LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Many years ago, Hard Times Farm was created south of Paris, near Hill Road. The land has continuously been nurtured by the Becker family. On Oct. 22, a plethora of farmers, neighbors and kids came together to also nurture the farm, extending a helping hand during a difficult time.
In August of 2024, Brent Becker was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His health quickly declined and in October he went back home to the farm for hospice care, per his request.
Until two months ago, you could catch a glimpse of Brent walking through his fields and tending to the weeds. His farm was his safe haven. At the beginning of the planting season, Brent spent his days on the farm working like any other, but in the fall, due to his deteriorating health, he was unable to get in a tractor and harvest his crops.
When news of his ill-health spread, several of Becker’s neighbors, friends and plenty of others gathered together on the farm to help out a family that always left a positive impact on them.
“Over the years, I've heard various stories about the people in this industry. Some say they can be ruthless, yet my experiences, especially since Brent fell ill, have shown me quite the opposite,” Zack Janis, Brent’s son-in-law, said. “Brent Becker clearly held a special place in the farming community. He was far from selfish, always lending a hand when needed, and one of the most generous individuals I've ever known.”
“I’d move a mountain for Becker if I could,” one helper said.
Brent’s wife, Lanell Becker, was present as the group of volunteers harvested the 160-acre field at Hard Times Farm.
“I just know he’s holding on until we get the last field harvested,” Lanell said. “It’s amazing to see how many people have come together for us.”
As a family that does so much for others, admitting the need for help was not a small task for the Beckers and they often refer to bible verse, Luke 6:31. “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”
“I think so many people gathered or offered help because that’s who my dad was. He would have offered help in a time of need to others,” Brent’s daughter Vanessa Janis said.
“I may not know exactly how many people could have helped or were needed, but I appreciate every person who reached out. It's not that I didn’t want your help; I just wasn’t sure what was required,” Zack Janis said. “Having been married to his daughter for 10 years, I've learned a lot, both things I wanted to hear and many lessons I didn’t. But since he got sick, I've lost count of the number of farmers who reached out, genuinely offering their help without hesitation. I am incredibly thankful for this wonderful community, though I feel unable to fully utilize everyone's generous offers.”
Six semi-drivers, four cart drivers, two combines, volunteers at the grain bins and several others donated their time to assist the Becker family on Tuesday. They did so with no hesitation.
“As I witness the difficult journey unfurl before us, I see both sorrow and pain, but I also see joy and an incredible sense of community. I've lived here for 20 years, and regardless of what others might say, I’ve witnessed how profoundly this community rallies together in times of need. We can't thank you all enough,” Zack Janis said.
As volunteers worked at Hard Times, two businesses close to Brent and his family, Farm Credit Services and Illinois FBFM, opted to provide lunch.
All of the volunteers completed the last field on Tuesday evening, officially ending harvest season at the farm. Lanell and the rest of the Becker family went home to let Brent know that the hard work was done and he didn’t have to worry about the harvest anymore.
Knowing the work was done brought peace to Brent and a few hours after receiving the news he took his final breath surrounded by his family in their farm home.
“The messages, calls, cards and meals provided have been amazing love. I pray that God will use me as his hands and feet in each of your times of need in the future. I promise I will personally thank each and every one of you with some grace for time. Until then, I want you to know how loved I and my family feel by you,” Vanessa Janis wrote on Facebook.
Not only does Brent leave a legacy behind on his farm, but his memory and the actions he took over his 69 years of life live on in the lives of others. Together, Brent and Lanell had two daughters and knew the joy of three grandchildren.
Others affected by the farmer’s spirit have shared their memories and sentiments in an outpouring of love since Brent’s passing on Facebook, in person and on a Tribute Wall attached to his obituary. Remembrances and mementos include stories from his time as FFA President, days in Danville Jr. College, years with the ACS office or time with Farm Credit Services.
He passes on a love of WWII history, frugal living, ice skating, mushroom hunting, motorcycle rides and a focus of the importance of faith, family and friendships.
Today, Brent will be laid to rest in a country cemetery, reunited with his forefathers who traveled from Germany to provide the life he cherished so much.
“Even being present when Dad left us, it doesn’t make this all seem real. But this is our reality now. A life, a farm, raising children without my dad. On behalf of our family, I will continue to thank each and every one of you who have reached out and shared kind words with us.,” Vanessa Janis said. “I’ve had 36 years to be thankful God chose me to be his daughter. For those that had longer with him, consider yourself blessed for that time.”