Real Stories. Real Landowners. Real Results.

The land tells a story, but so do the people who care for it. Here, you'll find stories from landowners, farmers, and families who’ve trusted us to manage, buy, and appraise their farmland. Whether through heartfelt letters, or firsthand videos, these testimonials reflect the values we stand for—honesty, expertise, and a commitment to doing right by the land and those who own it.

We’re honored to walk alongside our clients, helping them make confident and informed decisions that preserve their legacy and grow their investment. Take a moment to hear their experiences—you might just find a story that resonates with yours.

 

Building a Legacy Through Partnership: A Farmland Investment Journey

When Brent Haverkamp first bought a small rental house in Ames, Iowa, back in 1991, he didn’t realize it would eventually lead to founding Haverkamp Group—a thriving real estate investment and development company. What started with multifamily properties expanded over time into a larger vision—one that included investing in one of the world’s most enduring assets: farmland.

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Terhune Family sitting on a bench on their farm in Illinois.

A Farming Legacy Moves to the Midwest

Moving a household is always a daunting task, but relocating multiple households in a multi-generational family and a commercial row-crop farming operation nearly 900 miles away seems downright impossible. Yet, that’s exactly what father-son duo Joe and Austin Terhune set out to do.

While the decision to uproot their lives and livelihood from Texas to the Midwest was far from easy, both Joe and Austin had their sights set on the future and how this decision would benefit their family in the long term.

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Coan family in cornfield

Growing Towards a Sustainable Future

"Keeping the soil healthy and the land in good shape is something that we can do now to set up our family for success in the future," explained Henry. "That's our mindset right now, make the most out of what we have and make it sustainable for the future."

From classrooms to farmland. Hertz clients Nancy and Henry Coan share their story of farmland ownership and building a farm legacy that will last for generations.

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Dickey Family Legacy

Five Generations of Farmland Ownership

"We’re the fourth generation owning this land,” said Cheryl proudly. “Our kids will be the fifth - how incredible is that?"

Learn from Hertz clients Jennifer Dickey and Cheryl McKitrick as we explore their journey to creating a farmland legacy that's built to last.

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James Gould farm auction

Selling a Farm Through Hybrid Auction

"If I had another farm, I would sell it through Hertz again." - James Gould

James Gould shares his experience working with Hertz Real Estate Services to sell his farm through a Hybrid Auction—a method that brought together in-person and online bidders for a competitive sale.

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Otrusina family farm

Investment in Wealth for Generations

Landowners Edward Otrusina and Julie Smith believe they’ve found the key to stewardship with one simple yet powerful approach: “Leave it better than you found it.”

What began with their father’s investment in Wisconsin in the 1970s has grown into a multi-state farmland portfolio built on responsible care, strategic improvements, and long-term planning.

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Evans Winders family history

Keeping the Farm in the Family

"It’s a special family connection,” explained Bob Winders. “It’s a part of our family history that dates back a long way, so one of our goals has always been to try and keep the farms in the family."

From Revolutionary War land grants to one of the largest livestock operations in the U.S., the family’s commitment to agriculture remains strong, with Hertz Farm Management helping guide the legacy forward.

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How Can We Help You with Your Story?

Every farm has a history. Every landowner has a vision. Let’s write the next chapter together. Whether you need expert farm management, a trusted partner in buying or selling farmland, or a clear appraisal, our team is here to help.

Find your local Hertz representative today and let’s talk about how we can work alongside you to protect, grow, and honor your land’s legacy.

Contact a Hertz Farmland Professional
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