Organic grower, IDEA Network co-founder wins entrepreneurism award

Illinois organic farmer Will Glazik is the first recipient of the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism.

He received the award March 9 at the 2021 AgTech Innovation Summit, hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park.

Glazik manages Cow Creek Organics Farms in Paxton, Illinois, where he has diversified the farming system, moving from producing grain to an integrated crop-livestock operation selling high-quality organic meats, grains, and seeds, according to the Research Park. He also helped co-found the IDEA Farm Network, a peer-to-peer information exchange network for farmers in Illinois and beyond interested in innovative farm management that balances productivity, profitability and environmental health. The group is active through online discussion groups, webinars and on-farm field days. It has blossomed from 45 people to more than 400 members across the Midwest, including produce growers.

“Will is blazing a trail for a new generation of farmers in Illinois who want to be active managers and marketers for a diverse array of products,” said nominator Dr. Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences in the UI College of ACES.

The Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism was established in 2021 in honor of Glen “GB” Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture, who passed away in late 2020, according to the Research Park. The BRANDT Foundation partnered with the University of Illinois to provide the winner a $10,000 prize.