Current Class
Meet the Class of 2010. Each of the candidates below has been selected based on demonstrated leadership activities and potential, commitment to learning, and accountability to the Illinois and United States agriculture industry.
 Brian “Craig” Abell |
Brian “Craig” Abell, 39, Mahomet, is a Technical Service Representative with Syngenta CP. He is also actively involved in his family farming operation in Ridgway. Craig has a Masters of Science from Southern Illinois University. He is currently involved with North Central Weed Science Society, Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association, and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association. |
 Jeff Anderson |
Jeff Anderson, 43, Carol Stream, is the Director of Purchasing for Eli’s Cheesecake in Chicago. Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Bowling Green State University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. |
 Sheri Bane |
Sheri Bane, 45, Arrowsmith, is the Director of Commercial AgriBusiness with Country Financial. She also helps her husband with the management of the family swine operation of 3,000 sows. Sheri is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics. She is currently active in the YWCA and the Illinois Farm Bureau. |
 Tara Bohnert Yoder |
Tara Bohnert Yoder, 27, Elmwood, is a Jersey Specialist for Alta Genetics where she is responsible for the sales and marketing of the global program. Tara is also a partner in Bohnert Jerseys, a family dairy and grain operation. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with a Business Mgt. and Industry Concentration. She is active in the University of Illinois Alumni Assoc., Illinois Farm Bureau, American Jersey Cattle Association, National Dairy Shrine, and Young Professionals of Greater Peoria. |
 Chuck Cawley |
Chuck Cawley, 49, Rochelle, owns a grain operation in Ogle county. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois where he is a member of FarmHouse. Chuck earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics and a Masters in Agronomy. He is currently involved with Rochelle Relay for Life, C-FAR Board of Directors, Rock Valley Concert Band, and the IL Farm Bureau Board of Directors. |
 Kieth Detwiler |
Keith Detwiler, 26, Bourbonnais, is the Vice President of Lending and is the team leader of the Pontiac and Bourbonnais branches of 1st Farm Credit Services. He also helps with his family grain and livestock operation in Flanagan. Keith is a graduate of Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness and Agriculture Industry Mgt. He is involved with the Kankakee and Will County Young Farmers. |
 Sheila Fowler |
Sheila Fowler, 30, Chicago, is an Agriculture Teacher for the High School for Agricultural Sciences. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Crop Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Illinois where she is a member of Alpha Delta Pi. In her community she is involved with the First Evangelical Free Church of Chicago, the IL Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, and is an advisor for FFA. |
 Andrew Goodrich |
Andrew Goodrich, 36, Rushville, is a Grain Merchandiser with Russel Grain. He has an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture Business Management. He is currently on the Schuyler County Fair Board as well as the Schuyler-Industry School Board. |
 Chris Gould |
Chris Gould, 39, Elburn, is the owner/operator of Gould Farms. He is also the Manager of Eldon Gould Farms and is a Managing Partner for Precision Farm Partners, LLC. Chris has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois where he is a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda. He is a Director of the Kane County Corn Growers, a counselor for Royal Family Kids’ Camp for Foster Children, and a Youth Sports Coach. |
 Meghan Grebner |
Meghan Grebner, 27, Washburn, is the Agri-Business Director for JMP Radio Group. She studied Animal Science at Western Illinois University where she was a member of Sigma Alpha. She is currently involved with the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Peoria County’s 4-H Foundation Board, and is a volunteer with the University of Illinois Extension Council in Peoria County. |
 Joe Grider |
Joe Grider, 30, Hudson, is a Sales Manager with Decision Commodities. He and his wife also have a 1 1/2 acre vegetable farm and are involved with wine production. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, Financial Management. Joe is currently involved with IL Grain & Feed Assoc., National Grain & Feed Assoc., McLean Co. Ag Club, IL Grape Growers & Vintners Assoc., and Illinois Corn Growers Association. |
 Nathan Hasheider |
Nathan Hasheider, 25, Okawville, is an Assistant Manager of a corn, soybean, and wheat production operation. He also assists in managing a family operation of corn, soybean, beef, wheat, dairy and finishing swine. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, Farm & Financial Mgt. from the University of Illinois where he is a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma. He is involved with the American Society of Agronomy, IL Farm Bureau, and Illinois Pork Producers Assoc. |
 Kara Kinney |
Kara Kinney, 32, Tuscola, is the Manager of the Douglas and Moultrie County Farm Bureaus. She is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University where she received a Bachelor’s of Science. Kara is currently involved with the Tuscola Chamber of Commerce as Director, the Kiwanis’s, and is a Tuscola Youth Soccer Coach. |
 Dave Koehn |
Dave Koehn, 30, Springfield, is a Regional Agronomist for Stine Seed Co. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business Mgt. and a Master’s Degree in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois where he is a member of IlliDell of Alpha Gamma Sigma. Dave serves on the Alumni Board for IlliDell, attends Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and is a Certified Professional Agronomist and a Certified Crop Advisor. |
 Tim Laatsch |
Tim Laatsch, 39, Altamont, is the Vice President, Product Supply and Operations for The Maschhoffs. He is also involved with 800 acres of corn, soybean, and wheat production. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University and his Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in Crop and Soil Science. He is a Certified Professional Agronomist and is a member of ASA, CSSA, SSSA, IPPA. |
