Home Page
WELCOME TO THE CHICAGO FARMERS!
The purpose of The Chicago Farmers is to provide a forum for education and an exchange of information between members and others allied in agribusiness. This is carried out with a number of member directed activities scheduled throughout the year, which provide members a means to enhance their knowledge, profitability, stewardship, consumer awareness, and fellowship.
Member Area Login
Are you a member of the The Chicago Farmers? Login below for full access.
Not a member yet? Click here to join.
RECENT NEWS
Chicago Farmers visit University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (aCES)
The Chicago Farmers enjoyed a terrific visit to the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) on Friday, October 11th. Our members would like to express our sincere appreciation to the University of Illinois Foundation and the College of ACES for an enlightening and highly enjoyable Campus Tour of the ACES Library, the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL), Agricultural and Biological Engineering Farm (ABE) Feed Tech Center, the Energy Farm and the University of Illinois Research Park and Incubator. With special thanks to:
University of Illinois Foundation
College of ACES Library – Updated library resources to support modern academic learning models in the Student and Alumni Center
Dr Anna Ball, Associate Dean, Office of Undergraduate Programs
Integrate Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) Pilot Kitchen – leading research in Precision fermentation and bridging the transition from research, discovery and development to commercialization of bioproducts.
Marissa Nyland, Assistant Director of Operations and Safety
Spice Box, Bevier Hall – Where ‘everybody eats’ at Bevier Cafe
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Illinois Autonomous Farm (IAF) ,– Leveraging AI, Robotics and drone technologies to enhance crop production
Dennis Bowman, Extension Digital Agriculture Specialist
Feed Tech Center - Supporting innovative research in Animal Nutrition through a Private/Public Partnership in their state-of-the-art feed processing center
Jonathon Mosley, Director of Animal Sciences Research Farms
Energy Farm – Leader in research of renewable fuels to create energy
Tim Mies, Director of the Energy Farm University of Illinois Research Park, Urbana Champaign, – Leading Technology Hub that cultivates startups and accelerates corporate innovation through Public Private Partnerships
Bryan Goode, Talent Manager
Dustin Mayfield-Jones, Laboratory and Facilities Manager
Chicago Farmers Board President Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
The Chicago Farmers is pleased to congratulate its president Kay Whitlock on being one of two University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alums honored as distinguished alumni for impact and innovation in engineering. The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and The Grainger College of Engineering, recently honored Whitlock (’70) with the Distinguished Alumni Award and Matt Riggs (’06) with the Young Alumni Achievement Award at an awards ceremony Oct. 6.
Whitlock, who is a vice president at Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., has been a Chicago Farmers member since 2013 and was elected President in May, 2022. She credits her success to her time at Illinois. “I probably wouldn't have made it if it hadn't been for the ag engineering department. From the moment I walked in the door, and to this day, ABE always has been welcoming and supportive of me and proud of me and made it very clear that I was important and respected,” said Whitlock.
To read more about Whitlock’s career in water resource management, visit the University of Illinois College of ACES Alumni news here.
Summer Tour at Whiskey Acres Distillery
On Sunday, June 25th about 20 Chicago Farmer members and their guests enjoyed an afternoon visiting Whiskey Acres, in DeKalb, IL. The estate distiller is located on the Walter family farm, 60 miles west of Chicago. Guests sampled some of their craft products including their award-winning bourbon, rye and artisan series maple syrup cask bourbon. The distillery also bottles vodka and other products. After a superb lunch of barbequed chicken and pork, from South Moon Barbeque in Hinckley, IL, the group toured the almost 10-year-old distillery and heard about the 80 plus history of the primarily grain farm. Check out some pictures below!
Plowman of the Year Award Recipient Announcement
Each year The Chicago Farmers nominate one member for Plowman of the Year. The award is given to a member of The Chicago Farmers that shows passion and dedication to The Chicago Farmers. This year at our May 8th annual meeting for our members, it was announced that a nomination was brought forward for John Edwards for Plowman of the Year. John Edwards was nominated for reigniting our program of international study tours. The study tours focus on both the culture and agriculture for the countries visited allowing educational opportunities for our members. The tours support membership retention and a portion of the funds go directly to the Scholarship Fund. John's skills, energy and focus are bringing this longstanding Chicago Farmers program to life. Thank you, John!
MEMBER BENEFITS
- Discounted registration fees
- Complimentary guest attendance
- Digital and print mailings
- Local and Int. Tour participation
Scholar Support
Help us to sponsor students and programs focused on Agricultural and Leadership education by making a donation toThe Chicago Farmers Scholarship Fund today.
