Mike Perrine: Media Award Recipient

November 23, 2021
Two men in suits and ties are standing next to each other and smiling.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association’s 2021 Excellence in Media Award was given to Mike Perrine, MP Ag Radio of Troy, IL, at the ICGA Annual Meeting today (11/23/21 in Bloomington, Illinois. The award is given each year to an individual who promotes Illinois agriculture and, specifically, Illinois corn and corn farmers, through their coverage in traditional media or through their engagement on social media.

 

“Mike is one of the true heroes of the Illinois ag media. He’s been through it all, covered it all with accuracy and excellence, and set an example that other ag media attempt to live up to. No one does radio broadcasting like Mike,” said Randy DeSutter, President of the ICGA and a farmer from Woodhull, IL.

Mike Perrine has a long career in Illinois ag broadcasting, beginning about 40 years ago, becoming the voice of agriculture at WKAN in Kankakee, growing into a position with Agri-Talk, and cultivating stories at MP Ag Radio, a company he owns.

 

Previously, Perrine has been named the Farm Broadcaster of the Year for the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Eastern Region, Top Ag Communicator at the Illinois Commodity Conference, and Illinois Soybean Association Communicator of the Year.

 

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike throughout my entire career in agriculture. He interviewed me as an FFA State Officer in 1976-77, and he’s still interviewing me today as I’m serving as IL Corn Growers Association President. He never tires of sharing the story of Illinois agriculture and that commitment is what we’re celebrating today,” said DeSutter.

Four people posing in front of the U.S. Capitol at sunset
By Lyndi Allen • November 5, 2026
IL Corn's GrassRoots Orientation to Washington, D.C. program allows Illinois farmers and agricultural professionals to see firsthand how agricultural policy is shaped.
U.S. Capitol building at sunrise, viewed from a low angle with a yellow road line leading toward it
By Brad Stotler and Lyndi Allen • November 5, 2026
Illinois voters delivered decisive victories for Democrats across the state, expanding the party’s supermajorities in the General Assembly and electing a new U.S. Senator.
National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
By Tara Desmond • November 5, 2026
Fall Nitrogen, President Trump, New Corn uses expansion and more - check out October corn news you missed.
advertisement of we are 96 at an outdoor event
By Tara Desmond & Brownfield Ag • November 5, 2026
New Illinois Farm Families research shows consumer recognition up 10 points since 2021, with farmers still ranked the most trusted profession.
Award winners from 2025 ICGA Annual Meeting
By Lindsay Croke • October 30, 2026
IL Corn's Annual Meeting to be Held 11/24
collin and jared
By Brownfield & Tara • October 29, 2026
Illinois FFA State VP Collin Johnson shares how the IL Corn checkoff partnership builds the next generation of ag advocates.
Show More