The University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) recently presented Robert “Bob” Wyffels with an Award of Merit — the highest alumni honor awarded by the college.
Recipients are chosen for their outstanding lifetime professional achievement, exemplary leadership and service in professional and community organizations to enhance and improve the lives of others.
Wyffels, co-owner and vice president of production for Wyffels
Hybrids, is an innovator in seed production committed to providing only the best products and highest quality seed to his customers.
“Under Bob’s leadership, the company earned an outstanding reputation for seed quality, plantability and germination standards,” said Mitch Heisler, Wyffels marketing manager. “Bob has been the driving force behind this reputation, and he and his team take great pride in finding new ways to improve processes to make sure Wyffels Hybrids delivers the best product possible to our customers.”
Along with his brother William, and members of the family’s third generation, he has helped make Wyffels Hybrids one of the Corn Belt’s fastest growing seed companies.
Wyffels has served the seed industry in many ways as a member of the American Seed Trade Association and Illinois Seed Trade Association. He has also served his community on the Geneseo Park Board, Henry County Extension Board and Henry County 4-H Board.
Along with Wyffels, the college also honored four other individuals with the Award of Merit. They are: John McNamara, emeritus professor, Washington State University and consultant for McNamara Research in Agriculture; Keith Parr, partner, Locke Lord, LLP; Leon Corzine, president, LPC Farms, Inc.; and Robert Easter, president emeritus University of Illinois and emeritus professor.
