BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (December 4, 2024) — Illinois agriculture thrives thanks to passionate leaders. To honor their contributions, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) established the annual Achievement Awards, recognizing those who strengthen the industry.
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.
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.
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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
Media Contact
Michael Whitmer
Illinois Soybean Association
(309) 391-2091
Michael.whitmer@ilsoy.org
