By WJBC Staff
BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Chamber of Commerce honored the best in McLean County agriculture at its annual Agriculture Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn & Suites in east Bloomington.
The Outstanding Conservationist Award was presented to Brian Carlson of Wilson Seed/DuPont Pioneer, was nominated for his dedication to the advancement of conservation efforts in McLean County.
The Outstanding Young Farmer Award was given to T.J. Weber, a Corn Specialist for AgriGold, as well as a local farmer, was nominated for his acumen in today’s farming techniques, and the help and knowledge he strives to share with others.
The McLean County Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Paul Schuler, a longtime McLean County farmer, was nominated for his dedication to McLean County agriculture in all personal and professional manners, serving 24 years on the McLean County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and operating a progressive and diversified farming operation.
The Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award was presented to John Olson, a lifelong McLean County Farmer, was nominated for his vast understanding and immense efforts to better educate consumers and advance agriculture in McLean County.
The Outstanding Person in Agribusiness Award was bestowed to Dr. Greg Bane, long time LeRoy veterinarian, was nominated for his unyielding commitment to his community and for his knowledgeable and caring participation in agri-business in McLean County.
The Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award went to Justin Rickard, an Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Illinois State University, as well as a local farmer, was nominated for his dedication to education and outreach for agriculture in McLean County.