The Kane County Board formally recognized Maple Park farmer Steve Pitstick with a congratulatory proclamation for receiving the 2025 Master Farmer Award, presented by Prairie Farmer magazine. The prestigious honor, established in 1925, celebrates Illinois farmers who demonstrate excellence in agriculture, a deep commitment to family, and exceptional community service. Pitstick, who farms corn and soybeans with his son, was nominated by the Illinois Soybean Association. He has served as Chair of the Association, participated in the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation and Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow, and acted as a Soy Ambassador. Locally, he served on the Kane County Farmland Protection Commission and played a key role in establishing the Kane County Economic Development Corporation. Pitstick is the third Kane County farmer to receive the award, joining Eldon Gould (1982) and Mike Kenyon (2014).
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2025 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING STEVE PITSTICK AS A MASTER FARMER AWARD RECIPIENT
WHEREAS, the Master Farmer Award was introduced 100 years ago in 1925 by Prairie Farmer magazine to honor Illinois farmers who exhibit excellence in agricultural production, strong commitment to family, and exceptional service to their community; and
WHEREAS, farmers, agribusiness leaders, and agricultural extensions specialists throughout the state nominate candidates for this award to recognize Illinois farmers beyond their
farming skills; and
WHEREAS, Steve Pitstick of Maple Park was nominated by the Illinois Soybean Association; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pitstick currently raises corn and soybeans with his son on his Kane County farm, and serves as an advisor to agricultural technology companies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pitstick graduated from the Illinois Ag Leadership Program, served as Chair of the Illinois Soybean Association, participated in the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation and
Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow, served as a Soy Ambassador and Kane County Farmland Protection Commissioner, and has played a key role in developing the Kane County Economic Development
Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Pitstick becomes the third Kane County farmer to win the Master Farmer Award (Eldon Gould, 1982 and Mike Kenyon, 2014); and
WHEREAS, Kane County continues to support agriculture as a cornerstone of the economy, culture, heritage, and essential food resource for both local and global communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Kane County Board does hereby recognize Steve Pitstick for his extraordinary contribution to farming, his family, and his community
and congratulate him on his Master Farmer Award.
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Corinne M. Pierog, MA, MBA
Kane County Board Chairman
Kane County, Illinois
