Karen Corrigan Named 2026 Illinois Soybean Association Master Adviser

Bloomington, Ill. - January 12, 2026 - The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is proud to announce Karen Corrigan as the recipient of the 2026 Master Adviser Award. This prestigious honor recognizes an Illinois Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise and commitment to advancing soybean production.

Established in 2016, the Master Adviser Award highlights the critical role CCAs play in helping soybean farmers improve productivity, profitability and stewardship. Corrigan, co-owner of McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics and an instructor at Heartland Community College, has dedicated more than three decades to soybean production, management and education.

Corrigan's career in agronomy began with undergraduate weed science research at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 1997, followed by graduate research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focused on herbicide systems in glyphosate-tolerant soybeans. Since 2003, she has been a Certified Crop Adviser, providing independent agronomic consulting through McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics, where she facilitates on-farm trials, develops herbicide and fertility programs, and advises farmers across Illinois and the Midwest.

Her expertise has directly influenced 15 peer groups spanning nine states, including five groups in Illinois. In addition to her consulting work, Corrigan continues to shape the next generation of agronomists and growers through her teaching role at Heartland Community College.

What sets Corrigan apart within the agricultural industry is her ability to bridge university-level research with practical, on-farm application. She has published peer-reviewed research on weed management in soybeans and consistently translates scientific findings into actionable recommendations for farmers. Her leadership as an Illinois Soy Envoy in 2023 and 2024 further amplified her impact through blogs, videos, event presentations and in-season podcasts designed to deliver timely agronomic information to Illinois soybean farmers.

Corrigan's service extends beyond agronomy into community involvement. She currently serves as a trustee and chairperson at Morton Methodist Church, has volunteered with local schools and PTO programs, and has led youth activities through 4-H and Vacation Bible School. She is an active member of the McLean County Farm Bureau, where she currently chairs the Community Outreach Committee.

At the state and national levels, Corrigan has served on the College of ACES Alumni Board as the Crop Sciences Department representative, is a University of Illinois Master Gardener volunteer, has judged the Prairie Farmer Master Farmer program, and currently serves as chair of the Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Board. She also serves as vice chair of the International Certified Crop Adviser Board.

Corrigan exemplifies the mission of the Certified Crop Adviser program by combining science, stewardship, education and accessibility. Her ability to meet farmers where they are-agronomically, economically, and technologically-has earned her the trust and respect of clients across the state. Through decades of service, leadership and mentorship, she has helped farmers make sound short-term decisions while building long-term profitability and resilience.

ISA congratulates Karen Corrigan on being named the 2026 Master Adviser Award recipient and thanks her for her lasting contributions to Illinois soybean production and the agricultural community.

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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.

Media Contact
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
[email protected]