Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers

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/

03/26/2026

YPN Spotlight

Name: Hayley Daniels

Background (hometown/farm background/family/education):
I was born and raised near Decatur, Illinois, where the family farm focused on corn, soybeans, and horseradish. I have a BS in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MS in Agronomy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. My husband was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, and I am fortunate that he made the move to my home area to farm with my brother and father. Our children include Mabel (5), Emmett (2), and Baby #3 due in May.

Hobbies/Interests:
My children would say playing 1/64 scale farm toys or Barbies with them. When time does allow, I enjoy the opportunity to sew, quilt, and bake.

Employer: First Mid Ag Services

Role/Position: Farm Manager, Real Estate Broker

How many years have you been in your profession? 4 years in this role

What influenced you to choose your profession: I am grateful that I was recruited, and the profession found me. My first jobs post graduate school were agronomy and seed related, and this farm manager role contains many of those components. I still maintain a connection to the agronomy items I love and use the knowledge and network connections I gained to help me better serve my clients today.

What do you enjoy about your profession? It is rewarding to work with clients who have a passion for their farmland investment. That looks different to each owner; yet, maximizing farm income to help pay for a new house, buy more ground, or provide scholarships to a future generation – it is fulfilling to be a part of making their goals become reality.

What do you see for the future of your profession? There will always be a need for objective management. Data may be a factor towards changes within our role. Yet, communication will still be valuable for the absentee owner, and that will most likely require a manager.

What is a suggestion you would give to a young person who is considering a career in your profession? Farm Managers and Real Estate Brokers work with different people in different business lines, and everyone has their preferred method of communication (which may not be your choice). Be patient, as it takes time to build trust in a relationship.

Favorite inspirational quote: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Professional Affiliations: ASFMRA and CCA

03/26/2026

On Tuesday, members of ISPFMRA descended on the capital in Springfield for Ag Legislative Day. The group was joined by numerous ag organizations along with 4H & FFA. Members also spent time meeting the legislators to talk about issues impacting landowners and farmers in both farm management and rural appraisal. Thank you all for taking the time and doing important work for our industry!