Aubrey Johnson

In a world moving faster by the minute, there are still places where things slow down. Where mornings start with coffee on the porch instead of conference calls. Where neighbors wave from tractors instead of traffic lanes. And where deals are not just signed but sealed with a handshake.  Across rural America, something steady is still happening. Families are reclaiming land. Young couples are starting homesteads. Retired farmers are handing down fields, not just for profit but for purpose.  At LandGuys, we see these moments every day. Behind every closing is a deeper story of grit, growth, faith, and family. Sometimes, those stories become the kind you never forget.  https://youtu.be/lM1m88xLxIU?si=gGmxCF-QrYrVqejo   When Land Becomes More Than Dirt: A Hobby Farm Dream When one couple moved from California to Illinois in the middle of a long winter, they had a clear vision: a little farmhouse with some acreage. Our LandGuys agent listened. They didn’t just send a link to a listing. They drove out in the cold to walk the property, took dozens of photos, and shared a detailed report on everything from the roof to the septic system.  Five days later, the couple put in an offer. Three months later, they were living their dream on a hobby farm with two mini-horses, three baby goats, 18 chickens, four cats, and two dogs.  “Our agent freely shared their knowledge and contacts for land, hay, property upgrades, and remodeling,” they said. “They are not only a professional and an invaluable resource, they have also become a great friend.”   - Andrea P.  When Land Becomes More Than Dirt: A Legacy in the Making For one father and son, owning a hunting property close to home was a lifelong goal. With our help, the search began. It didn’t end with finding a great piece of land. Our land agent spent hours on the road showing them options, explaining what to look for, and returning to walk their chosen property several times.  Even after closing, the conversations continued. They shared hunting strategies, checked deer activity, and talked about what was happening in the woods.  “The group at LandGuys are passionate about what they do,” they said. “Thanks to them my father and I will have years of great memories to come.  – John C.  The Stats Behind the Sentiment: The personal stories are powerful, but they’re not isolated moments. They’re part of a much bigger movement happening across rural America.  98% of U.S. farms are family-owned, contributing 85% of total agricultural production (USDA).  More than 60% of farmland is owned by the people who farm it, showing that ownership is still deeply personal and tied to family livelihood (ERS USDA).  The average age of a U.S. farmer is 58, meaning the next generation is stepping in to continue the story or start one of their own (Iowa State Extension).  These aren’t just statistics. They are signs that land has always been about something greater than the transaction.  Why These Stories Matter: We have seen grown men pause at the edge of a field, not because of its appraised value, but because it is finally theirs. Hand-drawn maps have been passed between generations. There is a quiet pride that comes with owning a piece of ground you can pass down. Land is more than a place on a map. It is history, hope, and a future. This is not just real estate. It is real life, rooted in values, passed through hands, and told through land. When land becomes more than dirt, it becomes your story. Every property tells a story™ Let LandGuys help you tell yours.

