Homegrown since 1949
Every day our aim is to deliver excellence in beef production, raising our livestock with the highest standards and creating a legacy that we and all our employees are proud to stand behind.
I do not choose to be a common man,
It is my right to be uncommon…if I can,
I seek opportunity…not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen.
Humbled and dulled by having the
State look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk;
To dream and to build.
To fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole;
I prefer the challenges of life
To the guaranteed existence;
The thrill of fulfillment
To the stale calm of Utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence
Nor my dignity for a handout
I will never cower before any master
Nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect.
Proud and unafraid;
To think and act for myself,
To enjoy the benefit of my creations
And to face the world boldly and say:
This, with God’s help, I have done
All this is what it means
To be an American.
It all started with the clothes on his back and $10 in Norbert Jakobs' pocket. The son of a Dutch cattleman, Norbert came to the United States in 1947 in search of a new opportunity. After spending more than two years in hiding during the Holocaust, Norbert spent almost three years working as a farm hand before finally earning enough money to purchase a small 40-acre pasture in Coleta, IL. With a little creek and rolling hills, this pasture became the first homestead of Jakobs Brothers Farms. Jakobs Brothers Farms has transitioned to the third-generation with the fourth generation following right behind.
After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in agriculture in 1977, David followed his father's lead and worked on several farms before returning to Norbert's operation at the age of 27. Once returning to the farm, David helped grow the cattle operation by more than 500%. The growth of JBF has continued with the addition of three members of the third generation.
In 2014, three of David's sons joined the operation: Nik, Alex and Ricky. All three bring different elements of expertise to the farm. A 2007 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Finance, Nik provides a financial background forged by his time as a Principal at The Keystone Group in Chicago. Alex, a 2011 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in agriculture, has spent years working as an animal health specialist at several farms. And with an MBA from Rockford College, Ricky has made a seamless transition from consulting with UTC Aerospace Systems to becoming an integral part of the cattle and crop operations.
Jakobs Brothers' Farms takes pride in producing and delivering high-end quality beef. Of the thousands of cattle JBF raises every year, over 90% are choice or prime Angus beef cattle. A primary reason JBF is able to deliver such quality beef stems from the homegrown crop of corn, wheat, soybeans and rye used to create a very nutritional diet for the animals. JBF's commitment to tradition and sustainable farming has caught the attention of many in the agriculture industry. JBF intends to continue working with industry partners to bring new, practical, and innovative solutions to our industry.
Every day our aim is to deliver the highest quality of product, raising our livestock with the highest standards and creating a legacy that we and all our employees are proud to stand behind.
View our Farmshare store and purchase from a wide selection of premium beef products directly from Jakobs Bros Farms.
COMING SOONWe'd love to connect with you. If you'd like more information about our operation, our products, or opportunities to join us in the work we're doing please fill out the form to the right and we'll be sure to respond. Thank you!
Jakobs Bros Farms
21950 Ridge Road
Sterling, IL 61081
