Shokrina Radpour Beering is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of USAG, responsible for leading legal and compliance operations for the firm. Ms. Beering has spent her career focusing on banking, finance, commercial real estate, and corporate sectors. She has served in executive leadership and legal roles for one of the largest national banks in the country, a regional law firm, and a Big 10 university. Her responsibilities included overseeing a $7.5B real estate portfolio and related legal strategy, as well as managing a $3.2B pension fund with over 22,000 accounts. Ms. Beering holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s in Education from Purdue University, in addition to a J.D. from Indiana University. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana. Ms. Beering actively serves on several nonprofit organization boards and is a founding member of IndyCREW, a chapter of CREW Network.
Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer of US Agriculture, LLC, drives business and operational performance across the company’s assets under management, with a particular focus on expanding farmland investments. He oversees many of the company’s day-to-day operations, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence.
With a passion for developing and executing business strategies in agriculture, Benjamin is dedicated to creating sustainable, long-term economic returns. He has developed a passion for augmenting the human element of production agriculture with automation to preserve and enhance farmland as both natural capital and a real asset. His expertise in data analytics enables and accelerates value creation for growers and their capital partners, bridging innovation with practical outcomes.
Benjamin brings a wealth of experience spanning startups, institutional farmland investors, and Fortune 50 companies. His work has ranged across the globe from collaborating with smallholder farmers in Kenya and launching new agriculture products in India to partnering with some of the largest growers and investors in North America. He has worked and lead with top executive teams representing many of the best-known companies globally.
Before joining US Agriculture, Benjamin served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Advanced Agrilytics, a private equity-backed precision agronomic services company. He has also held roles of increasing responsibility over many years, including managing one of the largest farmland asset portfolios in North America at Farmland Reserves and leading in multiple global roles at Dow AgroSciences (now Corteva).
In addition to his professional achievements, Benjamin is deeply involved in his community. He volunteers and works with Riley Children’s Hospital and the Riley Children’s Foundation, has served as an adjunct instructor at Purdue University, judged at the National FFA level, and is involved in significant service with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Benjamin and his wife are the proud parents of six children and raise cattle on their family farm in Indiana. He earned associate degrees in agriculture business & animal science at BYU-Idaho, a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University-Provo and an MBA from Purdue University.
Pete Drost is an Investment Analyst for US Agriculture, responsible for working with Portfolio Management and Asset Management to evaluate investment opportunities, assess and report portfolio performance, and submit recommendations to the firm’s Investment Committee. In addition to his analyst responsibilities, Pete is responsible for the data management and reporting of the firm’s sustainability commitments. Prior to joining US Agriculture, Pete interned at Farm Credit Canada for two years, where he worked on various research projects for the Ag Economics and Valuations teams. Pete holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics both of which are from Purdue University. Pete is Canadian, but he grew up in Oregon and Texas.
Formerly of Teays River Investments, LLC, Ms. Farr has over 15 years of private equity agricultural investment experience. She is an accomplished Executive Assistant with over 30 years of expertise in corporate communications, human resource management, and high-level administrative projects for leadership teams. She strives to serve as an inventive problem solver and independent worker who continually seeks new ways to streamline and create operational efficiencies. She provides support to all staff members primarily in accounting, farm insurance and property tax management. Outside of the office, Ms. Farr enjoys family, fly fishing, and football.
Zach Geswein is a Senior Accountant for US Agriculture, responsible for financial statement and budget preparation, financial reporting and analysis, accounts payable, and financial audit preparation. Prior to joining US Agriculture, Zach was a Cost Analyst for ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor responsible for departmental month-end close activities, financial reporting, and budgeting. Prior to that Zach served as an Internal Auditor for ArcelorMittal USA conducting financial, operational, and SOX audits. Zach graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. degree in Accounting and Management, with a concentration in Finance. Zach grew up on his family’s grain farm in Central Indiana.
Casey Gunnels is Farm Manager for USAG Farm Management Services covering the Delta and Southeast Region. Mr. Gunnels focuses on farm management, acquisitions, asset management and industry research. Prior to joining USAG, Mr. Gunnels was an agricultural relationship manager with Regions Bank. Mr. Gunnels started his career as an agricultural lender with Farm Credit in Northwest Florida. Mr. Gunnels was born and raised in Monticello, Florida. Mr. Gunnels still lives in North Florida with his wife, daughter and 2 dogs. Mr. Gunnels is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, working toward his accreditation of Accredited Farm Manager.
