Laura Lant Receives Mike Plumer Environmental Excellence Award

Lindsay Croke
November 25, 2025

The IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is proud to announce that Laura Lant-Haney, an agronomist at Midwest Grass & Forage in Macomb, Illinois, received the Mike Plumer Environmental Excellence Award at the ICGA Annual Meeting on November 25, 2025.

 

This award honors individuals—either farmers or professionals—who demonstrate innovation and leadership in conservation, nutrient management, and soil health. Laura Lant-Haney is recognized for her outstanding commitment to helping Illinois farmers implement practical, effective conservation strategies that improve both productivity and environmental outcomes on their farms.


“Laura represents the spirit of this award perfectly,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, President of the IL Corn Growers Association and farmer from Maroa. “She meets farmers where they are, provides real-world solutions, and helps move conservation forward in her region. Her focus on building trusted relationships and commitment to walk with farmers as they adopt new practices make her a powerful advocate for soil health and sustainability.”

Laura Lant

Through her work at Midwest Grass & Forage, Laura has become a trusted resource and advocate for conservation in Illinois agriculture. She offers personalized guidance to help farmers improve their land, build soil health, and protect water quality, with a focus on providing resources to guarantee long-term success for farmers.

 

Her expertise and dedication have made her a key partner for farmers navigating the challenges of sustainable crop and livestock production. Whether advising on cover crop mixes or helping plan long-term conservation strategies, Laura has consistently empowered farmers with tools and knowledge to implement systems that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.

 

Laura is an agronomist at Midwest Grass & Forage, based in Macomb, Illinois. The business offers a wide range of products, including turf, pasture, wildlife, and cover crop seed. Laura’s focus is on working directly with customers to identify the right solutions for their specific goals—whether that means improving forage quality, establishing pollinator habitat, or designing a nutrient management system that protects local water resources. Outside of her professional commitments, Laura enjoys traveling, cooking, and collaborating on projects with her husband at the farm.


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About the Award

The Mike Plumer Environmental Excellence Award is named in honor of the late Mike Plumer, a pioneer in agricultural conservation whose work with cover crops and reduced tillage shaped the landscape of sustainable farming in Illinois. The award is presented to a farmer or conservation professional who demonstrates:

·      Innovative and/or cutting-edge environmental practices,

·      Leadership in conservation, nutrient management, or soil health,

·      and the ability to serve as a role model for other farmers.

 

While the award typically goes to farmers, ICGA also recognizes professionals whose efforts have significantly advanced environmental outcomes in Illinois agriculture.


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.

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