Earlier today, was talking with a friend who told me about a farm in central illinois that ran 40-50 thousand acres of continuous corn. Told me they were called dowson farms. This was pretty impressive in my eyes. He also made it sound like they were good guys who did a good job on the production side of things. Just curious if this had any truth to this and if they really were this big? All conventional tillage? Wouldnt mind meeting the guy myself honestly and picking his brain a little. Really austounding to me that theres guys that can manage all that and do a good job. Not trying to start a BTO thread or gossip, just wanting to know a little more about these guys.
Posted 2/26/2017 16:57 (#5864893 - in reply to #5864718) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
EC IL
Don't know them but they've been a very large operation ever since the early 90's maybe longer, but that's the first time I had heard of them. Must be doing something right.
Posted 2/26/2017 17:34 (#5864962 - in reply to #5864718) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
South Western, IL
Yes there is truth to it.
I'm good friends with a family that is very close with John. I have always heard very good people and yes the scale they work on is very large. I have heard up to 80k acres.
Posted 2/26/2017 19:08 (#5865209 - in reply to #5865192) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
west central illinois
They are the last of the big operators here. They aren't continuous corn anymore have been planting some beans the last few years. They do a good job and I can't say anything bad. John has grown that operation since the 70's.
I till these pics last summer when we were milling I -72 on the night shift and we were hauling shoulder to his bin site.
Posted 3/2/2017 00:04 (#5872509 - in reply to #5865239) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
Cen IL
I counted 14 4710 JD sprayers backed up to the fence at their bin site one time. I farm next to them in 2 places and don't mind them a bit. They grow beans near me.
Posted 2/27/2017 08:05 (#5866078 - in reply to #5865865) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
Tip of the Thumb of Michigan
That is interesting, but ironically the biggest guy in my area is one of the nicest easiest going guys around. It doesn't mean he isn't REAL competition though.
Posted 2/26/2017 21:49 (#5865673 - in reply to #5864718) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
Central IL
Years ago they had big dairy operation. 15 to 20 Harvestore silos. Rebuilt some unloaders for them. Seemed like good folks. Looked like some oil wells on their farms also.
Posted 2/27/2017 06:28 (#5865903 - in reply to #5865673) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
USA
Hanktbd - 2/26/2017 20:49
Years ago they had big dairy operation. 15 to 20 Harvestore silos. Rebuilt some unloaders for them. Seemed like good folks. Looked like some oil wells on their farms also.
Posted 2/27/2017 15:24 (#5866802 - in reply to #5866700) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
Baskin, Louisiana
Right or wrong, many people adopt the mindset, if you aren't growing, you're failing. I personally don't adhere to that philosophy, but I see it a lot.
Posted 2/28/2017 04:37 (#5867852 - in reply to #5864718) Subject: RE: illinois guys, Dowson farms?
Illinois
I know them well. I see them as good people, helpful neighbors, good employers and very strong business minds. I have picked their brains on many occasions and would recommend it to anyone wanting to better understand scalability and growth. Plus they are enjoyable to be around. As people bash them, I find there is little fact and a lot emotions in the stories about them.
illinois guys, Dowson farms?
