Congratulations Jim Raben, 2022 Master Farmer and Corn Farmer from Ridgway

March 1, 2022
A man wearing a brown leather jacket and a white shirt is smiling in front of a brick wall.

Congratulations to Jim Raben, 2016-17 IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman, on being named a 2022 Prairie Farmer Master Farmer.

 

Darryl Brinkmann of Clinton County, Doug Schroeder of Champaign County, and Curt Zehr of Tazewell County rounded out the team of four recognized Illinois farmers. All are members of the IL Corn Growers Association and recognized leaders of our industry.

 

In addition to ICMB Chairman, Raben also served as the U.S. Grains Council Chairman in 2021 and was recognized for his service in February at the group’s meeting in South Carolina.

 

“I have had a big year!” said Raben excitedly. “I am so proud to be standing with other Illinois farmer leaders and I know that their passion for our industry matches my own. It’s an honor to be recognized in this way.”

“The Master Farmer award is Illinois agriculture’s lifetime achievement award,” says Holly Spangler, Prairie Farmer editor. “These farmers are at the top of their game, and they’ve received this award because they raise good crops and even better families, and they’ve built their communities along the way.”

 

Prairie Farmer first offered the Master Farmer award 97 years ago, in 1925. Editors have continued the tradition annually since 1968, following a pause initially caused by the Depression. When Editor Clifford Gregory established the Master Farmer program, he felt the award would help give farm people a greater sense of “pride and permanence.” Nearly 350 Illinois producers have been inducted as Master Farmers or Honorary Master Farmers over the program’s history.

 

Candidates are nominated by farmers, neighbors, agribusiness leaders and farm organizations throughout the state. Judges for the 2022 awards were Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Ed McMillan, former University of Illinois board of trustees; Linnea Kooistra, 2011 Master Farmer; Dwight Raab, First Midwest Bank agribusiness vice president; Steve Carson, Farm Credit Illinois; and Holly Spangler, Prairie Farmer editor.

< Older Post

 Newer Post >
Evan playing in dirt

Ellen’s Story: Putting Safety First for My Little One

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito

When Law Meets Agriculture: Jason Proehl Bridges Two Worlds

By Tara Desmond • September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.

Farm Economy Temperature Survey

By Lyndi Allen • September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment

Power Take-Off (PTO) Safety: Protecting Yourself from Hidden Farm Hazards

By Tara Desmond • September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium

IL Corn Strengthens Trade Ties with Japan with USGBC and Illinois Economic Development Association

By Tara Desmond • September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners

Consider Corn Challenge Winners Announced

September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More