John joined Hertz Farm Management and Real Estate Services in January of 2024 as a Professional Farm Manager and Licensed Real Estate Salesperson based in the Geneseo, Illinois office. In this role, he manages farms and assists landowners across Northern Illinois with the evaluation and marketing of agricultural real estate.
John earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021. During his time at Illinois, he was actively involved in several student organizations, participated in a study abroad experience in Panama, and lived on the University’s Beef Farm. His passion for agriculture was shaped by hands-on experience working on a row crop and beef cow/calf operation throughout high school and college.
Following graduation, John worked for two years as a Sales Agronomist at Rock River Lumber & Grain in Northern Illinois, where he gained extensive agronomic knowledge and built strong relationships within the agricultural community.
John is actively involved in multiple professional organizations and holds leadership roles within his community. He and his fiancée, Gretchen, reside in Sterling, IL where they have an active farming operation.