Illinois Milk Producers seeking nominations for 2026 dairy awards

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Milk Producers Association is calling for nominations of individuals to receive formal recognition in 2026 for their outstanding contributions to the dairy industry through leadership, stewardship and overall excellence.

Anyone may submit nominations for the Dairy Industry Service Award and the Sustainability award through Aug. 31. Membership in a dairy organization is not required.

All nominations will be considered by the members of the IMPA committee. Final award determinations will be made by the IMPA board of directors in November.

Both awards are offered annually, and winners are recognized during the December IMPA board meeting and throughout the industry.

• The Sustainability Award recognizes an Illinois dairy farm, or a dairy farmer, who has made outstanding contributions toward innovative technologies and best management practices to improve environmental stewardship and economic viability. In 2025, this award went to Tony, Walt and Bobby Graves of Clover Farms in Dundas. The link for nominations is: ilfb.jotform.com/251944576596171.

• The Dairy Industry Service Award recognizes an Illinois individual who has shown exemplary service and benefit to the state’s dairy industry. The nominee may be engaged in milk or milk product production, marketing, education, research, promotion, regulation, allied service or any service of genuine merit and benefit to the industry. In 2025, this award went to Amy Hildebrandt of South Beloit. The link for nominations is: ilfb.jotform.com/261344795936874.

For additional information about the award nominations, contact the IMPA at 309‐557‐3703 or contact@illinoismilk.org.