Jim Goss Named 2025 Illinois Agribusiness Professional of the Year

Peoples Company is proud to share that Jim Goss, Senior Land Manager here at Peoples Company, has been named the 2025 Agribusiness Professional of the Year award recipient by the Illinois Agribusiness Network at the Illinois Ag Summit! Jim is also the inaugural recipient of this award.

Jim’s career is marked by milestones and innovations that reflect both his character and his commitment to agriculture. After beginning in agricultural banking, he helped The Atkins Group build an in-house farm management business and farmland portfolio. When that business was later sold to Peoples Company, Jim played a key role in guiding the transition, ensuring continuity for landowners, farmers, employees, and partner companies. Experiences like these illustrate the trust he has earned through honesty and business leadership.

A longtime community volunteer, Jim has served on the Champaign County Board, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, and the Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation, just to name a few.

About the Award

The award recognizes leaders who have transformed Central Illinois agriculture through visionary thinking, strategic innovation, and genuine mentorship. This award honors those whose careers reflect the highest standards of professional integrity, leadership, and service to the agricultural community.