About Us
Past
In the heart of the rich black soil of McLean County, Robert Runge began farming in the early 1900’s. Like many other farmers of the time, Robert worked the land and laid the ground work with his family never imagining how such a humble beginning could turn into a current 5th generation farming and agriculture business. He established the foundation of traditional values like hard work, respect, honor and integrity. Robert embarked on an adventure not realizing the journey was only the beginning.
Passing on the tradition, in 1942, Elmer (Robert’s son) and Oral Runge continued farming in Randolph Township just like Robert. Working together as a family was a tradition that was ingrained throughout the generation. In 1944, Elmer and Oral expanded the farming enterprise by renting and moving to a farm in McLean. From growing corn and soybeans to raising livestock, the farming culture was ingrained throughout all aspects of the Runge Family. It should not be a surprise to see how it has been passed down from one generation to another.
From Elmer, the farming legacy was imparted to his son Charles. By 1971, Charles and Marsha Runge continued the farming heritage by moving to the Don Funk Farm in rural McLean. From raising cattle to being avid crop producers of corn, soybeans and occasionally wheat, Charles and Marsha raised their family among the beauty of the Funk Farm, which they still reside and farm at today.
Present
Still farming in the Heartland with over 70 years of combined experience and 3 generations as part of the current farm and agriculture operations, Runge Farms has evolved into a diversified grain production farm that springs from the roots of our family's passion of farming. We strive to make the highest yield crops possible while preserving our agricultural heritage and integrity, ethics, morals and values. Passing it on from one generation to the next: Charles to Todd (Charles's Son) to Nic (Todd's son).
Future
Since being a successful, progressive, time-honored agriculture legacy runs in the blood line of the Runge Family, coupled with the desire to continue as a profitable farming business in Central Illinois, teaching the generations to come must be our priority. We are devoted to working together as a family and as business partners to grow a successful and economically viable-business that will stand the test of time and continue successfully through future generations.
Runge Farms - Team Members
Charles Runge
Charles Runge
Charles Runge
If faith, family and farming is what Runge Farms is all about then Charles is the one who brings it all to life through his actions and how he operates the agricultural business. Charles and Marsha have raised their family on the farm instilling in them how character is what truly matters on and off the farm. Charles operates his business
If faith, family and farming is what Runge Farms is all about then Charles is the one who brings it all to life through his actions and how he operates the agricultural business. Charles and Marsha have raised their family on the farm instilling in them how character is what truly matters on and off the farm. Charles operates his business the same way he does his life. You can find him operating machinery, delivering seed, calling on customers, strengthening business relationships and whatever else is required in the day to day operations. Although he loves farming, Charles passion is his family! From the tractor to the gator rides, Charles and Marsha always find time to be with their family passing on the farming legacy.
Todd Runge
Charles Runge
Charles Runge
From farming the carpet as a child, Todd’s passion has always been about farming and forty years later it shows! Todd has followed in his father’s footsteps to join the Runge Farms’ tradition and continues to provide leadership for the future of the business. Todd is continuously looking for new opportunities to better the family business
From farming the carpet as a child, Todd’s passion has always been about farming and forty years later it shows! Todd has followed in his father’s footsteps to join the Runge Farms’ tradition and continues to provide leadership for the future of the business. Todd is continuously looking for new opportunities to better the family business. He commits his time and devotes his life to agriculture. However, when he isn’t on one of the farms, working in the shop, meeting with customers, giving back to the community, or serving at the church, you can find Todd doing what he does best: being a dad! He lives out daily what Runge Farms believes!
Nic Runge
Charles Runge
Nic Runge
Nic completes the 3rd generation for members to be actively working to continue the legacy of Runge Farms. Nic seeks to implement his degree in Agricultural Business and Precision Technology in proactive ways to enhance the service of Runge Farms. With a balance of technology and tradition, Nic assists in navigating the ever-changing a
Nic completes the 3rd generation for members to be actively working to continue the legacy of Runge Farms. Nic seeks to implement his degree in Agricultural Business and Precision Technology in proactive ways to enhance the service of Runge Farms. With a balance of technology and tradition, Nic assists in navigating the ever-changing agricultural landscape. Beyond the field, you can find Nic busy with his other passion outside the farm - anything to do with trucks!
Roger Shifflet
Reggie Spaulding
Reggie Spaulding
Every organization needs a person like Roger Shifflet! He is a man who does not lack talent, wisdom, experience and devotion. Roger is always on the move working on something no matter if it is operating equipment, doing construction, bailing hay, mowing the road sides, feeding cattle to manufacturing a solution no matter what the problem
Every organization needs a person like Roger Shifflet! He is a man who does not lack talent, wisdom, experience and devotion. Roger is always on the move working on something no matter if it is operating equipment, doing construction, bailing hay, mowing the road sides, feeding cattle to manufacturing a solution no matter what the problem might be. Roger is committed to working until the job is done and done right. He is a man of his word and resembles values of days gone by.
Reggie Spaulding
Reggie Spaulding
Reggie Spaulding
If you are looking for a friendly face, Reggie is the one to find. You will find him smiling every time he is driving a truck, working in the fields, delivering seed to customers or wrestling with his cattle. With years of experience working at Caterpillar, Reggie brings his manufacturing skills to the farm. When he is not working, you ca
If you are looking for a friendly face, Reggie is the one to find. You will find him smiling every time he is driving a truck, working in the fields, delivering seed to customers or wrestling with his cattle. With years of experience working at Caterpillar, Reggie brings his manufacturing skills to the farm. When he is not working, you can find Reggie with his cattle, going to his grand-daughter’s dance recitals or building something in his wood shop. No matter what, Reggie enjoys whatever he is doing and it shows.