Rathje was a gentleman farmer who owned several cattle and grain farms in rural Illinois.

The property was an active potato and grain farm until 1985.

In the 16th century the town had fewer than 800 inhabitants, mostly working on the nearby grain farms.

Agriculture comprises the principal industry, with eight commercial dairy, beef, hog, or grain farms operating in the community.

The type of crop also determines size: organic grain farms often involve much larger area.

A family produce and grain farm since 1925, the vineyard was first planted in 2002, and opened to the public in 2010.

As for the Kurths, the father and mother are facing short prison terms while their 4,500-acres grain farm is still facing foreclosure.

These bottoms provide excellent growing opportunities for grain farms, and surrounding pasture for cattle.

The community is surrounded by grain farms and cattle ranches.

The oldest of five children, she grew up on a "sprawling grain farm" and attended local schools.