SOY ENVOYS

Shaner of Sheldon, Ill., has been an agribusiness professional for over 30 years, including his role as Soybean Product Lead at the AgVenture Seed Company which he as served since 2001. His job keeps him involved with people and crops across approximately 20 states. A graduate of Lanark High School and the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, he served as a past president of the Soybean Division of the American Seed Trade Association. Jeff and his wife, Mandi, have four children.

Wiegmann of Nashville Ill., is a Certified Crop Advisor as well as a Field Agronomist for Beck’s Hybrids in Southern Illinois. He specializes in advising farmers in agronomic practices, fertility, chemical and seed genetics to maximize yield potential and economic return on investment for farmers’ operations. Wiegmann holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in crop sciences from the University of Illinois.

Zimmerman, of Groveland, Ill., is an agricultural consultant who has spent the last seven years “geeking out” on all-things agriculture. His passion is plant nutrient uptake efficiency. These are exciting times to be in agriculture and with the focus shifting to the importance of biology in our cropping systems, growers are continuing to grow higher yields with greater profitability. With an associate’s degree in biology and a bachelor’s degree in business management, he is active as Director for the Tazewell County Soil and Water Conservation District, a participant in the Precision Conservation Management program and soil health champion, and a Certified Crop Advisor. Brad farms in Tazewell County, with a focus on cover crops and soil health. Using cover crops for the last seven years, he has learned through successes and failures alike, and looks forward to sharing his experience as a Soy Envoy.