Matt Harmon is Regional Director for USAG Farm Management Services, focused on farm management, acquisitions, asset management, and industry research. Prior to joining USAG, Mr. Harmon was an agricultural land broker, closing over $350MM in land transactions. Mr. Harmon started his career as an agricultural lender with a regional bank based in Utah, growing a portfolio of credit facilities to over $30MM in outstanding commitments. Mr. Harmon was born and raised in rural Central Utah. Growing up in an agriculturally based community helped him understand and love the culture. Mr. Harmon continues to live in rural Utah with his wife and 2 sons. Mr. Harmon is an accredited member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, holding the designation of Accredited Agricultural Consultant.
Mr. Leman is Director of Portfolio Management, responsible for managing select client portfolios, overseeing investment analysis, and performing all other aspects of portfolio management and is a member of USAG’s Board of Managers. Clint was previously an Investment Analyst, assisting with investment analysis, portfolio management, acquisitions, asset management, and industry research. Prior to joining USAG, Clint was an Equity Analyst and Portfolio Manager at Martin Capital Management, a value-oriented, investment advisor. Clint earned a B.S. in Business and Economics, with a concentration in Finance, from Indiana University South Bend. Clint is a CFA® charterholder, and a member of the CFA Society of Indianapolis. Clint grew up on a pork and grain farm in northwest Indiana. Clint is a member of the Pension Real Estate Association and the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (“NCREIF”).
Kyle Maple is US Agriculture's Director of Asset Management, overseeing client acquisitions, ongoing management of their farmland assets, and the firm's sustainability program. Prior to this role, Mr. Maple was a Regional Director for US Agriculture, sourcing new acquisitions and managing client's farmland in the Midwest. Before joining US Agriculture, Mr. Maple was an Investment Analyst at Halderman Real Asset Management. Mr. Maple holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, as well as an MBA from Indiana University. In addition, he holds the Accredited Farm Manager designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Mr. Maple grew up on his family’s grain farm in Central Indiana.
David Martin is the Managing Director of US Agriculture, LLC, where he oversees all strategic and operational aspects of the firm. He also serves as a member of its Board of Managers and as Chairman of the Investment Committee. In this role, he leads the company’s farmland investments and growth strategy, leveraging his extensive expertise in agricultural management and institutional investing. With over 25 years of experience in production agriculture and agribusinesses, David has executed agriculture transactions collectively valued at more than $2 billion. His broad experience includes farmland acquisitions, operational management, and investment structuring, establishing him as a leader in the agricultural sector. Before joining US Agriculture, David served as Vice President at Halderman Real Asset Management, where he managed the institutional farmland investment program and oversaw select separate accounts, ensuring optimal performance and providing tailored strategies to clients. Prior to that, he was the Special Accounts Manager at Halderman Farm Management Service, where he coordinated the management of multiple farmland funds. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, as well as the Pension Real Estate Association. Raised on a livestock and grain farm in central Indiana, David remains actively involved in family-related agriculture investments, maintaining a strong connection to his farming roots.
Tracy Martin is the Director of Accounting for US Agriculture, responsible for all accounting and finance functions. Tracy has been with US Agriculture for 2 years and prior to her role as Director of Accounting, served as the Controller. Tracy has over 20 years of accounting, finance and systems experience across many types of businesses; sports and concert entertainment, manufacturing, commercial construction, and specialty finance to name a few. Tracy came to US Agriculture from the specialty finance sector which was a start-up company she helped build over 5 years. Her experience includes budgeting, systems implementations, creating efficiencies and maintaining bank relationships. Tracy graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
Mr. Newton is Director of Business Development overseeing all aspects of the firm’s institutional sales and marketing function. Evan was previously Director of Business Development at Frontier Partners and prior to that was responsible for consultant and client relations at Evanston Capital. He started his career in investment management in San Francisco at Hall Capital and Passport Capital. Evan earned a B.S. in Finance from Bradley University. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Chicago. While he currently lives in the Chicago area, Evan is the son of a fourth-generation farmer and grew up on a grain farm in central Illinois
Adam Parkhurst is the Controller for US Agriculture, responsible for managing day to day accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial compliance. Mr. Parkhurst has been with US Agriculture since July 2024. Prior to joining US Agriculture, Mr. Parkhurst worked for companies in the distribution, health care, and public accounting industries. During his time in public accounting Mr. Parkhurst provided audit and assurance services to clients in various industries including manufacturing, construction, distribution, transportation, logistics, and not-for-profit. Mr. Parkhurst graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Accounting, Management, and Finance. Mr. Parkhurst has been a licensed CPA in the state of Indiana since August 2018 and a member of the Indiana CPA Society. Mr. Parkhurst was born and raised in Columbus, IN but currently resides in Pittsboro, IN.
