2025 20 Under 40 Farmer
About
As a fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer, Alex Johns prioritizes carrying forward his family’s legacy in Tuscola, Illinois. With farming Alex sells seed to diversify income and support the operation in challenging years. Guided by his motto, “It’s never wrong to do the right thing,” he strives to be a good neighbor, steward of the land, and role model for the younger generation in agriculture. Inspired by his father, with whom he farms side by side, Alex embraces both tradition and innovation, experimenting with specialty crops and non-traditional fertilizers while maintaining a deep respect for the past. Alex views Illinois’ uniquely rich soils as both a blessing and responsibility – he believes this land was entrusted to him to preserve for future generations. He hopes his role in agriculture inspires the next generation, including his own children, to honor family farming while pushing agriculture forward with fresh ideas.