Grigsby Farm employs talented and committed local community residents who work alongside family members to conduct the business of farming and other related business enterprises.

The commitment of these employees has been instrumental in the farm’s success and the family’s fulfilment of their established goals and objectives.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GRIGSBY FARM STAFF

Randy Leka | FARM MANAGER

Randy began his management role with Ag Plus Developments, Inc. and related Grigsby entities in May, 1989 while working as Senior Farm Manager for the First National Bank of Springfield.  

In 1999, he left the bank to form his own management and land broker business now operated under the name of Leka Land Services, LLC.  Prior to this he worked at the Elliott State Bank in Jacksonville.  He received his BS in Agriculture majoring in Agri-Business Economics from Southern Illinois University.  He has actively participated in and been a member of the American Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers for over 25 years and holds the Accredited Farm Manager designation, as well as being a licensed real estate managing broker.  During his career he has been nationally recognized for his accomplishments in soil and water conservation.  He lives in the Buffalo area with his wife, Tonya and son, Dalton where he takes great pride in being a fifth-generation farmer.

Andrew Morehouse  |  ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER

Andy began his Assistant Farm Manager career at Grigsby Farm. in January 2013. 

Prior to accepting this position, he worked for Syngenta as a Research Agronomist at the Wapella, IL Research Facility. He received his BS in Farm Management and his MS in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois. Andy currently lives in rural Petersburg with his wife and daughter. He enjoys spending time with family, watching Fighting Illini sports, grilling, and traveling in his spare time.

Jim Whitehead  |  ACCOUNTANT

Jim Whitehead started with the company in 2012. 

Before joining the team, Jim worked at a small public accounting firm in Springfield which specialized in serving agricultural clients.  Jim has a Master’s Degree in accounting from the University of Illinois—Springfield.  He resides in Springfield with his wife and two sons.

Keira Knous |  OFFICE MANAGER

Keira started at Grigsby Farm in the Fall of 2020.

Before joining our team, Keira worked for CIGNA Healthcare as a Personal Service Advocate, working with high-level clients to assist with insurance needs. Keira received her BA from the University of Illinois in Champaign where she double majored in English and Gender & Women’s Studies. She went on to earn her MA in English Literature from Bradley University. Keira currently lives in Petersburg with her boyfriend and their dog Quinn. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking trails at New Salem and Panther Creek, reading good books, and watching classic movies.

Cole Miesner  |  GRAIN SITE MANAGER

Cole started with Grigsby Farm in the summer of 2023. 

Prior to accepting this position, Cole worked 3 years at Encompass Grain at Allen Station located in San Jose, IL, one of the largest rail terminals for grain in Illinois.  Cole has been in the grain business since graduating high school in 2017.  His excitement for the job began at the age of 5 when his dad would take him to work at the grain elevator he managed. Cole lives in Hartsburg with his son. His favorite hobbies are hunting, fishing, and spending time with his son.