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Greg Akers joined Hertz Farm Management in June 2021 working out of the DeKalb office, where he focuses on appraising agriculture and agribusiness.  In addition, Greg also holds a real estate brokers license in Illinois.

Greg was raised in Sycamore.  Greg’s dad has been a farm manager and rural appraiser for over 50 years and Greg was taught to appraise agriculture by his brother who has also been a rural appraiser for over 30 years.  Greg is a Certified General appraiser and a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers as well as the Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals.

Greg and his wife live in DeKalb and they  have been blessed with 9 children, and 7 grandchildren.

Nick joined Hertz Farm Management in June 2021 as a farm manager and licensed real estate salesperson. Nick graduated from Iowa Sate University with a BS in Agricultural Studies and a minor in Agronomy. Prior to joining Hertz Farm Management, Nick spent his career in agricultural sales. He most recently was a field sales representative for Bayer Crop Science representing the Dekalb & Asgrow brands in central Iowa.

Nick grew up on a family farm in west central Iowa. He resides in Ankeny with his wife Sara, son Zach & daughter Maddie. Outside the office, you will find him attending one of his children’s games/meets, helping on the family farm, playing golf or enjoying spending time with his family or friends. He is also a loyal Cyclone fan so you might see him at an Iowa State game in the fall or winter.

A native to Nevada, Casey found his way back to his hometown after living on the west coast for over a decade where he studied and worked in the film and video industry. Glad to be closer to home (literally a few miles), Casey continues to pursue excellence in all things video, including drone and 360 imagery. He especially enjoys spending time with his wife Brigietta, son James, and his extra-curricular activities of tennis and cycling.

Jason joined Hertz Farm Management in March 2022 as a real estate salesperson in the Norfolk, NE office. In his role, Jason helps landowners sell and acquire land across Nebraska and South Dakota.

Jason graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Prior to joining Hertz, Jason honed his skills in the medical device sales industry for six years, managing a territory in northeast Nebraska.

Jason's passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in his upbringing in the small agricultural community of Petersburg, NE. His commitment to the industry is further demonstrated by his active membership in the National REALTORS Land Institute (RLI).

Today, Jason resides in Petersburg, NE, where he enjoys life with his wife, Samantha, and their four children.

Terry Kestner, ARA, RPRA, joined Hertz Farm Management as the Director of Appraisal in May 2022. Terry was previously the Chief Appraiser for Rabo Agrifinance in Cedar Falls, IA, where he managed the appraisal requests for the direct lending and wholesale divisions of Rabobank, along with a staff of 30 appraisers. Kestner comes with an impressive background of experience in appraising agricultural, recreational, urban influence, and large swine confinement properties.

Terry began his career as a loan officer for Production Credit Association (PCA) in Macomb, IL. After five years as a loan officer, he made the switch to the appraisal department where he found his calling, before moving to Cedar Falls, IA in 2007 to join Rabo Agrifinance.

In addition to his career experience, Terry also has a notable educational background. Kestner received his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business from Western Illinois University along with his MBA from Kaplan University. Terry joined the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) in 1989 and received his ARA designation in 1995, and RPRA designation in 2008. Additionally, Terry also taught the Rural Appraisal course for the Agricultural Department of Western Illinois University for seven years.

Today, Terry is a member of the Iowa and Illinois Chapters of the ASFMRA. He served as the Iowa Chapter President from 2014-2015 and served as District  IV Vice President in 2016-2019. Terry has also been involved in several committees within the ASFRMA, including being a past member VP for Appraisal Education Committee, and a member of the Appraisal Review Committee. Currently, Terry is serving on multiple committees and instructs appraisal education courses for the ASFMRA.

Terry is a native to Adams County Illinois, where he was raised on a family grain and livestock farm. Today, Terry and his wife reside in Cedar Falls, IA and enjoy spending time with their son and two daughters.