Jessica Lambert

What does it really mean to live with purpose? For Chase Burns, purpose ties deeply into faith, family, and the land he works each day. In this episode of Every Acre Tells a Story™, Chase invites viewers into his daily life. His family lives on a working homestead, where values are reflected in every chore, sunrise, and decision. Faith as a Foundation Chase lives with intention. For him, life is not just about landownership. It is about honoring God's purpose for his life and using the land to glorify that calling. "Living with purpose to me is living for God's purpose for my life. Being a person of faith, we have a guiding light, and how we use our land is just daily asking for what His will is and looking for opportunities to glorify Him." Each act of stewardship, from planting to tending animals, is part of his faith. He sees the land as a gift that requires action, care, and gratitude every day. The Homestead Life Homesteading, for the Burns family, is about more than rural living. In fact, it is a lifestyle rooted in connection. They care for animals, raise food, maintain an orchard, and pass these rhythms on to their children. "It's not just getting up to make your bed or brush your teeth. It's collecting eggs, feeding the horses, or moving hay for the cows. That teaches a lot of responsibility." These daily tasks are not simply chores. Instead, they are character-shaping experiences. The children are learning discipline, work ethic, and appreciation for where their food comes from. These values are passed down every morning and evening, through action and example. Life on the homestead follows the rhythm of the land. Each season brings new work and new lessons. Spring means preparing garden beds and helping calves take their first steps. Summer is filled with weeding, harvesting, and watching the orchard come alive. In fall, the family puts up food, splits wood, and finishes projects before the cold sets in. Winter slows things down, but there are still animals to care for and plans to make for the next growing season. For the Burns family, this is not about doing things the easy way. They intentionally choose a lifestyle that requires them to be hands-on and present. Whether they are making homemade jelly, stacking hay, or gathering eggs before school, every task builds a sense of ownership and pride in their children. Their home is not just where they live. It is where they grow, work, and belong together. Building Community Through the Mercantile In addition to their farm life, Chase and his wife, Jackie, restored a 112-year-old building in Viola, Illinois. Their goal was to create a small-town mercantile filled with local goods and a sense of connection. "Jackie had this idea of a sort of country store selling locally sourced products...beef, honey, chicken, eggs, produce. It just kept growing. We became that somebody who brought it to life." Today, Prairie Roads Mercantile features many items that come directly from their farm. For example, the beef is raised just eight miles down the road. The eggs are often collected that morning, and the honey is bottled from a nearby beekeeper. Customers can ask where an item came from and hear, "This came from our place this morning." The Mercantile was never just a business. Instead, it became a space where neighbors reconnect, producers feel valued, and children learn that what they grow has meaning. The building may be old, but its mission feels entirely new, reminding people that local food and community still matter. A Legacy That Lasts Chase grew up exploring the woods, running wild with a BB gun, and playing in creeks. He harvested his first deer on his grandmother’s farm. Now, he sees that same joy in his sons as they build forts, tend animals, and create memories outdoors. "Just as dear to me as my first deer is the memory of both of my boys harvesting their first deer here on this farm. It's a bond between people and the land that is hard to explain if you have not experienced it." This connection, Chase says, is what he hopes his children carry forward. Whether they own land someday or not, he wants them to value care, stewardship, and long-term vision. "It is not ours, it is just our turn. While you are a landowner, you are the caretaker. You are the person who is going to leave it better than you found it." That belief guides not just how they farm. It also shapes how they raise their kids, run a business, and build a legacy rooted in place and purpose. Final Thoughts Living with purpose on the land is not about perfection. Rather, it is about alignment. It is about waking up each day with clarity and a desire to leave things better than you found them. Chase Burns reminds us that the land tells a story, if we are willing to listen. And often, it tells us a little more about who we are in the process.

