ISA recognizes Schnitkey
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is pleased to recognize Gary Schnitkey, Ph.D., as the new University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics Soybean Industry Chair in Agricultural Strategy.
Schnitkey, a professor of ag and consumer economics who specializes in crop insurance, farm and risk management and farm finance issues, was honored during an investiture ceremony held April 24. “Illinois soybean producers are fortunate that for the last several years, Gary Schnitkey has provided timely and critical information and advice to enhance our production business skills,” says Lynn Rohrscheib, ISA chairwoman and producer from Fairmount, Illinois. “We are pleased to fund this endowed chair position through the ISA checkoff program and look forward to continuing to rely on Schnitkey’s recommendations and analysis in new ways as Illinois soybean producers work to remain profitable and relevant in the global marketplace.” The Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics Soybean Industry Endowed Chair in Agricultural Strategy was first funded by the ISA checkoff program in 1996. The holder provides intellectual leadership, conducts research, educates students and performs public service and outreach in the discipline of ag strategy, particularly as it relates to the soybean industry. “Schnitkey has a distinguished career of important contributions to teaching, research and Extension related to farm economics and farm management,” says Sean Fox, head of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. “His research is carried out in synergy with an award-winning Extension program. He is also an accomplished teacher and mentor for undergraduate and graduate students. We’re fortunate to have him as a faculty colleague.” Schnitkey conducts research and publishes on finance and risk management topics, including book chapters, scholarly articles, farmdocDaily articles and numerous blog posts. His work also directly impacts farmers and agribusinesses through innovative outreach programs, as he hosts some 50 meetings annually with farmers and agribusinesses. He also teaches undergraduate courses in financial management and international agribusiness. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in ag economics from the University of Illinois and spent 10 years at Ohio State University before returning to U of I as an associate professor in 1998. He was promoted to full professor in 2005. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.
