Laura Enger, center, second row, with Farm Credit Illinois, Mahomet, was elected president of the ISPFMRA during the organization’s annual meeting. Joining her in the photo is the rest of the leadership team. At front, from left to right, are: Nick Westgerdes, AFM, New Roots Farm Brokerage, Rochelle, IL, president-elect; Micharl Lauher, AFM, First Mid Ag Services, Mattoon, IL, immediate past president; and, Gary Schitkey, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Champaign, Secretary /Treasurer. In the back row with Enger are Nicholas Suess, Field Level Agriculture, Greenville, IL, vice president; and Maria Boerngen, Ph.D., Illinois State University, Normal, IL, academic vice president.

ISPFMRA Annual Meeting Marks Leadership Transition, Honors Members

The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers held its annual meeting February 5 in Springfield, bringing members together for a full day of education, recognition, and leadership transition.

The meeting followed the Society’s regular annual format, with professional development sessions offered throughout the day, updates on Society initiatives, and time set aside for member networking. The event also served as a setting to recognize individual contributions to the profession and to install new leadership for the coming year.

Thomas Wargel, AFM, at right, receives a special plaque marking him being named to the Membership Hall of Fame of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Presenting the plaque is Elizabeth Strom, AFM, the People’s Company, Champaign, IL, and immediate past president of the organization. Wargel is the principle of Black Prairie Ag Services, based in Clinton, IiL.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Society’s highest honor to an active member. Thomas Wargel, AFM, principal of Black Prairie Ag Services in Clinton, was named to the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers Membership Hall of Fame. Wargel, a member since 1991, was recognized for decades of service and involvement with the chapter. The honor, first awarded in 1980, is reserved for members whose long-term contributions have had a lasting impact on the organization. Wargel, who admitted being speechless when he was called forward to receive the honor, said he is most proud of his family and business, which now includes son Kinser, and of his time spent with the Chapter. “We really are a big family, always looking out for how we can help each other grow as professionals,” he said.

The Society also recognized service to the broader agricultural community. Maria Boerngen, Ph.D., of Illinois State University, received the Service to Illinois Agriculture Award, the chapter’s highest recognition for a non-manager or appraiser. Boerngen was cited for her work in agricultural education, student support programs, and her continued involvement with the Society at both the state and national levels. The award has been presented since 1940.

Maria Boerngen, Ph.D., at right, at Illinois State University, Normal, IL, receives a plaque marking her being named to the Service to Illinois Agriculture Award by the ISPFMRA from Elizabeth Strom, immediate past president of the organization. In presenting the award, Strom cited Boerngen’s dedication to teaching farm management courses at ISU and her involvement with managing a chapter scholarship program for 2-year campus students who are moving into 4-year academic programs at the state’s larger campuses. Boerngen serves as the academic vice president for the Society.

New leadership was formally installed during the meeting, marking a transition at the top of the organization. Laura Enger of Farm Credit Illinois was elected president of the Society. Enger, a member since 2009, previously served in vice president roles before being elected to lead the chapter. She will be joined by a leadership team that includes officers from private practice, academia, and the University of Illinois.

The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, founded in 1928 at the University of Illinois, is the oldest and largest state chapter in the nation. The organization will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028, with special events and commemorations planned as the milestone approaches.