The 2025 IFGC outstanding service awards were presented during the Illinois Forage Expo held July 30 at the Don Brown and Eric Stiegler farms. 

Outstanding Producer Award

Conner Brown of Brown’s Baling and Hay was presented the Outstanding Producer Award at the 2025 Forage Expo. Conner began his business with funds from the Wayne Wackerlin Memorial Fund. 

The Outstanding Producer Award is presented to an individual producer who has been outstanding in the production, harvesting, storage, utilization, or marketing of quality forages in Illinois.  

Outstanding Education or Government Award

Jim Morrison, retired University of Illinois Extension educator and former secretary of the NW Forage Council, was presented the Outstanding Education and Government Award.

The Outstanding Education or Government Award is presented to an individual employed by an educational institution, US government, or agency who has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership to Illinois forage.   

Outstanding Industry Award

Agri-King was awarded the Outstanding Industry Award. The company provides analysis for the Quality Hay Contest and prints the IFGC newsletter.

The Outstanding Industry Award is presented to a company or individual representative of a company that has demonstrated outstanding commitment, interest, support, and assistance to the Illinois forage industry.