FARM STORY
Rick and his son Corey are fourth and fifth-generation farmers in the heart of Illinois corn and soybean country, just south of the expansive Chicago suburbs. Together, they manage 1,430 acres of row crops, with 940 of those acres financed in partnership with Iroquois Valley. Of that, 420 acres are organic, while 520 are transitioning to organic. The crops they grow end up in many familiar products found on grocery store shelves. Have you ever enjoyed organic soy products by Danone, Campbell Soup Company or Silk? If so, chances are you’ve enjoyed beans grown by Rick and Corey!

In more recent years, Rick and Corey sought to diversify their conventional corn and soybean operation. After being put in touch with Iroquois Valley through an existing partner, the relationship evolved quickly. Their operation takes soil health and conservation very seriously, using low-impact tillage and cover crops on every acre they farm. 

Traditionally, row crop farmers in America sign one-year leases, but organic farmers invest in long-term soil health. For that, a minimum of three years is necessary just for the transition period to achieve organic certification. That’s where Iroquois Valley usually steps in. We partner with farmers to offer six-year leases, and in the seventh year, they have the option to either purchase the land or continue renewing long-term leases with us indefinitely.

In 2021, Rick and Corey joined the Iroquois Valley portfolio by taking over the management of an 190-acre property. Since then, our partnership has expanded to include nine parcels—six of which are now certified organic, with three more currently in transition. Thanks to their organic farming practices, the Johnsons have removed approximately 1 million lbs of synthetic fertilizer and approximately 15,000 lbs of synthetic herbicides from our food system over a five-year investment period. 

Their dedication to farming hasn’t gone unnoticed. Johnson Farms was a past recipient of the Will/South-Cook Soil and Water District Conservation Farm Family of Year award, and just this year, Corey was honored with the Illinois Soybean Association’s 20 Under 40 designation, which recognizes innovative and inspiring farmers who are making a lasting impact in their communities.