.png)
Illinois Stewardship Alliance Issues Conservation & Changemaker Awards
- Bob Benenson
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Farm and Food Policy Leader Held Annual Ceremony at Illinois State Fair
Illinois Stewardship Alliance does serious business as the leading non-policy state policy advocate for the local farm and food communities. Each August, though, the organization takes time to celebrate Illinois' amazing small farmers by issuing awards that are announced at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
The Alliance's 4th annual Woody Woodruff Conservation Award was presented to Monte Bottens of Bottens Family Farm in Cambridge. The award is named in memory of Robert "Woody" Woodruff, a beloved conservation leader, Macoupin County farmer, and Illinois Stewardship Alliance staff member who passed away after a battle with cancer in 2020, and it recognizes a farmer who exemplifies Woody's passion for soil, water, and community.
Chicago farmer Christal J. Tarver of Community Roots Garden received the 2026 Local Food Changemaker of the Year Award for her exemplary leadership in growing the local food economy and helping Illinois farmers feed Illinois.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello presented the awards at the State Fair's Ag Day Breakfast.
Here are the Illinois Stewardship Alliance's bios of the two awardees.
Illinois Stewardship Alliance proudly announces Monte Bottens, fifth-generation farmer of Bottens Family Farm, as the recipient of the 2026 Woody Woodruff Conservation Award. This award, named in memory of Robert "Woody" Woodruff, a beloved conservation leader and Alliance staff member who passed away after battling cancer in 2020, honors individuals who embody Woody's enduring passion for soil, water, and community.
Bottens is stewarding land his family has farmed since 1869. Monte and his wife, Robyn, are guided by two simple principles: “take the next right step” and “do the right thing always.” Like Woody, Monte believes that healthy soil is one of the greatest legacies we can leave future generations and that conservation leadership extends beyond the farm gate.
The family’s 2,000-acre operation in Henry County has evolved into a diversified, systems-based farm centered on soil health. After adopting no-till in 1995, Monte expanded his conservation approach through intensive cover cropping and livestock integration. Today, the farm includes corn, soybeans, wheat, diverse cover crop mixes, and cattle, pigs, and poultry managed through rotational grazing systems that help rebuild soil health and strengthen the farm’s resilience.
Monte’s commitment to stewardship also extends to connecting consumers with regenerative agriculture. In 2018, he and Robyn launched Grateful Graze, providing grass-fed beef, timber-raised pork, pasture-raised poultry, and eggs directly to families across the Quad Cities and the Midwest. His practical, results-driven approach has inspired neighboring landowners to adopt soil health practices on their own farms, demonstrating that conservation and profitability can go hand in hand.
Beyond his own operation, Monte has become a leading voice for regenerative agriculture through Ag Solutions Network and the AgEmerge Podcast. As the founder and host, he shares conversations with farmers, researchers, and conservation leaders to share soil health knowledge and help growers of any scale adopt regenerative practices. Much like Woody, he draws people in with a quick wit and a great sense of humor, the kind of warmth that turns a field day into a community. His leadership, stewardship, and generosity in mentoring others make him a true conservation hero and a fitting recipient of the Woody Woodruff Conservation Award.
Christal J. Tarver is the 2026 Local Food Changemaker of the Year presented by Illinois Stewardship Alliance to farmers who show exemplary leadership in growing the local food economy and helping Illinois farmers feed Illinois.
Christal is the owner and operator of Community Roots Garden NFP on Chicago’s South Side, where she grows food, builds community, and expands opportunities for farmers who have historically faced barriers to success. What was once a vacant lot has been transformed into a thriving community garden featuring 15 raised beds of organically grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs, creating a vibrant space for learning, connection, and local food production.
Christal's commitment to improving Illinois' food system was especially evident through her leadership on HB4922 the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Grant, legislation that established a framework for distributing funding to emerging and socially disadvantaged farmers. While funding had been appropriated for years, the lack of implementation guidelines prevented resources from reaching the farmers they were intended to support. Christal played an active role in shaping advocacy efforts, participating in strategy meetings, providing feedback, and sharing her experiences to help policymakers better understand the challenges facing beginning and underserved farmers.
For the first time in her career, Christal testified before the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee, helping lawmakers understand why equitable access to resources is critical for strengthening local food systems and supporting the next generation of farmers.
Beyond her policy advocacy, Christal is committed to building community and creating pathways for others to succeed. She generously shares her knowledge, encourages fellow farmers to engage in advocacy, and demonstrates that meaningful change happens when farmers have a seat at the table. Her willingness to lead, educate, and advocate on behalf of others exemplifies what it means to be a Local Food Changemaker.
Comments