Building a Farm with Support and Security 

John Hannan’s journey into farming wasn’t without risk, but his determination and drive pushed him to take a leap into the unknown. As a first-generation farmer, he started with just 350 acres and built his way up from there, currently farming around 3,100 acres of corn, wheat and soybeans.  

“It was a big risk,” John said, acknowledging the challenges he faced in those early years. “You have no idea what you’re really going to get back out of it.” 

A Trusted Relationship with Farm Credit 

Despite the uncertainty, John persevered, often managing the farm alone in its early years. 

Today, John has built a successful farming operation, and with the help of Farm Credit Illinois and crop insurance, he’s gained the peace of mind that comes from knowing he’s covered, even when faced with unexpected challenges. 

Nathan Shearer, a crop insurance agent at Farm Credit Illinois has worked with John for over a decade and emphasizes the importance of understanding a farmer’s unique needs. 

“Crop insurance is necessary because every year is going to be different,” Nathan explained. “There’s a lot of volatility in operations. So it gives them the flexibility to market their grain the way that they see fit, knowing that they have a safety net there in case they run into a bad year.”  

With a strong partnership with Farm Credit Illinois and a robust crop insurance plan in place, John’s future in farming is brighter than ever.