Bloomington, Ill – February 6, 2023 – Young farmers are our future and no state’s future in agriculture is brighter than that of Illinois. Leading the nation as #1 in soybean production and Top 10 in agriculture as a whole, Illinois is brimming with farmers of all specialties who truly operate in a league all their own.
After a successful first year, the Illinois Soybean Association, along with partners at the Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Beef Association, Midwest Dairy, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Grain & Feed Association of Illinois, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, and Illinois Farm Bureau, are working together to continue the recognition program that celebrates Illinois “20 Under 40,” recognizing 20 young farmers, under the age of 40, for the work they do in the agricultural community and beyond.
“We are looking for young farmers in Illinois whose achievements in agriculture of the community stand out from their peers,” says ISA Chairman, Steve Pitstick. “Someone going beyond jobs on the farm and excelling in the industry in the early years of their career.”
Sponsored by John Deere, Illinois ‘20 Under 40’ program is open to farmers of all commodities and farm sizes, as long as they actively farm and live in the state of Illinois. The ideal candidate is an agricultural leader, an exceptional community citizen and role model for their generation and the next.
To nominate someone, or to apply yourself, visit IL20UNDER40.com by March 31, 2023.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
