/Owner of CommonGround a company that connects farmers and landowners. They also provide an insurance product that allows farmers to insure against their cash rents.

Farm Manager at Clearview Farm

Justin & Ellen make a great team working together to find their “best life” in the ag industry. Justin left his family farm to begin farming on his own in 2014 and has since partnered with Ellen’s father and brother to diversify their farm and serve on the Illinois Beef Association Board. Ellen w...

Lauren Gerdes, from Washington, IL has made her own success in the real estate business working with the Jill Barclay Group. Flexibility in setting her own hours has allowed her more time with her husband and two kids. Lauren reminisces about memorable gatherings picking and processing sweet corn...

Donnie and Erica Miller are both ISU alumni who own and operate a small “farm to fork” family farm called Milla Market. They work hard raising poultry, produce, and kids who know where their food comes from. Their kids will be 5th generation to educate consumers about what it takes to grow the fo...

Taylor was born and raised in Michigan and earned a degree in crop and soil science. After she and her husband moved to Geneseo, Illinois, Taylor created a fresh cut flower business to use her degree but also to allow her to be home for her kids. She offers subscriptions, workshops and sells bouq...

Cody White’s love and dedication to football took him all the way to the NFL playing for the Houston Texans. He didn't grow up on a farm, but when an injury side-lined his career, he used his degree from Illinois State University to find his way into agriculture. He now works with his father-in-l...

Andrea and her husband are the sixth generation to farm corn and soybeans on their Ashton, Illinois, farm. Andrea is a “boy mom,” and after feeling frustrated with the lack of good books that depict farm life realistically, she decided to write her own series: “A Day on the Farm With Mama.” Her b...

Christine and Erick Kane own and operate a pumpkin farm in Ottawa Illinois. You can spend the afternoon making memories with your family picking out pumpkins and gourds or get lost in their corn maze. They have visitors from all over the country and are dedicated to educating the community about ...