BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Logan County farmer John Adams was presented with the Illinois Corn Growers Assoc.’s most prestigious award, the World of Corn Award, during the organization’s 34th annual meeting in Bloomington.

The ICGA cited Adams’ numerous contributions to the corn industry in presenting him with the award at a ceremony on Nov. 21 at the DoubleTree Hotel.

Adams has been an active member of the ICGA for more than 20 years, including nine years on the board of directors of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB).

During his tenure, he was elected chairman of the ICMB in 2000 and was elected to numerous other leadership positions.

“John spent nearly a decade in leadership positions in the corn industry, but that only tells half the story,” remarked John Kuhfuss, who was the retiring ICGA president.

“His commitment to a strong and growing corn industry did not begin or end with board commitments or official titles. He continues to be active, providing input and volunteering when needed.”

Adams has also lent his leadership skills to a host of organizations including the U.S. Grains Council, National Corn Growers Assoc. and the Ag Council of America.

“John is an optimist who sees the glass half-full. But as a driver for change he wonders why the glass can’t be filled to the top,” Kuhfuss said.

“That attitude was evident as he worked to improve corn and meat exports and hosted grain-buying trade teams.

“He also tackled the less glamorous jobs like long-range planning, surfacing needed research and playing a key role in the building of the ICGA headquarters building in Bloomington.”

The World of Corn Award, now in its 16th year, was created by the ICGA to recognize pacesetters that have made Illinois a leader in the corn industry and to spotlight the industry’s global importance.

This farm news was published in the Dec. 6, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.