 Haley Loy |
Haley Loy, 25, Westmont, is the Director of Ag Literacy/PR at the Cook County Farm Bureau. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Communications and Education from the University of Illinois where she is a member of Kappa Delta. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Chicago High School for Ag Sciences. Haley also volunteers as a judge at the Iroquois Co. 4-H and Agricultural Fair. |
 Kurt Maertens |
Kurt Maertens, 30, Mapleton, is a Technology Development Representative for Monsanto. He also involved with a 250 acre farming operation with his brother in Henry Co. Kurt received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois where he is a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. He is currently a Certified Crop Advisor, an Illinois Farm Bureau Member, and is a Ducks Unlimited Committee Member. |
 Matt McClelland |
Matt McClelland, 35, St. Charles, is a General Manager of a Dairy Processing and Distribution Operation for Prairie Farms. He is a graduate of the Southeast Missouri State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in AgriBusiness. He is currently involved with St. Louis Area Food Association, Missouri Grocers Association, Mid-America Merchandising Association, and St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer. |
 Blake Miller |
Blake Miller, 37, Monticello, is the Crop and Seed Marketing Manager for Illini FS. He attended Greenville College where he received his degree in Business Administration and Economics. Blake is currently involved with Bement Masonic Lodge 365, a member of Monticello United Methodist Church, Christian Motorcycle Association, and is Blake Miller, 37, Monticello, is the Crop and Seed Marketing Manager for Illini FS. He attended Greenville College where he received his degree in Business Administration and Economics. Blake is currently involved with Bement Masonic Lodge 365, a member of Monticello United Methodist Church, Christian Motorcycle Association, and is a Certified Crop Advisor. a Certified Crop Advisor. |
 Cory Mitchel |
Cory Mitchell, 36, Mahomet, is an Ag Funding Manager for the Illinois Finance Authority, He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois where he is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. He is also a graduate of The Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI. Cory is a member of the FARMDOC advisory committee, Chairman of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Agri-business Committee and attends and serves as the Treasurer of the Lutheran Church of Mahomet. |
 Nathan Provost |
Nathan Provost, 29, Chatham, is a District Sales Manager for Wyffels Hybrids. He is also involved with a partnership with his father and brother with 30 Angus/Simmental based cows. Nathan received his Bachelor’s Degree in AgBusiness from Iowa State University where he was involved with Ag Business Club as well as Brock and Bridle. |
 Jeff Ray |
Jeff Ray, 37, Naperville, is an Asset Manager with Prudential Agricultural Investments. He also assists with his family farming operation in Warren County. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois in Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering followed by receiving his Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. He is involved with Naperville Jaycees, Illinois Farm Bureau, CFA Institute, and Community United Methodist Church. |
 Chris Salrin |
Chris Salrin, 33, Bloomington, is the Propane Product Manager for GROWMARK. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from St. Ambrose University and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University. He is currently involved with Epiphany Catholic School Education Commission and Illinois Propane Education and Research Council. |
 Patrick Schaddel |
Patrick Schaddel, 42, Springfield, is the Technical Support Division Manager with Brandt Consolidated. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from College of Commerce at DePaul University. Pat is a member of Fluid Fertilizer Foundation, Knights of Columbus, and Agricultural Retailers Association. |
 David Scheffler |
David Scheffler, 38, Sherman, is a Site Manager of Monsanto’s Seed Corn Production in Illiopolis. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness Management from Purdue University where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. David received his MBA from the University of Nebraska, Kearney. He is involved with Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, Sangamon Valley FFA Advisory Board, and Sherman Athletic Club Supporting Youth Sports and is a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. |
 Steve Sheaffer |
Steve Sheaffer, 33, Polo, is the Vice President of Lending for 1st Farm Credit. He also helps his father and brother farm 2,500 acres of corn and soybeans. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Business and Ag Production from Illinois State University. He is currently a Church Trustee, President of Northern IL Land Brokers, Lee Co. Young Farmers, Lee Co. Farm Bureau Gov’t. Affairs Committee, and Ogle Co. Extension Council President. |
 Grant Strom |
Grant Strom, 27, Dahinda, is the Co-Owner/Operator of Strom Farms, a corn, soybean, and wheat production and is Co-Owner/Operator DGS Swine, a 25 Sow Purebred/Show Pig Operation. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Farm Management from the University of Illinois where he is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. He is involved with Knox Co. Farm Bureau, IL Club Pig Association Chairman, Williamsfield Town and Country 4-H Club, and Illinois Yorkshire Association. |
 Brian Waddell |
Brian Waddell, 33, Normal, is an Account Manager for The Mosaic Company. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University in Agribusiness where he is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and Alpha Zeta. He is currently involved with ISU Ag Alumni Association, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Board of Directors. |