Some people lead by holding the loudest voice in the room. Others lead by quietly showing up, serving faithfully, and making those around them better.
Jeff Fisher was that kind of leader.
Jeff believed in the power of Farm Bureau membership. He understood that agriculture’s future depended on people who were willing to step forward, get involved, and serve. Throughout his years on the Champaign County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, he exemplified that belief.
If someone was attending their first meeting, Jeff was often the first to introduce himself, welcome them, and encourage them to become involved. He knew today’s new member could become tomorrow’s leader, and he never missed an opportunity to help someone feel they belonged.
His commitment to leadership extended far beyond the Champaign County. Jeff served on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee, volunteered for countless media interviews, welcomed elected officials onto his farm to help them better understand agriculture, and generously shared his time whenever Farm Bureau called. Whether advocating for agriculture, building relationships, or mentoring others, Jeff led with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Although Jeff passed away earlier this year, his influence continues to shape the people and organization he cared so deeply about. This is why Jeff Fisher was selected as the 2026 Kenneth Roellig Volunteer of the Year.
The Ken Roellig Award recognizes the commitment CCFB members make to serving, and advancing, the mission of the Farm Bureau.
Kirk Builta, Manager of the Champaign County Farm Bureau says honoring Jeff, and his family, this way is important. “We need more members like Jeff Fisher. Always willing to represent agriculture by hosting elected officials, or media, on his farm, and putting the CCFB’s best foot forward.”
Jeff’s wife Susie, and their family, attended this year’s CCFB membership picnic to accepted the award in Jeff’s honor.
Leading Forward –
To honor that legacy, friends, family, and supporters have established the Jeff Fisher Legacy of Leadership Fund with the Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation.
The fund will provide opportunities for young Farm Bureau members to grow as leaders through conferences, leadership development programs, educational experiences, and other experiences that prepare them to serve agriculture and their communities.
There is perhaps no more fitting tribute to Jeff than investing in future leaders. He believed strong organizations are built one person at a time—by welcoming others, encouraging involvement, and creating opportunities to grow.
Every leadership conference attended, every new connection made, and every young leader inspired through this fund will carry forward the values Jeff demonstrated throughout his life.
Jeff devoted his life to strengthening Farm Bureau, supporting agriculture, and encouraging others to lead. Today, each of us has the opportunity to continue that work.
If you would like to honor Jeff by investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders, we invite you to support the Jeff Fisher Legacy of Leadership Fund. Your gift will help ensure that the leadership, service, and passion Jeff shared so generously continue to shape the future of agriculture and our communities for years to come.
To learn more or to make a contribution, please contact Shanna Hortin, Executive Director of the Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation, or visit www.ccfbfoundation.com/donate.
