Seed Today

Jacksonville, IL (March 12) -- Tom Burrus and Jon Freeman have been inducted into the Agri-Industry Hall of Fame.

Their induction came Thursday (March 11) during the 31st annual Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Industry Banquet.

Burrus is president of Burrus Seed Farms, a fourth-generation family owned hybrid seed corn business established in 1938. He has worked with Burrus Hybrids for 40 years, serving previously as its sales manager. Burrus was the former president of the Independent Professional Seed Association and Illinois Foundation Seeds. He is a commissioner for the Coon Run Drainage and Levee District and in 1988 received the Young Alumnus Award from Illinois College and served as an alumni trustee.

He was chairman of the farm committee while serving on the Passavant Area Hospital Board. Burrus is also active in serveral organizations in the Triopia community such as the Triopia Alumni Association and Arenzville Community Club.

Freeman is owner and operator of Freeman Seed Co. He is vice president of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau and served many offices with the Illinois Seed Trade Association. He hosted the chamber’s Day on the Farm tour for three years and was the chamber agri-industry division vice president from 2006 to 2008.

Freeman is active with the Morgan County Fair Board, Woodson Fire District, Woodson Lions and Masons, Royal Order of Jesters and the Rasna Shrine Club. He has been an ambassador for agriculture by hosting groups from Japan, China, Brazil and Africa to compare agricultural practice.

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