McLean County holds Ag Awareness Breakfast

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Agribusiness Council and sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc., proudly hosted its annual Agriculture Awareness Breakfast on Wednesday, March 18th. This event brought together local leaders, educators, farmers, and students to celebrate the vital role agriculture plays in McLean County.

Attendees heard a keynote address delivered by Brad Drake, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of GROWMARK, Inc., titled “Lessons from a Still Learning Leader.” His address shared insights from his personal leadership journey including an emphasis on staying humble, building strong relationships, and finding a mentor.

“Your brand is built by two things, hard work and being good to the people around you,” said Drake.

The event also recognized the impact of two major agriculture education funds that continue to shape local learning opportunities:

John Maitland Agriculture Awareness Fund

Established in 2002 in honor of former Illinois State Senator John Maitland, this fund was created through a partnership between the McLean County Extension Service Foundation, the Chamber Ag Council, and the Maitland family. Managed through the McLean County Extension Service Foundation and invested with the University of Illinois Foundation, the fund is professionally managed with a focus on maximizing returns. Since the beginning, local supporters have donated generously to the fund, and the interest earned on that investment is reinvested into McLean County’s agricultural education efforts.

Each year, teachers submit proposals for projects that will enhance students’ understanding of agriculture, and these projects are funded by the interest from the Maitland Fund.

These initiatives are critical as fewer students have direct connections to farming and may lack awareness of agriculture’s role in the economy and food systems.

This year, Kristen Myers of Tri-Valley High School was recognized as a recipient of the John Maitland Agriculture Awareness Grant. Her project expands hands-on learning through the school’s greenhouse, providing K–12 students with opportunities to explore plant science, greenhouse management, and horticulture. High school students will also mentor younger students and prepare for the annual plant sale, building leadership and real-world skills.

George E. Holder Agriculture Awareness Grant

The Chamber also recognized recipients of the George E. Holder Agriculture Awareness Grant, which honors the legacy of George E. Holder, a lifelong McLean County farmer known for his passion for innovation in agriculture. Established by the Holder family, the fund supports projects that promote agricultural awareness and hands-on learning experiences for students.

This year’s recipients include:

·    Jayme Corcoran, Washington Elementary — Supporting a hydroponics project that introduces students to indoor gardening, sustainability, nutrition, and entrepreneurship through growing and selling produce and seedlings.

·    Andy Sohn, Hudson Elementary School — Leading the development of a pollinator garden that teaches students about environmental stewardship, food systems, and the critical role of pollinators in agriculture.

·    Meg Baer, Olympia Middle School — Engaging students in creating container-based pollinator gardens and peer-led education stations that promote awareness, leadership, and community involvement across multiple grade levels.

These projects combine agriculture, science, and real-world application to help students build lifelong skills while strengthening their connection to the local agricultural community.

The breakfast also showcased the creativity of local students through this year’s placemat design contest, themed “Together We Grow.” Students from Corpus Christi Catholic School, Hudson Elementary, and LeRoy Schools created original artwork featuring agriculture-inspired designs, from farm landscapes to plants and animals. The placemats served as a visual reminder of the importance of agricultural education and the creativity of the next generation.

In addition, the Chamber recognized outstanding FFA Service Award Winners including:

· Jaidyn Ormsbee — Normal FFA · Maddie Larimer — LeRoy FFA

· Leah McKee — Normal West FFA · Tyler Holtz — Blue Ridge FFA

·    Max Mason — Ridgeview FFA

· Grace Kaisner — El Paso Gridley FFA · Maeli Benjamin — Tri-Valley FFA

·    Micah Wiltz — Lexington FFA

· Cashten Morger — Heyworth FFA · Kamryn Rader — Olympia FFA

The Agriculture Awareness Breakfast continues to bring education, business, and agriculture partners together to strengthen community knowledge and prepare future generations for success.

Building on this commitment, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce encourages community members to celebrate agricultural excellence by submitting nominations for the 2026 Agriculture Awards. Nominations are now open and will be accepted through September 28, 2026, providing an opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations driving innovation and success in our region’s largest industry.

For more information about the Ag Breakfast, award nominations, or how to support agricultural initiatives, please contact the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.