As sixth generation family farmers in McDonough County, we consider it a blessing and privilege to have the opportunity to continue what was started so many years ago. These are some of the ideals we hold dear as we strive to pass a thriving farming operation on to future generations:

Service to God and family

We believe that farming is the way that God has provided for us in order to serve him and give back to his kingdom as well as our community. We are blessed to live in a land where freedom allows us to follow his will for our lives, which in our case involves caring for the land and producing commodities which contribute to the greater good in society. With this in mind, providing for our families is the second most important result of our labors, which is why we strive to promote balance for ourselves as well as our employees. We believe that we can strike a positive balance between a growing farming operation and our family life, so that we spend ample time with our children while they are growing up. The age old question, What are we working for? can be answered as such: God and family.

Stewardship of our resources

As farmers, we recognize that the land is our most precious and important resource. Previous generations made significant sacrifices to come to this part of the world, establish viable farming operations, and pass them down the line to where we are today. Thus, it is important to us to be able to do the same for future generations. Our primary area of focus is to move toward conservation farming practices over time. On certain classes of land, no-till and strip-till methods are required, but after seeing the reduction in soil erosion, we are motivated to gravitate toward these methods on our prairie soils as well. In the meantime, we remain flexible, with a combination approach, meaning we can, and still do, some tillage on some farms. We are also strong believers in subsurface drainage (tile), and are equipped to improve our farms, as well as our landlords’ properties, by installing tile with our own equipment.

Superior production and marketing

Finally, we recognize that only farming operations which maximize the production of the land, and manage the many risks of farming effectively, will survive in the long run. With a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois, coupled with 10 years as a soybean trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, Marcus is equipped with a deep understanding of risk management, as well as tactics to employ in order to maximize economic efficiency of farming. This said, we have made significant investments in grain storage and handling facilities in order to capture as much value as possible once the crop is harvested. In terms of crop production, we work with trusted advisers in the industry, and are early adopters of technology, in order to capture maximum yields. Intensive nitrogen and fertility management, including multiple applications of nitrogen throughout the growing season, is one of the areas where we focus labor and resources.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us and our values.

We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss opportunities to work with you and provide you with excellent service in caring for your resources. We are open to various rental arrangements, and are eager to prove our capabilities to you.

Marcus Hess

Partner, Hess Family Farm