ICGA Celebrates George Obernagel’s Service to Illinois Corn Farmers

Bloomington, IL – George Obernagel of Waterloo, IL is the recipient of the IL Corn Growers Association’s (ICGA) top award, The World of Corn. ICGA leaders honored Obernagel for his service to Illinois corn farmers at the ICGA Annual Meeting on November 26 at the AgriCenter. 

The World of Corn Award goes to individuals, organizations, or businesses for making significant contributions to the corn industry. The special award, now in its 35th year, was created to recognize the global importance of corn, and specifically honor individual pacesetters that have made Illinois a leader in the corn industry. 

“George Obernagel has been and continues to be a tremendous agriculture leader in Illinois. From leading the IL Corn Marketing Board in the 1990s to coordinating and hosting countless events that help IL Corn develop key relationships with our elected officials today, George has left his mark on the corn industry in Illinois. We are excited to honor his legacy of service with this World of Corn award,” said Dave Rylander, ICGA President and corn farmer from Victoria. 

Obernagel was asked to consider serving on the IL Corn Marketing Board by Joe Hampton, who later became the Illinois Director of Agriculture. Obernagel served six years, from 1991 – 1997. When interviewed for the IL Corn 50th Anniversary book, he recalled learning a lot about exports, how to develop relationships with other countries, and how farmers played such a large role in helping themselves via checkoff boards. He was most involved in learning about and participating with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, and U.S. Grains Council. Obernagel served as the USMEF Chairman in 2001. 

George Obernagel III grew up on Obernagel Family Farms in southern Illinois and graduated from McKendree University in Lebanon in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. He promptly began a 25-year career in banking, while helping with the family farm as much as possible. Obernagel still owns and operates Obernagel Family Farms with his sister who lives in the farmhouse where the two grew up. 

Off the farm, Obernagel is extremely active in the community and has received many awards for his service. He is a board member for Saint Louis University SSM Hospital, board chairman for McKendree University, vice chairman for Red Bud Regional Hospital, chairman for Southern Illinois Power Company, Illinois State Fair board member, and a consistory for St. John United Church of Christ in Valmeyer. 

He has received the University of Illinois Friend of ACES Award, Honorary Valmeyer Alumni Award, Honorary Chapter FFA Degree for both Waterloo and Valmeyer FFA Chapters, and McKendree University distinguished Loyal Service Award. 

“George is a farmer we can count on to show up for his community. IL Corn and its members are lucky enough to be considered his community. Thank you, George for your years of leadership,” said Rylander. 

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About the IL Corn Growers Association 

IL Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.