Rooted Since the 1850s: Evan Leeper

Meet Evan Leeper, a sixth-generation farmer in western Macon County that his family has farmed since the 1850s. Get to know the man behind the operation, from his go-to cab to the advice he’d give to his younger self.

Q: Tell me a little about your farm

A: My name is Evan Leeper and I am a 5th generation farmer from western Macon County. Our farm was founded, where it stands today, in the 1850s. We grow corn, soybeans, wheat, bale hay, and raise angus background beef cattle for freezer beef. The farm consists of myself, my father Tom Leeper, and my brother-in-law Nate Doty.

Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?

A: Something most people do not know about me is that I love training and shooting. As a former infantryman, I believe you should always be as prepared for any situation as you can be. I enjoy shooting rifles and pistols in my spare time, training, and staying sharp. 

Q: What’s your favorite machinery or piece of equipment on the farm and why?

A: My favorite pieces of machinery are the John Deere 8R 340 and the Case IH 8250 Combine. I spend most of my cab time in these two pieces of equipment. I plant and sidedress corn in the 8R 340 and do the majority of our harvesting in the Case IH 8250. 

Q: Do you prefer podcasts, music or silence when planting / harvesting?

A: When I am working I prefer listening to podcasts. These consist of primarily comedy and political podcasts. I also listen to an Audible book every now and then. 

Q: What’s one thing you would tell your younger self?

A: One thing I would tell my younger self is that times will get tough, but to persevere. Things will not always be perfect. You need to lean on God, your wife, and your family to make it through. Farming is a profession where the producer has very little to no say in input costs nor the grain market. Farm diversification and constant adaptation is one of the only ways to run a successful farm in 2026. 

Q: What’s one takeaway you had from the GROW program?

A: I really enjoyed going to DC with the GROW program. I loved meeting the IL Corn staff, as well as other farmers from the Midwest. I had a lot of good conversations and made some new friends.

Whether he’s putting in corn, harvesting, or having conversations with farmers from across the Midwest, Evan brings the same mindset to it all: stay sharp, lean on faith and family, and persevere when the seasons get tough. He is a part of what keeps Illinois agriculture strong.