When Law Meets Agriculture: Jason Proehl Bridges Two Worlds

Jason W. Proehl wears two hats—one as a respected attorney in Pekin, Illinois, and the other as a fifth-generation farmer in Tazewell and Mason counties. As an attorney, he’s been recognized as a Rising Star for his work in estate planning, real estate, and tax law. In the fields, he and his family raise irrigated seed corn, field corn, and soybeans, carrying on a tradition that began with his grandfather in 1891.

That unique combination of farming and law gives Jason an uncommon perspective when working with farm families. He understands that every farm family is different, with its own mix of personalities, land, and history. Estate planning, he explains, is not one-size-fits-all. “Find a professional who really understands farming,” Jason says. “You need someone who knows the dynamics of multigenerational families because no two farms look the same.”

He encourages families to start with the basics (wills, powers of attorney for property and health care), especially once children are in the picture. For larger farm operations, trusts, LLCs, and gifting strategies become essential tools. In Illinois, where the estate tax exemption is $4 million, many farm families find themselves vulnerable. Rising land values, expensive equipment, and the lack of liquidity can force difficult decisions when dividing assets among farming and non-farming heirs.

Jason has seen the struggle firsthand: keeping a farm intact while still treating all children fairly. “When a combine costs over $1 million and land is $15,000 to $20,000 an acre, the math doesn’t leave much room for error,” he notes. Without proper planning, heirs may face insurmountable debt or even the end of a multigenerational farm.

For Jason, the balance between law and farming isn’t just professional, it’s personal. Every day he works the same sandy soils his grandfather irrigated decades ago, while also helping farm families secure their legacy for the next generation. His dual expertise makes him a trusted advocate for those who want both their land and their family ties to endure.

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From the Archives to the Field: A Student's Take on Illinois Corn History

By Tara Desmond • June 11, 2026

How much do you know about the farmers who came before you and the decisions that still shape Illinois agriculture today? That's what University of Illinois student Lyndon Shi set out to explore during his internship with IL Corn . What began as an archival research project became a deeper look at the history of farmer leadership, innovation and advocacy in Illinois. While digging through university archives, Lyndon uncovered an undigitized manuscript from agricultural economist Harold Guither explaining the case for checkoffs. When he mentioned the discovery to IL Corn Director Rod Weinzierl, he got an unexpected response: "Oh yeah, I know him. We worked with him." It was a reminder that agricultural history isn't as distant as it may seem. Lyndon's research connected two eras of the IL Corn Growers Association: the original organization founded in the 1890s and the modern ICGA established in the 1970s. He learned how University of Illinois agriculture dean Eugene Davenport helped organize corn growers and sent professors across the state on "Corn Gospel Trains" to share the latest farming research. One story stood out in particular: the adoption of hybrid corn. Farmers who once judged corn by the appearance of the ear had to shift their focus to yield. Lyndon sees a similar transition today, as farmers increasingly balance yield with profitability amid rising input costs. "Illinois corn farmers are very good at organizing, and they are genuinely very grassroots," Lyndon said. "They've had a much more active role in shaping policy rather than just being on the receiving end." This Summer and Fall, Lyndon will travel to Taiwan on a federal scholarship to study food security. He'll do so with a new appreciation for Illinois agriculture's global connections, including Taiwan's longstanding role as an important trading partner. Watch the full conversation on IL Corn TV to hear Lyndon's research firsthand and discover how Illinois corn's history continues to influence the future.