2025 20 Under 40 Farmer
About
Sydnee Shafer of Arcola, Illinois is a standout young leader in agriculture, balancing her work on
her family’s farm, and her role as the manager of the Piatt County Farm Bureau. Rooted in
Illinois agriculture, Sydnee is especially passionate about making the industry more inclusive
and accessible – specifically for the next generation. Whether it’s advocating for women in
agriculture or celebrating the diversity of farms across the state of Illinois, Sydnee leads by
keeping the door open for others. She gives credit to her father and brother for encouraging her
to find her place in agriculture, even when she wasn’t sure if it was for her. Now she’s paying
that forward by reminding others that there’s a seat at the table for everyone – whether you’re
on the tech side of things, political, or fully on the farm. Sydnee believes that being both a
learner and a teacher every day is not only possible – but it is essential to the future of
agriculture