EFFINGHAM, Ill. — After officially transitioning in January 2026, AGRI-SEARCH is continuing its long-standing mission of serving the agriculture industry under the ownership and leadership of Chelbi Alt and Brad Jansen. The transition represents a continuation of the relationship-driven approach that has defined the company for more than 30 years.

Today, AGRI-SEARCH remains focused on serving the evolving needs of agricultural businesses and professionals, with a heightened emphasis on executive recruitment and grain and agronomy-focused placements across the industry.

Raised in central Illinois and surrounded by agriculture from an early age, Alt says she understands the importance of trust and long-term relationships within the industry.

“Our focus is continuing to serve the people who have trusted AGRI-SEARCH for years while continuing to growing alongside the industry,” she says. “Executive recruitment and a focus on grain and agronomy are major strengths for AGRI-SEARCH, and we’re committed to maintaining that level of service and industry understanding moving forward.”

Raised on a grain farm near Effingham, Jansen spent more than a decade in the grain industry, working in operations, management and merchandising roles. Agriculture, Jansen says, has always been central to both his personal and professional life.

“Agriculture has given so much to both Chelbi and me personally and professionally,” he says. “Stepping into this role is about continuing to serve an industry we truly care about. We want our clients to know they’re getting a true partner who understands agriculture, understands people and takes that responsibility seriously.”

Jansen says AGRI-SEARCH will continue prioritizing strong relationships and intentional hiring strategies for both clients and candidates.

“The agriculture industry is built on people, and that’s never going to change,” he says. “Companies need leaders who fit their culture and their long-term vision, and candidates want opportunities where they can truly grow and make an impact. That’s where we’ve always focused our efforts.”

Former owner Dave Allen says finding the right people to carry AGRI-SEARCH forward was one of the most important decisions he and his wife, Cathy, have made.

“The saddest thing in my earthly life would have been if at a given day I would have to say, AGRI-SEARCH is closing the doors,” Allen says. “You invest your life in people. And to see that collapse, would have been tragic to me.”

Watching Alt and Jansen grow into leadership roles gave Allen confidence the company’s culture and values would continue long after his transition from ownership.

“I couldn’t have dreamed this up in my lifetime,” Allen says. “Brad and Chelbi weren’t hires. They were provided from God.”

Today, Allen remains actively involved with AGRI-SEARCH, continuing to support the business through succession planning, leadership development and client relationships.

 

About AGRI-SEARCH

Founded in 1995, AGRI-SEARCH has spent more than three decades serving the agriculture industry through executive recruitment, succession planning and talent development. As the company moves forward under new ownership, the AGRI-SEARCH mission remains unchanged: serving agriculture by helping companies and people grow together.