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.
MEET THE 2024 DIRECTORS CUP HONOREES
Daniel & Constance Herriott of Sidney (Champaign County) are fourth-generation corn and soybean farmers. Daniel and Constance, both 33, began farming in 2015 alongside Daniel's father and brother. Daniel left his off-farm job as a farm and crop insurance agent in 2023 to pursue farming full-time and still works as an independent appraiser. Constance works as a dietitian while helping on the farm and allowing their kids to be involved as much as possible.
Clint Gorden of Blue Mound (Macon County) is a first-generation corn, soybean, and wheat farmer. Clint, 28, began farming in 2019 and now owns, operates, and manages his farm business. Clint also works off the farm as a District Sales Manager at NuTech Seed.
Neil & Kerri Lange of Oakdale (Washington County) are third-generation corn, wheat, and soybean farmers. Neil, 41, and Kerri, 39, began farming in 2001. Neil works on the farm full-time and Kerri works on the farm part-time while also working as an insurance agent. Alongside their farm business, they also operate a custom tiling business and excavating business.
