Nominations accepted for 2026 ag awards
Agriculture is one of McLean County’s most important industries, and the people who contribute to its success extend far beyond the farm.
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to nominate individuals who are making a difference in agriculture for the 2026 Agriculture Awards.
Nominations will be accepted through September 28, 2026, giving community members an opportunity to recognize the farmers, agricultural professionals, business leaders and emerging leaders whose work strengthens agriculture throughout McLean County.
The 2026 Agriculture Awards include:
Outstanding Conservationist Award – Recognizes an individual who has advanced the knowledge and practice of soil and water conservation.
Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award – Recognizes a young professional, high school or college student involved in non-production agriculture who has contributed to agriculture through civic and community activities.
Outstanding Person in Agribusiness Award – Recognizes a business professional who has worked to improve agriculture through civic and community involvement.
Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award – Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the agricultural community.
Outstanding Young Farmer Award – Recognizes a farmer age 40 or younger who has been actively involved in civic and community efforts to promote and improve agriculture.
McLean County Farmer of the Year Award – Recognizes a farmer who has demonstrated leadership through civic and community involvement and efforts to promote and improve agriculture.
The Agriculture Awards are part of the Chamber’s annual Agriculture Awards Dinner, organized by the Chamber’s Agribusiness Council. The 2026 Agriculture Awards Dinner, presented by GROWMARK, will take place Thursday, November 19, at Funk Farms. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 6:30 p.m.
Community members are encouraged to consider the people they work alongside, learn from and see contributing to agriculture and submit a nomination before the September 28 deadline.
Submit a nomination: mcleancochamber.org/agriculture
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