In 1905, at only fourteen years old, John C. Hustedt came to the United States from Germany to escape World War I. He made his way to central Illinois, where he worked various jobs and eventually was given the opportunity to purchase a farm of 40 acres southeast of Crescent City. After 70 years, the Hustedt family still farms the rich Illinois soil.

In 1948, John and his sons opened Hustedt Farm Equipment in Crescent City, selling the Minneapolis Moline brand. They also did custom hay baling and corn shelling. After John’s death in 1958, his sons Paul, Harry, and Edgar became full time farmers. Eventually, Edgar became the only one to continue in the farming business purchasing land in Watseka where he and his wife Elaine raised their children, Larry (Connie), Susan (Kevin Garner), Bob, and Mark (Robin). In 1970, Edgar was able to lease a sizable farm from the Sterrenberg Grain Company, giving his sons the opportunity to join him in the enterprise. This is the same land that the Hustedt Family still farms today.

Larry joined the operation in 1972 and Bob joined in 1979, continuing the Hustedt farming legacy. Today they farm over 2500 acres, stretching from Crescent City to Donovan. They use variable rate technology, while remaining grounded by the Hustedt family values of hard work and integrity.