Torch of Leadership Awards
Honoring Exceptional Service and Leadership in Agriculture
The Torch of Leadership Award is the highest recognition presented by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation. This bi-annual award honors individuals who exemplify servant leadership, visionary thinking, and a lasting commitment to agriculture, rural communities, and the mission of IALF.
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Torch recipients are leaders who inspire others—through action, advocacy, and integrity.
Awards Ceremony
December 4, 2026 at 6 PM
Aaron Leetch Club at Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Join us as we recognize individuals whose leadership and service have strengthened Illinois agriculture. Celebrate award recipients while connecting with alumni, industry leaders, and friends of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation.
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Torch Awards Only - $60
Master Class & Torch Awards, Alumni - $70
Master Class & Torch Awards, Non-Alumni - $80
Rising Flame Award Winners
Mathew Heberling
IALP Class of 2023
Rising Flame Award 2026
Dale Pitstick
IALP Class of 2018
Rising Flame Award 2026
Torch of Leadership Award Winners
Ken & Julie Maschhoff
IALP Class of 1988 & 1996
Torch of Leadership Award 2026
Joyce Watson
IALF President & CEO Emeritus
Torch of Leadership Award 2026
Dean Campbell
IALP Class of 1986
Torch of Leadership Award 2026
Heather Hampton Knodle
IALP Class of 1998
Torch of Leadership Award 2025
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Lary Eckert
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2025
Enid Schlipf
IALF Board of Directors
Torch of Leadership Award 2026
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Matt McClelland
IALP Class of 2010
Torch of Leadership Award 2025
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Penny Lauritzen
IALP Class of 1986
Torch of Leadership Award 2025
Jeff Adkisson
IALP Class of 2004
Torch of Leadership Award 2023
Larry Fischer
IALP Class of 1986
Torch of Leadership Award 2021
Chet Boruff
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2018
Ron Warfield
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2018
Eldon Gould
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Torch of Leadership Award 2016
Becky Doyle
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2014
Allan Worrell
IALP Class of 1988
Torch of Leadership Award 2023
Wendell Shauman
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2021
Stu Ellis
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2018
Martin L. Andreas
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Torch of Leadership Award 2016
Philip Nelson
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2016
Gerry Salzman
IALP Class of 1992
Torch of Leadership Award 2014
Randy Sims
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2023
John Huston
Former IALF Board of Directors
Torch of Leadership Award 2021
Randy Prince
IALP Class of 2004
Torch of Leadership Award 2018
Robert Easter
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Torch of Leadership Award 2016
Donna Reifschneider
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2016
Dan Kelley
IALP Class of 1984
Torch of Leadership Award 2014
Orion Samuleson
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Torch of Leadership Award 2014
Torch of Leadership Award
Recognizing Outstanding Leaders in Agriculture
Nominees should demonstrate outstanding service to agriculture or rural leadership, alignment with IALF values and mission, a legacy of impact through innovation, mentorship, or advocacy, and a strong connection to the IALF community as an alum, partner, or supporter.
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Help us recognize someone making a lasting difference. Nominations may be submitted by alumni, partners, or members of the public, and honorees are selected annually by the IALF Alumni Committee and the IALF Board of Directors.
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Nominations will open in the summer of 2027.
Rising Flame Award
Recognizing Emerging Leaders in Agriculture
The Rising Flame Award honors Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation alumni who are building momentum in their leadership journey and shaping the future of agriculture.
Presented to IALF graduates within the past 10 years and between the ages of 30 and 50, this award recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate early impact, continued engagement, and growing influence within agriculture, rural communities, or their profession.
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Recipients embody the values of IALF through critical thinking, courageous leadership, integrity, and service to others.
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Nominations will open in the summer of 2027.
