Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association
Supply · Service · Stewardship

Summary of the Program

In the state of Illinois, custom applicators spend endless hours in the field every year applying fertilizer and chemicals on thousands of acres.  IFCA has implemented an award to honor and recognize these individuals who work hard in and out of the fields and put forth a positive attitude in caring not only for the crops but also the customers.  IFCA feels there are many outstanding custom applicators who deserve a “thank you” from all of those involved in the agriculture industry. 
 
There is no limit to the number of nominations a nominator can submit but each one must be a different custom applicator.  We will not accept nominations from those that nominate themselves.  Nominators must be from a company that is a member of IFCA.  Candidates must be an ag retail operator that has a primary job of operating application equipment.

The nominator will need to answer four questions about the custom applicator.  This will help our nominating committee narrow the applications down to the top four finalists.  .
The four finalists will attend the MAGIE show in August in Bloomington, IL where the overall winner will be announced. 

Please help make this program a huge success and submit your forms.
 
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Illinois Custom Applicator Finalists

Across Illinois, custom applicators spend long hours each season applying fertilizer and crop protection products over vast acreages. The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) is pleased to introduce four finalists for an award that recognizes those who consistently exceed expectations—both on the job and in their communities. These individuals stand out for their dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic, as well as their commitment to quality crop care and outstanding customer service. IFCA also recognizes that many applicators throughout the state make invaluable contributions and merit appreciation from the entire agricultural community.

The winner will be announced August 26th at MAGIE during the tailgate party!

 

Paul Babler

Kevin Barth

Company: CHS (Newark)

Hometown: Shannon, IL

Annual Acres: 47,000

Years of Service: 17

Favorite Machine: Hagie STS16

Doug Berbaum

Tony Glenn

Company: Sun Ag (McNabb)

Hometown: Magnolia, IL

Annual Acres: 15,000

Years of Service: 28

Favorite Machine: 9103 Terragator

 
 
Marty Corbin

Dalissa Moser

Company: Helena Agri-Enterprises (Steward)

Hometown: Lee, IL

Annual Acres: 27,500

Years of Service: 4

Favorite Machine: Rogator 1300 C

Mike Mriscin

Brian Wilson

Company: BCS, LLC (Arrowsmith)

Hometown: Colfax, IL

Annual Acres: 33,000

Years of Service: 6

Favorite Machine: John Deere R4045



Nominate an Applicator – deadline of April 15th
 

Past Winners & Nominees

 
Year Winner Affiliation Nominees
2025 Jeff Reffett Nutrien Ag Solutions (Galesburg) Cody Miller, Ed Smith, Clint Royer
2024 Mike Mriscin M & M Service Co (Marine) Paul Babler, Doug Berbaum, and Marty Corbin
2023 Jamie Pennock Logan Agri-Service Alex Tarr, Jake Conrad, and Travis Tedlock
2022 John Ehler Ehler Brothers Fertilizer Scott Giles, Terry O'Brien, Tyler Wells