06/03/2026
What an incredible night.
Over the past month, We’ve traveled across Illinois meeting cattle producers, farm families, industry advocates, and young leaders while producing six award films for the Illinois Beef Association.
Last night, those stories were shared during the annual awards banquet, and seeing the reaction from the audience made every early morning, long drive, interview, drone flight, and late night editing session worthwhile.
What struck me most wasn't the awards themselves—it was the people behind them.
A family working together across generations.
Young leaders stepping into the future of agriculture.
Producers caring for their land and livestock with tremendous pride.
Advocates willing to tell agriculture's story to the public.
Every farm was different, but they all shared the same values: hard work, stewardship, family, faith, and a commitment to leaving something better for the next generation.
As a storyteller, projects like this are special because they allow you to preserve more than accomplishments. They allow you to preserve legacy.
Thank you to the Illinois Beef Association and especially to the six families who welcomed us onto their farms and trusted us to tell their stories.
Here's a look back at some of the moments from this year's award videos.
Location photo credit: Devin Bollman, Illinois Beef Association
