Iowa-based Peoples Company – an integrated land management, brokerage, appraisal, and energy solutions business -- announced an expansion into Illinois. The expansion not only extends the company’s reach but also allows it to take advantage of agricultural talent in the region.
The company has acquired The Atkins Group’s farmland management portfolio. The purchase brings holdings of 14,000 acres.
Peoples Company plans to open an office in Urbana. “Opening an office in the Champaign-Urbana area makes perfect sense as the University of Illinois offers an excellent research and talent pipeline,” said Peoples Company President Steve Bruere.
“The Champaign-Urbana area has some of the richest farmland in the country, and anyone in agriculture in Illinois knows the Atkins family and has deep respect for The Atkins Group. We’re thrilled to have the privilege to begin managing their expansive farmland portfolio and continue our growth in Illinois,” Bruere added.
Jim Goss and Sophia Hortin will transition from The Atkins Group to Peoples Company and lead the Urbana office. Goss has background in beef and swine production.
He brings expertise in farm leasing, rental analysis, annual farm financial management/execution, farm plan creation/execution, USDA farm programs, farm loan analysis, and landowner reports.
Hortin brings marketing experience. She also managed specialty crops, corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Peoples Company is licensed in more than half of the states in the country.
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