Illinois Specialty Crop Conference
January 5-7 2022 | Hybrid Event
Enjoy year-long access to the ISCC resource library!
The 2022 Illinois Specialty Crop Conference (ISCC) & Trade Show featured 45+ exhibitors and 65+ educational sessions along with networking, awards, and more. Our hybrid event offers attendees the opportunity to attend in-person and virtually through a password-protected section of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association website. All registered conference attendees can enjoy year-long digital access to every conference session.
Click the button below to access the conference resource library.
If you registered and cannot access the conference site, call or text us at 309-532-9674.
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Congratulations ISGA Award of Excellence Winners
CONGRATULATIONS to our Award of Excellence Winner, Jerry Mills.
Jerry Mills, founder of Mills Apple Farm, started his journey in the specialty crop industry in the 1970’s when he began selling apples on the family farm in Madison County. The farm, situated on 133 acres with 50 acres of orchard, 4,500 trees and 18 varieties of apples, started as a pick-your-own orchard but quickly evolved to offer additional products. Mills began pressing cider, which led to the purchase of new equipment and on-farm cold storage. The business continued to grow and establish its market with its now-famous apple pies, still sold today.
To Mills, family and community are what get him out of bed in the morning and put a smile on his face.
“I couldn’t have done it without the family. The kids, my three sons, helped me plant every tree on the farm and they’ve been instrumental in keeping it going,” said Mills.
As with many agritourism businesses, growth meant diversification. More crops were added for production, including pumpkins, cherries, blackberries, Christmas trees, peaches, and more apple varieties. The farm faced hardship in May of 2014 when its iconic red apple barn was destroyed by fire, along with most of their equipment and stored goods. This defining moment paved the way forward as Mills and his family rebuilt and expanded into a bakery, produce area, meeting room, and event space.
In 2004, Mills began to publish his recurring “Notes from the Farm” column in an effort to spread more farm transparency. His stories are described as relatable, humorous, and full of tips and tricks.
“Jerry has shared the trials, tribulations, and celebrations of his farm to the world for over 15 years. These have served to teach others what farming looks like, give relatable information to other growers, and help connect us all. His column has reached people from across the country on multiple platforms. His passion, love, and wisdom of the industry are why we are awarding Jerry Mills the Award of Excellence Recipient.”
CONGRATULATIONS to our Award of Excellence Winner, the late Ted Biernacki.
Ted Biernacki, founder, and namesake of Ted's Greenhouse Inc in Tinley Park passed away in January 2021 at the age of 91. Biernacki, a specialty crops pioneer, and WWII veteran was what some may call the ‘last of a breed.’
Biernacki grew up on a vegetable farm in Michigan that started in 1926. He took over the business in 1948 and started the transition from produce to greenhouse flowers and plants due to labor and profitability constraints at the time. “I knew I wanted to grow what the people wanted and not just what they needed. I want my customers to be able to tell me what they are looking for, and then we can find the perfect fit,” Biernacki said.
In 1951, Biernacki was drafted into the military and volunteered to be a marine and attend school while the business took a pause. After his service, Biernacki returned reinvigorated. He sold the Michigan land and bought 10 acres in the Chicago suburbs in 1958. This is the business that he, alongside his son Dan and daughter-in-law Karen, grew into what is currently known as Ted’s Greenhouse. Today, visitors can find over 100,000 square feet of undercover space with warm, cool, and overwintering houses containing everything from flowers to succulents to hanging baskets to cacti, all grown from seed or cuttings.
Beyond being a pioneer and leader in the greenhouse industry, Biernacki was known for his service to the community and commitment to the industry. He served on the University of Illinois Ag Council for 30 years. Even after his retirement in 1995, Biernacki could continue to be found around the greenhouse giving advice and wisdom to customers.
“Ted once said, ‘I’ve been told that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. His passion, knowledge and love for the industry is greatly missed – there is no one like Ted. It is our honor to remember him this year and posthumously award Ted Biernacki the Illinois Specialty Growers Association Award of Excellence.”
