McLean Co. ag awards presented

McLean Co. ag award winners from Thursday night, photo courtesy of McLean County Chamber.

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Agriculture Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Bloomington Country Club, bringing together agricultural leaders, business partners, and community members to celebrate McLean County’s largest and most influential industry.

The event welcomed guests for an evening of recognition, fellowship, and celebration of those who continue to advance the agriculture industry in McLean County. Master of Ceremonies, Carrie Vogel opened the program, followed by welcoming remarks from Meghan O’Neal-Rogozinski, Chair of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Board. O’Neal-Rogozinski emphasized the importance of honoring outstanding contributors across the agricultural sector and expressed gratitude to the Chamber’s Agribusiness Council and event sponsors who helped make this event possible.

Attendees then heard from Cory Winstead, Vice President of Member Resources at GROWMARK, the presenting sponsor. "The reason we are here tonight is to celebrate agriculture in our county and to honor those who further the cause of agriculture," said Winstead. His message emphasized the pride, dedication, and collaboration that continue to move our agricultural community forward.

Guests were then led in an invocation by Agribusiness Council Chair, Kevin Birlingmair. After dinner, the program transitioned into the awards presentation, recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations celebrated this year.

Awards:

Outstanding Conservationist Award

Winner: The Wyant Family

For over 35 years, they’ve acquired and developed 152 acres along the Mackinaw River near Colfax, into a thriving wildlife haven. Their efforts, including prairie restoration, extensive tree plantings, wildlife habitat development, and long-term conservation easements, represent a multi-generational commitment to stewardship and conservation legacy.

Outstanding Service To Agriculture 

Winner: Marie Denzer-Farley

Denzer-Farley was honored for her decades of service to youth, producers, and agricultural organizations. Her leadership with 4-H, the McLean County Fair, the McLean County Pork Producers, the Farm Bureau Board, and multiple community events has created lasting impact and opportunities for generations of young agriculturalists.

McLean County Farmer of The Year

Winner: Friedrich Farms

The 2025 McLean County Farmer of the Year, Bill Friedrich, has built a lifetime of service to agriculture and his community. A lifelong Bloomington resident, he began farming with his family in 1976 and is widely recognized across the Midwest for his family’s award-winning 10,000-pound pro-stock diesel pulling tractor team. Beyond his success in production agriculture, Bill has dedicated decades to public service, including leadership roles with the Bloomington Township Public Water District, Randolph Co-op Grain Company, the University of Illinois Extension Board, and multiple McLean County Board committees. His commitment to representing and advancing the agricultural community makes him not only an exceptional farmer, but an outstanding civic leader.

Legacy of Leadership in Agriculture

Winner: Ryan Whitehouse

The inaugural Legacy of Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented in honor of Ryan, whose career embodied dedication to advocacy, community, and the future of agriculture. As leaders from the Illinois Farm Bureau reflected, Ryan was a gifted strategist, a passionate advocate, and a natural relationship builder whose loyalty—to his work, his colleagues, his community, and his family—defined his leadership. Over more than a decade at the Farm Bureau, he excelled in both local and national government affairs roles, driven by a desire to strengthen agriculture and empower the next generation of leaders. His colleagues recalled his enthusiasm, integrity, and the joy he brought to his work, emphasizing that Ryan’s true legacy is the people he influenced, mentored, and inspired. The award was presented to his family as a tribute to a leader whose impact will continue through those who carry his passion forward.

Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award

Winner: Carly Rickard

Carly Rickard was recognized for her leadership in agricultural education, talent development, and community impact. As the founder of the Illinois State University Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter, she has strengthened student engagement in agriculture and continues to serve the industry as a director on the McLean County Farm Bureau Board. In her professional roles, Rickard has been instrumental in connecting individuals with opportunities that align with their skills, advancing both workforce development and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Outstanding Person in Agribusiness

Winner: John Kahle

With nearly 50 years as a farm manager and lender, John was celebrated for a career defined by service, mentorship, and commitment to local agriculture. A trusted resource, and friend, for operators and landowners across McLean County, his leadership and positive influence have shaped both the industry and the local community.

Outstanding Young Farmer

Winner: Andrew Williams

This award recognizes a farmer age 40 or under who actively contributes to civic leadership and agricultural advancement. Andrew has been involved in agriculture in McLean County for nearly his entire life and his long-standing commitment is reflected in his many leadership activities and service to the community. Beyond his work on the farm, Andrew consistently invests his time and talents in efforts that strengthen local agriculture, support future generations, and advance the civic well-being of McLean County.

The evening wrapped up with a heartfelt celebration of the individuals whose leadership, service, and passion continue to elevate agriculture in McLean County. Their achievements, rooted in hard work, civic engagement, innovation, and deep commitment to others, served as inspiring reminders of the impact one person can make.

"Agriculture is the backbone of our community and it is more important than ever that we support one another, stay engaged, and continue to encourage and mentor the next generation who will carry this industry forward," said Denzer-Farley.



From honoring outstanding young farmers and recognizing this year’s Farmer of the Year, to presenting the inaugural Legacy of Leadership in Agriculture Award, each recipient exemplified the values that sustain and strengthen our agricultural community.

"Being a farmer is truly a humble occupation, we have some of the most advanced technology, yet we are still at the mercy of so many things that are out of our control," said Friedrich, "We are reminded daily that we lean on God and on our neighbors to help get us through every season. I think we can all agree being a farmer in McLean County is particularly special, with rich soil, minimal environment factors working against us, and a great community of farmers around us."

As the evening closed there was a clear sense of gratitude, unity, and passion to progress the future of agriculture in McLean County.