ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
1837
Abraham Henry purchased 280 acres directly from the US government, which is still owned and farmed by the Sweeney family today.
1904
John R. Sweeney married Abraham Henry's granddaughter and purchased Abraham’s 280 acres from the Henry family, establishing Sweeney Farms.
TODAY
Sweeney Farms is owned by Jerry, Mike, and Don, the 6th consecutive generation of farmers.
Drake, Kaden, and Kyler have returned to the farm as the 7th generation, ready to continue the legacy.
Original deeds from the US government for land purchased by Abraham Henry in 1837 and 1838. At the time, he purchased 280 acres for approximately $3.00 an acre.
MEET THE SWEENEYS
Our crew at our annual harvest dinner
5th Generation
Jack and Sharon Sweeney
Jack and Sharon were married in 1961. In addition to Jerry, Mike, and Don, they have a daughter, Jacqie. They have 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchilden. Jack graduated from the University of Illinois in 1960 with a degree in Agronomy. He served on the Farm Bureau board for 40 years, was involved with 4-H for 20 years, and was named the Coles County Farmer of the Year in 2012. Jack and Sharon are also active members of Westfield Baptist Church. He technically retired from farming in 2003 when he passed the business on to his sons, but he still is in a tractor every day during planting and harvesting, drives a semi in the summer, and is willing to help with anything else in between. Aside from farming, Jack enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering on Illinois basketball.
6th Generation
Jerry and Jill Sweeney
Jerry and Jill were married in 1982 and have three married children: Christina (John) Henry, Nathan (Leah) Sweeney, and Ashlyn (Jacob) Daugherty. They also have nine grandkids. Jerry graduated from the University of Illinois in 1984 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, and from Freewill Baptist Bible College in 1987 with a degree in Pastoral Administration. He pastored three churches over 25 years while farming, but has since retired from preaching and works full-time on the farm. Jill is an art teacher. Aside from farming, Jerry enjoys playing with his grandkids, hunting, and fishing.
Mike and Shawna Sweeney
Mike and Shawna were married in 1992, and have three kids: Drake, Dakota (Hope), and Delaney. They also have two grandsons. Mike graduated from the University of Illinois in 1991 with a degree in Agricultural Mechanization, and returned home to the farm. Shawna is a housewife and photographer. Their family is active in Charleston First Church of God, where Mike has served on several boards and councils. He is also Chief of the Hutton Volunteer Fire Department. Aside from farming, Mike enjoys volunteer construction projects, hunting, fishing, and Cardinals baseball.
Don and Jana Sweeney
Don and Jana were married in 1994 and have three kids, Kaden (Libby), Kressa, and Kyler. They also have one granddaughter. Don graduated from the University of Illinois in 1994 with a degree in Agricultural Production and has worked on the farm ever since. Jana is a Speech Pathologist in the Charleston school district. Their family is active in Home Church, where Don is an elder. Besides farming, Don enjoys camping and playing with their granddaughter.
7th Generation
Drake Sweeney
Drake graduated from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 2017 with a major in Agricultural Production Management and a minor in Agribusiness Economics. He is currently on the Board of Trustees as Secretary for Charleston First Church of God and is a youth group leader there as well, in addition to being a member of the Hutton Volunteer Fire Department. Drake enjoys hunting, fishing, and operating his side businesses, Longview Stables and DOC Properties, when he’s not on the farm.
Kaden and Libby Sweeney
Kaden and Libby were married in 2021. They have one daughter, Cohen. Kaden graduated from the University of Illinois in 2019 with a major in Technical Systems Management and minors in Food and Agribusiness Management and Crop and Soil Management. He is also a licensed commodity broker with AgMarket.Net. Libby is a stay-at-home mom. They are active members of Home Church, and Kaden serves on the worship team there. He is also a member of the Charleston School Board. Aside from farming, he enjoys playing the guitar and cheering on Illinois basketball.
Kyler Sweeney
Kyler graduated from Lake Land College in 2024 with a major in Ag Production, and returned to the farm full-time. Kyler is active in the Home Church Student Ministry, leading a middle school small group and playing in the worship band. Outside of school and work, Kyler likes to hunt and spend time with his friends.
Seasonal Help
Tom Rennels
Tom has been a family friend for a long time, but began working with us in 2016. In the spring, he operates a tillage outfit, and in the fall, he drives a semi to the bin site or elevator. He and his wife, Sue, were junior high sweethearts and have been married since 1975. They have two adult children and five grandkids. Tom is now retired after a long career as a plumber, and enjoys playing music, riding horses and motorcycles, and working in his shop in his free time.
Scott Sims
Scott has been married to Jack and Sharon’s daughter, Jacqie, since 1985, making him the brother-in-law of Jerry, Mike, and Don. Scott has worked with us since the late-2000s, operating a tillage outfit in the spring and fall, and operating a grain cart in the fall as well. He and Jacqie have four kids and five grandkids. He’s been a full-time pastor since 1992, and enjoys reading and running in his free time.
The Farm Wives
Sharon, Jill, Shawna, Jana, and Libby take care of us each and every day we’re in the field, bringing us meals and drinks, giving us rides to get all the machinery moved, keeping everything in line at home while we are working, and always making sure we are in good hands. We are also very thankful for Sue and Jacqie letting us steal their husbands for a few weeks. We are very spoiled, and our operation wouldn’t run the way it does without all of them.