ISA honors soy industry boosters

NORMAL, Ill. — Individuals and a farm family were honored for their contributions to agriculture during the Illinois Soybean Association’s Impact Awards Banquet Dec. 3.

“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.”

ISA also observed its 60th anniversary during the event.

Achievement Award winners during the program were as follows:

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Mark Gebhards, Illinois Farm Bureau chief strategy officer and adviser to the IFB president, was presented with the Chairman’s Award, the highest award given by ISA in appreciation of his dedication, leadership, and years of service to the soybean industry.

From 2003 to 2023, he led the IFB’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.

“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized for this award. I look back at my career and the interactions I’ve had with the commodity organizations, not only the pork producers and the soybean associations at the national level, and I think what’s truly important is the fact that Illinois agriculture and our country’s agriculture need to work together.

“There is no one organization that can do it all by themselves. There’s no one individual who can do it by themselves. So, we truly do need to come together.”

Gebhards worked at the American Soybean Association in the late 1980s and early 1990s at the start of the national soybean checkoff.

“I was around when the national soybean checkoff began. I was part of that process of getting the checkoff in place. Those were interesting times when the American Soybean Association created the United Soybean Board. I think that was a monumental step as we were able to progress as a soybean industry,” Gebhards added.

FARM FAMILY OF YEAR

The recipients of the Farm Family of the Year Award were Ron, Deb and Michael Moore of Roseville in Warren County.

The award recognizes an Illinois farm family that is actively engaged in ISA’s membership program, shows commitment to ISA programming and has demonstrated impact in their community and across the industry.

Ron has held key leadership roles, including American Soybean Association president and ISA chairman, 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.

“It’s quite an honor and very humbling. A big thank you to the Illinois Soybean Association for the award on behalf of my family, which is kind of an extended family. I worked and farmed with my brother for 25 years. He has since retired,” Ron Moore said.

“My son, Michael, came home after college to farm, and he is an integral part of our farming operation. I’d like to thank my wife, Deborah. Without her support and love back home on the farm we couldn’t have done any of these things that were listed. I have been blessed by having her as part of our farming operation. This award truly means a lot coming from the Illinois Soybean Association.”

FRIEND OF SOYBEAN FARMERS

Aaron Hager, University of Illinois weed science professor, was presented with the ISA Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award.

The 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.

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.

“If someone would have asked me when I was growing up on the farm what I wanted to be when I grew up, being a university professor would not have been my answer. Back then about the only thing I knew about a professor was that he was one of seven people stranded on Gilligan’s Island,” Hager said.

“I guess my hope and vision for myself was that I was going to stay home and take over the family farm operation in Cass County. But somewhere between my junior and senior year, I learned there were two individuals who did not share that vision. One was named mom, the other was named dad. They said, no, you’ll be going off to college.

“So, here I stand before you tonight 38 years later and I’m still in college.

“Recently someone asked what was my most rewarding aspect of what your career’s been at Illinois. It’s not the papers, it’s not the grants, it’s not the discoveries. It’s the people you get work with. I’ve been privileged to work with some of the best weed scientists in the United States that we have at the University of Illinois and we’re proud of that fact, worked probably in the hundreds if not maybe even thousands of people in the agri-chemical industry, and worked with Illinois farmers. You are absolutely incredible with what you do.”

CHAMPION OF YEAR

Jonathan Coppess. University of Illinois associate professor and Gardner Agriculture Policy Program director, received the ISA Champion of the Year Award for demonstrating 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.

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.

“I am extremely honored. I’m also very humbled being in the same category as people like Mark, Aaron and the Moore family,” Coppess said.

“I want to take and add a layer of why this means a lot. My dad spent many, many years at the United Soybean Board and did a lot of work with soybean farmers from Ohio and across the country. So, it’s really special that I can get an award from the Illinois Soybean Association.”

EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA

Rita Frazer, Illinois Farm Bureau’s Marketing and Communication Division audio news manager, was recipient of the Excellence in Media Award.

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.

“Congratulations to the Illinois Soybean Association on 60 years. It is a big honor to get this award and the best people work in agriculture,” Frazer said.