ISA announces Achievement Award winners

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Soybean Association celebrates outstanding individuals in agriculture through its 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.”

Chairman’s Award

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, CEO of Incobrasa Industries Ltd.

Incobrasa opened its soybean crushing facility in Gilman in 1997, expanding it to include an oil refinery and packaging facility for food grade vegetable oil in 2004 and, most recently, a biodiesel plant in 2007.

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.

Farm Family of the Year Award

ISA’s Farm Family of the Year Award recognizes an Illinois farm family that 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.

Winter farms predominantly in White County, raising several varieties of soybeans and corn and the occasional winter wheat, in addition to selling Pioneer seed.

He 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.

His wife, Nancy, is a certified public accountant with her own practice and is an integral part of the farming operation.

Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award

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, University of Illinois professor.

Below leads the U of I 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.

ISA Champion of the Year Award

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 state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria.

Koehler was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2006 and promoted to majority caucus whip in 2018 and assistant majority leader in 2019.

He 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.

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.

ISA Excellence in Media Award

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 an Illinois AgriNews field editor since 2005, where he has covered crop production, conservation, legislative issues and many other agricultural topics.

He 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.

Doran resides in Odell with his wife, Peg.