Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers

10/15/2026

Society members were recently at the major ag universities for their career fairs talking to students about careers in farm management and rural appraisal. Thank you for talking with and sparking interest in the next generation of society members!

10/02/2026

Yesterday, Dakota Schaumburg, Russ Hiatt and Laura Enger had the opportunity to attend the Illinois State University Career Fair and connect with students interested in exploring careers in agriculture, appraisal and farm management.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about opportunities within our profession. We enjoyed meeting the next generation of agriculture professionals!

10/02/2026

YPN Spotlight

Name: Dakota Schaumburg

Background: I grew up on a small grain farm outside of Clifton. My husband, daughter, and I currently reside a few miles from the original home place where we raise cattle with my parents. I graduated from JJC and Illinois State University with focus in ag business.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time on the water in a boat or on a paddleboard, working on my golf game (and trying to lose fewer balls), relaxing with a good book, and training for my next 5K or half marathon.

Employer: Hertz Farm Management
Role/Position: Farm Manager & Real Estate Broker

How many years have you been in your profession? 5.5 years

What influenced you to choose your profession: I was approached by a farmer friend who was a Hertz tenant at the time and encouraged me to apply for a newly opened position. I completed a ride-along to get a better feel for the career and the day-to-day responsibilities, and ultimately decided to pursue the position.

What do you enjoy about your profession? Everyday is different. I am not stuck in the office at a desk every day. I get to go out and visit farmers/farms and discuss agriculture.
What do you see for the future of your profession? I see this profession continuing to grow as farms transition to the next generation. Over the last 10 years managed farm acres have more than doubled and I believe it could do this again.

What is a suggestion you would give to a young person who is considering a career in your profession? Take a variety of ag classes (including agronomy, I made that mistake), learn to be comfortable speaking with people in person and on the phone.

Favorite inspirational quote: Courage is being scared to death—and saddling up anyway-John Wayne

Professional Affiliations: ISPFMRA, Farm Bureau Young Leaders, The Chicago Farmers, Illinois Agri-Women

10/02/2026

YPN Spotlight

Name: Austin Hornstein

Background: Born and raised in rural Melvin, IL
My dad, uncle, and cousin operate a multigenerational row crop farm near Melvin, IL today.
My wife, Allison, and I live in Gibson City, IL with our daughter Hannah (17 months) and our dog Lexi.

Agribusiness Degree from Illinois State University

Hobbies/Interests: Outside of work and spending time with family and friends, I enjoy finance, sports, and exercise.

Employer: Worrell Land Services, LLC
Role/Position: Farm Manager/Real Estate Broker
How many years have you been in your profession?: 8 years

What influenced you to choose your profession:
While growing up on the farm, I always thought the management decisions were interesting. As I learned more about professional farm management throughout college, I felt it would be an interesting career to explore.

What do you enjoy about your profession?: Partnering with a client and an operator to bring a farm up to its full potential.

What do you see for the future of your profession?
Technology, such as AI, will continue to make farm managers more efficient. This efficiency will hopefully allow us to spend more time on farms and in the countryside.
What is a suggestion you would give to a young person who is considering a career in your profession?

Give it time. It is not a career that most find themselves excelling at in the first year or two. As you gain experience and get your systems in place, your proficiency will accelerate.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Work hard and treat people as well as you can. The rest will figure itself out.”
Professional Affiliations:
RLI, ASFMRA

07/27/2026

Check out this interview on RFD Radio of Nick Westgerdes, AFM about the 2026 ISPFMRA Industry Survey!

07/09/2026

Building connections close to home. Expanding opportunities across the profession.

ASFMRA membership is more than attending events, it's being part of a community dedicated to advancing the rural property profession.

Through local chapters, members build meaningful relationships with professionals who understand their markets, challenges, and goals. Through ASFMRA's national network, they gain access to education, professional resources, leadership opportunities, and the recognition that comes with belonging to a respected organization.

It's this powerful combination of local connections and national reach that makes ASFMRA unique.

Thank you to our members for your commitment, expertise, and support of one another's success. We're proud to have you in the ASFMRA community.

https://www.asfmra.org

05/06/2026

YPN Spotlight

Name: Jacob Quaid

Background (hometown/farm background/family/education): I am a native of LeRoy, IL, where I still reside with my wife, Emily, and two children. I grew up on a small family farm in Northern DeWitt County, which my dad still operates today. I attended Illinois State University, where I received a degree in Agribusiness.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with family, playing golf, and watching sports.

