|
 The
five winners of the 2024 ISA Achievement Awards were honored for
their contributions to the industry on December 3 at the third
annual ISA Impact Awards Banquet held in Bloomington. The
program for the evening featured Lucas Lentsch, CEO of the
United Soybean Board as the keynote speaker and Tyne Morgan,
Host of the U.S. Farm Report as the emcee. Representatives from
numerous allied industry organizations and corporate partners
were also in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the
award winners.
“ISA is proud to honor these hardworking individuals who are
leading our industry into a better future through their
leadership, excellence, commitment and service,” said John Lumpe,
ISA CEO. “We thank them for all of their contributions that
benefit farmers and the Illinois agriculture industry as a
whole.”
The 2024 Achievement Award winners are as follows:
The ISA Chairman’s Award recognizes an individual who has gone
above and beyond to serve the state’s soybean interests. It is
the highest award given by ISA and is presented in appreciation
of one’s dedication, leadership and years of service to the
soybean industry.
The recipient of this year’s Chairman’s Award is Mark Gebhards.
Mark Gebhards serves as Chief Strategy Officer and Adviser to
the Illinois Farm Bureau President, where he helps ensure the
Illinois Farm Bureau meets the needs of its members. From 2003
to 2023, he led the Farm Bureau's Governmental Affairs and
Commodities Division, overseeing lobbying, commodity programs,
and agricultural collaborations. Raised on a grain and livestock
farm near Springfield, Gebhards has held leadership roles with
the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the American Soybean
Association and county Farm Bureaus.
ISA’s Farm Family of the Year Award recognizes an Illinois farm
family who is actively engaged in ISA’s membership program,
shows commitment to ISA programming and has demonstrated impact
in their community and across the industry.
The recipients of the Farm Family of the Year Award are Ron, Deb
and Michael Moore. Ron and Deb Moore, along with their son
Michael, raise corn, soybeans and cattle in Roseville, Illinois.
Ron has held key leadership roles, including President of the
American Soybean Association and Chairman of the Illinois
Soybean Association, and is a strong advocate for sustainable
farming. Deb has served in various leadership roles with the
Warren County Board of Supervisors, Illinois Cattlewomen and
other civic organizations. The Moores also actively connect with
urban and international audiences to promote modern agriculture.
Michael, a graduate of Illinois State University, is a previous
Soy Ambassador and currently a crop insurance agent.
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The Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award
recognizes a friend to the organization in any capacity and is
presented in appreciation of one’s efforts in championing on behalf
of Illinois soybean farmers.
The recipient of the ISA Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award is
Dr. Aaron Hager. Professor of weed science at the University of
Illinois, Hager has over 30 years of experience advancing
sustainable weed management for Illinois corn and soybean producers.
His research integrates applied science with ecological and
molecular biology collaborations, focusing on innovative solutions
for weed control. Hager's groundbreaking work includes identifying
the first cases of multiple herbicide resistance in Illinois
waterhemp and the world's first resistance to HPPD-inhibiting and
Group 15 herbicides in broadleaf species. His expertise is
recognized nationally and internationally.
The ISA Champion of the Year Award honors an individual in Illinois
who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to
advancing the interests of soybean farmers. This award recognizes
efforts in shaping policy, influencing regulations and supporting
initiatives that benefit the soybean industry. The recipient is
celebrated for their proven track record and unwavering commitment
to championing the agricultural community and its crucial issues.
The recipient of the Champion of the Year Award is Jonathan Coppess.
Associate Professor and Director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy
Program at the University of Illinois, Coppess specializes in
agricultural law, risk management, and conservation, blending
historical policy insights with contemporary challenges. His work
includes research, outreach, and education on farm support,
conservation, and renewable energy. Coppess also connects with
producers and agribusinesses through teaching, presentations, and
contributions to platforms such as farmdoc and farmdoc Daily.
The ISA Excellence in Media Award recognizes a member of the media
who promotes Illinois soybeans and Illinois agriculture through
their coverage in print, broadcast, social and beyond.
The recipient of the Excellence in Media Award is Rita Frazer. Audio
News Manager for the Illinois Farm Bureau's Marketing and
Communication Division, Frazer has over 30 years of experience in
agricultural broadcasting. Beginning at WSMI radio in 1990, she
built her reputation as a passionate advocate for Illinois
agriculture. Since 2011, Frazer has led the RFD Radio Network,
earning numerous accolades, including the 2024 National Association
of Farm Broadcasting Farm Broadcaster of the Year Award. A past
president and 34-year member of the NAFB, she is dedicated to
advancing agricultural storytelling.
To learn more about the Illinois Soybean Association, visit
ilsoy.org.
[Michael Whitmer
Illinois Soybean Association] |
