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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