I Bought a Farm Instead of a Boat LandGuys Client Story | Every Acre Tells a Story™ I bought a farm instead of a boat—and that one choice completely changed how I spend time with my family, how I invest, and how I live. Mitch Biggs didn’t start out aiming to become a multi-state landowner. Initially, he just wanted a peaceful escape. However, what began as a personal search turned into a story of legacy, lifestyle, and lifelong relationships—thanks to the LandGuys team. Why I Bought a Farm Instead of a Boat “I was really looking for a place to get away and hunt,” Mitch recalls. “My son and I fish a couple days a week throughout the summer, and I’ll never get that time with him back. I wanted something we could do together in the winter too.” At first, the idea of buying a bigger boat seemed like the logical next step. But after thinking it through, Mitch realized he didn’t want something fleeting—he wanted something lasting. A boat offered fun for a season. Land offered purpose, investment potential, and unforgettable family time. That’s when he decided to buy a farm instead of a boat. From Boats to Backroads: A LandGuys Story Mitch first connected with Toby Stay, an experienced Illinois Land Broker with LandGuys. After selling a property in Virginia, he used a 1031 exchange to reinvest in land. At that point, Toby introduced him to Missouri-based LandGuys agent Dalton Hughes, who helped Mitch secure the right recreational property. Although the deals happened in different states with different brokers, the experience felt consistent. That seamlessness is what impressed Mitch most. "I’ve bought land before, but with them, I actually understood the potential of what I was buying," Mitch said. Through the process, Mitch came to see that LandGuys wasn’t like other brokerages. Their team didn’t just know land—they lived it. More Than a Deal: A Relationship Built Over Time Mitch has purchased land with LandGuys in both Illinois and Missouri. That repeat experience speaks to the trust he’s built with the team across state lines. “I think long term it’s a great investment,” Mitch shared. “They’re not making any more of it.” Now, years later, that connection continues. On a recent fishing trip in the Outer Banks, Mitch spent time with Jesse Stay—Toby’s son and Illinois LandGuys broker and Iowa and Missouri land agent—and his brother Tanner. They weren’t there to talk shop. They were there to fish, share stories, and spend time outdoors together. The same values that brought them together through land brought them together on the water. It’s a reminder that LandGuys brokers don’t just sell land—they live the lifestyle. And for Mitch, that makes all the difference. Legacy Over Luxury For Mitch, landownership wasn’t about adding another toy to the garage. Instead, it was about building something that would last. “There’s just something special about showing up and knowing you own that piece of ground—and it’s yours,” he said. Owning land gave Mitch something so valuable—it gave him a place where his family could grow and gather. “It’s something my family can enjoy forever,” Mitch said. “That’s what made it worth it.” Why LandGuys Was the Right Choice Mitch appreciated the consistency across locations. Despite working with multiple brokers across state lines, the brand experience never faltered. That’s because LandGuys isn’t just multi-state—it’s multi-generational. And that matters when you’re making a decision this important. Thinking About Land? Here’s Mitch’s Advice If you’re considering a big lifestyle purchase—a boat, a cabin, or a second home—Mitch’s story offers a different perspective. He was originally looking for something fun to do with his family during the winter months, and a boat was on the table. But instead, he chose land. “I almost bought a boat,” Mitch said. “But I bought a farm instead.” Looking back, he sees it as a lasting decision. “It’s something my family can enjoy forever,” he added. “There’s just something special about showing up and knowing that you own that piece of ground—and it’s yours.” Every acre tells a story™. Ready to start your own land story? Whether you're dreaming of a weekend retreat, a hunting property, or a long-term investment, our team is here to help.Contact LandGuys to take the first step.

New 2025 Iowa Land Laws Effective July 1 Own land, lease hunting ground, or work in rural Iowa real estate? New Iowa land laws take effect July 1, 2025. These changes impact how you use, access, finance, and manage land—especially if you farm, hunt, or invest. At LandGuys, we work where policy meets the property line. That’s why we’ve reviewed these new laws to help you understand what’s changing and what to watch for in your land decisions. #1 - Drone Flights Over Farmland Now Require Landowner Consent Senate File 491 creates new privacy protections for Iowa landowners by restricting unauthorized drone flights over rural farmsteads. Operators of remotely piloted aircraft are now prohibited from flying within 400 feet of farm animals, equipment, or structures located on a farmstead, unless they have the landowner’s permission. This law applies only to farmsteads located outside city limits. The property must be actively used for farming and generate at least $15,000 in annual revenue. The law also covers imagery, audio, and data collected by drones. Landowners now have legal grounds to challenge unauthorized drone use. They can also ask the court for a temporary injunction to stop repeat violations. This bill gives landowners more control over their airspace and digital property. It makes Iowa one of the most protective states for regulating drone activity over active farmland. Why This Matters for You: Drone flights are now subject to stricter rules when operating near active farmsteads in Iowa. That means real estate photographers, land managers, wildlife surveyors, and crop consultants must take extra care to stay compliant. Always get written permission from the landowner before launching a drone over farmland. This applies even if you’re only capturing video, images, or data for scouting, listings, or monitoring purposes. Violating this law can result in legal action, including court-ordered restrictions and possible penalties. This change underscores the growing importance of digital property rights in rural land use. "I think overall this bill being passed is a great peace of mind for landowners, and especially our farmers. Technology is forever advancing. This provides added protection for your herd or your equipment on the farm from curious neighbors—allowing you to defend your farm and your belongings in the airspace above