Illinois Corn Growers Association is a member of the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP). The work of this organization is becoming increasingly important as nutrient management and water quality issues are taking center stage in public discussions. IL Corn has invested corn checkoff dollars in research related to these issues. CBMP recently hired a new executive director, Jennifer Tirey.

“Ms. Tirey’s experience in communications and marketing will serve the organization well as CBMP’s role becomes larger in promoting sound agronomic practices within the agricultural sector and helping Illinois agriculture reach its full potential while protecting the environment,” says Jeff Jarboe, CBMP President.

Jarboe is also on the Illinois Corn Growers Association Board of Directors.

The council was formed in 1998 as a non-profit entity to assist and encourage adoption of best management practices (BMPs) to protect and improve water quality in Illinois. Member organizations include, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Syngenta Crop Protection, Monsanto and GROWMARK.

“I am thrilled to be joining CBMP as its executive director,” says Tirey. “This is an exciting time to be a part of the council as the Illinois Statewide Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is released for public comment. I am ready for the challenge of proactively engaging the agricultural community and collaborating with new and existing partners.”

In addition to its goal to identify and develop effective, environmentally sound and economical BMPs for production agriculture, the council has worked over the years to educate the agricultural community through outreach, demonstrations and technical and financial resources. For information on current CBMP projects go to www.illinoiscbmp.org. 

Tirey, born and raised in Southern Illinois, attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated with honors with a BA in Political Science in 1998. Upon graduation, she began working for the Speaker of the Illinois House Michael J. Madigan as part of the Issue Development Staff. In 2003, Tirey became the Director of Legislative Affairs at Central Management Services and in 2005 she went on to become the Deputy Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum running the day-to-day operations for one of the highest attended presidential museums in the country. In 2011, Tirey became the Bureau Chief of Marketing, Promotions and Grants at the Illinois Department of Agriculture where she promoted small to mid-sized Illinois food and agribusinesses. Tirey resides in Springfield with her husband Kevin and two children, Flynn and Katharine.

Mike Plumer, outgoing coordinator welcomed the appointment. “Jennifer Tirey brings energy to our existing efforts and will take the lead in communicating new advances and opportunities to the agriculture sector,” says Plumer. “She comes on board with a fresh approach that will allow her to effectively manage C-BMP while diplomatically working with existing partners and stakeholders. I look forward to working with her.”

Tirey assumed her new position on October 15, 2014.