Andres Sarmiento

For Andres Sarmiento, working at the Farm Foundation Campus means seeing the results of his work take shape in the land around him. He cares for the Campus grounds and supports crop production, helping create a working agricultural landscape where visitors can see, experience, and learn from agriculture firsthand.

Andres brings an unusually varied set of skills to the role. A former dairy farmer with a degree in Natural Resources from the University of Illinois, he has worked across several fields, most recently in fire safety. His experience operating heavy equipment, practical problem-solving skills, and curiosity make him especially at home with the hands-on, ever-changing work of a farm.

Agriculture appeals to Andres because it combines many of the things he enjoys most: working with his hands, solving problems, building things, and creating something tangible. He is especially fascinated by the process of growing a crop and seeing it become something people can use, whether food, fiber, or another product.

Originally from Panama City, Panama, Andres moved to the United States at age 13 and speaks Spanish fluently. Outside of work, he is a father, boxing coach, handyman, artist, camper, hiker, and enthusiastic collector of more hobbies than he can count.