BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) recently awarded Rollo Burnett, of Metropolis, Lin Warfel, of Tolono, and Mike Hodge, of Salem, the 2024 Eagle Award for Excellence in recognition of their contributions to the organization and agriculture industry.

The Eagle Award recognizes an individual or organization for excellence on issues or programs important to Illinois Farm Bureau and to agriculture on a statewide or national basis. They were presented with the award during IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 8.

Warfel, a retired farmer, is recognized for his dedication to agriculture through his involvement and leadership with Champaign County Farm Bureau (CFB). His impact on the Champaign CFB cannot be overstated as he has served as Champaign CFB president and held numerous roles as a board director, including as chair of the legislative, policy development, and political involvement committee.

In addition to serving Champaign CFB, Warfel helped established the Champaign CFB Foundation and served as both vice president and president of the foundation. He was also crucial in developing the Earth Partners program, a precursor to the current Ag in the Classroom program.

Burnett is recognized for his exemplary service to Massac CFB and the local agriculture community and organizations as an advocate for agricultural innovation. Burnette has served on the Massac CFB board for 40 years and actively participates in leadership programs and conferences held through IFB and the American Farm Bureau Federation. He has participated in IFB Leaders to Washington and traveled to other countries on IFB Market Study Tours. He is a top supporter of Massac CFB Young Leaders and a huge advocate for Agriculture in the Classroom.

Additionally, Burnett has served as a board director for Fruit Belt FS, which later merged with Twin County FS to become Southern FS. He became president of Southern FS in 2020.

Hodge has played an integral role at IFB since he started as a manager trainee in 1986 and working his way from holding two county manager positions, a regional manager role, and retiring as IFB executive director of member services and public relations (MSPR). In September 2016, Hodge created IFB’s marketing department, which allowed the organization to expand its in-house design services that are offered to internal IFB departments and CFBs.

In addition to expanding marketing efforts, Hodge transformed IFB’s presence at the IL State Fair through designing the organization’s iconic Jr. Livestock T-shirt, which is given to every youth showing livestock at the State Fair. He also helped IFB launch its sponsorship of the live streaming of livestock shows, the Grand Drive and the Sale of Champions for those unable to attend the events could still watch.