Eric and Morgan Wolff of Effingham have been named FreshRoots Directors Cup honorees by Farm Credit Illinois. They were recognized by the Association’s Board of Directors in Mahomet on July 23.
The Directors Cup presented by the cooperative board celebrates young and beginning farmers committed to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community. Honorees will receive $5,000 and a commemorative keepsake.
The Wolffs 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 in Effingham County.
“We’re so thankful for every opportunity we’ve been given through FCI. We wouldn’t have been able to pick up on the farm without the FreshRoots program,” says Eric and Morgan.
Cooperative members were selected by a panel of seven industry representatives including one FCI board member based on a combination of each applicant’s unique farm beginnings, personal and business aspirations, and vision for their farm business and community.
“Supporting the next generation is a top priority for our cooperative,” says Steve Hettinger, FCI Board Chair and Champaign County farmer. “The Board of Directors commends these young leaders for their dedication to lifelong learning and intentional living as they strive towards a brighter future.”
The Directors Cup award is part of Farm Credit’s FreshRoots young and beginning farmers program, which provides lending assistance and up to $2,000 in learning incentives to farmers up to age 40 or in their first 10 years of farming.
“FCI is committed to cultivating personal growth and professional development for young and beginning farmers,” says Kelly Hunt, FCI CEO. “The FreshRoots Directors Cup is one tangible example of FCI’s dedication to Helping the Next Generation of Farm Families Succeed.”