Bloomington, Ill. – November 19, 2025 – Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is excited to celebrate outstanding individuals in agriculture through our annual Achievement Awards.
The five winners of the 2025 ISA Achievement Awards will be honored this winter.
“ISA is proud to honor these hardworking individuals who are leading our industry into a better future through their leadership, excellence, commitment and service,” said John Lumpe, ISA CEO. “We thank them for all of their contributions that benefit farmers and the Illinois agriculture industry as a whole.”
The 2025 Achievement Award winners are as follows:
The ISA Chairman’s Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to serve the state’s soybean interests. It is the highest award given by ISA and is presented in appreciation of one’s dedication, leadership and years of service to the soybean industry.
The recipient of this year’s Chairman’s Award is Aluizio Ribeiro, Chief Executive Officer of Incobrasa Industries LTD. Incobrasa opened their soybean crushing facility in Gilman, Ill. in 1997, expanding it to include an oil refinery and packaging facility for food grade vegetable oil in 2004, and most recently in 2007, a biodiesel plant. With decades of experience in international business and executive management, under Ribeiro’s leadership, Incobrasa has strengthened its’ position as a trusted producer in the U.S. market while maintaining strong ties to its’ global roots.
ISA’s Farm Family of the Year Award recognizes an Illinois farm family who is actively engaged in ISA’s membership program, shows commitment to ISA programming and has demonstrated impact in their community and across the industry.
The recipients of the Farm Family of the Year Award are Doug Winter and family. Doug farms predominantly in White County, raising several varieties of soybeans and corn and the occasional winter wheat, in addition to selling Pioneer seed. Doug has been a long-time soybean leader, serving on the Illinois Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, U.S. Soybean Export Council, Center for Food Integrity Board and U.S. Farm and Ranch Alliance Board. Doug’s wife, Nancy, is a Certified Public Accountant with her own practice and is an integral part of the farming operation.
The Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award recognizes a friend to the organization in any capacity and is presented in appreciation of one’s efforts in championing on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers.
The recipient of the Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award is Fred Below, PhD, Professor at University of Illinois. Below leads the University of Illinois Crop Physiology Laboratory, where his team conducts research focused on management practices that improve soybean and corn productivity. He developed the “Seven Wonders of The Corn Yield World” and the “Six Secrets of Soybean Success” as tools to teach farmers and agricultural professionals the value of their individual crop management decisions.
The ISA Champion of the Year Award honors an individual in Illinois who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing the interests of soybean farmers. This award recognizes efforts in shaping policy, influencing regulations and supporting initiatives that benefit the soybean industry. The recipient is celebrated for their proven track record and unwavering commitment to championing the agricultural community and its crucial issues.
The recipient of the ISA Champion of the Year Award is Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler. Senator Koehler was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2006 and promoted to Majority Caucus Whip in 2018 and Assistant Majority Leader in 2019. Leader Koehler has been at the forefront of the most recent agricultural issues. Last session, he sponsored the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission Act, which helped to officially align Illinois’ port districts and is helping drive funds to our port infrastructure across the state. Senator Koehler has also sponsored legislation to lower the impact of the estate tax on family farms and understands the importance of Illinois’ biodiesel sales tax incentive to Illinois, and how the incentive promotes agriculture and low-carbon fuels.
The ISA Excellence in Media Award recognizes a member of the media who promotes Illinois soybeans and Illinois agriculture through their coverage in print, broadcast, social and beyond.
The ISA Excellence in Media Award recipient is Tom Doran. Doran has been the Illinois AgriNews Field Editor since 2005, where he has covered crop production, conservation, legislative issues and many other agricultural topics. Doran has been working in newspapers for more than 50 years and his favorite part of the job is visiting with all types of farmers and hearing their stories. He resides in Odell, Ill. with his wife Peg.
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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
Media Contact
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
betsy.osman@ilsoy.org
