BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA) has announced Jerry Mills and the late Ted Biernacki as recipients of the 2021 Award of Excellence. The awards were presented during the Illinois Specialty Crop Conference (ISCC) & Trade Show in Springfield, Jan. 5-7.
Jerry Mills, founder of Mills Apple Farm, started his journey in the specialty crop industry in the 1970’s when he began selling apples on the family farm in Madison County. The farm, situated on 133 acres with 50 acres of orchard, 4,500 trees and 18 varieties of apples, started as a pick-your-own orchard but quickly evolved to offer additional products. Mills began pressing cider, which led to the purchase of new equipment and on-farm cold storage. The business continued to grow and establish its market with its now-famous apple pies, still sold today.
To Mills, family and community are what get him out of bed in the morning and put a smile on his face.
“I couldn’t have done it without the family. The kids, my three sons, helped me plant every tree on the farm and they’ve been instrumental in keeping it going,” said Mills.
As with many agritourism businesses, growth meant diversification. More crops were added for production, including pumpkins, cherries, blackberries, Christmas trees, peaches and more apple varieties. The farm faced hardship in May of 2014 when its iconic red apple barn was destroyed by fire, along with most of their equipment and stored goods. This defining moment paved the way forward as Mills and his family rebuilt and expanded into a bakery, produce area, meeting room and event space.
In 2004, Mills began to publish his recurring “Notes from the Farm” column in an effort to spread more farm transparency. His stories are described as relatable, humorous and full of tips and tricks.
“Jerry has shared the trials, tribulations and celebrations of his farm to the world for over 15 years,” said Raghela Scavuzzo, executive director, ISGA. “These have served to teach others what farming looks like, give relatable information to other growers and help connect us all. His column has reached people from across the country on multiple platforms. His passion, love and wisdom of the industry are why we are awarding Jerry Mills with the 2021 Illinois Specialty Growers Association Award of Excellence.”
Ted Biernacki, founder and namesake of Ted’s Greenhouse in Tinley Park, passed away in January 2021 at the age of 91. Biernacki, a specialty crops pioneer and WWII veteran, was what some may call the ‘last of a breed.’
Biernacki grew up on a vegetable farm in Michigan that started in 1926. He took over the business in 1948 and started the transition from produce to greenhouse flowers and plants due to labor and profitability constraints at the time.
“I knew I wanted to grow what the people wanted and not just what they needed. I want my customers to be able to tell me what they are looking for, and then we can find the perfect fit,” Biernacki said.
In 1951, Biernacki was drafted into the military and volunteered to be a marine and attend school while the business took a pause. After his service, Biernacki returned reinvigorated. He sold the Michigan land and bought 10 acres in the Chicago suburbs in 1958. Biernacki, alongside his wife Karen and his son Dan, grew the business into what is currently known as Ted’s Greenhouse.
Today, visitors can find over 100,000 square feet of undercover space with warm, cool and overwintering houses containing everything from flowers to succulents to cacti, all grown from seed or cuttings.
Beyond being a pioneer and leader in the greenhouse industry, Biernacki was known for his service to the community and commitment to the industry. He served on the University of Illinois Ag Council for 30 years. Even after his retirement in 1995, Biernacki could continue to be found around the greenhouse giving advice and wisdom to customers.
“Ted once said, ‘I’ve been told that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I guess I am one of the lucky ones,’” said Scavuzzo. “His passion, knowledge and love for the industry is greatly missed – there is no one like Ted. It is our honor to remember him this year and posthumously award Ted Biernacki the 2021 Illinois Specialty Growers Association Award of Excellence.”
The awards were presented during the ISCC evening banquet. The ISCC & Trade Show is organized by the Illinois Specialty Growers Association. The conference is aimed at meeting the needs of agritourism businesses, irrigation issues, pollinators, cut flower growers, organics, and producers of vegetable, herb and fruit crops in Illinois and surrounding states.
Illinois Specialty Growers Association is an allied member of United Fresh Produce, a national organization representing the produce industry. Founded in 1989, ISGA is a non-profit membership organization supporting and advocating the promotion, research, and education efforts within the specialty crop industry. There are over 3,600 established specialty crop farms utilizing more than 81,250 acres to produce over 472 million dollars in sales annually within Illinois.
— Illinois Specialty Growers Association