Honoring Nearly Two Centuries of Family Farming
Written by Aubrey Johnson, LandGuys Listings + Social Media Specialist.
A Legacy Rooted in Agriculture
Agriculture isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life, a legacy passed down through generations. Kim Sarnes, our dedicated Office Manager at LandGuys, understands this firsthand. Her family’s farming roots date back to 1849, when her ancestors first purchased land in Kentucky before moving to Illinois later that same year. Today, nearly 179 years later, her family farm remains a cherished part of their heritage.
Generations of Hard Work and Dedication
Kim’s great-grandfather not only farmed and raised cattle but also laid the foundation for a construction business on their family land in 1953, focusing on drainage ditch excavation. The legacy continued when her grandfather took over both the farm and the construction company in 1970, ensuring that the land remained in the family’s hands. Now, with 800 acres of tillable farmland primarily in Mason and Cass Counties, Kim’s family continues to uphold their agricultural traditions, renting the land out while staying deeply connected to its history and future.
A Childhood Shaped by Farm Life
Growing up, Kim was immersed in farm life. She learned to drive tractors and equipment at a young age and helped her grandfather sell grain every year—a tradition they still share today by discussing grain markets weekly. When she wasn’t in the field, she was in the kitchen with her grandmother, preparing home-cooked meals for the family and farmhands. This is where her love for cooking began, learning the art of making homemade noodles, canning fresh produce, and perfecting recipes passed down through generations. Even now, she continues to cook with her grandmother, cherishing the traditions that have shaped her upbringing.
A Taste of Tradition: Kim’s Grandma Nancy’s Red Velvet Cake Recipe
One of Kim’s favorite recipes passed down through her family is this classic Red Velvet Cake with Icing. It’s a true reflection of farm life—homemade, rich in flavor, and shared with loved ones.
Agriculture’s Lasting Impact
While Kim’s professional role is with LandGuys, agriculture continues to shape her lifestyle. She takes great pride in her family’s farming history and enjoys sharing that passion with her daughter, ensuring that the next generation understands and appreciates the legacy they are part of. Watching the continuation of her family’s traditions is a reminder of what makes agriculture so special—it’s not just about the land itself, but the people and stories behind it.
A Life Still Deeply Connected to Farming
Outside of LandGuys, Kim and her partner own a trucking company that specializes in hauling grain for local farmers and elevators. Harvest season is her favorite time of year, as she gets to be hands-on in the process—riding along in the semi, delivering meals to workers, and embracing the sense of community that comes with bringing in the crops.
Kim’s deep agricultural roots and firsthand experience in farm life give her a strong connection to the industry. Her appreciation for the land and those who work it shines through in everything she does, reinforcing the agricultural foundation that LandGuys supports.
Q: What does being part of a multi-generational farming family mean to you?
Being part of a multi-generational farming family means carrying on a legacy that’s been around for nearly two centuries. It’s about honoring the hard work of those before me and making sure the land and traditions stay strong—so my daughter and the next generation can continue what has been built.
Q: How has growing up in agriculture shaped the values you carry today?
Agriculture taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and tradition. Growing up learning from my grandpa and helping on the farm showed me what it means to be responsible, stick with things, and always put family first.
Q: What is your favorite farming tradition or memory?
One of my favorite traditions is cooking with my grandma, making homemade meals for the workers and our family. I also love the weekly grain market talks with my grandpa—it’s something we’ve done since I was a kid, and it’s a tradition I still look forward to.
Q: How has agriculture influenced your perspective on hard work and dedication?
Agriculture has shown me that hard work isn’t just about putting in long hours—it’s about sticking with it, figuring things out as you go, and rolling with the challenges. I’ve learned that dedication means showing up every day, no matter what, and taking pride in getting the job done right.
Q: What does harvest season mean to you and your family?
Harvest season isn’t just about bringing in the crops—it’s the payoff for months of hard work and dedication. The days are long, the nights are late, and everyone pitches in to get the job done. My daughter is right there with us, whether she’s riding in the semi, delivering meals, or helping move grain. It’s a tradition, a team effort, and something we take a lot of pride in. And beyond our own farm, she’s starting to see how every harvest helps feed people everywhere, with different crops coming in year-round to keep communities going.
Kim’s story is one of dedication, history, and passion for agriculture. As we celebrate National Ag Week, we’re proud to recognize those like Kim who keep the spirit of farming alive—honoring the past, embracing the present, and inspiring the future.
Stay up-to-date with LandGuys. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
