Applications for the 2027 FreshRoots Directors Cup Award will be open Jan. 1 - Mar. 1, 2027
Directors Cup Award
FCI celebrates young and beginning farmers committed to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community with the Directors Cup Award.
PROGRAM FEATURES & QUALIFICATIONS
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Individual and married-couple FreshRoots participants who are 40 years of age or younger or in their first 10 years of farming on January 1 of the year they apply and who have been an FCI member-borrower for at least three years are eligible to apply.
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Applicants will submit a formal application highlighting the personal growth and professional development they have pursued while participating in the FreshRoots program.
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An independent committee will select the annual recipients.
- Applications are available online January 1 to March 1 annually.
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Recipients receive a $5,000 cash award and a trophy.
Brandon Cummins of Brookport (Massac County) launched his farming operation in 2016 and has successfully built and grown the business as its sole owner and operator. He currently raises corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Bryce Brockelsby of Edinburg (Christian County) began farming in 2017 as a tenant for a local landowner and became a full-time co-owner and manager of his family’s farming operation in 2019. Bryce raises corn and soybeans, provides custom farming services, and operates an excavation business as well.
Thomas Perkins of Effingham (Effingham County) began farming in 2016 as his grandfather transitioned out of the family farm. Thomas works on the farm part-time as well as off the farm as the operations manager for a local cooperative. He raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay.
