By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recently celebrated the outstanding contributions of key individuals in the agriculture sector at its annual Achievement Awards. Held recently in Bloomington, the event was graced by Jackie Applegate from Bayer Crop Sciences as the keynote speaker and hosted by Kristi Jones, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
This year's prestigious ISA Chairman’s Award was presented to Bob Easter, known for his impactful leadership roles at the University of Illinois and his significant contributions to the soybean industry. Easter's efforts in soybean research and market development have been pivotal for Illinois farmers.
The Farm Family of the Year Award recognized Leanne Casner and Matthew Clavin, who have shown remarkable commitment to educating the community about dairy farming. Their initiatives like farm tours and the "Daily Dose of Dairy" Facebook page have been instrumental in bridging the gap between consumers and agricultural practices.
Dr. Gary Schnitkey received the ISA Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award for his valuable research in agricultural strategy, particularly in soybean profitability and management practices. His work has been a guiding force for soybean farmers across Illinois.
Representative Mike Bost was honored with the Legislator of the Year Award for his dedicated advocacy on behalf of soybean farmers. His efforts in addressing crucial policy and regulatory issues have been pivotal for the industry.
The Excellence in Media Award was bestowed upon Holly Spangler for her influential coverage of Illinois agriculture in Prairie Farmer magazine and Farm Progress. Her role in promoting the soybean industry through media has been exceptional.
These awards underscore the ISA's commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of those who drive the Illinois agriculture industry forward.
Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association-logo
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Soybeans