Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Agri-Industry Banquet honors local farming giants
Photos/Special to The Source
The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce held the 47th annual Agri-Industry Banquet on March 5. This dinner is a celebration of agriculture and the businesses that support this vital industry. The Chamber recognizes the importance of a strong rural economy at this banquet each year.
Keith Bradbury emceed the event and introduced featured speaker Thad Bergschneider, 2024-25 National FFA President, who shared stories and insights from his year of leadership.
The Agri-Industry Hall of Fame awards were also presented. The Agri-Industry Hall of Fame was created in 1995 to honor those men and women who have given a lifetime of service to the agricultural industry through personal and professional efforts. This year, Todd Burrus and Mike Lonergan were inducted. Both are noted for giving their time and talents in the ag industry and their communities assisting youth and multiple generations of farm families.
TODD BURRUS
Todd Burrus will celebrate 50 years working in his family-owned business this year. He joined the family business with his father, Martin Burrus, and brother, Tom Burrus, in 1976 after graduating from the University of Illinois.
As a third-generation owner, Todd Burrus came back to Burrus Seeds to manage the farms and oversee the production side of the business for 30 plus years. He loved working with detasseling crews because it was a chance to interact, mentor and help lead thousands of kids—many of whom remain in contact with him and have corresponded with him over the course of their careers, sharing advancements and family news.
When Todd Burrus’ son, Kevin Burrus, returned home and took over production management for the seed crop, he transitioned to director of agronomic services for the company.
Todd Burrus now serves as president of the company but labels himself as the “encourager” for the 4th and 5th generation family members involved in the seed business. He won numerous awards for 4-H and University of Illinois team livestock judging. He was a member of the National Championship 4-H Livestock Judging team while at the University of Illinois.
His knowledge of swine and love of supporting kids in agriculture continued while he raised and sold show pigs at the annual Cass County pig sale. He has always enjoyed fostering a positive environment for young people. Working and mentoring kids has been one of his biggest joys.
Todd Burrus’ service to the community includes serving on the College of ACES Department of Crop Sciences External Advisory Committee as well as the search committee for College of ACES Dean. He is a 35-year member of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau. He also serves as the chairman of the First National Bank of Arenzville Board of Directors. Burrus routinely shares his love of Christ with others and has served as a trustee of the Arenzville United Methodist Church, high school Sunday school teacher and served in multiple capacities as team member of the Central IL Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis and Cursillo Christian retreats.
Burrus lives in rural Arenzville with his wife, Debbie. They have two grown children, Martha Krohe and Kevin Burrus, who are both involved with the family business. He also enjoys spending time and attending the events of his two grandsons.
MIKE LONERGAN
Mike Lonergan exemplifies the very best of agriculture through service, leadership and generosity. Lonergan was raised on a small crop and livestock farm in Morgan County. He has immense respect for agricultural land and the people who work it.
This foundation has guided him as he has served farmers for more than 38 years at Farm Credit Illinois helping numerous individuals buy their first farm or expand their operations through financing.
Lonergan has strengthened many family operations across this area and been an important part of ensuring their smooth transition, from one generation to the next. As one of the tenured lending vice presidents at Farm Credit, he always jumps at the opportunity to mentor others who are interested in ag business careers.
He received the “Award of Significance” from Farm Credit. This award is provided annually to employees who exhibit the core values of the cooperative, which are Family, Integrity, Relationships, Expertise and Passion. Lonergan was instrumental in the creation of marketing initiatives focused on the agricultural community in Morgan County, including “Meals in the Field” and elevator feeds. These initiatives created many media opportunities, which he utilized to promote agriculture and farm safety awareness in the local community.
Lonergan served on the Morgan County Fair Board for several years and has been a volunteer at the fair. He has become widely known for his extraordinary dedication to feeding his community, across Morgan, Cass and Scott counties—donating countless hours to grill and serve food at fairs, grain elevators, school events and community fundraisers.
He was presented the Friend of 4-H Award for his time spent working with the 4-H Clover Café. His presence is a guarantee of good food and good company. Lonergan is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville and the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau. He is a church musician at First Christian Church. He is an avid guitar player and performed on the TNN Television show “Be a Star” in the early 1990s in Nashville. If lucky, one might occasionally see him performing locally.
Lonergan’s personal generosity is equally admirable. His summer garden produces an overwhelming volume of fresh vegetables, all of which he picks and donates to the Morgan County Food Bank. His passion for agriculture also includes preserving its heritage through the restoration of Farmall tractors.
Mike Lonergan is married to Amy and lives in Jacksonville. They have three children, Bridgette, Collin and Morgan, and one grandchild with another on the way.
