Folks working to promote sustainable agriculture in Illinois lost a committed advocate with Kevin Brussell’s untimely death. To honor and continue Kevin’s good work, Juli Brussell has established a scholarship fund in his memory. The Kevin Brussell Scholarship Fund will support beginning organic farmers. Donations may be mailed to The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 or online at www.mosesorganic.org. For more about givng Contact Faye Jones or Nancy Frank with questions (715) 778-5775. )
In his Eulogy for Kevin, Nick Maravaell, friend and fellow farmer, shared that “He touched many people’s lives. That we, his friends and beloveds, will miss him deeply is assured. And ow the others will never experience his commitment to the farming community, to organic agriculture, to rural America- to a better future for our nation.”
Kevin grew up and farmed in Casey Illinois and provided leadership through participation and support of many efforts and organizations. The Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program remembers and appreciates his contributions to on-farm research and demonstration projects, participation in the Illinois Soil Quality Initiative and service on an organic research advisory board. We also appreciate the many hours he gave to the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (CFAR) and its Rural Economic Development working group. We were jealous when he followed Juli to New Hampshire and help manage the first organic research dairy in the country.
We remember Kevin for his contributions to the Illinois Sustainable Agricultural Society, the Southeastern Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Association, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and the Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. He also served as president of Ag Organics.
Kevin helped to establish and was elected president of the Buckwheat Growers of Illinois and the Illinois Wheat Growers Association. As founding board member of the Illinois Chapter of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), he served on, and chaired, the certification committee. He became a certified organic farm and processing inspector, and has taught “Transitioning to Organics” seminars at major organic conferences across the country. Kevin also provided impetus for the formation of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA) and served as a non-producer board member for that organization.