Doug has been the farm manager for the Albert Farm Partnership for 37 years, first working with Harold Albert, and then with his two daughters, Joanne and Marilyn, my wife.

 Joanne lives in Florida, so Marilyn and I were the more active duo in working with Doug. We would meet for lunch once or twice a year, then tour the farmland and have many great conversations. Nearly every time, I would learn something new about farming. Doug is very good at explaining concepts he wants to get across. If he wants to recommend any changes to farm operations, he does just that and lets us make the final decision. 

Doug also served as the selling agent when we sold the farm in 2023. He did all the advertising, was able to find over 25 potential buyers, worked with our attorney on a myriad of issues, and directed the online auction. Things went well, and we were very satisfied with the final results. 

I cannot imagine any farm manager being better than Doug.  

Dave Giffin

Doug Ray managed my 186-acre farm, which I inherited from my grandparents, for about 15 years. I previously dealt with several other farm managers, and in my opinion, Doug tops the list.

He has the expertise, knowledge, and connections to wisely manage farms during changing times. He knows which types of leases and FSA conservation programs will be beneficial to a particular farm. He has good working relationships with area farm operators and service providers. He promptly provides the farm owner with quarterly reports and annual reports for tax purposes.

Doug always included me in big decisions and provided sound recommendations. I found him to be polite, respectful, and professional.

I chose to sell the farm during the COVID-19 pandemic, certainly not a normal situation. In addition, the farm had characteristics that lessened its overall appeal to traditional grain farmers. Doug devised a strategy to split the land into two tracts and successfully found a different buyer for each one.

I am pleased with Doug Ray’s work in managing and then marketing my farm. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a top-notch farm manager.

Jim Dunn

Ohio, Ill.