Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association
Supply · Service · Stewardship

Summary of the Program

In the state of Illinois, custom applicators spend endless hours in the field every year applying fertilizer and chemicals on thousands of acres.  IFCA has implemented an award to honor and recognize these individuals who work hard in and out of the fields and put forth a positive attitude in caring not only for the crops but also the customers.  IFCA feels there are many outstanding custom applicators who deserve a “thank you” from all of those involved in the agriculture industry. 
 
There is no limit to the number of nominations a nominator can submit but each one must be a different custom applicator.  We will not accept nominations from those that nominate themselves.  Nominators must be from a company that is a member of IFCA.  Candidates must be an ag retail operator that has a primary job of operating application equipment.

The nominator will need to answer four questions about the custom applicator.  This will help our nominating committee narrow the applications down to the top four finalists.  .
The four finalists will attend the MAGIE show in August in Bloomington, IL where the overall winner will be announced. 

Please help make this program a huge success and submit your forms.
 
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The winner will be announced August 21 at MAGIE during the tailgate party!

 

This Year's Winner (post MAGIE)

2024 Custom Applicator of the Year Winner

 
 
Mike Mriscin

Mike Mriscin

Company: M & M Service Co (Marine)

Hometown: Alhambra, IL

Annual Acres: 26,000

Years of Service: 32

Favorite Machine: John Deere 612R

M&M Logo
 
 
Mike Mriscin (pronounced – Mer ISH’ n) is from M & M Service Company and has been spraying for 32 years. When Mike drives by a field he likes to see straight rows and a weed free crop. This is his motivation to spray with accuracy and precision - get to the edges, no skips, and no drift. Mike has seen a lot over his 32 years of spraying. He started out spreading Lime in a 1980’s IH Truck feeling every bump in the field to now being able to get into a John Deere Sprayer with 120’ booms. Mike is thankful for the knowledge he has gained over the years to do the best job he can in each field. The use of technology definitely keeps him moving throughout the day. When Mike isn’t working, he spends his time in the outdoors fishing, boating, and camping. Mike has two children – Amberly and Emily and one grandchild, Blakely.

Past Winners & Nominees

 
Year Winner Affiliation Nominees
2023 Jamie Pennock Logan Agri-Service Alex Tarr, Jake Conrad, and Travis Tedlock
2022 John Ehler Ehler Brothers Fertilizer Scott Giles, Terry O'Brien, Tyler Wells