When you spend your summer on the land, working it, walking it, or just enjoying it, you learn fast what holds up in the heat, bugs, brush, and long days. So we asked our LandGuys team: what’s one item you actually rely on during the summer? This list is the result. No fluff. Just tried-and-true gear that helps us do the job, stay comfortable, and enjoy the season. Sun + Heat Protection LandGuys UV Sun Shirt Submitted by: Scott Whittington Lightweight, breathable, and UV-protective—perfect for long days on the water, in the tractor, or walking ground with no shade. Ask your LandGuy how to get one. Costa Reefton Pro Sunglasses Submitted by: Jesse Stay Built for high-glare environments with polarized 580® lenses, grip-enhanced frames, and durability that holds up to the field or the lake. https://www.costadelmar.com/en-us/sunglasses/6S9080-97963988490 Maui Jim Sunglasses Submitted by: Don Faller High-contrast, polarized sunglasses built for full days in the sun with lightweight comfort and optical clarity. https://www.mauijim.com/US/en Owala FreeSip Water Bottle Submitted by: Tristin Williams Insulated stainless steel with a built-in straw and open sip option. Leakproof and easy to carry for landowners on the move. https://www.scheels.com/p/owala-freesip-24-oz-stainless-steel-water-bottle/84022712616.html LaCrosse Lightweight Rubber Boots Submitted by: Christian Barrett Waterproof and breathable. These boots are great for creek crossings, wet mornings, and can be rolled down for airflow. https://www.lacrossefootwear.com/mens-rubber-boots/ Field Clothing + Bug Defense First Lite Trace 5‑Pocket Pants Submitted by: Gage Shepard Lightweight, breathable, and designed to dump heat with built-in thigh vents. A great summer option when shorts won’t cut it due to ticks, brush, or poison ivy. https://www.firstlite.com/products/trace-5-pocket-pant.html KUIU Attack Pants Submitted by: Dalton Hughes & Danny Fane Durable, flexible, and lightweight with great stretch and ventilation. Trusted by multiple LandGuys for daily use in tough terrain. https://www.kuiu.com/products/attack-pant-ash Orvis Jackson Quick‑Dry Pants Submitted by: Nathan Cumpton Quick-drying, UPF 50+, and made for movement. Ideal for dewy mornings or hot weather fieldwork. https://www.orvis.com/jackson-quick-dry-regular-fit-pants/3JN8.html Duluth Trading Co. Briar Pants Submitted by: Justin Bernklau Hot, yes. But when you're walking through thick brush or thorny cover, these tough briar pants hold up where others fail. https://www.duluthtrading.com/mens-briar-proof-double-knee-pants-23723.html Permethrin Insect Repellent Spray Submitted by: David Little & Toby Stay Apply directly to clothing—not skin—for long-lasting protection from ticks and mosquitoes. Absolutely essential for summer land management. https://www.sawyer.com/products/permethrin-insect-repellent-treatment Bug Head Nets Submitted by: Scott Schoenherr & Derrick Backaus Simple, inexpensive, and effective. When the bugs are bad, nothing beats a head net for sanity. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002J4Z8W8 Optics, Tech & Land Tools OnX Hunt & OnX Fish Apps Submitted by: Zack Sisk & Luke Wessel OnX Hunt is great for property lines, access routes, and boundary confirmation. OnX Fish adds detailed lake contours, ramps, and bag limits—perfect for summer scouting and fishing. https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt-app https://www.onxmaps.com/fish-app Leupold Binoculars Submitted by: Andrew Huber & Don Wagner Crystal-clear glass and tough build. Leupold binos are our go-to for glassing fields, spotting wildlife, or tracking terrain. https://www.leupold.com/shop/binoculars Comfort & Utility Picks Grizzly 20 Cooler Submitted by: Matt Cox Portable, bear-resistant, and cold for days. Perfect size for day trips with lunch and drinks. Ask your LandGuy how to get one. Turtlebox Speaker Submitted by: Matt Smith Waterproof, rugged, and loud enough to cover a whole field. Bring it with you while working food plots or relaxing at camp. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-gen-2 Wingshooter Waterproof Leather Boots Submitted by: Ross Fogle A great-looking, functional boot that holds up in wet terrain and rough conditions. Built to work but looks good doing it. https://www.irishsetterboots.com/hunting-boots/wingshooter/ Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Boots Submitted by: Jason Bredemann Built for rough country, long walks, and support that lasts all day. A serious boot for serious land work. https://kenetrek.com/products/mountain-extreme-400 Final Word This isn’t a sponsored list. These are items we wear, use, and recommend because we’ve tested them—day after day, acre after acre. If you’re looking for reliable summer gear for life on the land, start here. Let us know if you have questions or want help finding any of these items. Better yet—ask your local LandGuy what they carry in their truck this time of year. Chances are, it’s one of the above. Every Property Tells a Story™. Let LandGuys Tell Yours.  

Written By: Jesse Stay - IL Land Broker and IA & MO Land Agent. Baling hay in June is a busy time across the Midwest. But while you’re working to get clean hay on the ground, young wildlife may be bedding down in the same fields. Whitetail fawns are often born in late May and early June. They stay hidden in tall grass, lying still and relying on their spotted coats for cover. Wild turkey hens nest directly on the ground and are often sitting on eggs or caring for small poults this time of year. That means the same hayfields you’re mowing could be home to newborn wildlife, and they don’t always have time to move. Why It Matters As landowners and stewards, part of our job is protecting the land and the wildlife that lives on it. Accidental harm to fawns or turkey nests during hay cutting is preventable with just a few small changes. Tips for Safe Hay Cutting in June Mow from the center out. This gives animals a better chance to escape as you work. Keep an eye out for movement. Flattened grass, trails, or sudden movement can signal a bedded fawn or turkey nest. Walk the field first if you can. A quick scan, especially in known bedding areas, can save lives. Talk with your neighbors. They might know where fawns or nesting hens have been spotted. What Land Stewardship Really Means Good land management goes beyond productivity. It means balancing use with care. You can still get your hay crop in while taking steps to protect the next generation of deer and turkeys. June is for hay, but it’s also for being mindful. A little awareness in the field helps make sure your land continues to support wildlife year after year. Keep up with Jesse and his listings on Facebook. Every Property Tells a Story™. Let LandGuys Tell Yours.