Every farm has someone who goes the extra mile. The one who always shows up early, stays late and still finds time to give back to their industry and community. Too often, these dedicated individuals go unrecognized until later in their career, yet they are the farmers who are shaping the future of agriculture.

That’s why the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) created the Illinois Top 20 Under 40 Farmer Award program: to shine a light on the young farmer leaders who represent the very best of our industry.

Since 2022, ISA has recognized 80 outstanding young Illinois farmers from nearly every sector of agriculture. From row crops and produce to cattle, swine, poultry, fish and sheep – and even pumpkins, mums and cut flowers – the 20 Under 40 program celebrates the dedication of farmers across all commodities and operations of every size.

For instance, while every member of the 2025 class grows corn and soybeans, many bring additional diversity to their operations. Christine and Joe Migliorini in Granville raise pumpkins and produce alongside their row crops, while Jaeleigh Waller of Lawrenceville also raises beef cattle, pigs and chickens, demonstrating the wide range of agricultural production represented across our state. Not only do these young farmers set great examples with the work on their farms, many of them have also built successful careers within the agriculture industry. For example, 2025 20 Under 40 Winner Krista Swanson of Oneida serves as the Chief Economist for the National Corn Growers Association. Fellow winner Sydnee Shafer of Arcola manages the Piatt County Farm Bureau, while Michael Bernhard of Mazon works as a Farm Manager with First Mid Ag Services.

Community involvement is another hallmark of the program’s winners. Full-time farmer, seed salesman and 2025 winner Jacob Calhoon of Goreville serves as the FFA Alumni President for his local chapter, where he has helped strengthen the board to better serve students through scholarships and learning opportunities. Similarly, Dietrich corn and soybean farmer Devin Aherin supports students through his involvement with his local Board of Education and as a mentor for the Dieterich Schools Mentoring Program.

These farmers don’t do it for recognition; they do it because it matters. Across Illinois, these leaders are quietly building stronger farms, stronger communities and lasting legacies for this generation and the next. Chances are, you know someone like this: a neighbor, colleague or young farmer in your community who is already making a difference.

Help ensure their work doesn’t go unnoticed. Visit ilsoy.org/20-under-40/ to nominate a deserving young farmer for the 20 Under 40 program by Sunday, June 14, and join ISA in celebrating those cultivating the future of Illinois agriculture.