too.” – Tristin Williams , Media Creator & Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys Whether you’re filming a listing, checking crop health, or surveying deer movement, respect landowner boundaries—not just on the ground, but in the air too. Read the full SF 491 bill here #2 - New Iowa Law Excludes Discount Points and Some Closing Costs from Land Loan APR Calculations Senate File 398 changes how Iowa classifies closing costs on land loans. Previously, certain fees were considered “finance charges” under Iowa’s consumer credit laws, which could raise the disclosed APR. Now, many of those charges—including discount points used to lower the interest rate—are excluded from finance charge calculations. This change applies only to consumer loans secured by land that are originated by mortgage bankers licensed or registered under Iowa Code chapter 535B. Additionally, total points, fees, and APR must stay within limits set by federal regulations under 12 C.F.R. §1026.43(e). As a result, APR disclosures on eligible land loans may appear more favorable, even though the actual dollar amounts may remain unchanged. This update could improve the competitiveness of land loan products in Iowa’s rural real estate market. Why This Matters for You: If you’re buying, investing in, or lending on land, this change can make loan APRs look better on paper, potentially making financing more attractive or easier to compare. It’s smart to review your loan terms and disclosures with your lender to understand how this update might affect your deals. "Omitting certain closing costs and discount points from consumers' finance charge calculations allows borrowers to more accurately compare products. This will ensure they can better evaluate pricing scenarios and choose what’s best for their financial picture when buying land.” – David Little , Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys  Read SF 398 in full #3 - Youth Deer Hunting Licenses Expand to All Seasons Senate File 423 significantly expands how youth deer hunting licenses can be used in Iowa. These licenses are now valid across all established deer seasons, rather than being limited to a specific timeframe. Hunters may use the license and tag during any regular season, applying any legal method of take allowed for that season. However, once the tag is filled, the license is no longer valid for future use. This change gives youth hunters greater flexibility, while still adhering to standard harvest limits. The law also updates Iowa DNR’s deer depredation permit criteria. Landowners who suffer $1,000 or more in damage caused by deer—including loss to crops, horticultural products, trees, or nursery stock—can now apply for a depredation permit. This allows more affected landowners to seek relief in high-pressure areas. Why This Matters for You: If you manage hunting leases or farmland, this law provides youth hunters with greater flexibility to hunt during all deer seasons. This can help increase youth participation and better distribute hunting activity throughout the year. The updated depredation permit criteria also gives landowners more tools to manage deer-related damage. That means more control over wildlife pressure on your property and better protection for crops and trees. "I’m really encouraged by Iowa’s decision to expand youth deer hunting licenses to all seasons. Giving young hunters more flexibility to get out there, on their schedule and with legal methods for any season, is a great way to build confidence, skills, and a lifelong respect for the outdoors.” – Danny Fane , Iowa Managing Broker, LandGuys "Extracurricular activities and social commitments are at an all-time high. The importance of ample time to get kids in the field can only strengthen our youth participation in the outdoors and build Iowa's hunting population for years to come.” – David Little , Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys "I am super excited for this law coming into place this year. Our youth is the future of our sport and this will most definitely create higher success rates for harvesting these young folks’ first deer to create memories that last a lifetime” – Tristin Williams , Media Creator & Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys View SF 423 legislation details #4 - Expanded Hunting Access for Disabled Veterans in Iowa House File 885 expands access for disabled veterans in Iowa. Qualifying residents can now use a deer hunting license and tag during any established season, using the legal method of take for that season. This license can be issued in addition to other deer licenses the hunter is eligible for. To apply, veterans must provide documentation confirming Iowa residency and a service-connected disability, verified through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The law also increases the number of nonresident hunting licenses available to disabled veterans. Iowa will now reserve 125 wild turkey licenses and 75 deer licenses each year specifically for disabled nonresident veterans to take part in organized hunts across the state. Why This Matters for You: This law expands hunting opportunities for disabled veterans, giving them more flexibility and access. It also benefits outfitters and landowners who support veteran hunting programs by broadening participation and creating new partnership opportunities. "I absolutely love what Iowa is doing with House File 885, this is a huge step forward in making the outdoors more accessible for our disabled veterans. These hunts aren’t just about deer or turkey, they’re about connection, healing, and giving back to those who’ve given so much.” – Danny Fane , Iowa Managing Broker, LandGuys  Access HF 885 language here What It Means for Landowners and Buyers Whether you’re buying a farm, managing deer pressure on your property, or planning drone footage for a listing, these new laws will change how you operate. Iowa’s rural land policies continue to evolve—and staying informed is part of protecting your investment. At LandGuys, we work at the intersection of land, law, and legacy. These aren’t just rule changes—they’re real-world shifts that affect the way you hunt, farm, lease, or buy. Need help understanding how these changes apply to your property or next move? Contact your Iowa LandGuys team. We’ll talk through it with you, one field at a time. LandGuys and its brokers are not licensed attorneys in Iowa and do not provide legal advice. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal counsel. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney or legal professional. Every Property Tells a Story™. Let LandGuys Tell Yours.