Employer: Busey Ag Services
Role/Position: Farm Manager, Real Estate Broker, and Appraiser Trainee

How many years have you been in your profession? I have been in farm management since 2020, but I have worked in agriculture for 11 years.

What influenced you to choose your profession: I had a great professor at ISU who showed me what farm management could be, and I was exposed to the appraisal world once I started with Busey. I became intrigued by appraisals, and I believe they help me stay in the know about farmland values.

What do you enjoy about your profession? I enjoy the people aspect. Working with clients and helping them determine their goals is a passion of mine. Knowing that I have a direct role in helping them achieve their goals means a great deal. I also enjoy helping the next generation learn about agriculture and the value of farmland.

What do you see for the future of your profession? I see technology becoming more prevalent. As generations move farther from the farm, technology helps bridge the gap between landowners and what is happening on their farms.

What is a suggestion you would give to a young person who is considering a career in your profession? Always be learning. It takes time to earn clients' trust, but showing them you care and are willing to listen and learn from them makes the process smoother.

Favorite inspirational quote: ‘’Believe you can, and you’re halfway there ‘’

Professional Affiliations: ASFMRA

05/06/2026

YPN Spotlight

Name: Deanne Phelps

Background (hometown/farm background/family/education): I grew up on my family’s farm in northern Illinois, where I still live and farm today with my husband and our two children. Together, we raise corn and soybeans and care for a small flock of chickens. Being raised on the farm instilled in me a deep-rooted appreciation for agriculture and the values that come with it.
I began my education by earning an associate degree in Agricultural Business from Joliet Junior College, then completed a double major in Agricultural Business and Agronomy Management at Illinois State University. Following graduation, I worked as a sales representative, partnering with local farmers to provide fertilizer, seed, and crop protection solutions. That experience allowed me to build strong relationships within the agricultural community and gain a practical understanding of farm operations.

Hobbies/Interests: Outside of spending time with my family, I enjoy fishing and boating during the summer months, as well as tending to our vegetable garden.

Employer: Compeer Financial

Role/Position: Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

How many years have you been in your profession? 8

What influenced you to choose your profession: My decision to pursue this profession was strongly influenced by my upbringing in agriculture and the experiences that followed. Growing up on a farm gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, while my early career working directly with farmers further deepened that perspective. This role allows me to stay closely connected to the agriculture industry while also supporting clients through their appraisal needs, making it both rewarding and dynamic.

What do you enjoy about your profession? I enjoy building relationships with clients and gaining an understanding of each unique farm operation. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to connect with farmers.

What do you see for the future of your profession? Looking ahead, I see continued technological advancements playing a significant role in making our work more efficient and accurate. As the agricultural industry evolves, I expect the profession to become increasingly fast-paced, with a growing emphasis on specialized assignments to meet clients' changing needs. Staying adaptable and informed will be key to remaining relevant in this dynamic environment.

What is a suggestion you would give to a young person who is considering a career in your profession? My advice to someone considering a career in this profession is to ask questions and not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Seek out opportunities to learn by connecting with professionals in the field who are willing to let you shadow them. Additionally, take advantage of internships to gain hands-on experience and explore different aspects of the industry.

Favorite inspiration quote: Be the change that you wish to see in the world- Mahatma Ghandi

Professional Affiliations: I am a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and the Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals.

04/10/2026

Couldn’t get to the Land Values Conference?

By now your have likely received your complimentary Members Copy of the 2026 Illinois Land Values and Lease Trends Report. If not yet, it is in the mail to you.

There’s a lot to read through, but you can get a summary description by listening to the podcast put together by Luke Worrell, Michael Bernhard and Sophia Odle. Michael did the hosting, Sophia did the editing and Luke does the taking. It’s a quick summary of the high points of the April 2 event.

Michael Bernhard of First Mid Ag Services is joined by Luke Worrell of Worrell Land Services and Sophia Odle of People’s Company for the inaugural ISPFMRA po...

04/09/2026

Last week the ISPFMRA held its annual Land Values & Lease Trends Conference. The event was well attended and included Dr. David Kohl as our keynote speaker! To access a digital copy of the book, here is the link to the copy: https://ispfmra.org/download/2026-land-values-report/