FreshRoots Directors Cup Award | Farm Credit Illinois

Applications for the 2026 FreshRoots Directors Cup Award are now open through March 1, 2026

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

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.
Applicants will submit a formal application highlighting the personal growth and professional development they have pursued while participating in the FreshRoots program.
An independent committee will select the annual recipients.
Applications are available online January 1 to March 1 annually.
Recipients receive a $5,000 cash award and a trophy.

Colten & Colby Collier of Anna (Union County) began farming in 2009 as third-generation farmers. Colby works on the farm full-time and Colten works on the farm part-time while also working off the farm as a Livestock Production Specialist. The Colliers raise beef cattle, silage, and hay.

Josh & Hannah Sawyer of Oakley (Macon County) began farming in 2016 as first-generation farmers. Josh works full-time on the farm and Hannah teaches agriculture while also contributing to the farm and raising their two sons. The Sawyers raise cattle, corn, soybeans, hay, and wheat.

Eric & Morgan Wolff of Effingham (Effingham County) began farming in 2020 alongside Eric's brother on their third-generation dairy farm. Eric farms full-time and Morgan works off the farm at a local ag cooperative while raising their son. The Wolffs raise dairy cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa.

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