Shane Hageman is a member of USAG’s Board of Managers and serves as President of Hageman Group, LLC. Mr. Hageman has been involved in the agriculture and real estate industry his entire life. He was very active in his family’s farming operation from an early age and purchased his first farm at age fifteen. Prior to attending Purdue, Mr. Hageman was elected President of the Indiana FFA Association and spent one year in that role. As President of Hageman Group, Mr. Hageman leads the agricultural, real estate, and investment divisions of the business. Prior to joining Hageman Group, Mr. Hageman practiced law at Bose McKinney & Evans, LLP in Indianapolis focusing on real estate, estate and wealth transfer planning, and agribusiness. Mr. Hageman is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana. Mr. Hageman’s academic degrees include a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics, a Bachelor of Arts in political science, and a Master of Science in Food and Agribusiness Management from Purdue University, as well as a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration Indiana University. In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Hageman is actively involved in the Young Presidents Organization and is involved with the Hageman Foundation’s philanthropic activities.
Steve Hageman is a founding member of USAG and serves on the USAG Board of Managers. Mr. Hageman is also Chairman of the Board of Hageman Group, LLC, focusing on Agriculture and Commercial Real Estate, and Private Equity Investments. A founding partner in Hageman Farm Inc. and several other successful Ag business companies including Remington Seeds, which became the nation’s largest non-retail corn, and soybean seed production, conditioning and distribution company, producing 20% of the US seed corn and 15% of the US soybean seed. Mr. Hageman currently serves in leadership positions with the Boone and Crockett Club, Conner Prairie, Farm Foundation, and has previously served in a variety of leadership positions for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), US Grains Council, Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, and as Chairman of the Indiana FFA Foundation. Growing up on a grain and livestock farm in Northwest Indiana he has never forgot his roots and believes strongly in giving back through his talents, time and treasure. The Hageman Foundation was founded to support organizations focused on leadership, rural development, promotion of agriculture, and Christian values. Mr. Hageman is a member of the Pension Real Estate Association.
Howard Halderman is a founding member of USAG and is Executive Chair of USAG’s Board of Managers. Mr. Halderman serves as President and CEO of Halderman Farm Management Service and Halderman Real Estate Services, Inc. family businesses that have been in operation since 1930 and 1990 respectively. Mr. Halderman has previously served on the Board of Directors of Teays River Investments, a private equity agriculture investment firm. Mr. Halderman received his B.S, with high distinction, in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in 1988. Mr. Halderman earned the Accredited Farm Manager designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers in 1996. Mr. Halderman holds real estate broker licenses in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia and Kentucky. Mr. Halderman currently serves on the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME), is Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Honeywell Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parkview Wabash Hospital, and serves on the Parkview Health Board, along with many other community organizations in Wabash, Indiana. Mr. Halderman is a member of the Pension Real Estate Association.
Tom Peck is a member of USAG’s Board of Managers and serves as Vice-President of Real Estate and Investments for Hageman Group. Mr. Peck is a senior executive experienced in acquisitions, development, capital raising, accounting, and investor relations for both publicly traded and privately held real estate companies. As Vice President – Investments for Hageman Group, Mr. Peck heads the company’s real estate acquisition and development efforts. He also helps evaluate and pursue select non-real estate investments for Hageman Group. Prior to joining Hageman Group, Mr. Peck held positions as Executive Vice President of Real Estate with Meyer Najem, Chief Financial Officer of Lauth Group, Inc., and Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Capital Markets with Duke Realty Corporation. Mr. Peck holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Mr. Peck is a Certified Public Accountant (license inactive) and an adjunct real estate finance instructor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Bloomington. In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Peck is actively involved with various philanthropic and community organizations including the board of directors for Families First, Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development, and the Indiana University Center for Real Estate Studies.
