2025 20 Under 40 Farmer
About
Michael Bernhard of Mazon, Illinois, farms corn, soybeans, and pumpkins alongside his dad and brother while also working as a farm manager with First Mid Ag Services in Kankakee. As a strong advocate for Illinois agriculture, he believes leadership is less about being the loudest voice in the room and more about setting an example and representing others in a conscientious way. Michael values the diversity of farming in Illinois – from corn and soybeans to specialty crops – and IL’s unique infrastructure that connects local products to global markets. Inspired by his father and his professors at Illinois State University, Michael works to educate landowners, support rural communities like his own by making sure everyone has access to the resources they need, and show that anyone with passion and determination has a place in agriculture. Michael believes that everyone should always be willing to learn and try new things.