Department of Agriculture at Illinois State

06/05/2026

The ISU Department of Agriculture hosted the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference this spring.

05/29/2026

Learn more about the campaign to launch the new Logarium Garden at ...

05/26/2026

⛳️ Golf season is here, and there is no better way to support ISU Agriculture students than by joining us for the 2026 Harvey Woods Golf Classic!

Join us Friday, June 26 at Wolf Creek Golf Course in Cayuga, IL for a fun day of golf, food, prizes, and reconnecting with fellow alumni and friends, all while investing in the future of agriculture. Last year the event sold out, and because of your generosity we awarded $4,750 in student scholarships this year!

There are many ways to get involved. Register a team, sign up as an individual golfer, become a hole sponsor, donate prizes, or partner with us to support student success.

Help us fill the course again this year and share with alumni, friends, and supporters of ISU Agriculture. Go, You Redbirds!

05/22/2026

We are of Dr. Jay Solomonson.

Yesterday, he and his research team were recognized for having the overall Distinguished Manuscript presented out of more than 75 accepted manuscripts at the American Association for Agricultural Education.

Go, Dr. Solomonson, and Go, Redbirds!

05/18/2026

Shout out to Dr. Solomonson and his research team for having their work selected as one of only five Distinguished Research Manuscripts featured during the opening session of the American Association for Agricultural Education National Conference.

Dr. Solomonson and Dr. Maxwell are representing Illinois State University Agriculture at this national conference by presenting scholarly work and collaborating with colleagues from across the country in support of the profession and the organization’s ongoing work.

We are proud to see our faculty recognized on the national stage.

Go, You Redbirds!

05/12/2026

⛳️ Registration is now open for the 2026 Harvey Woods Golf Classic benefiting student scholarships in the Illinois State University Department of Agriculture!

Join us Friday, June 26 at Wolf Creek Golf Course in Cayuga, IL for a great day of golf, food, prizes, and fellowship while supporting the next generation of agriculture leaders. Last year’s event sold out, and thanks to your support, we awarded $4,750 in student scholarships this year!

We are currently looking for golfers, teams, hole sponsors, and additional event partners. Whether you want to play, sponsor, donate prizes, or simply support ISU Agriculture students, we would love to have you involved.

Please help us spread the word among alumni, friends, and supporters of ISU Agriculture!

05/09/2026

A message from Chairperson Maxwell.

Graduates,

Now that commencement day has arrived, I want to take a moment, both personally and on behalf of the entire Department of Agriculture, to congratulate each of you on this incredible accomplishment. Earning your degree is no small feat, and we could not be more proud of all you have achieved during your time at Illinois State University.

Agriculture in Illinois and across the nation is hungry for talent, leadership, innovation, and dedicated professionals ready to make a difference. That is why I am especially grateful that each of you chose to “go pro” with the Illinois State University Department of Agriculture. Much like an athlete choosing where to begin a professional career, you chose to invest your future with us, and we are incredibly thankful you did. You trusted us to help prepare you for what comes next, and it has been a privilege to be part of your journey.

Throughout your time here, you have demonstrated resilience, professionalism, work ethic, compassion, and leadership. You are the future of agriculture, and we are excited to watch the impact you will make in your communities, organizations, classrooms, farms, businesses, and industries.

Whether you are headed into industry, education, graduate school, production agriculture, communications, business, leadership, research, or service, know this: We believe in you. We are proud of you. And we are incredibly excited for what lies ahead.

While your time as students may be coming to a close, your connection to this department never ends. Welcome to the ranks of Illinois State Agriculture alumni. I hope you will always stay connected, stay engaged, and know that you will always have a home to return to in the Ropp Agriculture Building.

Thank you for choosing Illinois State Agriculture. Thank you for the energy, pride, character, and passion you brought to our department. Congratulations once again, and as always…

GO, YOU REDBIRDS!

05/09/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible Class of 2026 from the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University! 🎓

Your hard work, leadership, passion, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our department . We are so proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see the difference you make in the future.

Congratulations, graduates- and as always GO YOU REDBIRDS!

05/08/2026

Tomorrow is Commencement, one of the most special days on any campus. Today, however, we celebrate the many students, faculty, and staff recognized at our recent Department of Agriculture Awards and Scholarship Reception.

Congratulations to all of our award winners and scholarship recipients, with special recognition to Dana Merriman, recipient of the Holbert Outstanding Agriculture Student Award; Jason Lindbom, recipient of the Honorary Holbert Award; and Mahadi Hasan, recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Student Award.

We also proudly recognized:
• Dr. Jay Solomonson, Outstanding Teacher Award
• Dr. Dave Kopsell, Outstanding Researcher Award
• Dr. Rob Rhykerd, Outstanding Service Award

We truly have the best students, faculty, and staff on campus.

Go, You Redbirds!

05/05/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of former Illinois State University agriculture faculty member, Dr. Joe Alfred Sagebiel (February 17, 1942 – April 4, 2026). Dr. Sagebiel made a lasting impact through his teaching, mentorship, and dedication to animal science, shaping the careers and lives of many students.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were influenced by his work.

Obituary:

Joe Alfred Sagebiel of Fredericksburg passed away on April 4, 2026 at the age of 84. He was born in Gillespie County to Victor G. Sagebiel and Eleanora Nola Loth, February 17, 1942. Joemarried the love of his life Madeline Sophie Friedrich, onNovember 24, 1962. Joe attended Willow City School