In the Field
Your quarterly update from across the FBFM organization
June 30, 2026, All FBFM Employees, Summer Edition
Summer 2026 — Celebrating a Season of Growth & Connection
Spring Conference Highlights
After a busy tax and analysis season, members of the FBFM team gathered in the Quad Cities for three days of learning, connection, and celebration during the 2026 Spring Conference.
This year’s conference featured educational sessions covering tax updates, agricultural mental health, emerging technology in agriculture, and FBFM updates. Team members also had the opportunity to tour John Deere Harvester Works, the Rock Island Arsenal, and enjoy an evening at the Quad Cities River Bandits game.
More than just a conference, the event provided an opportunity for employees from across the organization to reconnect, collaborate, and return to their offices better equipped to serve the farmers and farm families at the heart of agriculture.
FBFM extends its appreciation to the guest speakers, planning committee members, and every employee who contributed to making the conference a success.
Outstanding in the Field Award
The Outstanding in the Field Award recognizes FBFM employees who go above and beyond in support of their coworkers, clients, and the organization. Team members are nominated by fellow employees, and two recipients are randomly drawn from the nominations. While only two names are selected, the recognition reflects the countless ways FBFM employees make a positive impact across the organization every day.
Through initiatives like the Community Service Award program, FBFM continues its commitment to supporting local communities and organizations that make a difference.
Jonathan McQuire
Recognized for supporting a new employee through their first tax season
Chet Stock
Recognized for his willingness to step in wherever needed and consistently go above and beyond to help others succeed
The Carlinville FFA Alumni
nominated by Blake Craig
was selected to receive a contribution toward the Rick Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is in honor of Cody Stewart’s late father, and it supports a member of the Carlinville FFA Chapter pursuing further education in agriculture and/or business. This year’s Rick Stewart Memorial Scholarship recipient is Tristan Thompson of Carlinville, Illinois.
The Dixon FFA Alumni
nominated by Rachel Hill
was also selected as a recipient. With the Dixon FFA Chapter entering only its third year of establishment, the donation from FBFM will help support chapter activities and provide resources for continued growth and member involvement.
FBFM Community Service Award Recipients
FBFM proudly recognized two organizations through its annual Community Service Award drawing, highlighting causes and organizations that are meaningful to FBFM employees and the communities we serve.
Through initiatives like the Community Service Award program, FBFM continues its commitment to supporting local communities and organizations that make a difference.
Guest Speakers
Krista Swanson
Chief Economist at the National Corn Growers Association
Adrienne DeSutter
Ag Mental Health Specialist
Kristiana Coutu
J.D., Director of the Beginning Farmer Center & Ag Law Research Specialist at Iowa State University
Travis Martin
Co-Founder of Pay Dirt Digital
Kent Vickre
PcMars
Hannah Parsons
Chief Operating Officer at Traction Ag
Hannah Everetts
Director of Sales at Traction Ag
Dr. John D. Johnson
President and Founder of Docent
Garrett Toay
Principal and Risk Management Consultant at AgTraderTalk
Stephen Schwartz
Planter Product Marketing Manager at John Deere
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Save the Date: 2027 Spring Conference | May 18-20, 2027 | Springfield, IL
2026 Spring Conference Committee
Abbey DeShane · Adam Drinkall · Brett Goodwin · Craig Macklin · Heidi Reifsteck · Jonathan McQuire · Kal Keitel · Kate Heavener (Sturtewagen) · Marissa Marquith · Ronica Boundy
Welcome to FBFM
Since the last edition of In the Field, FBFM has welcomed three new team members to the organization. Please join us in welcoming them to the FBFM team.
We are excited to have Alex, Sam, and Blake on board and look forward to the experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm they bring to FBFM and the clients we serve.
Farm Business Consultant
Alex Vermillion
Started March 9, 2026
Tax Accountant
Sam Wenda
Started May 1, 2026
Farm Business Consultant
Blake Orwig
Started full-time May 14, 2026
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Office Updates
Now Open: Geneseo Office
FBFM is excited to announce the opening of its new Geneseo office, expanding the organization’s presence and its continued commitment to serving farm families across northwest Illinois.
Farm Business Consultants Abbey DeShane, David Goodell, and Kate Heavener (Sturtewagen) are serving clients out of the Geneseo location, along with Accounting Specialists Mary Kretzer and Melissa Haars. The new office will provide additional accessibility and support for clients in the surrounding area while continuing FBFM’s tradition of personalized farm financial and management services.
Decatur Office Relocates to New Suite
The Decatur office officially moved into a new suite within the same building on June 1. To ensure continuity for clients and visitors, building management is updating the suite designations so the FBFM office suite number will remain the same despite the relocation within the building. The updated space provides an improved environment for both employees and clients.
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Summer Plans Spotlight
Then Summer Bucket List Spotlight
Highlight the most interesting bucket list items:
Still Hoping to Check These Off This Summer...
Catch an 80+ lb catfish
James McWard
Visit Eldora Speedway in Ohio
Loretta England
Attend an outdoor concert
Krista Robertson
Take my son to the beach for the first time
Jodie Medler
Visit my sister in Seattle
Sarah Korthals
Visit New Mexico
Shawna Cowsert
Have a Baby
Jenna Conrad
Take over marketing while Jenna has her baby
Ali Willenborg