Both IL Corn and the Illinois Soybean Association have recognized leaders in Illinois agriculture over the past two weeks, and IL Corn has elected new farmer leadership.

IL Corn president for 2024-25 is Waterloo farmer Garrett Hawkins, who moved up from serving as vice president. He’s represented District 14 since 2017, which includes Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair and Washington counties.

Maroa farmer Mark Bunselmeyer was elected vice president; Dwight farmer Dan Parker will serve as treasurer; and Mount Carroll farmer Ellen Rahn will be secretary.

IL Corn representation is divided into 15 districts and includes two at-large directors. Four farmers were newly elected to represent Illinois corn farmers:

The organization also handed out several awards during its annual meeting, including:

The World of Corn. George Obernagel, Obernagel Family Farms, Waterloo

Mike Plumer Environmental Award. Kris Reynolds, Midwest director for American Farmland Trust

Ethanol Award. Eric Mosbey, general manager of Lincolnland Agri-Energy

Randy Stauffer Stewardship Award. Cade Bushnell, Walnut Creek Farms, Stillman Valley

Excellence in Media Award. Jim Taylor, RFD Radio Network

ISA Achievement Awards

The Illinois Soybean Association presented several Achievement Awards during its recent annual Impact Awards Banquet. They include:

Chairman’s Award. Mark Gebhards, chief strategy officer at Illinois Farm Bureau

Farm Family of the Year Award. Ron, Deb and Michael Moore, Roseville

Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award. Aaron Hager, weed science professor at the University of Illinois

Champion of the Year Award. Jonathan Coppess, associate professor and director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program at the University of Illinois

Excellence in Media Award. Rita Frazer, audio news manager for Illinois Farm Bureau

Master Adviser Award. Jeremy Wilson, owner of Wilson Seed

Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award. Brandon Hall, location operations manager at West Central FS