Reynolds Receives 2024 Mike Plumer Environmental Award

November 26, 2024
A man in a suit and tie is shaking hands with another man

Bloomington, IL – Kris Reynolds, Midwest Director for American Farmland Trust, is the 2024 recipient of the Mike Plumer Environmental Award, named for a University of Illinois Extension Educator and no-till pioneer who died in 2017. Reynolds received the award from the IL Corn Growers Association at their annual meeting on November 26. 

 

Since 2017, Reynolds has managed Midwest programs that promote sound farming practices, help keep farmers on the land and protect farmland at American Farmland Trust. Among the sound farming practices are activities that improve water quality, soil health, enhance nutrient efficiency, utilize conservation cropping systems, and combat climate change. 

 

“Reynolds has been an advocate for all of the same conservation management practices that we encourage and has facilitated Illinois corn farmers to learn, grow, and adopt practices that will increase soil health, protect clean water, and overall make us better stewards of our natural resources,” said Dave Rylander, President of ICGA and Victoria, IL farmer. 

As an example of his work, Illinois can thank Reynolds for bringing the Fall Covers for Spring Savings to our state and working to fund it annually. He coordinates with stakeholders to keep the program in the budget and increases funding and acre availability yearly. This popular program runs out of available acres each year within hours of opening availability to participate. What began in 2020 as a 50,000-acre target is now expanded to 190,000 acres in 2025 thanks in part to Reynold’s support. 

 

Reynolds has a career full of this transformative work, first as a cover crop specialist with the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices and later as a Resource Conservationist with the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District. He is also a fifth-generation corn and soybean farmer in Nokomis, IL who began a soil health journey on his own family farm in 2013 by incorporating cover crops, no-till, and nutrient management practices. 

 

Reynolds is a Certified Crop Advisor with the American Society of Agronomy and holds a specialty certification as a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist and Sustainability Specialist. Reynolds holds a B.S. in Agronomy and Ag Business from Illinois State University. 

 

### 

 

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. 

Rep. Darin LaHood, Cliff Lane, and Mike Shane
By Lyndi Allen July 23, 2026
There are some common misconceptions that farmers want all lawmakers to understand about farming and agriculture.
Illinois Farmer Ron Miller
By Tara Desmond July 23, 2026
Learn how Illinois farmer Leslie Miller helped pioneer anhydrous ammonia use, transforming corn production and shaping modern nutrient management.
thumbnail of Rod Weinzierl
By Tara Desmond July 23, 2026
Rod Weinzierl breaks down what IL Corn really does — from crop insurance breakthroughs to river infrastructure to advice for the next generation of farmers.
Nicole (York) Racey
By Pearl McDade July 22, 2026
Nicole Racey reflects on her internship with IL Corn, her career in higher education, favorite memories, and advice for IL Corn interns
Tara Harvesting
By Tara Desmond July 22, 2026
Tara Barrett-Duzan left journalism to save her family's farm after tragedy struck twice - a story now told in the documentary "The Farmer's Daughter."
cover crops in an Illinois field
July 16, 2026
2026 Cover Crop Coupon is here. New seed suppliers and application discounts give Illinois farmers more options to save on conservation practices.
Show More