BLOOMINGTON, ILL – February 16, 2022 – Illinois is known for two things: the high-quality products we feed to the world, and the high-quality growers who make it happen.
The Illinois Soybean Association, in partnership with Illinois Pork Producers, 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 create a new 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.
“Young farmers are our future, and no state’s future in agriculture is brighter than that of Illinois,” says ISA Chairman, Steve Pitstick. “Leading the nation as #1 in soybean production, #2 in corn 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.”
Sponsored by John Deere and Busey Bank, 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 someone whose achievements in agriculture stand out from those of their peers; someone who goes beyond the work of their own operation and demonstrates leadership and dedication to their farming community.
To nominate someone, or to apply yourself, visit IL20UNDER40.com by March 31, 2022.
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.
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