Distinguished Service Award
2025 ACN Distinguished Service Award Winner
Each year, ACN honors an individual with the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The ACN Distinguished Service Award is presented to non-members who are leaders, give back to the agricultural community, and have demonstrated outstanding efforts in education, science, or public affairs relevant to agriculture.
The Ag Communicators Network (ACN) is proud to present its 2025 Distinguished Service Award to Aaron Hager, professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, in recognition of his outstanding leadership in agricultural science and education.
Since 1947, ACN’s Distinguished Service Award has honored non-members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the agricultural community. Hager’s decades-long dedication to science-based weed management and public outreach exemplifies the values of this prestigious award.
Raised on a grain and livestock farm in west-central Illinois, Hager has spent more than 30 years as a key contributor to the University of Illinois’ weed science program. His work has consistently prioritized practical, economically sound solutions for farmers, especially in the face of mounting herbicide resistance.
“Crop yield losses due to weeds in the U.S. exceed $4 billion annually,” notes Adam Davis, head of the University of Illinois crop sciences department. “Aaron’s leadership in tackling herbicide-resistant waterhemp populations—through research, education, and outreach—has had an enormous impact on weed management across the Corn Belt.”
Hager has delivered research-based recommendations to growers across Illinois and beyond, distributing more than 100,000 printed resources and maintaining an active digital presence. He has presented at over 600 meetings—ranging from local field days to international conferences—and published nearly 200 articles on the University of Illinois Crop Bulletin website.
But it’s not just his research that sets him apart—it’s his commitment to communication.
“Dr. Hager’s reputation for working with journalists is another reason he’s a good candidate for the ACN Distinguished Service Award,” said Pamela Smith, senior editor for DTN/Progressive Farmer. “Dr. Hager returns phone calls. He isn’t afraid to reach out to journalists when he thinks a story needs to be told.”
Hager was a leading voice during the rollout of dicamba-resistant soybeans, offering balanced, science-driven insights at a time of regulatory uncertainty and heightened concern over off-target herbicide movement. His thoughtful approach and consistent outreach helped farmers and industry leaders alike
navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
Whether he’s in the field, in a research lab, or behind a keyboard, Hager’s work is guided by one principle: put science first.
The Ag Communicators Network is honored to recognize Aaron Hager with its 2025 Distinguished Service Award for his enduring contributions to agriculture and his unwavering support of truth, transparency, and stewardship in agricultural science.